O'Callaghan, E.B., ed. The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. II. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Co., 1849.

Having thus Stated to your Lordships such facts as appeared to Us to be necessary for enablhig you to form an opinion of the matter in judgment before You, W^e must beg leave to Observe, that it is impossible to reflect, tho' but for a moment upon the imparralell'd distresses which have been suffered by His Majesty's Subjects in the back Settlements of the middle Colonies …

The part, which some Members of the Assembly of Pennsylvania appear to have had in the transactions with the Indians in July and August 1757, does, in our opinion, seem to be of this kind, and to have been one principal cause of the failure of those measures which were taken to examine into and redress the Complaints of the Indians at this meeting, Jealousys and suspicions …

The circumstances of fraud suggested by the Indians are, that m some cases the Lands were purchased by Persons who had no rifht to sell ; and in other cases, that greater quantity s of Land had been surveyed and taken up than was expressed in the Deeds, which are circunistances that can only be judged of upon the spot, and 6y those who are well acquainted with the persons and …

This being the State of the Case, We would humbly propose to Your Lordships, that further and more express orders should be sent to His Majesty's Agent for Indian affairs to examine into :he complaints of the Delawar Indians with respect to Lands, which they allege they have been defrauded of *by the Proprietaries; and that for this purpose he should take the earliest …

Having stated to your Lordships the several facts respecting the particular case referred to Our Consideration, together with our opinion upon the whole, it is necessary for Us, befc<i-e We close our report, to take this opportunity of Observing to your Lordships, that the frauds and abuses, with respect to purchases and Settlements of Indian Lands properly so call'd and the …

It is not to be wondered, that the Indians are tender and jealous, in a matter which so essentially concerns their Interest, nay, their very existence ; Whilst Our Settlements were confined to the Sea Coast and those of the French to the lower parts of the River S'- Lawrence, the Indians entertained little Jealousy and did not consider Us in the light of invaders ; their …

The sole and absolute property of this Country they desired might be secured to them ; and as a proof of perpetual Alliance, and to support Our Rights against any Claims which the French might make, founded on the va(yue and uncertain pretence of unlimited Grants or accidental local discovery, they declared themselves willing to yield to Great Britain, the Sovereignty and …

The advantages of such a concession on the part of the Indians were greater than our most sanguine hopes could have expected ; and had the Judgment Zeal and Integrity of those, whose Duty it was faithfully to execute the Conditions of the Engagement, been equal to those of him who made it, the Indians might have been forever secured in Our Interest and all disputes with France …

M^". Burnet, who was then Governor of New York, app] ed himself however with great assiduity to recover the Interests r.nJ Affections of the Indians, as the only means of defeating the desi:;ns of the French, and such was the force of their inclination to -tve well with Us, and to renew the Antient covenant chain, as f.ey express it, that they consented, Notwithstanding all …

The Experience We had had of the mischiefs, which followed from a want of a proper regard and attention to our engagement in 1701, increased by the danger which now threatned Our Colonies from the daily and enormous encroachments of the French, ought to have been a Lesson to Us to have been now more careful! of Our Interests but Yet the same avidity after Possession of Indian …

By the success of His Majesty's Arms in the late expedition agamst Fort du quesne, a great and valuable part of the Country included in the Deeds of 1701, and 1726, havg been recovered to the Dominion of the Crown of Great Britain, As no circumstances relative to this event, and the negotiations wuth the Indians in consequence of it, have been communicated to Us; We cannot …

From the Declarations & Engagements of the Indians which your Lordships may observe in the Said Proceedings -- from private conferences I had with their leading men, and from a variety of other concurring circumstances, I think I may with great truth give it to your Lordships as my opinion, that not only from the commencement of the present War, but for many years past, His …

If an attempt upon Niagara thro Lake Ontario should be a part of the Plan of Operations for this year, and that our Preparations for it, are projected with judgment & carried on with Vigour, I am persuaded I could join His Majestys Troops that way, with the main Body of the Warriors of the 5 Nations together with many others of their Allies & Dependants, and that by taking …

CI nosslo Inilians in particular (who are a brave & powerful Ti ')e of the Seneca Nation & live near Niagara) are as your Lc 'dships may see by the Proceedings I now send you, very de irous of (h'iving the French from Niagara & equaly pressing thai; we should undertake it. I have given General Amherst Intelligence hereof & wrote him on this subject, nearly in sui stance what I …

The many nations of Westward Indians, in comparison with whom, the 6 Nations are but a handful, might pass by Niagara in order to come to Oswego, where the French stop them &. their goods, secure them by negotiation & engross their Trade, thib we felt for some years before the war began when very few of iliose Indians came to trade with us to Oswego, and latterly the chief …

I hope your Lordships will for that reason bear with me if I make it a long one, tho I will endeavour to be as concise as the apprehended Importance of my subject will permit. My Lords, whether the actual extirpation of the French from North America will be effected by His Majesties Arms, before he thinks proper to lay them down, is a point which I do as I ought leave in …

All manner of Trade with the Subjects of France in these parts ought to be prohibited vmder the Severest Penalties. The Indians ought to be redressed or satisfied, in all their reasonable & well founded complaints of enormous & imrighteously obtained Patents for their Lands and Treaties of Limitations with the respective Provinces agreed upon & reUgiously observed, with regard …

Whether this should be invested in lOne Man or in Commissions to several in those provinces which from their sittuation are & always will be more immediately connected with the Indian Regulations & Trade, is submitted to his Majestys Wisdom & Pleasure ; -- but I beg leave to suggest to Your Lordships, that the management herein on the pa it of the Crown, upon the system I am …

riiat tho very considerable sums have been expended in the Indian service, I have & I shall act with all the ecconomy & fru:5ality, W^^ prudence & the Circumstances of affairs admit; if I ha^e failed herein, it has been rather on the saving side, & if the assistance His Majestys arms have received from the Indians, has not answered Expectation or been adequate to the Expences …

To conclude, I am persuaded (from what passed at this Treaty & ye knowledge I have of these sort of People) to have great confidence in their behaviour this Campaign. I fear I have trespassed to much on your Lordships Patience, which I hope you will pardon as my motive is the good of the service. & your Lordships may be assured that there shall be nothing wanting in me either …

