The bill of Sale and other Papers you mention are Circumstances that appear strongly against him, and he cannot prove his assertion from any knowledge of the Language, or other particulars concerning his Tribe in the Shawanese Nation, It is certainly a constant practice amongst the Western nations to sell their Captives of the Pmiie Nation, as well as some others their next neighbours under that Denomination, and Canada &.c^ depends a good deal on their labour, but there is no Instance of theii* selling any others, neither would they ofter to do so, unless some person too young to give an Account of Himself should be found amongst the Panies, whether he falls under that Predicament, or indeed of what Nation he actually is no certainty can be obtained at this distance of time, unless by Enquiry amongst those who sold him, which would take up a good deal of time, & perhaps prove to liitie purpose ; But as I understand that the Person who claims him, is more desirous to remove him out of his neighbourhood, than to make any advantage of him, I should think that if he was sold within these Colonies, or Suffered to pursue the Inclinations he has expressed, paying his Master out of his Labours, what may be Judged reasenable. It would Savour more of Huraariiy than

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 985

to send him as a Slave to the West Indias, whilst any doubts remain concerning his People or Origin.

I am Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servant Golds Borrow Banyar Esq"* W. Johnson.