I have already observed that I shall forthwith execute the orders transmitted in your Lordships last Letter, in the best manner I can as I shall every other part of my Duty particularly endeavouring to discover the designs of all Secret Enemies who by their Machinations threaten us with danger, among other Instances of Vf^^ I find from the examination of a man who is lately returned from the Misisipi & well acquainted with several of their proceedings that Indians arrived last January at the place where he

942 MANUSCRIPTS OF

winterecl, who brought belts from the French Settlements, which were imediately forwarded thro the nations to the Lakes, the purport of which tho' kept very private was to promote a union for the Execution of some plan, & tliat those Messengers made particular inquiry concerning the strength & number of men at the Outposts There has likewise been an alarm at Detroit which put a stop to the Traders going to the Westward for some time & occasioned the Inhabitants to fortify themselves, this seems to have arisen from the claim the Indians have to the possessions of sundry French Inhabitants at that place but tho' their apprehensions are at present somewhat abated, there is good reason to think they are far from being over, from the concurring acco^s from all Quarters amongst which I have just received Information from Detroit communicated by Huron Andrew an Indian of good sense, much respected for his attachment & Services to us, That Mons"" Vercher formerly a french officer who was Trading last Winter at Sandusky on Lake Erie without Leave had distributed two Belts with 2 Kegs of Rum amongst the Hurons desiring them to retain their Courage for that they would soon see their Old French father when they w^. have occasion for it, -- These things are so common, that the best disposed Ind^. become poisoned with their principles & all this arises from the want of the proper Regulations for Trade, & the pernicious practice of permitting the worst sort of men, to go where they please into the Indian Country -- The state of things here induces me to think that my going into the 6 Nation Country may be of some service, I shall therefore set out imediately and at my return which I expect will be within a few Weeks shall communicate any material Intelligence which I may have rec^.