When I left you I thought there appeared little hopes of M^. Katys Life. I condole with you thereupon & I hope Miss Nancys magagement of your House will supply the Loss you have sustained. M"" Wade's Brother from Philadelphia dined with me yesterday. he tells me your son is in good Health that the masters of the Acadamy give a very good Character of his Progress in Learning. I …

he tells me M'' Croghan has left Philadelphia upon Indian affairs that your Letter to him by me fell into M^ Wades hands & w^ti he forwarded by an Express w'^'' was going to M*' Croghan or where he was. M'" Wade brought us certain accounts that Guadelope had capitulated & the remaining Inhabitants submitted to the King of Great Brittain to remain in the possession of their …

I suspect it so ordered from home & that the Ohio Faction are pushing a Plan for settling their Great Patent, but if this is pursued without the previous concurrence & liking of the Indians, I fear it will give them a general Disgust & Jealousy of us & be hereafter attended with ill consequences. I think if you have grounds for it & are of this opinion, you should not only …

I imagine you would be pretty sure of success against Niagara the conquast of which in its consequences would I believe be of more real Importance than what perhaps M*" Amherst may be able to compass. Should the French receive the succors they want, & it is not impossible they may, I dont think Campaign will answer the sanguine Expectations of the public & that the conquest of …

April a long Letter \v^^ you have never mentioned the receipt of, as there were some things in it w^h no one need see but your self I would not wish it to miscarry, therefore please to mention if you ever received it, I sent it by the Post, unless you have Sny particular reasons your way, your Letters will reach me safely & more speedily without being under cover to M^. Kelly …

No Packet yet arrived, we wonder at it, no Cause assigned, but Winds & Weather, perhaps the King of Spains Death, w^h tho not certain, is yet very probable, may give a new turn to the political System of Europe & have detained the Packet. Yesterday it was said a Fleet was off our Port & supposed to be ours from Gaadaloope with soldiers for Cape Breton, I am afraid they will be …

I impatiently expect to hear from you what route you are to take, when I know that, I shall patiently wait the Event of the Generals Plan, without being curious to dive into his Secrets, I think his reserve proper enough, as I believe it arises from Judgment & not affectation, he is marcht I hear, from Albany & all the Troops moved. I hope your Scouts to Crown Point & …

Smith writes me Majr Rogers has flung up his Commission, its a shame that worthy man has not some permanent Provision n^ade for him. No Money coming from England to the Pay Masters here. The Contractors write they can get none to send, they know not what to do for money. The French are attempting to push thro the Straits of Belleisle one of their Store Ships taken by Sanders …

the said Indians alledge they have been deprived of without their Consent, or Satisfaction made them for the same, particularly of the Lands which are included within the Forks of the Kiver Delawar, and also of other Lands on both sides the said River- -- His Majesty having taken the same into Consideration, and received the Opinion of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and …

That he do likewise give timely notice of such meeting to the Commiss's. appointed by the Proprietaries to act on their Part, to the End they may come properly instructed, and prepared to support the Claims of their Constituents, and that when he shall have made a full and particular Enquiry into the Circumstances of the Case, and heard what all Partys may have to offer, he do …

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners for Trade & Plantations to send you the inclosed Order of His Majesty in Council of the 29th of August last, containing His Majesty's Directions with respect to a Rehearing and Examination of the Complaints of the Indians, inhabiting the western part of the Province of Pensylvania, of their having been deprived of large Tracts of Land …

As I am in doubt whether your Lordships have Received my Letter of the 17*^ May 1759 and my Proceedings with the confederate Indians before I took the field last Year with Brig^r Geni Prideaux there being no mention made of them in y^ Lordships last Letter, I now send Duplicates of both among which the Treaty at Conojohary may shew to your Lordships that my Labours have not …

T sent them home loaden with the spoils of the French: and the' the Knt'my put me to a deal of trouble, when their Army was near upon us, by sending some of their Indians under pretence of Parley with ours, but rather to inveigle & intimidate ours, I found means to retain even them, who tho' come into our Camp under French miluence, made them fight against their Old Friends …

Copy of whose Letter I also inclose, which was wrote to me in consequence of my apprizing him, that his Majesty had signified his intentions " That I should look into, & hear his complaint against the Proprietaries of Pcnsilvania concerning Lands & transmit them to your Lordships, to be laid before his Majesty." You will see by his Letter that business is postponed, As he has …

T sent them home leaden with the spoils of the French: and tho' the Knt-my put me to a deal of trouble, when their Army was near upon us, by sending some of their Indians under pretence of Parley with ours, but rather to inveigle & intimidate ours, I found means to retain even them, who tho' come into our Camp under French miluence, made them fight against their Old Friends …

As he has taken on with the Governor & People of that Colony, to convene some of the Western Indians to a Meeting, which when ended, may be so late as to interfere with the Military Branch of my office this Campaign, and may somewhat hinder my bringing the Indians in general together this Summer for actual service, altho' very well inclined: Thereupon cannot help remarking to …

The Mohegan Indians living in Connecticut Colony, have also intreated me to Represent their Case to your Lordships, that their Lands may be ascertained to them, or at least paid for, I understand they have formerly preferred a Petition to the King in Council, from thence, are apt to believe their affair is better known at your Lordships Board, by means of their former Agent …

Wraxalls, I believe was Issued from the Secretary of States Office : the abovementioned Gentleman has resided many years in this Country, is acquainted with the Customs of the Indians, & every way qualified to discharge the Duty required, thereupon Recommend him for your Lordships approbation. I acquainted Gen' Amherst of his appointment, to which he readily agreed : should …

I havQ now only to acquaint your Lordships that I have the most favourable answers from the Six nations and their confederates, on a Message I sent to them some time agoe, to hold themselves in readiness, -till the time I receive the Generals orders for them to join the army, and have sent this Spring both to Niagara and Oswego Presents to the foreign Indians I treated with …

