Notwithstanding this disagreeable aspect of affairs, the difficulties I have to encounter, and the want of authority for giving the Inds. a satisfactory assurance on many subjects of their concern, I am determined to persevere, in the Execution of my Orders as well as in every endeavor which shall appear to me most necessary at this Juncture to the best of my Judgment, & the utmost Extent of an Influence which properly supported could I am fully persu<^. do his Majesty & the public good service & afford me better pretensions to your Lordships friendly regards an honor in the highest Estimation with My Lord

Your Lordships most obliged,

Obedient & faithful hum Serv*.

W.J.

P. S. Ocf. 25th. This Letter having Lain by till this day for waiit of Good opportunity I have only to add that our proceedings appear Loaded with fresh difficultys from the belts in thelnd^. hands &c, we have only opened the Conference & the Ind^. continue coming in, Their N°. now here is near 3000.

916 MANUSCRIPVS OF

LORD HILLSBOROUGH TO SIR W^. JOHNSON.

Whitehall 15th. November llhs. Sir,

Since the departure of the last Packet, your Letter to me No. 3 has been received, and laid before the King.

The unfriendly and unsettled disposition of the western Indians towards the British Interests and Government, occasioned, as you ' represent, by the artifices and intrigues of the French and Spaniards, is a matter of a very serious nature in whatever view it is considered, whether in reference to the present inconveniences arising out of the great expense of presents and other gratifications to keep them quiet,' or in reference to the consequence that would follow from an open rupture with them.