Nor have I any intimation of any valuable End that may be served by his going before the Time proposed--And as Joseph desires to put himself under your Honour's Conduct, as what he apprehends most safe & prudent for him to do, so I. should be glad your Honour would as explicitly as you please let me know your Pleasure, And upon the whole think it advisable to detain Joseph (if he will be content to stay), till I receive your Honour's Pleasure, or till the Time appointed for his coming by Mt Smith.

And I am with Sincere Respect & Esteem Your Honour's most obedient humble Servt Sir William Johnson. Eveazar WHEELOCK.

332 PAPERS RELATING TO

GEN. AMHERST TO REV. MR. WHEELOCK.

New York, May 23, 1763. bck morning, Mr. Smith delivered me your letter of the 21st [24] April, with the narrative enclosed, which I have perused. The design is a very commendable one, and I should be extremely happy in having it in my power, to be any ways instrumental in civilizing the Indians, and promoting seminaries of learning in this country ; but as the disposal and settlement of the conquered lands in America must be determined by His Majesty, and that there is reason to beleive the same is now under consideration at home ; I can only advise you to make application there ; for I have no authority whatever, to dispose of any lands in this country. You cannot have a better patron than the nobleman to whom you have dedicated your narrative, and I shall be very glad to hear that your application is attended with success.