I am alarmed for the Safety of these imprudent people, but much more so on accot. of the public tranquility wch must be disturbed should they attempt to Execute their illjudged plan, and as it evidently tends to renew our Troubles, I Wish it may be in your power to prevent so dangerous a procedure, and that the Colonists may see how deeply they are interested in putting a Stop to it in which case I hope they will make a requisition of Troops if (as I suppose) they cannot otherv/ise Check so Law^less a people. -- I am induced to be of opinion that where any set of people are taking measures which may Afifect the whole & which must in their consequences bs

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 845

productive of a War they should doubtless be prevented by Order, & by the forces of the Crown, should the Colonists be so blind as to disregard it, or the American Gov's, want powers to reduce their people to order. I observe this from a Conviction that a War must be the consequence of these transactions and that Great Britain must in that case be at the Expense of its blood and Treasure to no small amount before the Indians are brought to reason. -- I heartily wish that the Government may be sensible of the necessity there is for some more vigorous Measures which by ensuring peace to the Colonies will produce so many advantages to itsself.

Major Gorham has applied to me for a Draft on you for X300 Ster to carry on the Affairs in his Deputation, and also represented the necessity for provisions to be had when Ind^, are on public Dusiness, the latter I think a reasonable request and as to the Cash I can have no objection to giving him the Draft if you approve it.