And tho I am fully sensible that the horrible Cruelties & Devastations w^h. the Southern Provinces «Sc Pensilvania in particular have suffered, call for their most united & vigorous Resentments, yet I cannot but humbly be of Opinion that M"". Morris' Declaration of War backed with so small a Force as the 400 Men he hath raised, -was premature, & that it would have been more advisable if he had alowed me first to have acquainted the 6 Nations & our friend Indians living* on the Susquahanna with his Intentions especially as M^'. Morris in behalf of Pensilvania had applied to me to lay the Hostile Behaviour of the Delawares & Shawanese before the 6 Nations at the Meeting last Winter & he was apprized of the Deputation W^h. the 6 Nations had sent, yet before he knew the result of their Embassy, he published this Declaration of War, which as a friendly Meeting was agreed upon at Onondaga with a Prospect VOL. II. 46

722 MANUSCRIPTS OF

of ficconiinodating all luatlers with the Delawares & Shawanese at least such of them as had not left their settlements & absolutely engaged themselves to the French. I beg leave to observe to Your Lordships that while Affairs were thus circumstanced, I think Mr. Morris' Declaration of War had better been postponed till the Meeting at Onondaga had been over, when a better Judgment might have been formed to regulate his Proceedings.

By perusing the Papers herewith I conceive your Lordships will tind there is a Foundation for the Observations I have made on M'". Morris' Conduct. My sentiments on this matter I have communicated to Gen^. Shirley & S^ Charles Hardy who have transmitted them to Gov^, Morris.