Now, my Lords, was I governed by Interest, or did it in any manner influence my Representations, I should not offer any farther thoughts upon it seeing that my Sallary is augmented, and my Cares and Trouble in some measure Lessened, Considerations of no small Weight with the generality of Mankind, but when 1 reflect that this Reform is a matter of the most serious Consequence, That its final Operations, require the strictest Canvassing, That the Consequences of mismanagement have such Weight with the board of Trade as to induce them to say That were it probable it should again take place " They would not hesitate in declaring their opinion against the propriety of suffering the management of this Concern ever to revert into the hands of the Colonies." I say my Lord, when I duly consider all this I cannot but Conclude it my Imediate Duty to offer my humble thoughts, and throw all possible Light on the Obscure parts of Indian Affairs which being a Terra Incognita, inaccessible to the Generality of even inquirers is thereby more Liable to Misrepresentations than any other subject.

I shall therefore proceed to take a short View of the state of the Colonies & Indians previous to the late War with The Changes

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 899

produced in the politicks and Sentiments of both, from a Consideration of which I flatter myself some Conclusions may be drawn relative to the Event of the present System & its future Operations.

The General misconduct & Neglect of Provincial managera*. is too well known and has been repeatedly Expressed as the sense of Government, It is however said by some that they formerly managed the Indians at a very Cheap & Easy rate, & that they were in gen^ peaceable the conclusion to be drawn from thence is.