I am with all due Respect My L^s yr Lordships Most ob^ most hble serv*. W. J. To the Rt. Honbi«. the L^s Commissioners of Trade & Plantations. HONBLE OLIVER DELANCEY TO SIR W^. JOHNSON. New York ye 20th. June 1761 Dear Sir I ReC^. your Favour By the Post and shall by the first Conveyance write to Lady Warren for Her Aprobation of what you Avant and as soon as 1 can Look Over …

Williams that I shall have the Preference to any other Person If it will not be wrong in you I shoul'd be glad you<^. be concerned in the Purchase with me which yf^u might do giving as much as any other Person will do for the Whole I am with True Regard D^ S--. Your most Obedient Serv^ Oliver DeLancey. The Honi« S^ W"* Johnson Bar*. ,», Govr CosBjr of N. York was married to …

I am Favoured with Yours of y^ 5^^ Instant Your Proposal in Regard to the Purchase of M''^ Cosbys Land I should without Hesitation have Join'd in but as I am to be in Partnership with three other Persons in it in Equal Shares I have to Ask tliat instead of your holding half youd Consent to Take one quarter or at most one Third and I will oblige myself to Pay you the Proportion …

I have not heard from Lady Warren about any Business since I wrote Her about your Bonds as to the Deed I will Deliver it to any Person you* Please to Order As I dont think it safe to send it in the Common Way I shall be Obliged to You for any Papers You have Relative to S^" Peters Lands, And will give you a Lease of Seven Years for Mills Lott You Permitting the Man who is …

She left the bulk of her personal, and all her real estate to her grand daughter Elzth. Jeffries, but in case this young lady should happen to die unmarried, or marry without the consent of her guardians, it was to go to her sisters, Grace and Lucy. Should all these ladies marry without their guanlians' consent, the property was to be divided equally among them. The Trustees …

As I understand by your Letter to M^s Cosby (a Copy of which you enclosed me) that there is a Mortgage on the land, I should be glad to know for what Sura, & in whose hands it is -- I am a good deal surprised, and uneasy at not receiving the bon'.ls from Lady Warren or you which were so long discharged I must urge the giving them up as soon as may be and hope you'll enclose …

You promised it to him on the same lay, as the Tenants living on Warrensborough have their lands, if so, I am content, but lor seven years, I believe you will expect little or no rent. Considering it is a thick wood without a foot of clear land, however, you will let me know what I must pay for it and I shall acquiesce. I am with great esteem &c -- The Honble Oliver Delancey …

As M'" DeLancey has obtained the refusal of the land from you I have acquainted him with my approbation thereof, and am now proceeding to dispose of it to the best advantage. In case my proposal has met with your approbation and that the lands shall now sell for a higher price than I offered, I shall notwithstanding transmit you the full sum which they may be disposed of for …

Your kinil favour of the 11 of last month I should have answered long stnre, but postponed it expecting still, from time, to time, a conclusion of my unhappy affairs, which was not at a period until last friday, tho the ctfects were advertised to be sold by auction, the 28 of last month, nor realy would not now but that I posatively insisted on it, but when it did goe on, M"" …

Sutter was so good natur'd he insisted on trying for the cow, she was rais'd to ^£5-5 & he offer'd to pay the money down, but I declin'd it being under obligations to him before, did not chuse to add that to the number, which happen'd very well as to that, for Mr. lyle dispos'd of what little was left, & then the cow w^ be more expence to me than she was worth, as fother is so …

the course sheets were dirty, as I never had sperits nor strength to wash them, since I came from the Country, he made no answer but scem'd displeas'd & keept tantaliz'sr me the whole day asking what more, tho told hira from the begin'ff I was determin'd but still I could observe his eyes on the bed and if one can judge from appearances, he thought at that time, he laid me …

Nixon came and ask'd me if I intend'd keeping the chairs, M's. Stevens said, M^ lyle had made me a present of y"» his answer was, that hee'd order'd him to take them away, if I did not pay hira .£l-ls which was the vandue price the were almost bottomless &, when tlicy were repair'd they'd be as dear as new ones, so I let him take them, the effects that were sold came to …

I now beg to know what kind of a receipt I'm to ask when he comes up, &. as I have no father nor friend to apply to for an advice and as you have always behav'd like a father to me since I'd the honour of knowing you, begs Dear Sir you'll be kind enough to give me your instructions for my future way of living, & then I shall be able to let some people know I'm ready to receive …

Your Favour of y« 12'ii Instant in which you Decline being concern^^. in the Purchase of M" Cosbys Lands and that you^ Readily agree to My Purchasing them I am Obliged to you for the Proposall and am Ready to give for them as Much as you oflered for Them or as Much more as any other Person will give that is Able to Pay for Them So that I have to Ask the favour of You to fix …

Joseph Clement to S^ W™ Johnson Deed from Phillip Phillips Deed from Do Deed from William & Elizabeth Powell I shall again Put Lady Warren in Mind of Your Desire to have SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 801 the Bond Delivered to you. I have only to Add that I am \vith Greatest Esteem DrSir Your most Obedient Humble Servant * Oliver DeLancy Sir William Johnson B*. endorsed New York Febry …

Cosbys Land, and find they are verry willing to pay jeiOO p Hundred Acres, as the land is verry good, there are also Gentlemen, who would willingly purchase y«^. whole, as I before observed to you, who I imagine will give much more for it than you are pleased to offer, the Stop, which I understand, is now put to further purchaseing Indian Lands, must also greatly enhance the …

abate something of the Charge for horse Hire. W^Jj Conrad Frank \vho is the principal, was afraid to comply with least the others niicht compel him to pay y«. whole by w^ii. means the acc«. rests still unpaid; as it is a hardship on the People who did that Service to be so long out of their money ; I flatter myself that you and the rest of the Gentlemen concerned will order …

Cosbys Lands and that from the Present Circumstances You Value Her share at Six Thousand Pounds Currency Though I am Obliged to You for Your Hint That I might Expect it for Less if no Person should offer that Price Yet to put an End to further Treaty, about it and that I may not be Disapointed in what I am Pretty fan- Engaged I will Give the Six Thousand Pounds which I think …

