The Traders have been vastly indulged to procure thtnr Esteem, but are nevertheless very importunate for their Money and I am at a loss what to say to them upon it, for Expences seem to have been made & Ind^ called purely to shew authority and gain reputat" the business was given into the hands of the Commissy with a bad orace, and much has been done to draw the latter into large Expenses, which however he is sufficiently armed against by his Instructions, as was also the Major upon the whole I have reason to apprehend some thing more than common is in View (^ which may not be mattter of surprise to you) & I should have Given the Sec^ of State a Hint of it so that he might at least be sent soBie where else, but that I would not do it with* your knowledge & approbation -- I cannot help having more than ordinary apprehensions at present on the score of the Indians, from some Intelligences I have lately received particularly from a few Indian Chiefs with whom I have been well acquainted near 30 Years, whose interest it is to be faithful, and who never once deceived me in that long period. These men have I am pretty certain given me a candid acco* of the sentiments and purposes of the Warriors throughout the whole Confederacys, who are brought to such a pitch from their not being redressed on the score of Lands, Trade, and Insults on the frontiers that they are about some associations of a Mischievous nature, and Indeed this acco)^ is greatly strengthened by Letters from persons in Sundry Quarters, who have the best opportunity of discovering their secret Views & designs. The Government are I believe at a Loss w^hat to do about the Department from the representations of Traders &c perhaps you have received by the pacquet some advices on these heads -- I have said enough on these Subjects to explain fully the Conduct of the Inhabitants, Traders &c with their effects upon the Indians, which sufficiently point out the means whereby we can live in any security from the Latter, and if after all this nothing can be done to strengthen the Hands of the Officers of the Crown, I cannol think of risquing my own Character, when it is not left in my power to Serve his Majesty and the pubUck, as my Duty and inclination requires --