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

Some men might attribute my remarks to Interested motives, which I could suflSciently demonstrate is not the case, on the contrary, I am sorry to say that I believe there are men in the World that would in my situation regard the late System with a Malicious pleasure as what must in its final consequences Exalt their own Reputation, and enlarge their Autho-. rity, but I thank …

The New England Missionaries who I have good reason to think were very seriously bent to have something favorable to the old Views of Connecticut within the province of Pennsylvania, and who were doubtless eager to get an opportunity for extending into the Indian Country endeavored to dissuade them from establishing the Line in any wise favorable for this province, & …

The unusual badness of the roads, & the short notice given by the Sherriff, would render it impracticable to Assemble the freeholders of a county so very extensive, -- I wish they may come to a favorable resolution concerning your Losses, & think the persons you attributed them to was the most favorable for the reputation of the Province, which in my humble opinion is bound to …

By an account Stated we make this Ballance including Interest from the Time of the Purchase, jei507-l-4-and not having it in our Power to recover it Without transmitting a State of the matter, to England, to be laid before Mrs Cosbys Executors, of whom alone we apprehend it can be recovered ; We beg leave Previously to inclose and Submit the account to your consideration, and …

Augt 1 To 21000 Acres of Land Bought of Miss Grace Cosby by- Power of Attorney to Sir William Johnson for 6000 To 2000 Acres of Land more Bought of Ditto 500 Ballance over paid Miss Grace Cosby by Messr. Oliver Delancey. James Jauncey. Goldb. Banyer & Peter Remsen 1150 -- 8-9^ £7650--8-9^ Cr. Augt 1 By Cash paid Miss : Cosby 4000 By Cash paid to the Indians by Peter Remsen by …

Interest on the Above Mortgage for 11 years & 3 * months5pct 372--9--4 / Str. 1034-12--4 Advance a 80 p cent « 827-13-10 1862-6-2 JE7660-- 8-- 94 1762 -- ^ Augt 1 Ballance over paid Miss Grace Cosby By Mess Oliver Delancey. James Jauncy. Gold Banyar & Peter Remsen 1150--8--9 Interest due from Augut 1st 1762 to Octob. 15th 1768 is 6 years 2months& 14Daysa5p cent 356-12--7 …

N". 6, I have had the honor to receive your Lordships Letters N°. 6, in answer to mine N^. 2, containing his Majesties Commands that I should make out some certain estimate of what I thought the Department might require in order to the determining whether any greater Sum should be allowed than that recommended by the board of Trade, and that in the mean time the Annual Expence …

Ocf. that we could, .withdraw them , and some must of necessity remain until the Lakes and Rivers are open ; I am Extremely happy to find that those Remarks which I humbly offered on the subject of the reform have been honored with his Majestys attention -- It would much Exceed the bounds of a Letter to enter minutely into so multifarious a subject, or to point out the various …

My Lord, I would willingly avoid any reflection on the people here, especially those amongst them whose Errors may be imputed to ignorance of the consequence & importance of a subject laid before them but when your Lordship considers the Characters disposition and practice of those who grant money for publick service in America it will not appear new or Extraordinary to …

Whatever Resolutions they may take I shall do all in my power to second, and promote them but I found that the dutys expected from the Colonies are so complicated with many others, and the Execution of them so uncertain that I fully persuade myself your Lordship will pardon me for the Liberty I have taken in declaring my thoughts as to the Event, -- If the duty of Commissaries …

It was not in my power to Act otherwise than I did as from all the Intelligence I could procure It was deemed the Intention of the Crown to purchase the soil ui all the Royal Governments, had it been otherwise I believe it would have appeared, that the Adjustment of the Quotas of the respective Colonies with their Local Views and Interests if they became the purchasers, would …

Suppose j£10 Ster. for each Thousand Acres, over & besides fees & Quit rent, (which Sum, is about the usual Rate of the Ind'^, purchase and will on a Million of Acres produce j£10,000. Ster) That in such case, the Crown will be very soon reimbursed without reckoning the annually accruing SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 931 from the Grants. -- This is humbly offered in case his Majesty …

It was therefore natural for them to found their expectations on such a plan as seemed best for their Interests, this was all that was meant by the Observation in my former Letter In order to Shew as I thought it my duty to do that the hopes & desires of the Ind^. were founded on an Establishm^ under the immediate direction of his Majestys Servants, not as any remark of mine …

which I shall discharge to the utmost extent of my power & the fund allowed, as becomes a Good Subject & your Lordships &ca. The Rt. Honble The Earl of Hillsborough. THE SAME TO THE SAME. Johnson-hall Feby 25th. 1769. • My Lord, In my last which was wrote a few days past I had the honor to answer your Lordships Letter (N" 6) and now have that of Nov' last (No 7) withinclosures …

It may be that these proceedings are not by Authority of the French or Spanish Courts it is likewise probable that they may be in some circumstances exaggerated, but the effect is unluckily the same, as the Indians believe that they are all by Authority of these Crowns, and the large presents they have from time to time received, farther confirm them in the Opinion that they …

Interest and inclination to disturb the Tranquillity of the British Government, they would be guilty of so doing without any Authority how much more if connived at or perhaps countenanced by France or Spain, which My Lord is far from being improbable if either of these Courts, have a War in View, in that case the incursions of the Indians would prove of infinite use to them …

I humbly offer my most dutifull regards for the Kings Speech, and the addresses which I had the honor to receive, the firmness of the former, and the Unanimity expressed in the latter afforded me high satisfaction and gave me reason to hope that the unhappy disputes, excited by some Turbulent Zealots in this Country will be speedily terminated in a manner consistent with the …

As I some time ago wrote M'" Commissioner Jefferies (from whome and M^ Montague I have received a fresh power of Attorney) and desired that he would give me particular Instructions forthwith, concerning the Deficiency Mortgage & other matters I cannot be as explicit as I could wish until the receipt of his Answer w^hich I may shortly expect ; -- In the mean time give me Leave …