I am to acquaint you that I have sold to M^" Oliver DeLancey your part in the Manor of Cosby, for ^66,000 Currency, and two Thousand Acres, which lyes on the South side of the Mohawk River between Fort Hunter, and Schenectady, for j£500, Currency, of which he has paid me the Sum of four thousand Pounds Currency and passed his Bond for the remaining two thousand five hundred …

SIR W^ JOHNSON TO CHARLES WILLIAMS. Johnson Hall Deer 31st 1762 Dear Sir I am favored with your Letter together with that of M''^ Cosby, & am glad to hear things have been done to her satisfaction -- 804 ^rA^■uscRIPTS of I should be ^hd you would apply to M"" DeLancey for the power of Atty which you will please to send up by the first p^ood opporiunily together with the other …

A few Days ago I received the Letter you did me the honor to write the 24th June last in Consequence of which, I have to assure you that it is equal to me, whether the Mortgage is discharged here or in England, but it is absolutely necessary it be done as it will always be an incumbrance on the Title You have given me, for which reason, I shall take it as a favor you get a …

It is not easy forme to describe the variety of business & trouble in which I have been involved since the commencement of the Indian war, but I have the satisfaction to find that my labours have secured these Frontiers & Communications, as well as preserved the Fidelity of Five out of the Six Nations, with those of Canada & many others who have repeatedly desired to be …

The utility of employing Indians ag^ Indians will I believe appear plainly to you, since the engaging them as principals in the War will break their connections hereafter, and end in the destruction of many of our Enemies, besides, they are the best calculated for attacking one another, in a Country where our troops must inevitably meet with the greatest difficultys and …

I disire the whole Mortgag to be paid of, as Mr Olliver Delancey writes me word he must, if \A Ansons share is not paid, I must be at a good dcall of trouble from this side to get a discharge for the same and think it best to clear it there. I conclude you have received my letter for the selhng my Son Will™ lands, for in his state of Lunicey tis in me, to take care of, and put …

The account of your Exclys having engaged the Friendly Indians in an offensive War against the disturbers of our Tranquillity is received here with general Joy & permit me to tell you Sir that we all look up to you as the Happy Instrument in the hands of providence for terminating a quarrell which in other hands would have certainly brought ruin & dessolation upon this Infant …

I have taken the Liberty to enclose a List of Articles in which I deal besides that of Books Paper &c &c If any of them should be wanting at Johnson Hall I will not fail to execute the orders w^h I may be favoured with on terms that will afford satisfaction . to my Friends & do myself much Credit. I am Sir Your Excellencys Most obedient humble serv Jams Rivington. The 22*^ …

Col Bane in a Speech upon the allowance of Provisions to the American Soldiers msisting upon the necessity of that measure received the day following a message from the King intimating that he had no farther occasion for his Services on w^h his Patron Lord Shelburn & himself resigned. Mr Wilkes is growing vastly in popularity & altho he may suffer from the resentments of Lord …

The Sliip New Hope arrived from England on Saturday morning ; in her came an officer who affirms that there is an extreem great outcry against General Amherst w^h is supported by all the Army that served in America now in England & that Col Lee late of y® 44^ is now employing himself in writing upon the Conduct of that Officer during his Command in this Country. SIR W^ …

The Indians have been for some time in readiness to joyn the Troops, who are hitherto delayed on account of the Connecticut Forces not being arrived. These delays are very unlucky at this time as they give the ill disposed Indians an opportunity of Exerting all their influence to form a strong party. The flying Delawares will probably take advantage of it, by representing our …

Before we enter on the Subject of our Complaint we would desire to remind You of the first Agreement, and Friendship, Settled between your Ancestors and ours, which We have ever since closely followed ; and flatter ourselves You can vouch for Us, since your comeing to the Country, and particularly for our conduct in the old french War ; wherein We exerted ourselves, and …

This appear'd to Us so Reasonable, that We complied (remembering, as We before observ'd, the Engagements our fore Fathers had enter'd into) and fell upon some of Them, and their Settlements, last Winter ; in which we were Successfull ; and now our People are with the Army to Assist in punishing or bringing to Reason, those bad People ; thinking that after those Nations were …

We are much deceived in the Opinion We ever Entertain'd of our Brethren's Honesty -- But after our uninterupted Regard and Attachment to Them j and the many accounts We have had from You of the Uprightness of the great King, and his determin'd Resolution to See Justice done to all Well disposed Indians, We can hardly think of being so Treated and Wronged -- What We now Request …

We now acquaint You that as some of our People lately were on the Hunt, about Kayaderossres Creek and the Lakes in that Quarter, They, to their surprise discovered several Settlements of English there, -- They would not go near them, till they had acquainted Us of it -- We now tell You Brother, that we intend to send some of our Soberst, & most Sensible People, to desire these …

The Enclos'd Account will shew You the State of the Moniys paid & still to be paid on the Lands I purchased of You as J 1'^ Cosbys Attorney the Tract on the North side of the Moha\/ks River which was expressly sold for 21000 Acres appears by Sur^ ey performed by one Christopher Yates to contain only 18000 wl 'ch makes a Deficiency of 3000 Acres & that calculated at 5s 8| an …

I need not mention to you the necesr.ity of being speedy in your application to M''^ Cosby upon this subject for when you consider her age and the consequence (perhaps) of her death to ray self and partners in the purchase you^ see :he expediency of it, As I shall write to Lady Warren by the lirst opportunity & use my Influence with, her to have this affair of the 812 …

I have really been remiss with regard to sev^ matters which M" Cosby has wrote to me upon, but my great & continued hurry of pubhc business must apologize for it. -- by this time I presume you are informed of the amt of the Mortgage on your purchase, which I cannot hear from M>"S Cosby, If so I should be glad you'd settle it, with the Quit rent to the time of purchase, so that …

There is nothing at present here in the Way of News, worth Writing the Ind^ as usual are about me, & I am given to understand that the Shawanese and Delawares, will shortly be here to enter into a Treaty of peace, tho' I apprehend the former are not very sincere in their resolutions, as they are better able to receive Supplys from the French, which it appears they have …

