Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. II

Could we but give such a Convincing Proof of our Prowess, I will take upon me to answer for the Hearts & the hands of the Six Nations & to turn them with such Destructive Rage upon the French as would soon give a new Face to our affairs for this I am confident that the Six Nations almost to a man wish we had the upper hand of the French. They would not only I am persuaded thus exert themselves but bring over many great and powerful Nations to the Southward & Westward w^h. might be facilitated by our management that way. My Lords

It would not become me to animadvert upon our Military Conduct here & to take upon me to advise therein might be going beyond my Tether, but what I have said I hope comes from me in character & permit me My Lords to say in general, that speedy, spirited & active measures are absolutely necessary to support, strengthen & extend our Indian Interest provided the Sword is to be kept drawn,

I have m the former part of this Letter mentioned to your Lordships, that I am informed the Twightwees, the Jfenundadee & some of the Chicksaw Indians have been obliged to submit themselves to the French since our Defeat at the Ohio & your Lordships will see that the Messasages who were invited by & promised M'". Shirley to meet at Osswego this Summer will not meet there but will at any of the Settlements of the 6 Nations -- as the former Indians I fear dare not and the Messasages will not meet at Oswego, I suspect the intended meeting of the Western Indians there will not take effect.