Co'i Gladwin for their past Conduct this appears pretty odd as he made the most particular Charges against them, and transmitted the strongest proofs to support them. I wish (from the tenor of the Gov^^. Letter) that the Inhabitants of that Government may not have prejudiced him in their favor, which I am induced to think they will do, having one Common interest to support, and all aiming at going where, or doing what they please, as well as making false charges ag*. Comissy^ never yet complained of.

The consequences of Traders going where they think proper have been felt both to the Northward & Southward, the fairest Dealers may be robbed & murdered, how much more have those to Expect who act otherwise, yet these private murders finally produce a War, which it is our business to prevent by preventing the cause. -- Trade with people beyond any Civil Government, under the immediate protection of the Crown, and these people uncivilized Incapable of giving Evidence or of obtain?. Justice but by Retali?.- '•on, without such Officers and Inspectors ought Surely to be s^-riously to be attended to, and under these circumstances it can be

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 855

no infringement of the liberty of the subject that we guard against the dangers in which all might be involved by the misConduct of a few. If the officers of the Crown differ in Sentiments with the Government, as Avell as with one another, the Service must fail in its principal obj6ct, and the Commissaries unsupported, & of Course Complained of from all Quarters must prove a needless Expense. These appointments did not originate with me and I have no reason to enter into the Merits of the affair but that it was a Judicious System proposed & approved of by Government, I have heard no complaints but of L*.