Indeed I formerly understood that both Tracts were equal in quantity, however I hope all these matters will be Settled in a Satisfactory manner and that I shall be enabled to write you soon thereon in consequence of my Letter to the Gentlemen who are the late Mrs Cosbys Executors. Messrs DeLancey, Jauncey, Banyar &, Remsen. HON. OL. DELANCEY TO SIR W^. JOHNSON. New York ye 26 …

following is an Extract that Relates to you (viz) I am supean«J by Abraham Sterling who maryed a Sister of S^^ W™ Johnsons to make Him pay the Legacy His uncle left them but as there does not appear to be any thing due by His Account I dont know how this affair is to End These People give me a great Deal of trouble he certainly was in His Uncles debt he ought to Rectify this …

by the above Extract you^ see that Lady Warren is made very uneasy by your Relations on Ac* of the Supposed Demand on you I hope you^ write fully on this matter that I may send a copy of your Letter to Her that she may be able to satisfy the Claimants and free Her self from the uneasiness she Labours under from M^ Sterlings soUcitations I have nothing to add but that I always …

I believe every body must allow that the Inspec tion of his Accot against me alone can not determine such a matter, mine against him has already been before Gentlemen of reputation & Character, his own friends, & one of them is still Living. I am ready to prove it on Oath, as well as to Shew that many considerable Articles have not been charged by me which would have made the …

I beg you may assure Lady Warren that I esteem her too much to wish to occasion her any perplexity, & hope I may not be reduced to that necessity, and I have that respect for my Uncles reputation & memory to suppose that coolly he would never have disappointed his Relations by so Extraordinary a Legacy, but the Circumstances & manner of his death will sufficiently Justify me …

Will, as I really think I have been the greatest Loser by it, If a man may be said to Lose that which he was not actually possessed of. -- I imagine that a thorough knowledge of the affair will free Lady Warren from future Trouble with Sterling, & me from the necessity of taking measures which regard for Sir Peters memory & connections would induce me to avoid unless compelled …

Tho' Patriotism is the pretext on most such occasions I look upon it as you do that the late Contest was really of another nature, but in this Patriotic Age, no poirit can be carried under any other Colours, it is a Charm with which the populace have been often led to Measures highly dangerous & Injurious to their true Interests & it will always be the Case in free Governments …

of the feudal Tenures, and Imagined that mine might be so to with such priviledges as they have, for the rest I shall think of it and doubt not of the friendship or Assistance of your Son & M"" Banyar on the occasion. -- Whenever it is agreable to you I shall be verj' Glad to hear from you & shall always Cultivate your friend by Correspondence by \\Titing you any thing that …

This Report has been referred by the King's command to the consideration of such of His Servants, upon whose advice His Majesty relies in matters of the greatest importance ; and I am thereupon to signify to you, that if you have not been able, in consequence of my letter of the 4^^ of January last N^ 8, to induce the Six Nations and their Allies to except out of the cession …

As to the Grant ojf Land made to the Indian Traders and to M"" Croghan, it is His Majesty's pleasure that you should acquaint the Indians, that His Majesty does not think fit at present to confirm those Grants, reserving that matter for further consideration, when those persons shall make application to His Majesty thereupon and when the nature, extent, and situation of the …

With regard to what appears, in the proceeding at the Congress, of the wishes of the Indians to have their commercial as well as their political concerns managed in the manner suggested in the Plan of 1764, I have already so fully explained to you the Reason and Necessity for departing from that Plan, that I have only in command from the King to desire that you will not fail …

I make no doubt of its being readily accepted by them, and am only concerned Least the Virginians especially the frontier Inhabitants should take possession of and begin Settlements on those Lands, If this is done after the Indians are informed that his Majesty declines them, it will create very Strange Suspicions amongst them & doubtless produce ill consequences, I ought to …

At this distance as it is often impracticable to wait for particular Instructions in many occurring cases So it is as impossible to forsee every event, & of course Instructions cannot be expected in every circumstance, his Majestys Indulgence has therefore often left it in the power of his Servants to do many things for the good of the Service till his Royal pleasure is more …

premises, I observed in a former letter that the Minutes of private Conferences with the chiefs where the principal matters are first resolved on, were by much too Voluminous to be ever transmitted, it would there appear, that the Indians insisted in Such Warm Terms on the justice of their Claim to the Cherokee River that I was necessitated either to disoblige them in a high …

I have already observed that I shall forthwith execute the orders transmitted in your Lordships last Letter, in the best manner I can as I shall every other part of my Duty particularly endeavouring to discover the designs of all Secret Enemies who by their Machinations threaten us with danger, among other Instances of Vf^^ I find from the examination of a man who is lately …

winterecl, who brought belts from the French Settlements, which were imediately forwarded thro the nations to the Lakes, the purport of which tho' kept very private was to promote a union for the Execution of some plan, & tliat those Messengers made particular inquiry concerning the strength & number of men at the Outposts There has likewise been an alarm at Detroit which put …

I am with the utmost respect. My Lord &*=. The Rt. Honbie the Earl of Hillsborough. Endorsed June 24ti» 1769 To the Earl of Hillsborough. Your Lordships last letter acquainting me that my proceed^, were still before the Lor^^ of Trade^ is just come to ha«d. SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 943 THE SAME TO THE SAME. Johnson Hall Augt 20th 1769 My Lord, On my way from the Country of the …

On my way from the Country of the Senecas, whither in my Letter of the 24*1^ June (N" 9) I informed your Lordship I was then destined, I had the honour to receive your Lordship's of the 13^1' May (N" 10) and I herewith inclose a seperate Letter on the Issue of my Journey and proceedings, humbly requesting that your Lordship will so far indulge me as to allow the Subject of …