I am very willing you should have a Lease of Milr^ Tract as I am certain its being in your possession would much promote its value but as the Term for which it can be Lett is so short as about 5 years when S^ Peters youngest Daughter will be of age and then most Probably it will be sold and you may make the-^ Purchase which I will do you all the good offices in my Power that …

Your Bretheren of the Council have for some Time Past been closely Employd by the Lieu* Governor who has been using his utmost Efforts to Introduce a new mode of appeal in a manner that would Influence any impartial by Stander that he had the cause more at Heart Than the welfare of the Country or the continuance of the Laws of England in tlie Old & Happy Channel and as the …

M^ DeLancey has lately wrote me that on a Survey made of the Tract which he bought & which was Computed to be f 1,000 acrjs it proved but 18000 so that a Deficiency remains of 3000, wh'ch Computed at 5-8 NY (\irr. an acre amounts to the sura of £856:5:0 Curr. which with the Quit rents due, the money he has paid & an allowance made to the Ind^, with the principle and Inurest …

The late Indian hostilities which I can hardly consider as yet Settled have prevented my being able hitherto to do any thing SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 815 about the other Lands you want sold, the Lead mine I advertised & have tryed sev'. people about it but cannot get a purchaser as yet, and with regard to the other Large Tract left by Gov^Cosby's Will to William Cosby Esq^. I …

Nicholls & Chambers' by desire of the Executors there appeared a just ballance to no small amount in My favour the orig^ of which signed by the aforesaid Gents is now in my Custody which with the papers thereto annexed sufficiently Exemplify the accts. on both sides, there is also over & beside the ballance, settled, a considerable acc^ which tho' not charged was submitted to …

I find by a late Survey made of the patent of Caghnawaga in order to give the present owners thereof their equal shares in the words thereof, they have deviated from the Gen', beginning of the patente and thrown that of Governeur &c farther back so as to take away all, Milns Tract and the Improvements thereon, or rather to alter its position much to its disadvantage by giving …

My Son and Son in law wo*^. have done themselves of pleasure of making you a Visit but that they left town in a great hurry & heard you was in the Country. Pray make my best Compliments to M^^. DeLancey & believe me to be &c. M^, JACOB DYCKMAN TO SIR W^. JOHNSON. Kings Bridge March 22d 1763 Sir I Wrote you two letters last April About the trees I sent you but fear Were …

Captain Closs were' selling two new Plantations If they Can think of Any thing I Can Serve them In Their Orders Shall always be Received by me as a favour and Complied with If Possible -- We have now a famous Breed of Sheep Amongst us If vou want a fine Ram I will send you One worth keeping of the right Old England Breed I Can also send you a Bull Calf of A Holland Bull …

I hauc directed it to be Left at M^' Dow Fonda at Cognawage as Soon as they Return I shall Send Them again, If you think four Battoo Load will not do I beg Please To let me Know and I will Immidietly Send You more, I have acquainted M'" Duncan of the Battoos Sent and will let him know when I send the othirs, I am Your most (Jbedient Humble Servant To Sir William Johnson Bar* …

Estate thought it was as well not to advertize them, am Much obliged to you for your Inquiry after my sons had a letter from them on Sunday last of the 16 April last your obligding letter was of Great service to them David Dined with admiral a few days before w<=h. was the first time since he lost his Wife by a private message had from my son she dyed in February last was told …

Williams & all my Family Joyn one in our humble respects to you wishing you health & success in all your affairs being very respectfully Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant as M"^. Hansanclever sails so soon Cha^ Williams have the pleasure to forward this with the deeds mentioned. HON : OL. DELANCEY TO S^^. W^. JOHNSON. New York ye 5 June 1765. Dear Sir Lord Adam Gordon …

I receved Yours from Johnson Hall, March ye 12tii 1765 and am glad to find you was well after Your great fatigues, and am sorry my affairs must stil be troublesome to You. but I am sattisfitnl as Lord Halifax told me, that You whoe act so well for in all things for the Publique, must doe well for me. As for Mr. Delanceys Survey appears exstrydnarey, to be measured at first by …

Delancey owes, may make me Easy, for I dont care how undersold they be, if I was clear I write this to you Dear S"" as if I was vrritingto my Brother. When I goe to Town I will have full & Clear advise, about my Sons lands and will send You word, I must now beg Your forgiveness for the trouble I have and am stil giveing You. I only can asure You none can have a more gratefull …

Ml" Croghan is now I hope at the Illinois, I had a Letter from him from the Scioto River, where the Shawanese delivered up to him Seven French Incendiaries who had been very busy in fomenting the late disturbances, this I consider as a very strong proof of their present pacific disposition as the French are so much esteemed by them, and if we get possession of the ///t/io25 it …

Ciogban, and all the rest they alledged they did tiiis at the desire of their Fathers (the French) and took him & the survivors prisoners to Oidatonon where meeting with sevi Indians with whom he was acquainted they upbraided the rest for what they had done, which induced them to take care of his Wounds, & shortly after to release him, begging he would use his interest to …

Hampshire lately made a part of this Province, the method directed at present for obtaining Indian Lands is both difficult & Expensive, neither was it intended that the free Grants of the Crown should be made in any Quarter within Claim of the Indians. I hope you have had agreable acc^^. from home I had not a Hne by the last Packquet wch I am surprised at I sincerely wish you …

< iever who told me he had the deeds, & delivered Ihcm to you litlle news but the Chan<^es in the Ministry which youl have in the ])ap6rs its said Gov Moore had hired a merch' ship to carry over himself & ffamily & was to sail about 15 Aug* last had a letter from him who said he should hurry over but mentioned no time am in hopes this will find you in health M^ Williams & iny …

The Last Letter I had the honour to Write you was the 12*1^ of March Last, wherein I informed you that on a Supposition that the Quit-rents, Debts, and Mortgages therein ment^ were to be paid by M"" DeLancey there would be a ballance due to him of j£1516.17.2^ Curry & that he pressed me to request you would pay these off to Lady Warren. -- I Likewise informed you that it was …

