I have likewise understood that the Indians themselves would at a very trifling rate procure large Qnantitys of it, to which I may answer that the Indians are a Lazy people, & naturally Enemies to Labour, and therefore it is 7-nrich to be doubted whether interesting them in it would be nttended with advantage, altho' the Ind^. of that Country can be satisfied on much more reasonable terms than those who are more accustomed to receive favors from Europeans, particularly the r!"r!(^h. I have also h<*:ard ^hat some person? in 'Canada did i'V'-erJy bring away a good deal of Ore' Fiiitn 'thence, and that
SIR AVILLIAM JOHNSON. 921
they lost by it, but whether this was owing to the Expense of bringing it clown, or to bad management I can't say. The River Ottawa being obstructed by 42 Portages, small and great, would much retard & Enhance the transportation of so heavy an article, & give place to the carrying it by the Lakes as the most ElHgible, notwithstanding the latter are at some seasons very uncertain & the navigation often tedious. The length and severity of the winter at Lake Superior will likewise require consideration both with regard to the provision to be made for those that sho^. remain there & for their Cattle & Beasts of Burthen, and the very low wages of Battoemen & all Labourers in the time of the French when compared with the usual hire at this time, is also a matter that sho«i. be attended to.