In order to this, permit me to remind your Lordship, That in former Letters I shewed that between the first mention of a Bonn dary Line (which was soon heard of throughout the Colonies) and my receiving orders for concluding it, so much time had elapsed as gave our Enemys opportunity to misrepresent our Intentions to the Indians, so that after procuring and Transporting a …

These Conversations and previous Transactions did not make their appearance in the Copy I transmitted, which according to the Custom hitherto observed contained only the public Treaty, & therefore it might have been imagined that this was of my first suggesting whereas I was obliged to admit the mention of their Claim thro' necessity in consequence of what had passed, & as …

Second, That my orders on that head seemed to be founded on a belief that the Cherokees Claimed a right to that Country, If this could be made to appear otherwise, of which I was certain, it removed that objection. -- Third, That the Inhabitants of Virginia laid Claims thereto in virtue of old purchases some of which had been formerly countenanced by the Crown, & that the back …

When I considered all these points, & that whatever might have of late been said of the pretensions of the Cherokees, the North" Confederacy were more powerful & more inclined to dispute, and their dispute of more dangerous consequence, I couUl no longer hesitate as to the part I had to act, and I fully persuade myself that on due consideration of the premises, the motives …

It was well known to Government and approved of, and was mentioned to me in the Lords of Trades Plan, and Chearfully agreed to by the Indians who were disposed to give the sufferers a Greater Extent of Land than is in the Grant, had I not interposed, thro' an apprehension that there were not wanting Malicious persons who thro' Envy or Illnature might take occasion to lessen …

I have upon all occasions given as nearly as possible the Literal sense of the Indians as delivered in their speeches, but in this case I softened them, without deviating from their meaning, because I found them rather more animated than they often are, or than I desired ; and altho' this could not surprise any man acquainted with the particular mode of Expression of that …

I know there are too many people within these few years past that either think it necessary to their Importance, to the Interests of their party, or to the Gratification of private resentment, to affect a knowledge of Indian Affairs, however ridiculous or partial their reports might be rendered by any competent judge, as their representations cannot be fully known, they are …

But as th^s would lead me further than (I still flatter myself) there is occasion, I shall only assure your Lordship that all I have presumed to offer isK capable of much enlargement, and can be sufficiently amplified and proved whenever occasion requires ; and that I should not have presumed to add so much to all I have formerly said hereon, but from a Delicacy, arising from …

I shall therefore only add that I sho^l not have a Moment hesitated executing my last Orders for signifying to the Ind* his Majesty's Inclination to decline that part of the Cession but that I was fearfull of the Consequences when as I know that the Virginians would at any rate settle on these Lands, in Consequence of which the Ind^ would all think the whole a Delusion, & that …

SO great an Expense as is necessary for Convening all those Indians Avho should attend on such an occasion, without particular Orders, and I have the Satisfaction to find that herein I acted for the best, as from your Lordship's last Letter I observe that in case I am of opinion that it may be of ill consequence, His Majesty will ratify the boundary agreeable to the Treaty, to …

My Canoe overset, & in ascending the bank I rec^ a very Severe Cut by a fall on my wounded leg which had very nigh rendered me incapable of proceeding, however on finding myself a little easier I held a Congress with them 2 days after which they opened with a Speech wherein they made many enquiries after news, & whether a War was not to be commenced between England France & …

I next went to Seneca, where I had Summoned the chiefs of that nation as also those Indians living near the head of Ohio to meet me, who Soon Assembled to the number of 2000 & upwards, before I met them in publick I was visited by two Chiefs in whom I have always had reason to place much confidence who told me that they had laboured hard for Some months to keep their people in …

That not a Season had passed Since the late peace without the murder of Some of their people by the Inhabitants, That by withdrawing those who had the inspection of the Trade &<^ Frauds & abuses would be more common than ever ; That no business could be Transacted without Interpreters at the posts & that they could not do without Smiths, to mend their arms and other implements …

That they well knew how Slow our people here were, & that altho' Some of the Old people of every nation were still disposed to believe all this. They found the Majority of the rest particularly of the other Confederacies were not. They gave me a long State of the Politicks of the other Nations, on which they observed that the fact was the Indians expected to meet the same …

They are Jealous of us & envious of one another, & I dont doubt but that the late Great present may prove a means of dividing the Councils of the Six Nat«. with the rest, for tho' the sole right was in that confederacy (& double the sum wo^. not have contented nil who desired to partake of it) The rest will probably be Jealous of it of which I am in hopes a proper use may be …

is to pass at the Congress before mentioned, I took leave of the Indians & arrived here about 10 days ago, much indisposed nor am I yet recovered from the Hurt I received at Onondaga, so that I hope your Lordship will excuse any defects in this Short Sketch which is extracted hastily from my Journal. -- On my way home I was overtaken with the news of a Murder of a Young Seneca …

Traders boats & in short blocked up the Communication of the Ohio so that it is no longer practicable for the Traders, whilst at the same time They are endeavouring to form a more strict alliance than ever for purposes that are but too obvious, seeming only to wait the success of their negotiations for the Commencement of Hostilities, and altho' upon these occasions they use …

concerning it to Canada, the Indians who esteem Verchere came to the Coui'^^ at Detroit delivered up Vercheres belt, and also the Speech in the manner sent me, and was evidently altered to prevent his meeting with punishment, nevertheless tho' they have certainly suppressed much of what he said to them enough remains which to a man conversant in their Idiom would be a …

In the mean time the Colonies have as yet done nothing Except j£150 Voted by N York for the defraying the expenses of officers of Trade a sum scarcely worth mentioning & the Gov^ now writes me that he ment<i his apprehensions of the Indn^ uneasiness for w^ant of Commissaries to the members of Assembly but without effect & adds that the Inadequate proviso made for Interpreters …

