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

William Johnson taken before a Committee of his Majesty'' s Council for the Province of JYew York at the City of JVew York the third day of October 3747. The Examinate Says, He is of Opinion, That some Person wl.o has Influence over the Indians, should be sent to Oswego, ami intrusted with presents to be distributed among some of the Six Nations, and the Far Indians, In order …

That the Six Nations have been retained from Hunting this Summer by his Excellency the Governour, that they might be ready to Act as Occasion should require, and are now by that means in want of many Necessarys both for themselves and their Families, For which they would apply to him, as he has hitherto Supplyed them therewith: That he has not any Goods at this Time for that …

I am to acquaint You Sir of my return from Onondaga three days ago, after the most troublesome fatiugeing Journey I ever took, but the kind Behaviour of the Six Nations to me in a great measure makes up for every thing; having receiv'd and Entertain'd me well I would have wrote to Your Excelly a day or two Sooner, but when the People heard of my return, my House was constantly …

I send Your Excelly herewith My Speech, & Answer of the Five Nations, whereby you can form a Judgment, and pritty near how the five Nations stand Affected at present, I assure Your Excelly I had a great Deal of trouble to bring them to any reason, being quite out of Humour, at the many Disappointments they have met with since the beginning of the War, and now again at being …

Wherefore if I may make so free, would Earnestly request your Excelly would please to take f)*!?© MANUSCRIPTS OF it into Consideration speedily, as there is nothing can be done at present would be of more Ser\-ice to our Indian Affairs, I am desired by the Six Nations to acquaint Your Excelly of their want of Provisions, hopeing that You will send them some Indian Corn, Pork …

Wherefore I wish there could be an Addition made to" it, I shall also send up Imediately to call the Six Nations down, again the time mentioned, bat should Your Excelly not be here at that time, it would be a great disappointment j As they Come down, they will require a great deal of Provisions being scant at home, I fear if they are not Supplyed before that time with some …

of an Expedition which I doubt will be the ruin of this part of the Countr)' intirely, and the means of giving the Six Nations a worse opinion of us than we can imagine, & all their AlHes also, and I shall now have the greatest difficulty that ever I mett with, to reconcile the Indians, when they come to hear that we are to do notliing, wherefore shall long much for Your …

The Flag of Truce is gone by my House eight days ago all -well & go on briskly, I sent my French Girle along with the rest. I have agreed wuth a Smith &c^ to go to the Seneccas for 6 Months for je70,but there is no Bellows there worth a pin,so cannott tell how to do in that Case. I believe I can gett all the rest of the Smiths at the same price, but they are desirous to know …

are tliey who had no ommand of their Men. I shou'd be glad to have your Excellency's Directions and Commands therein as soon as you tho* proper, because the men will be dispersing & getting Home, without further certainty. Capt^ Wiliott & his Company is gone, the most of Capt Church's are gone, & the rest are to go, (as I am told) in a few days, so there remains none but Capt …

Pascaud who was order'd to his room when I was at New York upon suspicion of being a Spy, had a Pacquet of Letters to forward to Old France relating to the Clashing between the two Crowns, besides he said at 'York he was of the family of the Pascouds or Packo's at Rochell & concerned in the Bourdeaux Comp'any all w^hich Lydius's family says is false, if so I think he ought to …

This day came here from Niagra the Bunt & the Black Princes Son with their Fighters he first Gave me an account how it had fared with them, Told me he found two Forts Built by the French Smce he went out one at Nigra Carrying Place & the other by Jolm Cair on the River Ohieo he said he heard a bird Sing that a Great many Indians from his Castle and others from the five nations …

I gave him Provisions & Cloathing &«: for his People To the Ualue of five Pounds above what he gave me when he spoke which was three Bevers 21^^. this day came the Couse & some other Sinaka Sacham, in order to go to Cannada he came to See me & told me he was sent by the consent of the five Nations to go to the Gov", of Cannada about the Building the above said two Forts &*=. I …

Drive the English of that are at or near Ohico &. oblidge The Meomies to come and live were they shall order them All tlie indjans who have been here say they and all Indians are to joyn them, while the Bmit was here I had him always with me and did all Lay in my Powar to oblidge him he showed the Greatist sence of it & said he would all ways do what I asked as he allways had …

I am surprized that Governour Dinuidde would atempt to disprove the Message delivered your Excellency from the Five Nations last Spring (" which was that they at a general Meeting "at Onondaga had resolved not to go to Virginia, on said "Governours call, it not being custoiuary among them to meet or " treat of Affairs in the Woods and Weeds (as they expressed it,) " but …

If the String of Wampum, which he was to call the Six Nation by, remained at Logstown, I must own I don't understand how they could receive his Message or Invitation, or return it' by me to your Excellency, it is obvious to all who are the least acquainted with Indian Affairs, that they regard no Message or Invitation be it of what consequence or nature it will, unless …

Oswegoe May 15th. 1753 Yesterday past by here Thirty odd French Canoes, part of an Anijy going to Belle Riviere to make good Iheir Claim there, and by a French man who past this also yesterday in his way to Cajocka, gives me the following Account which he said he Learned from common report in Canada viz.. That the Army Consisted of 1 Meaning the String of Wampum which 1 …

That this Expedition is agreeable to orders Received from the Grand Monarque late in the Winter, that he particularly orders them that they Molest not this Post at any Rate in Consideration of Cape Breton, but any other Post the English shall presume to approach or Settle near where they Claim they are to Reduce if not quitted imediately after warning given. That they expected …

