I have upon all occasions given as nearly as possible the Literal sense of the Indians as delivered in their speeches, but in this case I softened them, without deviating from their meaning, because I found them rather more animated than they often are, or than I desired ; and altho' this could not surprise any man acquainted with the particular mode of Expression of that Confederacy in matters of much moment, I was aware that it might be liable to misconstruction unless due allowance be made for them as Savages who have the most extravagant notions of Freedom, property, and independence, and who cannot as yet be persuaded to give up their hopes and expectations from the Crown ; and any person who well understands and impartially represents them must admit that in all Such Treatys, they endeavour to maintain their own importance by the most forcible expressions, to which I may with truth add that as their words for fear of offence have been often Glossed over before they were committed to Writing by many others, I was the first that in the most critical periods took upon me to check them in their Sallys of that nature, whilst at the same tim^e I took care so to conduct myself as to point out their error without driving them to Extremitys. I know there are too many people within these few years past that either think it necessary to their Importance, to the Interests of their party, or to the Gratification of private resentment, to affect a knowledge of Indian Affairs, however ridiculous or partial their reports might be rendered by any competent judge, as their representations cannot be fully known, they are not easily refuted at 3000 miles distance. There is scarcely one other