M''Croghan in obtaining possession of & a passage to the important Settlement of llinois on the Mississippi, as for other matters, and party disputes here, You will doubtless be informed of them before this reaches you, & of the Violent & unaccountable Conduct of the Americans, occasioned by the Stamp Act, all which has been Excited by a few pretended patriots & Lawyers in …

a drawback can't be, however she is determined to do justice, and very sollicitous that I should sell her other Rights in this Coimtry concerning which she promises to send me farther opinion. As you spoke to me when at this place concerning the purchase of the rem"", above the German-flatts, & promised to have M^. Jones's opinion upon it I should be glad to hear whether you …

Surveyor not Taking tlie course of the River or Indeed not Giving Himself The Trouble to Survey any of the Lines I made no Doubt She would be willing to do Justice I am still Determined to make the Purchase of the other side but find she cant make a Title for the same as it is now circumstanced During Her Sons life nor Afterwards unless Lady Augustus and y^ Duke of Grafton …

As Several Persons live on that Tract by leases from you I shall want the Copys of Those Leases to give Directions in Laying out tlieir Lotts and be pleased to send me an Ac*, of what money you have Rec'd from Any of them that in Stating Their Ae^s. j may give them Credit for such sums I shall esteem it as a favour you^ send me any Intelligence about this Land as I propose …

I am Always Most Truly D<- Sir, Your Most Obedient, and Most Humble Serv*. Oliver DELA^-CKY. To S' W™ j6hnson Bar*. Endorsed N York Oof 2Q^ 1765 FrcMn the Honble Oliver DeLancey Esq";. SIR WILLIAM JOHNSOK. 825' SIR W. JOHNSON TO HON: 01. DELANCEY. Johnson hall 7tli Novr. 1765 Dear Sir I have just received your favour of the 26th ulto, and cannot acct for the delays my Letters …

In answer to your proposal concerning the Bonds I think myself obliged to speak plainly & candidly to you, -- You know my Connection with Sir Peter, ihe. friendship that subsisted between us, & the reasonable Expectations I had of sharing some part of his fortune, of this his former Wills will be a farther proof, the assistance he gave me in the way of Credit Scc^ was I …

826 MANUSCRIPTS OF is as fair and Clear as any brouglit a-^ainst me, with this addition t'.ial li ey can be proved upon Oath, after this deidaiat" it cannot be Expected that I sho<^ relinquish my claim & indeed the only reason tiiat prevented me from applying repeatedly for this money was my regard for the Memory of so near a Relation, and my Respect for those he has left …

The same reasons which prevented me from giving tliem the Trouble of Sollicitation, or taking any other steps for obtain? my Just demands induces me at this time to make them a proposal, that in case they will give me Milri's tract which cost Sir Peter h\xi a Trifle & is now not worth more than half my demand I shall give them a gen^ Release of all Claim upon the Estate, and I …

Should the Indians give any disturbance to the Surveyor I shall wuth pleasure use all my Endeavors to accomodate the matter, & make them easy, and I hope by next post to be able to send you the Leases &a with such information as you require I ?hall push the affair you wrote upon to M^s Cosby, & shall do all in my power to obtain that Tract for you, or to serve you in any other …

Peter Warren is now before me and I readily acknowledge the circumstances of friendship that were or ought to have been between you and what you might have reasonably expected from his Good Inclinations to you Who had Influence over him in Ireland I cant Say at the time of his Death, It could not be his Lady who was in England and was not So well considered as in his former …

Peters Estate and had not I thought my Proposal Equitable I never Should have made it As to the conveying Miln^ Tract to you it is at Present impracticable as no conveyance can be given untill His youngest Daughter is of Aage and if you approve of it I will Trasmitt a Copy of your Letter to Lady Warren which be Pleased to Signify to me by your next Though I Should look on your …

I have had the favour of your Last and sincerely thank you for the friendship you have Expressed for me, and I make no doubt of your settling the affair if impowered so to do. -- Altho' I did not write my last with a View to its going any farther, I cannot have the least objection to your communicating such part of it as you Judge necessary to the heirs of Sir Peter Warren as …

• Be assured it gives me no Concern, neither does it abate my affection for my Uncle, or his Remains that he did not finally consider me as I was Taught to Expect, he was certainly at Liberty to do what he pleased with his Fortune and if from its Largeness he had considered me It could not have en creased the Tyes of Nature. -- I do not suspect that I had any Enemys about him …

Yo». may recollect that in your former Letter you proposed " that if I would give a Release of any Claim on Sr Peters Heirs for past Accts to the time they were settled &ca You wo*l deliver up my Bounds." Now you know my Bonds can be of no use since the Settlem* neither can I agree to that proposal with such a ballance in my favor, which ball'^® is indeed short of the Debt due …

I shall do all in my power with M" Cosby for Settling the Affair between You & her to your Satisfaction and shall be very glad if I can bring it about Agreeable to my inclinations on your behalf. HON: M^^ COSBY TO SIR W^. JOHNSON. London Feb j'e 7th 1766. Sr I received yours, by the hands of Your Son, whoe was a great sattisfaction to me, as in every respect appears to give …

I am sorry for the disturbances you have I can asure you we are hear in as great clamours, pray God things may end well, pertikculers you will have from better hands. I have Ruemetism in my hands can but just write this and to asure you none can have more sence of your goodness to me, & the oblegation I have to you then her whoe is with best wishes to You and Yours an …

I reed your Favour of y® 3'^ Instant yesterday in which you say you had Rec'd a Letter from M^s Cosby Relative to Her Concerns here and that she has taken advice -- that it is in Her to Dispose of the Lands and that she will indemnify whoever shall Purchase In answer to which I have to say that by the Advice I have taken the 1 ower is not in Her During W"* Cosbys Life and that …

Dear S^^ Your Faithfull & Affectionte Humble Ser* To Sf W™ Johnson Oliver DeLancey. at Johnson Hall Albany FROM MESSRS. VROOMAN, GLEN & DUNCAN TO SIR Wm. JOHNSON. AUTHORIZING HIM TO PURCHASE 100,000 ACRES OF INDIAN LANDS. Schenectady, Decemr. 24th 1766. Sir, This morning Garlock arrived, and on Examining find it much as you observe, from Intelligence of M"^. Fry and the …