Our five Nations are very uneasy & many who were y^. first and pr .ncipal Settlers at Swegatsy, are returning to their respective Villages, and seem to have much the Spirit of resentment in them that the French should pffer, to take possession, or Settle & Build Forts at Ohio, without their Consents, as they look upon it as their property, and many of them are now Eager to …

Under a view of these things, we look'd on it as a duty, and a necessary point, to lay our designs of propogating the gospel among the Indians before you : and we look'd on it favourable, that you was pleas'd to countenance the business that we were engaged in, when we came to treat with the Indians, and mentioned that difficulty that would probably impede, the success of the …

But now we have cut it off, we have put a Stop to it. You must not think, one man, or a few men, have done it, we all of us, both old, & young, have done it. It is done by the whole. My Brother I would have you tell the great men at Albany, Skenectetee, and Skoharry, not to bring us any more rum. 1 would have you bring us powder, lead & clothing, what we want, 628 MANUSCRIPTS …

My Brother I have a fire at your place, and I would take pity on you and Send you what you need, for your Comfort I desire to supply you and the people round you, with goods. We told you we should be glad to have you send us powder, lead, & cloathing, what we need, and anything else what we want ; but would send us no rum no strong drink; and now send you a belt of wompom by …

In pursuance of his Majesty's said Commission herewith delivered to you, You are as soon as may be to invite or summon the said Nations to a General Meeting to be held at Onondaga at such lime as you shall think will be most convenient for them and expedient for this Service At which Meeting you are to represent to the said Nations that the Interview proposed with them at …

That if the Interview lately intended had taken Place I proposed then to have taken the Hatchet out of their Hands which was given them to use against the French But being prevented by the Reasons before mentioned have thought proper to commissionate you to meet them at that Place in order to perform that Ceremony which you are to do accordingly and in the strongest Terms to …

I mett some French Men there and examined what Pass they had from the Governour of Canadas which I found only allowed them to purchase Ginseng for an established Company of Merchants -- peculiar for that Comodity. They told me there were above twenty sails of transports arrived in Canada this Summer, with People to Settle towards Ohio and that several more were Expected at …

at a troublesome time, even in War. Where should we resort to when any thing lays heavy on our Breasts but where we have always found satisfaction what ever might trouble us. We have reason to* be uneasy, and had the Governour sent for us by the Commiss". whom we hear are appointed, we would not at this time hearken, or move a foot -- Gave a string of Wampum Here follows my …

Wherefore I am Commissioned to tell you that whatever may make you uneasy you would defer till the arrival of the new Governour, who is shortly expected, and will have more time to hear all your complaints than the Present, who is prepareing to return to England, that, and his want of Health, has prevented him from meeting the Five Nations this Summer as he intended, to renew …

In y«. mean time I insist upon your livoing in Harmony with us, as usual, who have, and ever will be your best Friends, and conjure you by this Belt of Wampum, that all differences that may have happened be stiffled, amWtliat the Link of that bright Chain which seemed to be loose, may be as strongly connected as Heretofore. Here the Belt was given Bretherkn -- 1 further …

Yet for this time we agree to everything You request, and shall bury all animosity, and dispute in a deep Pool- so as not to be thought of more, and hope there may never be reason for the like again. Small provocations shall never weaken the Chain of Friendship so long subsisting between Us & our Bretheren, and you may be assured we shall take all oportunitys of dignifying our …

As You enter our Meeting Place with wett Eyes, & sorrowfi,]] Hearts, in Conjunction wnth our Bretheren the Mohawks, we do with this stiing of Wampum wipe away your tears, and asswage your greif, that you may speak freely in this Assembly -- Here they gave the String of Wampum -- Here follows what I said to the General Convention of the Six Nations att Onondaga spoke by …

I am now to acquaint You that the Indisposition of the present Governour, and the expectation of y® Sudden Arrival of a new one, has occasicyied the interview proposed at Albany between You & him, this Summer to be deferred, upon which I am commissioned to treat with You, and at the Same time to Assure You that ye Succeeding Governour will meet You as soon as he conveniently …

You know it vs'as a saying among them that wlien the Fire was out here you would be no longer a People. I am now Sent by Your Brother the Governour to clear the Road, and make up tlie Fire with such wooil as will never bum out, and I earnestly desire You would take care to keep it up. so as to be found always the same when he shall send among You. A Biilt. Qhetheren of the Six …

Your Fire now burns clearly at the old place, The Tree of shelter, and protection is set up and flourishes, I must now insist upon your quenching that Fire made with Brambles at Swegachey, and recall those to their proper home who have deserted thither, I cannot leave disswadeing you from goeing to Canada, the French are a delusive People always endeavouring to divide you as …

As you have always been looked upon as the door of the Six Nations, where all news, especially from the westward, and southward must enter, and go out, we dont hear this Door open as we used to do formerly and beUve it to be worn out, and think it necessary to hang on a new one of such Wood as will never decay, the noise of which when it opens, should alarm all the …

am now to sett up your Stone strait, and rub off all Moss and Dirt it may have contracted this time past. My best Advice is to have your Castles as near together as you conveniently can, with the Tuscarora's who belong to you as Children, and the Scanihaderadighroones lately come into your Alliance or Families, which makes it necessary for me to fix a new String to the Cradle …

