Whatever Resolutions they may take I shall do all in my power to second, and promote them but I found that the dutys expected from the Colonies are so complicated with many others, and the Execution of them so uncertain that I fully persuade myself your Lordship will pardon me for the Liberty I have taken in declaring my thoughts as to the Event, -- If the duty of Commissaries could be dispensed with until the provinces make some provision for officers VOL. II. 59

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of that kind, The Smiths & Interpreters appear always wanting ik. the Interests of the Crown require that the Latter in particular should be under the direction of its own officers.

Any Apology for the Liberty I have taken in these matters will be needless as I rely entirely on your Lordships indulgence to the Motives of Duty & Fidelity which have produced them.

As to the Boundary, and purchase from the Indians, as I lost no time in Calling together the sev^ Nations necessary after the rec* of my orders. It was not in my power to Act otherwise than I did as from all the Intelligence I could procure It was deemed the Intention of the Crown to purchase the soil ui all the Royal Governments, had it been otherwise I believe it would have appeared, that the Adjustment of the Quotas of the respective Colonies with their Local Views and Interests if they became the purchasers, would have greatly retarded the proceeding, and possibly Rendered the Congress abortive which must have greatly incensed the Ind^. who were assembled from a great Distance for that purpose. -- The Ind^. did for the most part desire that a Line sho'l. be settled to which the prospect of a Large present was no inconsiderable motive, but as I observed in a former Letter, the Length of time from its being first proposed till the final orders for its Settlement, created so many doubts ams* them & gave such opportunitys to Evil Minded persons to misrepresent it that the Ind^. were very far from being unanimous upon it and a variety of difficulties arose on which occasion I did the best I could for the Interests of the Crown, and I persuade myself that on due Consideration of these difficulties, and of the Value & great Extent of the cession beyond w'. had been ever claimed by us in Right of purchase, it will appear to be a very reasonable consideration and in order that the Crown might be Reimbursed give me Leave to suggest to your Lordship, That an Instruction to the Gov*, of the Royal Colonies directing that all future Grants within such cession be Liable to a fine.