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.

The Complaints made daily by the Ind^ of the Abuses and Irregularity of Trade are many & Greivous & will doubtless be made use of by them in case of a defection in any Quarter, The Injuries which our own Traders sustain to the South Westward thro' the Superior Influence & Artifices of the French, who engross the Coraerce of that Country is likewise worthy serious attention, for all which there appears no prospect of remedy, as the Comraiss'"^ did not meet last DecJ" as was expected, neither according to the best accot^ that I have is there any likelyhood that they will do

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 993

SO, or if met that any thing effectual will be agreed to from the different Interests, & Systems of policy prevailing in each Colony which must ever prove an obstruct" to establishments that depend on a perfect union of Sentiments & on proportional Quota's of Expense, I am persuaded that such Negligence in a matter of Gen' Concern could not have been foreseen by Governm* And I am happy to find that my sentiments correspond with those of your Lordship in the Necessity there is for a redress of such Grievances as must endanger the public Tranquility. -- I never Covetted, neither shall I ever wish for Authority, but where the public Service requires it, to reach abuses that may not otherwise be easily removed & The attention which the pres' duties of my office requires w'l rather Incline me to Wish that these Important points could be effected in any other Channell, of which I Express my doubts witii real concern.