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.

Notwithstanding this ill fate of our affairs, some of almost every Nation are daily coming down hither & entering into Scalping Parties w^h. I am sending out.

My Lord Loudoun has sent me a Specification of His Majesty's Indian Presents sent by him, & was pleased to refer to me for the Division between the Northern and Southern Proportions. I have given my opinion in favour of | for the former & ^ for the latter which to the best of my judgment will be most advantageous to

SIR WILLTAM JOHNSON. 735

His Majesty's Intlian Service. I iiave also proposed to My Lord that the Northern Presents may be given by me at such times, in such Quantities, and to such Persons, as will actually distinguish themselves in our favour & realy go upon service. As cu'cumstances now are I think this method quite necessary, and would in my opinion be always best in War time. The Indians are naturally a mercenary People, & M'". Shirley's conduct last year gave a keener edge to this disposition ; and as it is now become necessary to buy their assistance, I apprehend it is best to make a sure Bargain & give to those Indians only who will act with us A for us, w<^h. is the method I propose for the future. I despair of their now engaging nationally with a sincere & active Zeal, & therefore I conceive giving Presents in the old general way, would be imprudent and an ineffectual Profusion. • •