I ought to remark that as ams* other fallacious pretences the Shawnese have spoke of the Sale to the Crown extending to Ohio, that it is not of that part which for the sev' reasons I formerly gave I ventured to Continue from Kanhawa to the Cherokee River, but their pretended objection is to the part above Kanhawa, to wliich I was directed to purchase by his Majestys Orders k indeed no other part could Affect them ; but even this is a Weak pretence, for the North side of the River which they still occupy is more than they have any Title to, having been often moved from place to place by the Six Nations, and never having any right of Soil there, so that the admitting of any part of their Title as Just, w^ introduce a variety of other Claims as weakly founded which w'^ create a Gen' confusion in the Colonies. -- I considered the Defection of the Kickapous & Potewatamis under the Gen^ denomination of their Confederacy of whose fidelity I have but a slender opinion ; Their Murders & Robberies are however much owing to the Jealousy of French Traders, & to that lawless Colony of that nation on the Wabache, who are daily increasing in numbers, & whilst they particularly hate us as English, are really enemies to all Governmt These men sho^ If possible be removed, but possessing the esteem of the neighbours Indians and acquiring a Confidence from their remote Situation ; I believe it will be a very difficult task to affect it completely, or in a proper manner. I imderstand that Gen^ Gage has this in View, and your Lordship may be assured that I shall most chearfully Obey his Majesties Orders by Cooperating with Geni Gage in this or any other measure which the Kings service may require.