You must imagine I was mxich troubled, when imcdiatcly after my appointment to meet you at Onondaga to renew, and put ui order everry thing relating to your AtFairs, to hear that some of your People were returned with Scalps & Prisonners from the Catabaws, with whom you made so solemn a peace last year in my Presence, w^. pleased all your Bretheren the English upon this …

I take this opertunity to return you the three Belts of Wamp*". Sent by you to the Governour, with a request to hinder the Rum from comeing among you. He was verry glad to gratifie you iii it, and that you had seen the 111 Consequences of that bewitching Liquor, and hopes you will Continue in that Resolution always, The Proclamation forbidding Rum to be Sent, or Sold Any Where …

You may be assured we shall take to Heart all your words, & deliberate upon everry Article, and as it requires some time, you must not think it long, if we do not come down to the Lake where you lay, as you expect to morrow, it may be the next day, tho we consider it cannot be agreeable to you to live in the WooJs, we shall make' what dispatch we can -- Parted for that Day …

We are sorry to hear our Brother the Governour is sick, and we thank you for giveing us Notice of y®. sudden arrival of a new One, we shall suspend some Matters of Consequence 'till then, some ^f which we shall mention in order, as we proceed to Answer that part of your Speech relative thereto, All of us will chearfully attend when he pleases to call, and are unalterable in …

We know verry well the Use of the White wing you recommended and are determined to use it to sweep out whatever may hinder the Fire from burning with a pure Flame -- A String -- Brother Warraghiiyagee You may depend upon our Care in defending the Tree which you have replanted from the Inclemency of the high Winds from Canada, we are full of acknowledgements for your Care and …

A Belt Brother Warraghiiyagee We Rejoice that we See the Fire burn pure where it should do, the Tree of Shelter look Strong and flourishing, & you may depend upon our quenching that False Fire at Swegachey, and doeing all we can to recall our Brothers, too often seduced that way. tho we did not conceive we had done so much amiss in goeing thither, when we observe that you …

A Belt -- SIB. WILLIAM JOHNSON. 639 Brother Warraghiiyagee. In behalf of our Bretheren of this Castle of Onondaga, 1 am to say, that we shall hereafter transmit to our Bretheren the English, whatever we hear of Consequence Invariable «St directly, according to the Old Custom. A String-- Brother Warraghiiyagee -- The Seneka's do know themselves to be the Door of the Six …

Brother Warraghiiyagee The Cajugas say they have not been more conversant with the French than the rest of the Six Nation?, they will endeavour to keep themselves as compact as they can, and thank you for this Intuition, being sensible it is for their own good. They also return you thanks for the Pass you were pleased to give to the Tedarrighroones to come, and unite with them …

Patience till the Fighters are all Home, there being verry few Here, when we shall in each Castle consult them, and return an answer at the first meeting with the new Governour This is in part what I projiosed to suspend till his comeing, as I mentioned before 1 returned the Second Belt. Brother Warraghiiyagee You may depend upon whatever can be expected on our part, to bring …

I expected they would first hinder the French Selling Liquor there before they proposed haveingit stopped at Osswego, especially as it is a place agreed on by all the Six Nations to be in y^ Hands of the Englifih, as a general Mart for all their necessities, as well as for the sundry wants of all the Indians to y«. Southward and Southward. They replyed imediately by the same …

SIR WILLIAil JOHNSON. 641. not neglect comeing. We have often stretched out our necks expecting to see you, but have been disapointed. We hope for tljc future you and they will always appear and attend the meeting, as we expect a Mutual Correspondence, we shall not omit sending all the news that arrives with us, and hope the same from you directly -- A Belt SUNDRY WARRANTS AND …

For the like from 1 May 1747 to 1 Nov 1747 228 - - For the like 1 Nov. 1747 1 May 1748 228. - For the like 1 May 1748 to 1 Nov. 1748 228. - For the like 1 Nov. 1748 to 1 May 1749 228. - For the Supplying Detachment of Militia at ^ Oswego from 15 Dec. 1746. to 15 May > 1292.- 1748 on receipt ) For supplying a double garrison of Regulars ^ at Oswego from 23 Dec. 1746 to 23 May > …

Johnson to be distributed Among the ) o-q _ Indians at Onondaga ^ For expences on that voyage 200.- For Goods furnished the smiths sent among the Indians in 1750 & 1751. For sundry other disbursements by hun for the services of the Colony & what is still due him for supplying additional Garrison at Oswego exclusive of what he is to receive out of the Oswego fund for supplying …

Honour approves of it, to detach what number of men you may judge necessary for the reinforcement of that garrison, out of the several Companies usual and an active officer to Command them. Those men when so draughted, and the officer appointed, either to be sent there immediately, or ordered to hold themselves ready to march thither at the first call, but then, I expect that …

As to what is in my power I have done, and shall continue it, viz', to see that tlie Regiment be well armed & equipped agreeable to the act of Assembly also duly exercised, & warned to hold themselves in readiness to march against the Enemy at a moments notice but unless we have a proper number of woodrangers continually scouring the Woods, together with some of our best …

Glen refused the same Commission five or six years ago, so that I dont know whether he will accept of one now. Your Honour is pleased to order that I should consult them gentlemen in the choice of officers, which I shall as far as is consistent with my Duty, and the good of the service & w*^out the least regard to Party Divisions. I can assure you Sir, that I never made use of …

As I am sensible the Militia is at present our only dependance or safeguard, you may be assured Sir, of my keeping it in as good order, and readiness as my Power will admit of, but this I must say, that, were the law relateing thereto, more ample at present it would be of great service. I am with all due respect. Your Honours Mount Johnson Most obedient Humble servant 7br. S^^ …

