I had but about 15 men with me, I Looked Back and they Cried out for Gods 'sake call us all togeather or we shall be cut off, upon which I order'd them to spread and march ina half moon in order to Discover y® Ennemy or y® occation of y® Fire and without Further Discovery But ye Loss of all Except about six.or seven Living men which was with meand my Lieutent Then Returned and upon our Return found ye Centery kil'd & sculp'd Took him Down to y® Camp and there found y® Rest of my men In Great Distress Tying up their Packs; upon which I Doubled ye Guards and ordered all to stand their Ground upon their Perril where I with Difficulty kept them Till Furth" orders from your Hont upon ye Receipt of which I could Prevail upon but 13 men to Proceed Further and therefore Judged Best and most advisable to returne and Report ye Occation of my not Proceeding y® Scout out asI have Particularly Informed your Honr Worthy S* I now stand ready upon all orders to Pursue your

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SIR WM. JOHNSON's SCOUTS. 269

Comm*s to a Tittle upon my Part, Provided I can have such materials as are fit for y® Purpose, and When Ever I fail Lett me be stigmatized JI Remain Your Hon's Most Dutiful and Obt

Humble Servt W Symes. Camp at Lake George Octobt 224 1755.

To the Honnorble Will™ Johnson Esq Leutt Gen!! of ye Army at Lake George