^^f MANUSCRIPTS OF

against the Resentment of the French, w*^''. together with the Forts I had built in each of their Castles or Towns, except at Cayouge, and for w*^''. Garrisons were promised them, left them to act for us in full security. This I am persuaded they were determined to do either in a Body with our Army, whenever that should march upon any Enterprize, or go upon the Scalping Service in separate Parties.

■ But by our loosing Oswego, w'^'*. I may call the Barrier of the 6 Nations, & thereby the possession of that part of the Country, they were laid open to the Resentments of the French, who might at any time they were inclined to it, with facility fall upon their Towns «Sl cut them and their Families to pieces, especially those of the upper nations.

In thi^ hght I knew the Indians would view the loss of Oswego, I found they did so, and that the spirit they had recently shown in our favour was sunk and overawed by the success of the French & the accumulated power w^i. it gave them.

Under these circumstances I judged the most prudent step I could take would be to summons a meeting of some of the Chiefs of each Nation as soon as possible at my House, in order to know their positive Determinations, & what part they proposed to act. My Lord Loudoun approved of this measure, & I sent a Belt of Summons thro' the Nations. Whether Delegates from all of them will come I cannot be positive, & I think it is doubtful j however I expect most will send, & in about a fortnight this important meeting will probably take place. The Speech I propose to make to them on the opening of the meeting, I shall first let my Lord Loudoun see & take his opinion and directions thereon as I look on it to be a delicate & interesting Point.