Braddocks Commission & upon talking matters over with him, that I shall meet the Indian? at Oswego early this spring and endeavour to dispose them to second such operations as he may determine on for His Majestys Service. In one point, & it is a material one. Gen'. Shirley will not be so explicit as I wuld wish, it is in regard to Agents amongst tlie Indians employed and paid …

Secratary Pownalls Letter to me bearing date the 9 October, v,'hich your Lordships directed him to write. I think myself extreamly happy that my Endeavours for Hi^ Majestys Service in Indian Affairs have met with your Lordships Approbation ; to receive the assurances thereof in M"". Powrials Letter before me by Direction from your Lordships, is an honour w^h I not only highly …

But on this point in general, as well as to my Sentiments upon the important Subject of the British Indian Interest & that more particularly as it relates to the Northern Confederacy, I beg leave to refer your Lordships to the Papers I herewith transmit you. As my Administration of Indian affairs makes one whole Section in these Papers, & is put in the light of a …

That of a Fixt Fund I must beg to press on your Lordships as a Point absolutely necessary for carrying on Indian Affairs, so as to put them upon a solid footing & extend them to these beneiicial purposes without a steady & connected view to w^^ I would neither chuse to dispose of the pubUc money, nor continue in the Administration of these Affairs, a precarious Fund may not …

My attention to my estate and every other Improvement of my private Fortune, have been & must be if I continue laid aside as far as they relate to my personal application. I am if I continue in the administration of them, determined to devote my time & Labours wholly to Indian affairs. At all meetings either at my House or elsewhere, not only the officers belonging to this …

Wraxall & myself I do not chuse to apply to General Shirley for as M^ Wraxall sign manual is in the form of it not adapted to the present administration of Indian affairs, I hope your Lordships will judge it proper that both of us may be honoured with special commissions from His Majesty, provided Indian affairs continue in the channel which is at present favoured with your …

I Mill do it as sone as I am able. Pern.iti me my Lords to referr myself in general on this head to y« Letters I have had y« honor to write your Lordships & in Particular to Mr Pownall who I find is going to England as he knows every particulor of my sentiments & is also perfectly acquainted whh Indian Affairs as they stand connected with y« Interest of y" Continent & His …

l8t That a fund should be established conformable to his Instructions abovementioned and to sir Thomas Robinsons Letter to the several Governors dated Octob^ 26. 1754. ^ 2*1 It being of the utmost importance that the five Nations of Indians and their Allies should be gained and secured to the British Interest, that a proper person should be sent with full powers from him to …

4*^ His Excellency considering the Fort at Oswego as a Post of the greatest importance for facilitating the proposed attack of Niagara, and securing the retreat of the Troops to be employed in that service, and having been informed of Its present Defenceless condition & of the weakness of its Garrison acquainted the Council that he should order it to be reinforced by the two …

The Gt)vernors present acquainted his Excellency that they had severally made appHcation to their respective Assemblies for the e&tablishment of the common fxmd proposed, but had not been able to prevail upon 'em to agree to it, and gave it as their unanimous opinion that such a Fund can never be established in the Colonies without the aid of Parliament. They likewise declared …

The Members of the Council likewise agreed that it was highly necessary to send some person with full powers from the General to treat with the five Nations of Indians and to secure them and their Allies to the British Interest and that Coll Johnston was the flattest man to be employed in that Business and for that purpose that the Sum of jESOO Sterl should be paid into his …

The Council expressed their Approbation of the Attack proposed by the General upon Crown point and Niagara as being undoubted encroachments made by the French upon his Majestys Dominions in America and gave it as their Unanimous Opinion that Coll. Johnston was the properest person to have the Command of the Expedition against Crown point. They also agreed to the necessity of …

It was likewise unanimously agreed that in case of the Reduction of Fort Duquesne whatever Garison the General should think proper to leave there, should be maintained, and the expence of additional works which he should think necessary to make there, should be defrayed by the Governments of Virginia Maryland, and Pensylvania, and that if the General should think it necessary …

Whereas by my Messages on the 13*ii & IS^h Days of last February to his Majesty's Council & the House of Representatives for the aforesaid Province in Great and General Court assembled, recommending to them to make provision for carrying on an Attempt, in conjunction with some of his Majesty's other Neighbouring Governments to erect a Strong Fortress upon an Eminence near to …

New York eight hundred, or such larger proportioli as each of the said Governments should think proper, and to cause twelve htmdred men to be inlisted for the Service of the said Expedition, as the proportion of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, as soon as it should appear that the three thousand men proposed to be rais'd by the before mention'd Colonies of New Hampshire …

And Whereas in consequence of my aforesaid Message recommending the said Expedition, & of the Resolves of the Assembly of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay thereupon, Copies of both which I transmitted to the before mention'd four neighbouring Governments together with a Letter to each of them, urging them to join in the same, as propos'd by the Assembly of the …

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 663 and Commander in Chief of the Forces rais'd & to be rais'd by the aforesaid five Governments or any of them for the Service of the aforesaid Expedition ; as also of such Indians as shall assist his Majesty in the same. You are therefore to take upon yo,u the Command of the said Forces, and diligently to execute the Duty & Office of Commander in Chief …

Whereas upon the Recommendation of his Excellency William Shirley Esqr Captain General and Governour in Chief of his Majesty's Province of the Massachusets Bay, That Government and the several other Governments of Kew Hampshire, Connecticut 1^3^ ue Island and this Province, have respectively raised a body of Men, amounting in the \yhole to about four thousand, to be eojployed …