Otherwise we will extend from Sarah McGinnis Corner on your Line about seven miles, as farr as M'", Vrooman ran for you, to run from thence a north easterly line, about Eight, Ten, or Twelve miles, meaning as farr as the good land continues, from which period to run a line across to both Creeks parallel with your Rear Line, then down or along both the Creeks Including them to …

Since I had Last the pleasure of Writing to you which was on the 12th ulto I have received Letters from Niagara informing me of the burning of one of the Vessells at Navy Island on 20^^ Nov^ last which was at first ascribed to the Indians, but the Comissary with others went thither the next morn? to View the remains and made a Report to the Commandg Officer in writing from …

wch was it seems usual & which they did not take sufficient pains to Extinguish, there does not appear any probabihty of the Indians having done this, or that they should destroy one Vessel when they might as easily have burned both, this is all as yet come to my knowledge concerning the affair, a few days ago 1 Read a Letter of the Septr from M'^ Croghan then at the Uinois …

I have Lately received Two Letters from Lord Shelburne concerning the Conduct of the Frontier Inhabitants and the redress of Grievances, in one of them I have been honored with his Majestys approbation of all my late proceedings and informed that the plan is under Serious Consideration. -- As M"^ Croghan takes no notice of any Large body of Troops ascending the Mississipi I …

I am glad to hear that M^ Maturin has laid by the money you mention, and hope some opportunity may be found to send it up when the Sledding is good at present we have httle or no Snow hereabouts, I return you by this opportunity the Receipt signed agreeable to your directions: The French were doubtless at the bottom of the Affair in West Florida, as they are of all other …

That Huron Andrew a very faihtfuU Indian well known has delivered up a belt (now in my Custody) from Rochblave a French Officer at Misore opposite the Kuskuskies to the Ind^ ab* Detroit with an Artfull Message one part of which was that he was glad to hear they were in peace and Quietness but concluded on the other half of the Belt with desiring them to remember " That the …

Lt HaY has Likewise sent me a Copy of a Court of Enquiryheld at Detroit, Novi' 12th concerning one Abbot a Trader there without a pass on whom Huron Anilrew had an Order from M' Croghan for Lb 100 W^ of Lead, & 2 Q'' Ca^ks of powder, which on beino- weighed in other Steelyards fell short the first Lb, 20 w* the second 5 Lb which Steel Yards being Examd. by the Court & …

Orders respecting the duty of the former, and wch were given out before the Appointment of Commissaries was projected, as the Latter is now approved of at home, and the rest of ihe plan by a Second Letter I have from L^ Shelburne is Likely to be so the Comiss^ will certainly be of no use unless supported in the Authority proposed for them over Indians and Traders, which is …

probably may, and from my inclination to prevent disputes arising where either the Officer or Comsy should be fond of stretching their autliority Assigning their Separate dutys will prevent both, and I flatter myself you are persuaded that I have not nor can I have any other motive for the Liberty I take in offering my thoughts hereon. As Michilimackinac Seems now to be our …

Croghan's arrival at this Piace and have an Account from him of all his Transactions, As for the Trade of the Ilinois, and in general of the Mississippi, we may dispose of some Manufactures there, but whilst Skins and Furs bear a high Price at New Orleans, no Peltry gained by our Manufactures, will ever reach Great: Britain ; And if our Traders do not return Avith the produce …

Your most obedient, humble Servant, Thqs. Gage, Sir W™. Johnson Bar^. THE SAME TO THE SAME New York Janry. 23th. 1767. Dear Sir, I am fiwored with your's of the 15 'h Ins* with the Receipt you was pleased to sign, M^". Croghan is here and just setting out for Philadelphia, as you will have heard from him, I need not mention his Transactions. The Temporary Receipt given by M^' …

I am quite sensible of the Irregular Behavior of the Traders, and have intimated to his Majesty's Secretary of State what I told the Board of Trade four or five years ago ; that they must be restrained by Law, and a Judicial Power invested in the Officers Commanding at the Posts, to see such Law put in Force. And without this, Regulations may be made, but they will never be …

Carleton and to Colonel Reed at Fort-Chartres, they must belong either to Canada or the Ilinois. I know of no Standing Orders tliat can occasion any Dispute between the Officers Commanding at the Posts and the Commissarys, If each chooses to keep to their own spheres, and not interfeie with each others Business. I have before wrote to the Posts concerning this Matter. If …

New York January 28th 1767 Sir, M'" Burns Avill deliver you the Sum of Seven hundred, Sixty- Six, pounds, One Shilling and Seven pence N: York Currency, which together with the Sum before forwarded to you by Capti Stevenson, which I had the honor to advise you of, makes up the whole of your Ace* of Disbursements sent some time since to the General. The inclosed Sketch will …

I have had the favor of your Letter of the 19th Inst at the same time I received another from IVPCroghan, witha General Account of his Transactions, & informing me that his bad state of health Would not permit him to send me the Whole till his return to Philadelphia, he has again renewed his desire signified to me in April of resigning, and is very sollicitous to resign, and …

I must do him the justice to say that he has ever been ready to offer his Service wherever it was necessary and that he has formerly suffered many losses on these occasions, neither have I ever been able to find out that he \vas interested, however this may be I shall beg the favor of your advice and direction touching his request, as I know not whether he has taken the …

I am entirely of your opinion concerning the Trade &c by way of Missisipi whilst the traders find better Markets at N Orleans &Cj but I apprehend it might be remedied by Confining the Northern Traders to the posts, and if La Baye, ^ Miamv'sj were reestablished the Ind^ would soon resort there in great numbers and the Furrs would return to the Northward, but as it would not …

M.} Croghan has represented the Case of the Indian Deputys who accompanied him to the Ilinois to whose Services he was 'greatly indebted, and who lost their hunting season thereby, I cannot but recommend this to your Consideration, as a reward for 840 MANUSCRIPTS OF their behavior and an incitement to others to act in like manner, whatever is ordered for them may be given them …