Tis my sense of these consequences alone that induces me to offer a word in addition to what I formerly said hereon, for I aver upon my honor I never bad the smallest advantage in the SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 953 appointments that formerly existed, but adcU trouble in Corresponding with the officers, constantly sending them instructions & paying their acct^ & settled sallarys when …

In short there is but too much Licentiousness on all sides for by the same acc^t I am assured that Callender a Trader on his way to Fort Pitt with 25 Horses Loaded with Indian Goods was attacked near Bedford by 30 White men disguised & painted like Indians who destroyed & Carried away the Greatest part of his Goods declaring they would suffer none to pass on to the Ind^. That …

We may conclude that as these people cannot in Gen' be kept in order without an Expence that may be deemed greater than its Object, All we can do is to divide their Councils & retain a part of them in our Interest, which I am pretty confident I have Interest and Influence to do at all events; It is highly necessary to prevent a too Gen' union amongst them, and I should rather …

For altho' it maybe said & is in part true that Ind^ are unwilling to fight against one another in our Quarrells, there are many exceptions to this Opinion. There are some to be had who will join with ardour against any Enemy, & many more whom it is policy to retain in our service, who tho' at first unwilling to act offensively from maxims of policy, Yet if by any means blood …

The pleasure of seeing you, would I do assure you be no small inducement to my undertaking a Journey to New York At present however it is not in my power, as you have probably heard that on my late Tour thro' the Six Nation Country as I returned from holding a private Meeting in th. Night, my Canoe was overset & in ascending" a Bank I got a fall by which my Leg was very …

You know the Assembly framed a Bill for dividing the County of Albany, by forming a County on this River, the bounds they proposed seem evidently'the Work of a party for private purposes they Extended Albany Co. to Aries Kill by which means they not only Cut & divide a Number of Patents, but by carrying it so far up the Mohock River must render it a hardship on the people of …

Moore formed Sev^ regiments, as the Old ones were overgrown he divided the province into Two Districts, giving me the Command from the frontiers to the Highlamds as Brigadier General (which in fact was no preferment it was going backwards) What was done with respect to the Militia was really Necessary in order to make them decent and respectable, I however heard sometime ago …

Some Whole Reg'^ were formed within the Dis^ of my Command, without even my knowledge, neither do I as yet know their bounds, and I am told M"" Schyler of Albany who seemed to Influence much in these Matters ^ot some principal Officers Commissions, who really were not Extremely fitting for it ; In the Regiment of Horse 1 have heard of a Majors being appointed that is by no …

Mr Croghan my Deputy now going to Fort Pitt to enquire into the State of Indian Affairs, begs to have the honor of an Introduction to you, having some Land matters to Settle and Patents to take out at N York In which he hopes for your Countenance, as he is a Gent that is Well known, and one for whom I have always had a great regard, I persuade myself he will meet with your …

Y^ friend S"^ W™ Johnson is sore fail'd he is every now & then m a bad way, wherefore is tho* *not to last many years more, which will be a great loss to mankind in general', but particularly to this neighbourhood & I don't see that any one of the Family is capable of keeping up the gen' applause when he is gone. SIR W'^^. JOHNSON TO r GOV. COLDEN. Johnson hall Novr 23d 1769 …

I am really at a Loss which will be the best method for securmg the Lands of the two Mohock Villages, It should Certainly be done in the way that is likely to be most Effectual as well as Satisfactory to them, and in this point your Judgment will better direct you as to what is most likely to be the strongest security thereof, against any future attempts to deprive them of it …

Sir H Moore divided the Province into Two Brigades, over the Northern of which Extending from the Highlands to the North & West Bounds of the Province he placed me as Brigadier, which you know was going down rather than preferrmertt to me did I stand upon Nicetys, but I flattered myself that I might be of some Service & shal' endeavor it, -- The very Extensive County of Albany …

I don't as yet know what is the State of the Militia of Cumberland Co : or whether it is Certainly Regimented, or not, -- The same Divisions that were made for the County of Albany, appear necessary to be made in Dutchess or Ulster Countys in proportion to their Extent and Numbers, I Understand the Dutchess Co: or Coll HofFmans Regt. consists of 2 Batt^s which considering the …

necessary for the safety & reputation of the Province. -- The Regt. of Horse given to my Son, is to be formed throughout the District, there are already a Troop at Albany, one at Schenectady & one at Esopus which sho^ Certainly and w^^ I have ordered to be incorporated into it, & the remainder raised throughout the District in the best manner. -- I don't Apprehend that there …

I should be glad you would furnish me with such Orders as you may think necessary in any of these Matters, as I think it a matter of some importance that will if properly Executed do honor to the Kings representative, in proportion as its necessity becomes more universally felt. The Regiments in the forming of which I had a particular hand were those this way, of these the …

In the return herewith transmitted the Total of the Columns is not cast up, there were of necessity, such a number of Blanks As this return was intended to give you a Genl. Idea of the Whole until one more perfect could be made, and in the forming of those Regiments who now are Less than 500 men, regard was had rather to the Circumstances of their Situation & future encrease …

You may recollect that I formerly wrote to you concerning Milns Patent of 500 acres adjoyniflg my Estate, when you was so kind as to say that you would then Lease it till S"^ Pef Warrens Children were of age, and afterwards befriend me in case I became a purchaser. -- As they are now of Age, I would willingly buy that Tract, because tho' of little consequence in itself it in …

Povvnall having acquainted you in his Letter of the 6*h. of September, that your dispatch N°. 9 had been received and laid before the King ; I am now to acknowledge the having since received your Letters N*. 10, & 11, which having been read by the King, His Majesty was graciously pleased to express, that he had no doubt of the uprightness of your intentions in the execution of …

Croghan, wiiich, as I have before mentioned to you, His Majesty rererves for further consideration, when the persons interested shall apply for his Majesty's confirmation of them. Your vigilant attention to what passes in the Indian Country is much approved by the King, and His Majesty considers your holding an interview with the Indians at Onondaga, and making a Tour through …

