Since my public transactions I have had a private conference with some Indians who tell me, their chief reasons against going to General Braddock's assistance, are, that as they doubt not Gov' Dinwiddle's Influence over those Southern Nations of Indians who live on the back of Virginia, will procure their assistance to M' Braddock, and that if those and they were to meet together, as a good understanding does not at present subsist between them, some Broils might arise, fatal to themselves, and very dissernceable to our Cause. I have advised General Braddock hereof.

Gov^ Shirley will, I make no doubt find as many Indians at and about Oswego as he will want. In my humble opinion, his safety does not require any in his way up thither as it lays thro' their several Countrys. The Indians were of the same opinion as ara most persons whom I have heard speak on the subject.

I expect upwards of 360 will join me in my March towards Crown Point. The Colonies have made a provision only for 300 and that not sufficient in many articles.

I have endeavoured to do my duty in the station I am placed with regard to Indian Affairs, to the utmost of my abilities. I have neither spared myself Day or night, and have indeed greatly injured my health by it; I shall however rejoice if my conduct meet? with your Lordpps approbation, and that I may thereby be honoured with his Maj^ys gracious acceptance of my duty and faithfulness.