Hay instruct^s how to act on their Arrival at Detroit which is all can be done at present, Indeed I have since reC^ Sundry particulars from persons there sufficient to invalidate the charge brought against them, and that notwithstanding the Seeming indiference of their Chiefs both they and their neighbors are greatly incensed inasmuch as they have lost so many of their people without obtaining satisfaction particularly One killed by a Battoeman at Detroit near the Fort 2 years ago & the 2 Squaws by the Negro Since These Circumstances as well as the encroachments and murders committed by the Virginians &c occasion much discontent, & are often heard by Traders & others to whom the Indians are more communicative than to the Officers, for before the Latter they are generally shy of expressing their Sentiments.

Amongst others I have taken the Examination of a man made pris^. in 1763, who is Just come down the Country from Powtiwatama a Village West of S^ Josephs where he has ever since resided Who after declaring the Strong iaclinat". the Indians in

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 86l

that Quarter have for the French & the hopes they still Entertain from that Quarter adds that last year they sent to N Orleans to enquire of the French into these matters who dismissed them with valuable presents, plenty of Ammunition & assurances that they would shortly attack the English & that the Ind^, sho'i. hold themselves in readiness that this Spring they were assured of the same by the Comds Officer near the Illinois in the Names of the French & Spaniards, & that when he has expressed a desire to leave them they liave advised him to consider their Village as a place of Safety, & not go among the English where he would.be killed Adding that they wo*^.