That discernment which is so distinguishing a part of an Indian's Character will not allow me fo suppose that the idle messages and Talks of French Agents can operate materially to wean their affections from the British interest ; it rather leads to a belief that Reports of such connection are merely calculated to create foundation for those Demands, which it is so difficult …

Tho' I had the pleasure of Writing you pretty fully on Militia Affairs in General yet from a late Letter from M"" Banyar I find you would be desirous of more particular information especially as to the Regiment at Claverack, I need not give you the Trouble of reading the Case & petitions of the Inhabitants of that Neighbourhood as I understand theyj:iave been laid before You …

It appears to have been concerted to favor his Claim in the disputed Lands there, at Least so it is conceived by the Inhabitants, and the manner in which it has been conducted Justifies that Apprehension, as first the Commissions by Ante dating them are Countersigned by M*' Livingston several Months before he was Secretary, The Commissions of the Inferior Officers are dated …

Ranslaer, another Circumstance is, that they have left out Kenderhook intirely, and that they have taken the Officers from such places and in such manner as Joyned to what I have already Mentioned manifests a Notorious partiality arising in all probability from very Interested motives, and I have y<^ greatest reason to think that Col Schuyler made himself very busy on that …

Capt Hogebooms Case deserves Consideration as I know him to be an old Unexceptionable Officer, & a man of property in that Country -- and that I may in future be enabled to know & report the true State of the Militia within my District, I could wish you would please to Issue an Order to all the Colonels within My Brigade to pay due regard to the orders they shall receive from …

I hope that what I have said on the subject of the Claverack Regiment may be satisfactory, to which I shall add any farther Informations that I may receive being with the paost perfect regard, The Honble Lt Gov^ Colden, Y^s W J 964 MANUSCRIPTS OF PS. I take the libeity to remind you of the Majors Comss'* for Peter B. Yroman of Col Jacob Starnbcrghs Regm'^ at Scchare, that for …

Roberts late of the 46th foot who has for near 4 Years Served as a Commissary, latterly at Michilimackinac in my Department now going for England being dismissed in consequence of the late reforai has requested the Honor of presenting this to your Lordship, an Honor which I could not refuse him because during the time he was employed he faithfully and diligently discharged his …

As to Militia Affairs I don't think it probable that the Assembly will incline to pass an Act agreable to the late Instruction, tho' I should think an act of some years Continuance should be preferred to that Continuing it from year to year, His Maiesty on knowledge of these circumstances, & from the necessity there is for a well regulated Militia here may probably give such …

The people of Kenderhook not only think themselves Affected by the Nature of the Claverack Regiments bounds, but from the Neglect put on some of the principal Inhabitants & old officers by the Nomination of men in a particular Interest as Well as the Appointment of young men never before in any service. I find upon strict enquiry that there is near 2000 men living within the …

a Line drawn from Hudsons River East across Major Abrahams falls to the Bounds of the Province, and that Col Ranslaers Regiment Comprehend all the men South of that line as far as Livingstons Manor, & this I take to be the most Equitable & best division that can be made there, A Regiment might Likewise be formed from the West Side of Hudsons River from the South bounds of …

Sir H Moore when last here spoke to me concerning New Magistrates to be appointed in this Country, and I recommended a List to him of a few in consequence thereof I have since mentioned the Matter to M^ Banyar and (If I recollect right) to yourself, Sho*^ you approve it I can Send you an Ample List of the most fitting persons within the compass of my knowledge in case you are …

Answer the importance of the Object, but the Expence necessary for the Execution of a proper plan and the differing sentiments & Interests of Colonies will I fear render it of little use. At your Leisure 1 shall be very happy to hear from you on these Subjects and remain with great truth & Affection Dear Sir, The Honble Lieut Gov". Golden. &ca. THE SAME TO WW HILLSBOROUGH …

At this Congress the Gherokees Spoke on 20 belts to the Six Nations to renew & Strengthen the late Treaty of peace entered into between them and earnestly to request that in Consequence thereof the Six Nations should unite their Arms with them in order to attack sev' of the Southern and Western Nations who had acted as Enemys to both, after some time spent in deliberation, the …

In short I observed that they were much inclined to Unite «Sc attack those people, '.vhich gave me the more Concern because I knew that when In Jians were resolved on War, if ihey could be divertetl from their favciite pursuit they would be apt to turn their Arms another way, perhaps against ourselves, besides I was sensible of the great Expense that must attend such a …

It is a disagreeable Circumstance that we must either agree to permit these people to Cut each others Throats, or risque their discharging their fury on Our Traders & defenceless Frontiers, for certain I am from the disposition they are in & from the Conduct of the back settlers the Latter may prove the Case, but however disagreeable the Alternative is. Common policy & our own …

prevent, and as there is no prospect of any Imediate remedy to be applit'd for these disorders, & the Licentiousness of some of our own people, my Endeavors Must be directed to prevent Their operation on the minds of the Indians till a more favorable period when the Orders of Government will be treated with more respect, and the people brought to a better sense of their Duty …

This consequence however, which you seem to think would follow from discouraging a War against the Southern and Western Indians, is certainly to be avoided if possible, and therefore the King, however unwillingly, cannot but approve of your adopting the Alternative, and making the security of His Subjects and the Peace of the Frontiers, the principal Object of your attention …

It is to be hoped that it will not be long before those Colonies, whose security depends upon the good Will and Affection of the Savages, will see the necessity of such regulations as will be effectual to prevent those abuses which at present give so much Discontent to them. In the mean time you will not fail to exert every Influence in your Power to prevent these Abuses from …

