In answer to which I have by this Packet received a Letter from my Lord Shelburn vdjo is Sensible of the Objections I pointed out to the Duke of Richmond and approves of the methods I proposed. I have therefore sent Major Gorham to you, in order that you may Settle with him the Indian Affairs for the Accadie Department, and that he may receive such Orders and Directions from you as you may judge proper for the Good of His Majestys Ser%'ice I am Sir Your most Obedient

humble Servant Sf. W". Johnsoa Bai*. Tho^. Gags.

842 MANUSCBIPTS OF

SIR ^W. JOHNSOxN TO GEN. GAGE.

Johnson-hall Feby 24th. 1767

Dear Sir

I have had the favor of yours of the 8th mst with the inclosed Sketch of M'". Croghans Expenecs, from whom I have not heard since my last to him.

Capt Johnson who goes to N York to attend the hearing of the affair of the Wappingers agreable to Lord Shelburnes Letters to me will mention my thoughts concerning what is necessary for the Inilian Deputys that accompanied M^ Croghan.

There are good Authorities for proving that sev^. Traders havi prompted the Indians to desire the Trade at discretion throughout their Country, nevertheless there may be some Nations to the Northward who are so wedded to their Antient Customs, and so Circumstanced as to require it of themselves, but this is only the particular case of those Northern Ind^. mentioned in a former Letter. I am happy in finding my Opinion perfectly Correspondent with yours respecting the Trade by Mississipi and the establishing some Necessary posts at the Junction of the principal Rivers which fall into it. The Communicat" Westward from La Baye is of importance, and the Indians will readily agree to the erecting a post there, I am sensible that it will not be practicable to erect posts at every place required but if the Trade of L, Superior is excepted, the posts now held, & those you have mentioned will be sufficiently Convenient for the rest.