No better Method occurs to me to prevent the French from interfering with our Trade, or our own Traders from carrying their Furs and Skins down the Mississippi, than to forbid all kinds of Merchandize going up the Ohio or Ilinois Rivers, and all Ships from going down those Rivers ; and unless Posts are erected on convenient spots near the Junction of those two Rivers with the …

Whether the Indians are spirited up by the Traders; or it is their natural attachment to old Customs, and the ease they found in getting their necessarys at home, without going so farr for them, I can't say ; but they seem every where averse to the Regulations of trading at the Posts only ; especialy those SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 841 who are at a Distance from the Posts, and …

In answer to which I have by this Packet received a Letter from my Lord Shelburn vdjo is Sensible of the Objections I pointed out to the Duke of Richmond and approves of the methods I proposed. I have therefore sent Major Gorham to you, in order that you may Settle with him the Indian Affairs for the Accadie Department, and that he may receive such Orders and Directions from …

I am happy in finding my Opinion perfectly Correspondent with yours respecting the Trade by Mississipi and the establishing some Necessary posts at the Junction of the principal Rivers which fall into it. The Communicat" Westward from La Baye is of importance, and the Indians will readily agree to the erecting a post there, I am sensible that it will not be practicable to …

now to acquaint you, that Major Goreham is returned well satisfied with his Interview with you at Johnson Hall, and will proceed to Nova-Scotia on his Duty as soon as you shall send him his appointment and Instructions; which matters I leave entirely to you, and I shall only furnish him with orders to the Military Commanders to give him all the assistance he shall require in …

Capt Johnson who arrived here the 26th has given me your Sentiments on the sev^ Subjects recommended to him -- I am fully sensible of the difficulties which at present attend the Execution of his Majestys Orders respecting Indian AtFairs and that both the Officers and Commissaries are in many cases liable to be called to an acco* for their Support thereof whenever they go down …

Officers and Commissaries, the Regulations of Trade and Indian Atlairs to be transmitted to the posts & confined as intended to the Latter who should report to tlie former all Material Occurrences and be Assisted by him in the manner I have mentioned, with sufficient Quarters for the Corny, Interpreter, and Smith, as also firewood & provisions and I am of opinion it would …

I am alarmed for the Safety of these imprudent people, but much more so on accot. of the public tranquility wch must be disturbed should they attempt to Execute their illjudged plan, and as it evidently tends to renew our Troubles, I Wish it may be in your power to prevent so dangerous a procedure, and that the Colonists may see how deeply they are interested in putting a Stop …

I observe this from a Conviction that a War must be the consequence of these transactions and that Great Britain must in that case be at the Expense of its blood and Treasure to no small amount before the Indians are brought to reason. -- I heartily wish that the Government may be sensible of the necessity there is for some more vigorous Measures which by ensuring peace to the …

These have so distressed me so often that I perceive the necessity there is for my having Some Cash always in hand to answer Exigences, and relieve ine from the disagreeable necessity, of taking up money for the pubhc Service on my private acco* as I have been often compelled to do, I know I need not to enlarge upon this Subject if it is in your power to remedy it and I am …

such Traders as he may find absolutely necessary to go to the Winterings North of Lake Huron & the Ottawa Rivr. from the Severity of the Winter there, but this indulgence not to be Extended to the Soutlm"', As the Traders seem bent on this & that I don't see how they can be prevented I Judged this a necessy article, but must beg the favor of your directions on that head. Geni …

The acco^^ I now enclose are partly Expences which he should have given in on his return from N Orleans, the rest are part of his acct. of Losses in the Service for some time past, the whole of which amounts to Double the Sum but such articles only are selected out of it as appear to me unexceptionable, and I have not the least reason to doubt them to be just, having examined …

doubtless favor me or him with directions on that head. In justice I cannot say less of his readiness in the discharge of his Duty and. the reasonableness of his accot^. and I hope you will excuse my freedom in writing you upon a subject which I cannot help viewing in a favorable Light, and which I thought it my duty to recommend to your attention. Gen^. Gage. Endorsement …

We cannot therefore in Justice to them People (who have been long about that Tract, and at a good deal of Expence besides, the purchase money) allow the Land to be Surveyed for People with whom are not acquainted neither did we ever hear of the least intention they had in purchasing them Lands, and if they had applyed, we could not think of leting them, or any other sett of …

We would then beg of you to enquire of the Governor, who no doubt is acquainted with every thing relative to that affair, as it was transacted in his presence. Ended. Sir William told them that he was an entire Stranger to the cause of such a division as was now proposed to be made of the Land they mentioned, but would at their request transmit what they now had said on the …

I had received an acct. of the Murder of the Traders by the Cherokeesj they have neither plundered or Scalped them which shows that it has been done by way of retahation, -- Tis certain they have exceeded the number of those who were killed by the white people, but they never act on equal principles on such occasions, and it was of this I have been all along so apprehensive …

I have had a particular information of the murder of the Delaware Indian at Redstone Creek, it appears from the information of sevi. White Men that the Quarrell arose thro' the Instigation of Coll. Cresap of Maryland who trades on that frontier &, (probably from interested motives) had actually told the deceased that if he met with any Traders in the Country or going to it, he …

The Northern Confederacys have no just claims to the lands South of the mouth of Ohio, for altho' they have long been at War with the Southern Indians, whom they greatly overmatch -- particularly in abilities -- yet they never made an absolute Conquest of that Country. M"". Stewart has wrote to me that , Deputies are to be sent to the Northward to sue for peace, if it can be …

A few days after I transmitted my last acc^^ a Draft was tender'd me for payment of ^£300 N. Y. Curry, from a Mercht. at Montreal, for Presents as I understand, purchased & given lately to some Ind^. by order of the Governor, as I have no Letter of Advice from any person on the subject, and that I don't apprehend I have any thing to do in it, I gave the Drafts back, until I …

In my Instructions to Major Gorham I have restricted him from incurring any unavoidable expenses, he is only to See them once a year, in Meeting, w^hen his Expenses will be limited for he can do nothg without some Expense and at other times when they shall come on business to him he will regulate himself by the former practice, I have likewise restricted all the Commissarys …