Since I wrote your Lordship on the lO^h of feby last (N° 12) I have been honored with your Lordships Letter N^ 12 inclosing his Majestys Speech for which I offer my most humble thanks, as also your Letter N" 13 in answer to my Dispatch concerning the proposed Congress, on which Subject I am Extremely happy to find that his Majesty approves of the alternative which I thought …

After great trouble & difficulty I have at length got out of the hands of the Committee of non Importers at N York a Cargoe of Indian Goods without which I don't know how I should have gone to the Congress for whatever is the occasion, we cannot meet those people without some proofs of his Majestys Esteem more especially at some periods as now when Indn Goods are so scarce …

You see my Lord Some of the difficulties in which my station involves me, but I have firmness enough to Support me under greater, when his Majestys Interest demands it of me and the Confidence which the Indians repose in me will I trust enable me to Clear up these disagreable matters so as they may not have any ill consequences to which End the presents will greatly contribute …

I foresee much trouble and difficultys in the Course of the intended Congress, as well from the discontent shewn for so long a time by many of the Indians, & The very disagreable report, before ment^ as from the want of any Appointments for the Regulation of Trade & the little prospect there is, of its ever being duly attended to but on all these matters I shall endeavor to …

My Lord On the 12*'' ult^ I had the honor to write your Lordship my Letter N" (13,) previous to my Journey to hold a Congress with the Northern Indians & Depy^ from the southward, from whence I returned some days ago, attended by so many Tribes, and Messengers on the private business of each Nation, that it was not in my power earlier to transmit the proceedings which I now …

Fiom My last Letter your Lordship has been enabled to form some Judgment of my Embarrassment, arising from the disagreable nature of the business I had to engage in, on which account I held many Conferrences, (too long to be inserted) with the Leading men of each Nation upon my Arrival at the place of Congress, to which the Issue & Determination of the Indians as contained in …

At a time when we are very ill Calculated to defend the one, or the other, howsoever matters may be misrepresented with regard to our Strength or their Weakness for whilst they Exist in their present State they are able to make 974 MANUSCRIPTS OF US Severely 1o feci their power without tiie possibility of the:- Sustaining a proportionate Loss even from a Vigorous Exertion of …

farmers crops this year, and the particular obligations, I was under to the steadyness & good behavior of so many Leading Men amongst them which I was under the necessity of rewarding over & beside the present, but particularly the distress they were in for cloathff, from the total want of Ind". Goods, have encreased the Expence of this Congress much beyond my Inclinations …

The latter are only the principal Grievances which were spoken in pubhck, besides which there were many others of an Inferior Nature not inserted, as they would have added much to the bulk of my Transactions & might SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 975 be deemed unworthy the attention of Government, -- they nevertheless gave me much Trouble, & occasioned great delay, which was of most …

Croghan at Fort Pitt acquainting me that a soldier had shot an Indian there & that another was killed by a Virginian two days after near to that River. The continuance of which proceedings will render all Transactions Avith them abortive, and altho' agreable to their Wishes some farther directions to the Gov^^. would give pleasure to the Ind^. Yet I fear it is not in the …

Circumstance proved no small addition to tlie Expence, as I was Willing to falsify a representation of so dangerous a Tendency persuaded that in so doing it should be approved of. -- Another Circumstance much complained of as well during the Treaty, as since by those Indians who accompanied me to this place is of the great Cargoes of Rum wch (of late in particular) are sent …

They therefore beg it may not be suffered to come to their Castles, or hunts places, & indeed the Licentious abuse of the sale notwithstanding its peculiar profit, is Extremely hurtfull to the Trade in Gen', from its effects upon the Ind^. besides its giving Encouragement to the meanest & most profligate Traders to go amongst them, in that neither capacity or knowledge of the …

Another Head of which your Lordship may find the Ind^. make mention, is their want of Religious Teachers ; on this subject they greatly enlarged, at scv'. Conferences I had with them & appear SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 977 to consider it as so great a neglect in Gov*, that I judged it most advisable to give them better hopes, & thereby put an end to their murmuring, The majority of …

The Mohocks have had Missionaries of the Church of England amongst them from the Reign of Queen Anne till within these few years, they are now without any, & from the scarcity of Clergymen or some other cause, the Society cannot procure them on the Sallary which their small funds have limitted them to, whilst at the same time the Ind^. find that their Brothers in Canada &ca^ …

The other matters spoken upon during the Treaty (tho' they occupied a good part of my time then, & occasioned sev^. hundred Inds. to follow me home,) are such as I trust may be Settled without any Trouble to Gov^ The Messages which the Ind^. have resolved upon to send to the South & Westward, supported by the Steps I shall take will I hope have weight & prove Serviceable in a …

I have in the Course of this Letter touched upon the principal Subjects of both the public & private Conferences at the late Congress this is as much as I could do from the Variety of matters that occur upon such occasions which however trivial in Appearance demand my particular attention, upon the Whole I must observe that the Indians are at present in a state of uncertainty …

To promote which My Lord my Whole Influence & the Small remainder of my health shall be most Willingly devoted. I hope to be honored w^h, your Lordships Comd^ on the foregoing subjects, & am with the highest respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most Devoted & most humble Serv^ To the Earl of Hills Burgh. 14 Aug. 1770. SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 979 SIR W^. JOHNSON TO HON: OL. DE …

This Last Letter is from Mr Sterling who writes me that he has received Lady Warren's Answer to his Bill, and that he is to Collect the Vouchers & Accots against me & to be Supported with her Aid to recover his demand Concluding with the usual Apologies, and the best he can make for so doing : -- To prevent a repetition I beg to referr to my Letter of the 20^''. of March …

His Acct for a variety of reasons which 980 jrANUSCRIPTS OF at present it is unnecessary to enlarge xcpon^will appear very Extraordinary lohilst every particular of mine can be proved upon Oath with some other matters I would willingly suppress^ -- J am not sufficiejitly acquainted with the Legal Mode of proceeding in this Case, but I think it necessary that Lady Warren should …

