The Indians are much more dissatisfied at the appearance of Settlers than even at a Garrison, as the former increases and overspreads the Country, these people having no liCgall title where they are are with all very imprudent, and sooft as the Indians buy rum from them they will be troublesome.

The Character of Capt Sinciairs Servant is certainly no Justification of the murder, but the particulars in Miligation of the offence,. as fully shewn to me, are sev^. such as his constant ill treatment. of the Indians, and that he received but one blow from an.

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 867

instrument which it was not probable would have produced such effects ; as the affair is now to be settled and according to the Instructions delivered to M^ Croghan I expect that it will appear we have taken the Wisest Step, without neglecting a due regard to the honor of the nation.

I believe that the Indians have sense enough to see that the French have often imposed upon them, but we are to consider that these French are their particular favorites, who can easily acco* for their having been hitherto disappointed in a manner which the Indns. cannot possibly disprove. -- The Indians are in fact at .Bottom much discontented & as fond of the French as ever, and whatsoever they ardently Wish for it is natural for them to expect even after several disappointment^. Indeed the Discontent now amongst them is the more dangerous as it is carried on under disguise and their conferences secret. The want of settling the Boundary Line & the Neglect of establishing many other points of the Plan, as well as redressing Grievances of which agreable to my orders I gave them assurances long since, appears to me to be the principal cause of their jealousy, I have often spoke to them to remove the French family's and M'^' Croghan shall have farther directions on that head, as they do us much harm.