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.

I have Lately received Two Letters from Lord Shelburne concerning the Conduct of the Frontier Inhabitants and the redress of Grievances, in one of them I have been honored with his Majestys approbation of all my late proceedings and informed that the plan is under Serious Consideration. --