The Northern Confederacys have no just claims to the lands South of the mouth of Ohio, for altho' they have long been at War with the Southern Indians, whom they greatly overmatch -- particularly in abilities -- yet they never made an absolute Conquest of that Country. M"". Stewart has wrote to me that , Deputies are to be sent to the Northward to sue for peace, if it can be effected* I know them to be so implacable in their Resentm*. that it will be of very short duration, and the demands of the Northern Ind^ are the Latter shall submit te be their slaves, and acknowledge that their Country is conquered, otherwise they will continue the War.

Lieut. Roberts sets off immediately as Commissary for Michilimackinac, Capt. Lieut. M^Leod, removes to JYiagara, and I have

appointed M^". MicW. Byrne, who is a person of good character,

some time m this country, who has been a Commissy of provisions

VOL. II. 54

S50 MANUSCRIPTS OF

on the frontiers, and is become somewhat acquainted with the Ind^j to succeed him at Ontario.

A few days after I transmitted my last acc^^ a Draft was tender'd me for payment of ^£300 N. Y. Curry, from a Mercht. at Montreal, for Presents as I understand, purchased & given lately to some Ind^. by order of the Governor, as I have no Letter of Advice from any person on the subject, and that I don't apprehend I have any thing to do in it, I gave the Drafts back, until I should receive your directions respecting it.