I shall for the present quit a Subject which must be disagreable to us both, Assuring you that it will give me great pleasure to hear from you not meerly on the foregoing but on any other that occurs, and for which doubtless you will have Sufficient materials, as I believe you w^ill all be busy enough at the Capital in a little time on which occasion I sincerely wish you and …

The last of which came to my hands a few days Since I waited to receive such Informations as I had reason to Expect from the Southward in order to Communicate the same thro' your Lordship to his Majesty. The Advices I have now received enable me to acquaint you that the Great Council lately held at the plains of Sioto is ended. That the designs and endeavors of the Indians in …

As I have great Confidence both in the fidelity and Abilities of sevi of these Deputies I have good hopes that when they meet those Nations to whom they have been sent, they will be able to defeat any dangerous Schemes or Resolutions which are yet in View in that Country, and awaken those Nations fears who have given Offence to the Northern Confederacy, which will prove a …

This is in some measure the consequence of their becoming better acquainted with their own Strength, and united Capacity to preserve their importance and Check our advances into their Country, for at the beginning of the late War through the rapid advances for sometime made by the French &ca, The Indians did really conceive that we should be totally reduced, but as they …

As I know the nature of their unions, and that the Southern Ind^ found many of the rest in Sufficient employment during the Long war that subsisted between them so I could not help suggesting my Apprehensions of the Consequences of the peace I had orders to effect between these people ; but the Laws of Humanity, The entreaty of the Southern Indians and the earnest desire of …

The Indians have for sometime discovered that a War is probably at hand, Many of them think that it has already Commenced, but that we conceal it from them on acct of some Advantages the Enemy has gained, and in Consequence of this during last week I was Visited by Deputations from most of the Six Nations, to whom I gave such Answers as I judged best Calculated for the purpose …

In consequence of a former Letter wherein your Lordship signified his Majestys Inclination that the Indian boundary Line should be continued from where it was made to terminate by the Treaty of 1768. (at Canada Creek or Wood Creek) I have Conferred with the Chiefs of the Nations Interested, over whom I have in general so far prevailed that I beheve they will when Assembled for …

On my asking him some Questions He told me that he was then lately returned from the Ohio, where Jie had been Visiting his Friends y® Shawnese & others, who advised him not to return to this Province, but that he had resolved to return to Albany as it was the place with which he was best acquainted, and that he w^ould endeavour to procure a livelyhood by becomeing a Battoe …

The bill of Sale and other Papers you mention are Circumstances that appear strongly against him, and he cannot prove his assertion from any knowledge of the Language, or other particulars concerning his Tribe in the Shawanese Nation, It is certainly a constant practice amongst the Western nations to sell their Captives of the Pmiie Nation, as well as some others their next …

It would Savour more of Huraariiy than SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 985 to send him as a Slave to the West Indias, whilst any doubts remain concerning his People or Origin. I am Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servant Golds Borrow Banyar Esq"* W. Johnson. My Compliments to the Cheif Justice & let him know that I have sent his letter by a Safe Hand to M^ Lyne. SIR W^. JOHNSON TO LORD …

I opened the Conference the 14th ult" which held for several days; -- I began by acquainting them with the obligation they were under to give me the earliest Information that was in any wise Interesting, & that I was Surprized to hear from another quarter of some dangerous Transactions v,"^^ miglit prove the ruin of those concerned, adding that I expected to have the certain …

Yet I had not neither have I any reason to suspect the rest of the Senecas, or any other of the Confederate Nations Besides I know it to have been before the practise of those Nations more remote from us, & who are apprehensive of the Six nations, to propagate Stories much to the disadvantage of the Latter with a View to Exasperate us against them, and thereby draw them into …

I have always been intirely of your Lordships Opinion with regard to the advantages we may Expect from the jealousies subsisting between one Nation & another, and I have more than once, observed the like to your Lordship, I have been also allways averse to entering into any of their private Concerns. -- It would therefore give me great pain could I have the least reason to …

Those Depy^ are shortly expected home when I shall transmit the result of their Embassy, and I flatter myself that my long experience in these matters, & zeal to acquit myself as a usefull se^-v* to the Crown will continue to me your Lordships favorable opinion of my Capacity, for the office I have the honor to hold, as after a series of successful services, nothing co^ be a …

distinguished Abilities Laving lamented to me the State in which the Ind^. in general are, and observeil that there appeared not only a Religious, but a political necessity for the adopting some good System under the sanction of the Crown for the more effectual Christianizing them, I then & afterwards communicated my thoughts on the subject, in consequence of which he has …

Under these hopes I shall only add that as I understand the Revl. D"". Cooper Preside of N York Colledge will have the honor to present this to your Lordship, I should be wanting in Friendship, if I omitted mine in addition to many other Testimonials of his worthy character & distinguished Genius which renders him an object of General Esteem in this province. As the acct® I …

I have received your Lordships Letter of the l8th of October 1771, & have laid it before the King, & have only to add, tliat it will be very agreeable to me if your Lordships choice of M'. Cunningham to be Commissary for Indian AtTairs in Nova Scotia shall be confirmed by Sir William Johnson, within whose Department it lyes to appoint to that office. I am My Lord Your …

Carolina after having discharged the Embassy committed to him This I considered as I still do, as a sensible disappointment because the fidelity of that Chief, Joyned to his Superior Capacity gave me good hopes of receiving a Circumstantial Accot of all Matters at his return, which I could not Expect so perfect from the rest of his party ; -- After waiting Some Months More, I …

They next recounted that upon Tho^ Kings arrival at Scioto he assembled all the Nations, and first addressed the Shawanese whom he upbraided for retiring so far down the Ohio, & for Confederating with people unmindfull of their Engagements, and in short repeated to each of the Nations faithfully all that he had been charged with by the 6 Nat^. & myself. -- The Shawanese …

