Numbers of the Troops had gone up without any molestation not the least Interruption had been given to any one, the Traders to Oswego were daily going & returning with single Battoes. those who are acquainted with Indian Affairs well know, that it would have been the worst of policy for the French at that time to violate the tranquility of the country of the Six Nations. Tis true some small parties of enemy Indians had been discovered between Schenectady & my house, but they are looked upon as a set of free Booters & Gov'^. Shirley's Body Guard would have been a full security to' him against any such -- even his primier Lydius when I talked to him on this head told me he saw no want of Indians to escourt him & that he would endeavour to dissuade him from it.

It is with Reluctance I trouble your Lordships with these matters, but as I have been honoured with a station of great Importance & entrusted with monies belonging to the Crown, it behoves me on every ace*, not to be wholly silent, and I have said as little as Iv possibly could to give your Lordships some Idea of affairs for w«^^. I apprehend myself accountable to your Board.

Govf. Shirleys conduct not only shook the system of Indian affairs, gave me fresh vexation and perplexity but occasioned considerable and additional Expenses w'^h. would otherwise have been saved ; the profuse offers w^h. his agents made to the Indians in order to debauch them from joining me, tho' it did not succeed but with very few, yet gave to all such self-importance, that when I urged to any of them who made demands upon me the unreasonableness of them &c. they reproached me that they had refused Gov'".