concerning it to Canada, the Indians who esteem Verchere came to the Coui'^^ at Detroit delivered up Vercheres belt, and also the Speech in the manner sent me, and was evidently altered to prevent his meeting with punishment, nevertheless tho' they have certainly suppressed much of what he said to them enough remains which to a man conversant in their Idiom would be a convincing proof without any thing farther. -- In short as I suspected & frequently represented would be the case, none but Frenchmen can go into their Country to the Westward, &> the Indians positively and publickly declare, to all people that they will suffer no others into their Country. I was informed that the French were at the bottom of the representations artfully prepared to get the Gen'. Liberty for Trading at Large in the Ind^. Country which I then observed was calculated for them to Engross it all.

In the mean time the Colonies have as yet done nothing Except j£150 Voted by N York for the defraying the expenses of officers of Trade a sum scarcely worth mentioning & the Gov^ now writes me that he ment<i his apprehensions of the Indn^ uneasiness for w^ant of Commissaries to the members of Assembly but without effect & adds that the Inadequate proviso made for Interpreters & Smiths shews how Httle the matter in agitation was understood -- In short none of those conversant in these matters expect they will do anything material I ought the rather to mention this because in your Lordships Letter of Octob"" 12'^ 1768. (N" 6) you observe that the reliance on the benefits Intended to be the result of the late measures was not upon their propriety but " upon the execution of them &, upon the regulations which the Colonies shall think fit to adopt for the management of the Commercial part." I kept people on the frontiers as long as I possibly could consistent with his Majesties Instructions & gave timely notice to the Colonies concerned that they must be withdrawn, as did the Commander in Chief, but without eff'ect, and I persuade myself that your Lordships long knowledge of American affairs will render it necessary for me to point out the little expectation of these measures having the effect desired be the consequences what they w ill.