Since I had Last the pleasure of Writing to you which was on the 12th ulto I have received Letters from Niagara informing me of the burning of one of the Vessells at Navy Island on 20^^ Nov^ last which was at first ascribed to the Indians, but the Comissary with others went thither the next morn? to View the remains and made a Report to the Commandg Officer in writing from which and from the substance of his Letter it appears that a parly of Men had set out before day Light on that day for Fort Erie and it being very Cold and the Crossing tedious had probably kindled a fire

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wch was it seems usual & which they did not take sufficient pains to Extinguish, there does not appear any probabihty of the Indians having done this, or that they should destroy one Vessel when they might as easily have burned both, this is all as yet come to my knowledge concerning the affair, a few days ago 1 Read a Letter of the Septr from M'^ Croghan then at the Uinois Very unwell, as were the Greatest part of the Garrison only 3 Officers and 50 Men fit for duty, his state of health was so bad that he would be obliged to return by way of JY Orleans He arrived there the 20^i> of August, & soon after had the Satisfaction of accomodating matters with 8 nations there assembled divided into 22 tribes, who shewed the greatest surprise at his Speech, and declared that they had been greatly imposed upon by the French, but would for the future avoid being Led astray, -- the French who endeavored to obstruct the Meeting had interest enough to prevent Three Nations from attending, but being undeceived by the rest they came afterwards and appeared equally satisfied, all which he greatly attributes to the assiduity and Good behavior of the Six Nation and other Chiefs that accompanied him He adds that Col Read, and himself found it indispensably necessary to incurr some farther Expences there especially as he had been compelled to make some presents at Scioto.