You are therefore to take upon you the Command of the said Forces and diligently to execute the duty and office of Commander in Chief of the said Expedition duely observing the Instructions which you will receive herewith from me bearing even d^te with these presents. And all the Officers and Soldiers of this province employed in that Service And all others whom it may Concern …

if the enemy hath not already some Informations of our Design, Ihey will soon be fully apprized of it & consequently prepare for their Defence as coinpleatly as may be in their Power. It appears therefore to me that 6 Eighteen pounders will be too few to support our attack with that vigor as may facilitate our success. Should we be so happy as to take Possession of their Fort …

An Engineer is of equal if not greater necessity, who should without loss of time take a view of the Artillery &<^. & make his report to me. I hope Sir you will without Delay take the necessary measures upon these Articles. I am u. Albany 29 May most respectfully 1755 Sir your Honours most obedt & most To the Hon^ie hum Serv' James DeLancey Esq' &c. &«. W". Johnson. I dont …

If an act of the Legislature cannot be obtained to prohibit this Sale of Rum to the Indians without any Limitation of Time, I do in the most earnest manner request your Honour, that you will apply to the Assembly to form an Act with such Pains, & Penalties, against this Sale of Rum to the Indians, during the present Situation of publick affairs, as may be (so far as possible:) …

Banyar writes me that my Pattent is ready for the seal, I hereinclose a note of Hand for the amount of your Honours SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 657 Foes, which I hope you will accept. The many disappointments I have lately mett with, together with my purchase of Lands, Ginseng &'=a puts it out of my power at present to advance that sum ; otherwise I would have paid it with pleasure …

On the rear of the intended Fort, there is a clear improved Vale run of more than half a Mile, on the left Flank it will be assisted by the said Block house on the point of the Hill, a Fire between w<=h and the Fort will clear the open Land on that side; the Land is all clear and cultivated in the Front; On the right side there are a few Bushes & small Wood to clear, when all …

In a Week or 10 days I am in hopes the Six Nations will be down with me as also Deputies from those living upon the Susquahanna with a Belt of Wampum. When I have finished my Conferrencel will acquaint your Honour with the result, but till then I cannot with any certainty judge what turn they will take, I hope and flatter myself it will be in our favour, and that a Party may …

How very fatal this may be to the Service, by disgusting the Men already there & spreading amongst those who are to come, and how nece-ssary it is to fulfil these public Engagements with Promptitude & Exactness, past Experience will testifie & the nature of the Case so fully evinces, that I will not trouble Your Honour with any of my Reflections thereon. One thing I must beg …

And tho I think their uncontrolled Intercourse with Albany, & the Indiscretions to which some People there (to give it the softest name) may be liable, is a point of no small Consequence at this critical Juncture; Yet as I expect this day or to morrow Morning the arrival of our Indians here, 9 Nations of whom the Interpreter tells me are on the Road, more in Number than he …

If I should be so happy as to succeed in my Intentions with our Indians, I then propose to bring the Cagnawagas on the Carpet & put our Conduct relating to them on some detirminate footing, in which I hope to have the Concurrance of our Indians. A few days may enable me to give Your Honour such Lights & Informations, as may point out what Conduct ought to be observed towards …

I have last Night with much Difficulty agreed with three Men, to build the two Forts at the Mohawk Castles ; As wood fltt for that Purpose is very scarse thereabouts, I could hardly get them to undertake the Work for y^ Sum. The Interpreter tells, and Stoddert : who comes down with the Six Nations : writes me there are by far a greater Number of Indians coming down on my …

the Cannon, but I now find by Col Roberts's information that the carriages made there exactly answers the Description of those I mcniioned in a former Letter to you & they were to have had as many of them as they had Guns to carry. This being the case, and as they can be made sooner and its imagined better here, than at Albany the Governor orders me to acquaint you that he …

The ten large Battoes for the cannon must be made at Albany : But as the Governour expects the Assembly will come to a final Resolution this Day about our Quota of the Train he says he will Stay to hear what they do before he orders them to be made Those Carriages wee Saw at Alexandria had apartments in them for Shot powder &c which I think very necessary as the Guns may …

Shirley with the Opinions of their two Houses of Assembly relating to the Allowance for my self and the Indian Officers, also a Specification of the Sundrys Provided and Providing by that Government for the Expedition to Crown Point. My Answer to him on these. Papers I send you herewith a Coppy of and also a List of the Sundrys necessary for the Artillery which are not …

It is necessary I dispatch Brazier with all possible Speed thai ray Letter may reach Mr. Shirley in time, who waiji my Answer, he says he proposes not to stay above 24 hours in New York, I hope what may depend on him to settle there will be done before he leaves it. I have not scarce time to eat or Sleep such a variety of Business and all of it importunate for my Attention. I …

Herewith I send you a list of those things which are yet wanting or of which there is not a sufficient quantity in the said specification relating to the Artillery, and which I must earnestly recommend to your Excellency may be furnished without loss of time. The Report of the Committee of both Houses, in which they have concurred, & your Excellency consented, I have read and …

The Pay set down for me, their Proportion of ^yhich youi Province is to be answerable for, I submit to, but surely your Government doth not intend or suppose these Wages (as they term it) is to supply me with Equipage, with necessarys, charge of servants and the various other Expences which the Command will subject me to. I am far from intending or desireing a support for a …

