This will probably in some Degree lessen the future Expence. however I must be so ingenuous as to acquaint your Lordships that even under present Circumstances, I cannot promise that the future Expences will fall very considerably short of the past, for as the Upper Nations (as y"" Lordships will see by their Speech) solemnly declare that notwithstanding their Neutrality, they are unanimously &. firmly resolved to hold fast the Antient Gov* Chain of Friendship & remain Allies to His Majesty & Bretheren to his Subjects, utterlv to cast off all Notice & Expence about them, would in my Opinion be a piece of Conduct equally dangerous & impolitic in the present Conjuncture. And if My Lord Loudoun or the Commander in Chief should be determined upon such a Measure, I would beg leave rather to decline acting than put it in Execution.

If your Lordships should be of opinion, that from the present Face of Indian affairs, the advantages of this Service will not be adequate to the Expence they have & may bring upon the Crown, I shall whenever His Majesty may think it proper, with the utmost obedience &. the higliest Gratitude for the many honours he hif

748 MANUSCRIPTS OF .1'.;

graciously bestowed upon mc, be reatly and willing to resign my Commission as His Sole Agent & Supcrintendant for the Northern District.

The Upper and lower Castles of Mohock Indians will I am persuaded remain firm to our Interest and tho their Intemperate thirst after Rum is a great Impediment to their going upon Service when they can by any means get it, yet almost all their young men are now out & going out to distress the French Settlements in Canada beat up their Quarters «& obtain Intelligence of their Numbers & Motions.