Besides the resources they: can have for Ammunition, Armsand Clothing from the Spaniards: by way of the Mississipi, or secretly from the French of Canada ;, there are many in our Colonies, who, for love of lucre, would supply them with whatever they wanted. This has been already done, when the Brittish Empire in America was in the greatest: danger, and several of its Provinces reeking with the blood of their inhabitants. The utmost vigilance of Government cannot put a stop-to this ; and there is no reason to imagine our Virtue. and public spirit are increased, or will increase, so far as to. prevent it entirely. I may venture to affirm that it is more necessary now than ever to cultivate a friendship with the: Troquois, and secure their fidelity. "The success of our arms against Canada has raised the jealousy of almost all the Indians,

FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS QF INDIANS. 1101

They are apprehensive that their liberties are now in great danger, as the English, (of whom the western tribes knew little before, and whom the French taught them to despise,) have gained such an ascendancy in North America. They observe our progress with a jealous eye, and will seize every opportunity of combining to oppose and distress us. Against such combinations the Jroquois would be a sufficient barrier and security, were they by proper care fixed in our interest.

To these Considerations others of great weight, and to the same purpose might be added respecting the French, in case of any design on Canada. I shall not repeat what has been already said on this head, but content myself with observing, that all human affairs are very fluctuating and subject to great Revolutions. Our possession of Canada is a proof of it. The time may come when things will take a different turn, and the friendship of the Indians be of great consequence to us.