Perhaps thro hurry it may have been omitted in the Report you send me -- for the Wages allowed me are I suppose considered only as a compensation for my Time & Fatigue : tho I make no objection on that head, yet I must on this occasion say, that no pay which even a lavish Generosity might have given me would be adequate to the loss & prejudice I shall sustain in my own private …

If the Indians should agree to assist us in our enterprizes, they will throw themselves imediately upon me for their maintainance, which will be daily a verry great Expence. If the measures agreed upon against the French, of which in my principal Speech I shall give them some general Notices, should be laid aside, depend upon it, we shall loose them for ever, nay I fear if we …

I dread the matters contained therein coming to their knowledge, as it would totally overset all our present measures with them & give the French a handle to set them against the English. Two Mohocks & Four Oneidas went with the half King when he left these parts & I much fear those are the people destroyed. I hope no certain account of it will come to them yet a while & then …

In both speeches I gave the War Belt w^h they took, ever since they have been in seperate & joint Council & have not yet given me their answer. If it should not be equal to all we wish, it will I hope be more than we had reason to expect. I am in private working with the Sachems & leading men from morning to night The Fatigue I have undergone has been too much for me. It still …

I have already mentioned it, that those Indians who may engage to go with me, will expect to be maintained from that time forward during the service, this among many other solid reasons will I hope cause Dispatch in all who are concerned. My time will not permit me to write Gov. Shirley a seperate Letter and at present I have nothing more to communicate to him than what you …

Q What force the French may have with any Conveniency at Niagara to oppose the designs we may have against that place A Its impossible for them to send more than 1000 Men there but he thinks it scarcely probable to Detach such a Number from Canada in their present Circumstances Q What Number of Men the French have at present or may have to support & defend Crown Point in case …

A About 800 besides what Indians they can Muster -- ^that there is about 50 Men in the Fort, that its verry strong <& in good Repair, for there was sent about 5 Weeks ago an Engineer & Gunners to put the Place in posture of Defence j as to the Number of Cannon he cannot say, but there is room in the Citadel for ,2^ only, he is of Opinion if we are able to have Vessels upon …

At a Great and General Court or Assembly for his Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, begun and held at Boston upon Wednesday the 28^^ day of May 1755, being convened by His Majesty's Writts. The Committee appointed to take under consideration his Excellency's Message to both Houses of the 6*^ Instant, have so far attended the Service as to consider the …

towards engaging the Indians of the Six Nation?, and supporting them and their Families during the Continuance of the said Expedition; and that the Treasurer be directed to reserve tlie aforesaid Sura to be always ready to answer any Draughts that may be made on him by Major General Johnson, for the purpose aforesaid, Provided that the said Major General be accountable …

That the Wages of the General or Commander in Chief of the Forces in the aforesaid Expedition be at the Rate of Twenty five Pounds Sterling p Month, to commence at the Df>te of his Commission. That this Piovince do pay towards the Wages of the General and also towards the Wages of the Officers over the Indian Forces in the same Proportion as is before proposed in this Report …

Phips of the Massachusets-Bay, and the Vote of the General Court of that Province sent to this House Yesterday by his Honour the Lieutenant Governour touching the raising a number of Men for reinforcing the Army destined to Crown Point, in case a fresh supply should be wanted, and the said Letter and vote being read and Considered. Resolved, that in case the Army destined for …

Wiune wait on his Honour the Lieutenant Governor and desire that he will be pleased to acquaint Major General Johnson that on this Colony's having furnished and Supplyed the Sum of nine hundred and forty four pounds -- towards the Train of Artillery for the Expedition to Crown Point, over and above the sum of Two thousand pounds the proper Quota of this Colony and the sum of …

The sum of ^£50 allowed him for his Table the sum of ,£457 for the use and Service of the Indiams and JE1500 part of the Sum of 3944^6 towards Supplying the Train. I think it Absolutely necessary to be Transmitted to him immediately His Majesty's Service not permitting the Payment of it to pass in the usual Forms And therefore I desire you to pay those three sums amounting …

I have intrusted you with, I have examin'd into the Stores of the Niagara Expedition ; & as I find I may spare you 62 Barrells of Powder out of 'em, w^b is the utmost I think I can safely do ; that the Expedition to Crown point may by no means be retarded, I have now given Directions to L^ Winder who hath at present the Care of my Stores, to deliver immediately that Number of …

Immediately upon my return home I sent Messages with Belts of Wampum thro' the several Nations, to acquaint them with my appointment, and to desire they would come down to my house with all possible dispatch j they came and herewith I transmit to your Lordi'P^ an authenticated copy of my proceedings at this meeting. Tho' I have not General Braddocks Instructions for doing …

From the weakness of the public influence of this Colony over the confederate nations ; from the superior activity, attention and artful conduct of the French, the British Interest hath been long declining amongst these Indians. From informations confirmed by my own observations and experience, I am convinced that several of the most leading Men in the upper Nations of this …

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 673 schemes of the French, will not only with respect to these Indians, but all those various Nations who surround the Dominion ot great Brittain in America be frustrated but receive a mortal wound. True it is, that to obtain this desirable end, a great expence for perhaps some years will necessarily arise, but the alternatives in my humble opinion most …

I apprehend the common powers of a Gov. merely as such, are not equal to this affair. I hope your Lordpp^ wisdom will fall upon some happy method to terminate by sufficient authority these perplexing matters, which when the time grow more calm, will, if not remedied, be of fatal consequence. I gave the Indians my promise (speaking in their language) that I would write to the …

