As to Gov^ Shirley s Conduct and mine with regard to Indian Affairs, I have not time to write out & put Several Papers in

684 MANUSCRIPTS OF

order \\"^^ indeed with Sundry others I thought more prudent to to leave at Albany, but upon the present Face of things I hope my conduct will be justified by my superiors & if I should throw the new Lights I have in possession upon this unfortunate affair I think General Shirley will appear very culpable. I am

¥*■ Honours most

Humble Serv^

Wm Johnson

GENERAL JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.

Lake George 3d Sept. 1755.

My Lords

As I left all those papers w^ were not necessary to the Military imdertaking I am now engaged in behind me I cannot be exact as to the* date when I had the honour to write your Lordships with a Copy of my Proceedings at the late meeting with our Indians. I think it was about the middle of July.

I have now with me about 250 Indians & as small parties are e^ery day dropping in I expect before I can be able to leave this to have full 300. I sent a Message in conjunction with the Six Nations to the Cagnawaga Indians who live in Canada in order to persuade them to stand Neuter in our present Disputes. I have had their answer, that it was not in their Power, that by Religion and Treaties they were so united to the French that they must obey their orders. The Sachems of the several Nations now ^vith me have this day sent another Deputation to the s^. Cagnawagas to try if by fresh arguments they can bring them over to a Neutrality, and this is to be the last Effort. Our Indians appear to be very sincere & zealous in our cause & their young men can hardly be withheld from goeing out a scalping w^h, is not thought either prudent or politic till the Cagnawagas give their final answer.