But as the Indians if they hear of our Intentions to attack them in their Post, or if we really attack them there, will fly to their Towns to secure their Families, (if they are not already moved) the Swamp and the Indian Towns on the East Branch of Susquehanah should be attacked at the Same time : and the Parties that attack the latter should go strong as they may possibly meet with the Enemy flying from the Swamp to their Settlement for their own and the Safety of their Wives & Children.
Cashuetunk on this side Delaware, and Gnadenhutten on the other, seem both proper Places to build Forts at and to lodge Provisions and necessaries for the Army in. Being the nearest of any Place in either of the three Provinces to the Great Swamp, and the most convenient if the attack be made on the Indian Towns only. Carlisle the nighest Town to Shamokin is 25 miles from it.
If therefore the Indians have not removed their Families from their Towns, but keep their Wives & Children & old Men there, and only their young Men and Warriors have betaken themselves to this Swamp. It seems rational the situation of the Towns considered to pursue the following Method in attacking them.
150 Pensilvanians to proceed from Carhle to attack Shamokin, and proceed to the other Indian Towns upon the East Branch until they Meet a Party of the Forces from the Northward.
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 717