Tho^ King then after accusing them of Misrepresentation Ans^. them by a full detail of all their hostile Acts, as also of those of the Powtewatamis, Kickapows &ca Concluding with telling them that He & the other Depy^ were come to restore them to their senses & strengthen the Union of those who affected the English Alliance by opening a Road to the Council Fire at Onondaga, & …

This, My Lord is a brief Summary of the report made to me by Nickaroondase the principal Survivor, the 2 Chiefs being dead, & one of the principal Men yet behind from which & some farther Conversations I have held with the Depy^ who returned It appears to me that the Shawanese who to my knowledge Grasped at the Lands on both sides of the Ohio, tho' at the late conference they …

These belts 1 am assured will be speedily delivered those who promised to see the same performed only waiting the return of the Dep^. from the southward, I have also veC^ Notice that another Gen', meeting is appointed to be held at Scioto, which the Ind^ in that Quarter declare to be intended to Communicate the Sentiments of the 6 Nat^. to those who were not present at the …

I ought to remark that as ams* other fallacious pretences the Shawnese have spoke of the Sale to the Crown extending to Ohio, that it is not of that part which for the sev' reasons I formerly gave I ventured to Continue from Kanhawa to the Cherokee River, but their pretended objection is to the part above Kanhawa, to wliich I was directed to purchase by his Majestys Orders k …

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 …

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 …

Highly encouraged by the favorable Sentiments with which yi" Lordship has honored my proceedings, I cannot sufficiently express my Gratitude upon that occasion ; but by a perseverance in my attention to Ids Majestys Interests & those Duties wch have procured me so flatteiff a distinction. I am also much obliged to your Lordship for the Confirmation of the most agreeable news …

King, Chief of the Deputies, The Six Nations have sent Delegates from every Nation to attend the second General Congress at Scioto, as mentioned in my last, where my Deputy is gone to be present, Whilst my Resident on the Ouabache has Instructions how to govern himself on any event that may arise from the intended Negociations, till when we were likely to have remain^ in a …

A certain man of the name of Ramsay who formerly lived amongst the Indians, and was by Cap* Brown late Commands officer at Niagara sent away to Quebec, to prevent his doing farther mischief amongst them, has since found means to get a small cargo of goods upon Credit with which he went to Lake Erie where he Traded for some time with the Chipeweighs & Misisagas- at a …

Sir WILLIAM JOHNSON. 995 of it by his Brother and others, before the story was new modelled as it has been since to favor him, -- To Excuse his having scalped thero which with Indians is considered as a National Act, and Declaration of War he says he was told that War had been actually commenced between the English and Indians, and that in his hurry & confusion the Woman & …

The nation imediately sent down 15 Deputies to lay the matter before me, & to assure me that they had given strict orders to prevent any sudden act of Resentment, and that they relied on our Justice in affording them such satisfaction as the Case required, as well as in preventing the.like for the future, to which end they (after complaining much of the want of any Regulation …

expressed themselves very favorably, and I am ^villing to hope that the affair may be accommodated, nevertheless I am so sensible of their Resentments that I have judged it necessary to be thus particular, because the Chipeweighs and Misisagas, are by far the most numerous & powerfull nation with whom we have any connection in North America, being second only to the Sioux in …

Had any thing of moment been transacted at the great Congress at Sioto, the Deaths of the Principal Indian Chiefs, upon whom you relied for a faithful Report of the Proceedings at that Congress, would have been unfortunate ; but, if the Accounts given by Nicaroondase are true, very little of Importance was transacted, and the whole seems to have ended, as such Meetings …

Every Day discovers more and more the fatal Policy of departing from the Line prescribed by the Proclamation of 1763 ; and the Extension of it on the ground of a Cession made by the Six Nations, of Lands, their Right to which, is denied by other Nations equally powerful and more numerous, instead of being attended with Advantage to this Kingdom and Security to the Colonies, is …

You well know, Sir, what are my sentiments with regard to the Regulation of the Indian Trade, but as the plan which I had the Honor, in Conjunction with the rest of my Brethren at the Board of Trade, to suggest for that purpose (and which I am vain enough to think would have operated as a Remedy to the Enormities which have been complained of,) was not adopted, it must depend …

Setting forth that the Memorialists and others presented a " Petition to your Majesty in Council praying a Grant of Lands " in America (parcel of the Lands purchased by the Government " of the Indians) in Consideration of a price to be paid in purchase " of the same ; that the said Petition was referred by Order of " Council to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations …

/: cc SIK WILLIAM JOHNSON. 999 ' " said Allegheny mountains, to Lord Fairfax's Line, thence along ' " the same to the Spring head of the North Branch of the River ' " Powtomack, thence along the Western Boundary Line of the ' " Province of maryland to the Southern Boundary Line of the ' " Province of Pensilvania, thence along the said Southern ' " Boundary Line of the Province …

" And for which they offer to pay the Sum of ^610,460-7-3 ' being the whole of the money paid by Government for all the ' Lands purchased of the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix ; and the ' Memorialists did further offer to pay a quit rent of 2 Shillgs for ' every 100 acres of cultivatable Land within the said tract, ' praying an exemption from the payment of the said Quit rent for …

" The Lords of Committee in obedience to your Majesty's said ' order of reference this day took the said Memorial into consi- ' deration, & having received the opinion of the Lords Commis- ' sioners for Trade & Plantations, & heard what the Memorialists ■ had to offer thereupon, do agree humbly to Report to your ' Majesty that it appears to this Committee, upon full & mature …

2d. '' That the Lands in question do not lye beyond the reach " of advantageous intercourse with this Kingdom, it appearing " from divers policies of insurance laid before this Committee '• that sundry commodities the produce of those Lands are exported '•'• II om thence to a considerable amount, & Evidence having been " likewise produced of a person being employed to collect …