Thirdly : That a provision be made for Gunsmiths or armourers, to reside at each of the said Forts, that a warehouse of such ( omn:iodities. Rum excepted, as the Indians are in the most constant TOL. II. 43 CW MANUSCRIPTS OF want of, be kept in or near said Forts, to be sold under proper regulations by persons understanding their language who may also act as residents and …

Since my public transactions I have had a private conference with some Indians who tell me, their chief reasons against going to General Braddock's assistance, are, that as they doubt not Gov' Dinwiddle's Influence over those Southern Nations of Indians who live on the back of Virginia, will procure their assistance to M' Braddock, and that if those and they were to meet …

The Colonies have made a provision only for 300 and that not sufficient in many articles. I have endeavoured to do my duty in the station I am placed with regard to Indian Affairs, to the utmost of my abilities. I have neither spared myself Day or night, and have indeed greatly injured my health by it; I shall however rejoice if my conduct meet? with your Lordpps approbation …

The Assembly met here this Morning and Just as I was going to Town I received your Letter of the 30*^ July which I communicated to the Council they and I am of a different opinion from Gov^ Shirley as to the employm* of the Additional Troops to be raised We are here of Opinion they should without a moments delay be sent to reinforce the provincials under Major Gen^ Johnson as …

I hope your Governm' will be of the same opinion with this & dispatch whatever Men you intend for the Assistance of their Countrymen without delay, I have laid a very Strict embargo upon all provisions here except to Halifax Annapolis & Chiconicto in Nova Scotia so that besides the Act of Assembly to restrain all Trade with the French both in North America and in the Islands …

It is expected that Connecticut will immediately raise 500 Men for the like purpose and the Governor is now writing to Governor Phips, desiring that the 500 Men which Governor Shirley recommends to be raised by this Goverment to attack the French Settlements on the River Chaudiere may be ordered forthwith to join you being clearly of opinion from the distance of the place that …

Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that there be forthwith raised and Subsisted by this Colony four hundred effective Men Officers included to Reinforce and Strengthen the Army SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 677 destined to Crown Point And the said Resolution being read a second lime Resolved that the House do agree with the Committee in the aforesaid Resolution. Ordered …

The Committee appointed to take under Consideration, His Honour the Lieut Governour's Speech, to the two Houses, are humbly of opinion, that there be forthwith raised, in the pay of this Government, Three hundred Men, in addition to the Five hundred Men, ordered to be raised last Session, and sent as soon as possible to join & Strengthen the Forces now gone to Crown Point, all …

And that there be allowed three Shillings, to the Ofl5cer, for each of the said three hundred Men inlisted by him : And it is further Ordered that the like Bounty, and Encouragement, be allowed to each of the Five hundred Men, to whom this Court in their late Session, allowed Six Shillings to hold Himself in readiness, for the Service, including the said Six Shillings : And …

Sir I arrived yesterday at this Camp. This morning 1 called a Council of War, the minutes of which I inclose your Honour. I could not as yet have Returns from the whole Army as some of the Troops are not yet come up, but by the best judgment we cati make, the number of the whole will not exceed 2850 men fit for 'marching to Crown Point. The army is in general pretty healthy …

Cockcroft with his Reg*, is not yet come up, but I hope are to day at the great Falls ab*. 8 miles from hence. I sent 30 Empty Waggons back from Stillwater to lighten his Battoes for to that place there is scarce water to swim a light loaded Battoe. There have been great Desertions in his Reg*. & a great deal of uneasiness, partly owing to the Connecticut Troops & partly to …

I shall acquaint them that I have wrote to your Honour upon this Subject & I hope proper care will be taken therein. When they were ordered to inarch from the Flatts, WSU MANUSCRIPTS OF they absolutely refuseil to strike their Tents until their Billeting money was paid, wl» the Pay masters refused to do, tlio the Capt» offered to indemnify them for the same, this retarded our …

Governour of New York wherein He advises Him, that the Assembly of that Province had made a resolve to raise 400 Men in order to Reinforce the Troops already Raised upon the present Expedition against Crown Point ; And Major General Lyman laid before the Board a Letter he had reC*. SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 681 from Governour Fitch of Connecticut, wherein he desires to know if it …

General Johnson then put the following Question -- whither He should write to the Commander in Chief of Massachusetts Bay to desire that the 500 Men intended to makie a Diversion upon the River Chaudiere supposed to be raised in the said Province be imediately sent to join this Army. Agreed in the affirmative Nem : Con : This Council of War are of opinion that Authenticated …

That we have many natural Obstacles to expect -- that the French may of themselves out number us -- that they will take post and Fortify themselves in some advantageous Place on this side Crown Point, probably at Tionderoga that they will greatly out Number us in Indians, and that by the Cognawagas engaging in their favour, our Indians will in general be less willing to take …

As I think the Troops under my Command both Officers and Men Seem to be animated with becommg resolution and Courage, I hope they will approve themselves in all respects worthy of the confidence which their country hath reposed in them and I shall endeavour to the utmost of my abilities to fulfil the Duties of that -'Station in which I am placed. If we should not be so happy …

I hope the Governments in General and yours in particular will consider the naked state of their people who in the approaching season will .stand in need of some warm Cloaths and Bedding, surely they deserve this consideration and relief, and I think it would be an affront to the Humanity and generousity of your Colony if they needed any arguments to stimulate them on this …

