Pownal when he went to England, wherein was laid before your Lordships the declining state of our Indian Interest at the time Gen^. Braddocks Commission put the Management of Indian Affairs into my hands, and I told that Gentleman at Alexandria, I would exert my utmost Influence & ability, but that I doubted whether I should be able to prevail on the Six Nations in general to act with that Ardor in favour of His Majestys Arms w^^ might probably be expected from them. Our Defeat at the Ohio, -- the Obstructions tlirow^n in my way by Gen^. Shirleys opposing my Management -- The loss of Oswego, and our having reaped no striking advantages since, have been all Additional Drawbacks upon my retrieving & advancing his Majestys Indian Interest. And with respect to our Interest amongst the upper Nations, the Loss of Oswego was a Mortal Wound, as that Post was both a Curb upon the upper Nations to retain them hi our Interest & a Security for them against the Enemy should they act in our Favour. I am fully persuaded the Loss of this important Post with the consequential Menaces of the French & their Indians, hath produced the present Neutrality agreed on by the Senecas, Cayouges & Onondagas. And tis probable our destroying the Works at & abandoning the Onieda Carrymg Place last Summer may produce a Neutrality from the Oniedas & Tuscarores.

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 747

My Lords

I am fxtreamely concerned that the great Expence which this Service hath occasioned should not have produced more favourable Eflfects. Permit me to assure Your Lordships that I have acted with uprightness of Heart, with all the Oeconomy Diligence & address Avithin the compass of my abilities to retrieve support & extend His Majesty's Indian Interest. I am extreamly sorry my Endeavours have not been crowned with all that Success w^h I was unfeignedly ambitious of being instrumental to.