The Slaughters & Devastations which have been committed on the Frontiers of His Majestys Southern Provinces, I doubt not y"^ Lordships have received particular accounts of from their respective Governors -- It is certain that some of the Delaware & Shawanes Indians have been concerned in these Hostilities, till very lately those Indians were faithful Friends to us & lived in a peaceful & Harmonious Intercourse with his Majestys Subjects. What are the several &. real causes of their Defection, I caimot take upon me at present precisely to ascertain.

I beg leave to offer to Your Lordships my general Opinion from all I can as yet gather on the Subject --

I would premise that the Defection of the Delaware & Shawanese Indians is not general, many I believe yet remain, if not firm to our Interest, not wholly lost to it. --

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 719

These Indians were settled in the Neighbourhood of the French Encroachments on the Ohio, some were settled where the French have now Actually built Forts when His Majestys Troops under the late Gen^ Braddock were defeated, it gave the French who remained Mas^''^ of all that part of the Country an Opportunity to strengthen and increase their Indian Interest & Influence, they flattered they boasted & by persuasive & iiitimiditating Acts they won over several of those Indians who were before in our Interest and some who held themselves as it were neutral till they saw how the Event of that Expedition would turn out. Of these latter were the Twightwees, the Jenundadees & some of Chickesaw Indians who are as I am lately informed fallen in with the French Interest, but I apprehend more from hear than Choice.