I have intrusted you with, I have examin'd into the Stores of the Niagara Expedition ; & as I find I may spare you 62 Barrells of Powder out of 'em, w^b is the utmost I think I can safely do ; that the Expedition to Crown point may by no means be retarded, I have now given Directions to L^ Winder who hath at present the Care of my Stores, to deliver immediately that Number of Barrells to your Order, taking a Receipt for the same. I am, Sir,

Your most Humble Servant.

W. Shirley.

Major General Johnson

COLL. JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.

Albany 21 July 1755.

I went to Alexandria in Virginia to wait on his Excell<=y. General Braddock. I received from and signed by him, a warrant for the sole superintendency and management of the affairs of the Six Confederate Nations of Indians their allies and dependants, also some Instructions relating to my conduct ; I further received from him two thousand pounds sterling, part to be laid out in presents and the remainder for various other expences, which would arise from the part I was to act; besides this the General has given me an imllmited Credit upon Gov'". Shirley for what further sums this service niight call for.

672 MANUSCRIPTS OF

Immediately upon my return home I sent Messages with Belts of Wampum thro' the several Nations, to acquaint them with my appointment, and to desire they would come down to my house with all possible dispatch j they came and herewith I transmit to your Lordi'P^ an authenticated copy of my proceedings at this meeting. Tho' I have not General Braddocks Instructions for doing this, yet I have wrote him I should take this honour upon me, and as he is at a great distance from any of our Sea Ports Towns, I doubt not but both your LordPP^ and the General will approve of this method.