As my last and former Letters will shew their disappointment that no plan had been hitherto adopted (as they had been promised) with due regard to the peculiar circumstances of their situation, with proper powers in the Department for the discharge of their sev^. affairs I need not to add more than that it has had a Visible Effect upon them all, and that their Suggestions arising therefrom have a bad tendency. When this is considered together with the errors misconduct & frauds "which they must Experience thro' the want of those })0wers and regulations, the encouragement thereby given to our Natural Enemys and the success of*their endeavors to withctVaw the Indians from us will appear rather a matter of concern than of surprize, That this is really the case at present I am but too well satisfied. I have for a considerable time past represented, the secret practices & endeavors of both Spaniards & French in the names of their respective Sovereigns to render us Odious to the Indians, to unite them against us and to persuade them to renew hostilities under VOL. II. 58

9-14 MANUSCRIPTS OF

the prospect of aid which it is more than probable they would afTord them the first occasion that offered, to effect this they avail themselves of every circumstance in the affairs of America^ of every instance of our ill treatment, & of every uneasiness manifested by the Indians, The Reduction of Officers & Retrenchment of Expences in the Indian Departm* has been already represented by their Agents as Instances of our parsimony, Neglect & Contempt, and the want of any powers for their relief as marks of our Injustice and disregard, The unrestrained conduct & cheats of the Traders have been given, as characteristick proofs, of our dishonesty & want of authority, The neglect of sending Missionaries of our Church amongst them, as an Instance of our Irreligion, in short there is nothing within the compass of their knowledge of w4nch they have not made use, thro' the means of Agents of much Influence, supported by Gentle Treatment, and confirmed by handsome presents.