You will see by the minutes of Council of War, what they think necessary with regard to the New Hampshire Troops and as they are a fine Body of Men & we stand so much in need of them, I concur in opinion with the Council of War & have sent an Express to Col: Blanchard to join us with all possible Dispatch & I doubt not but the Colony of New Hampshire will readily put the …

As to Gov^ Shirley s Conduct and mine with regard to Indian Affairs, I have not time to write out & put Several Papers in 684 MANUSCRIPTS OF order \\"^^ indeed with Sundry others I thought more prudent to to leave at Albany, but upon the present Face of things I hope my conduct will be justified by my superiors & if I should throw the new Lights I have in possession upon this …

The Sachems of the several Nations now ^vith me have this day sent another Deputation to the s^. Cagnawagas to try if by fresh arguments they can bring them over to a Neutrality, and this is to be the last Effort. Our Indians appear to be very sincere & zealous in our cause & their young men can hardly be withheld from goeing out a scalping w^h, is not thought either prudent …

Under this man several others were employed -- these persons wt?nt to the Indian Castle?, & by bribes, keeping thera constantly feasting and drunk, calumniating ray character, depreciating my commission, authority & management, in short by the most Licenlious & abandoncil proceedings, raised such a confusion amongst tht- Indians particularly the Two Moiiock Castles, that their …

I shall only say in general, that a complication of more Scurrilous Falsehoods, more Base & Insolent Behaviour, more corrupt, more Destructive measures to overset that Plan of general Harmony w«=h I had with infinite Pains '^. at a great expense to the public so lately established, could 'iot have taken place than did in y«. conduct of these Agents of Gov^. Shirley's. I spoke …

Numbers of the Troops had gone up without any molestation not the least Interruption had been given to any one, the Traders to Oswego were daily going & returning with single Battoes. those who are acquainted with Indian Affairs well know, that it would have been the worst of policy for the French at that time to violate the tranquility of the country of the Six Nations. Tis …

Shirleys conduct not only shook the system of Indian affairs, gave me fresh vexation and perplexity but occasioned considerable and additional Expenses w'^h. would otherwise have been saved ; the profuse offers w^h. his agents made to the Indians in order to debauch them from joining me, tho' it did not succeed but with very few, yet gave to all such self-importance, that when …

I own disturb me -- I am sensible Gov^. Shirley has in many respects been an active and a useful serv^ to the Crown -- his rank in public Life will natturally give him consequence and gain him Influence. Were I to lay open in a particular manner the whole scene of my Conduct with regard to the public & him, and from the Papers & Letters in my possession to contrast his conduct …

In the mean time I beg leave to declare to your Lordships with the most unfeigned Sincerity as I did to the late Genera,! Braddock-- that my only motives for accepting the Commission & powers he conferred upon me, were to serve my King & my Country at this important crisis. I stipulated with him for no reward for myself -- and whatever Expectations I might indulge they were …

Lordships that if His Majesty should think proper to honour me with the management of Indian Affairs, I am in Duty bound to declare, that I do not think I can fulfill his royal Expectations & do that Service to my Country w*^^. Majesty may expect from me, if my Proceedings are to be controuled by any Gov^. who may by being ill advised or from Personal Resentments or from other …

By Gov^' Shirley's ill-grounded Resentments, from the imperious Stile he writes to me since Gen^ Braddock's Death, from his threatening Intimations, I am confirmed in this Lesson, that a Subordinate Power here with regard to Indian affairs & a Fund dependent upon the will & pleasure of his Majesty's Gov^^ in these Colonies will be incompatible both with my abilities and …

When the Battoes (certain small Boats so called) are brought from the last Fort I caused to be built at the Great Carrying Place ah^ 17 miles from hence, I propose to go down this Lake with a part of the Army dnd take post at the end of it about 50 miles from hence at a pass called Tionderogue ab* 15 miles from Crown Point there wait the coming up of the rest of the Army & …

That he heard Major General Johnson was attacked in his Camp at Lake George by a Body of about 4 or 5000 French, on Monday Morning last about 10 oclock, that the Battle continued about 6 Hours, and then the French retreated precipitately leaving all their Baggage and all their Provisions -- That he heard 6 or 700 of the French were killed, and about 100, of the English Among …

That he heard at Albany there was only 27 of our Indians killed. That he heard the French Indians run away after being drove up twice to the Cannon by the French. That the French General is dangerously wounded and him and his Aid de Camp Prisoners, their Lieut*. General, killed. That our waggoners, who were not armed, as soon as they observed any English or French fall ran and …

Both Expresses then went to Esopus -- and the People were called under arms on Wednesday & discharged and ord^. to appear next day. But that he met one Cap*. Elpendorph with 50 Troopers on Thursday Night 20 miles from Albany, who when he first heard the News push'd off with these Men without waiting for Orders. SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 691 BATTLE OF LAKE GEORGE. [Loiul. Mag …

They heard a gun fire, and a man call upon heaven for mercy, which he judged to be Adams. The next morning I called a council of war, who gave it as their opinion, and in which the Indians were extremely urgent that 1000 men should be detached, and a number of their people would go with them, in order to catch the enemy in their retreat from the other camp, either as victors …

As we had thrown up a breastwork of trees round our encampment, and planted some field-pieces to defend the same, we immediately hauled some heavy cannon up there to strengthen our front, took possession of some eminences on our left flank, and got one field-piece there in a very advantageous situation : The breastwork was manned throughout by our people, and the best …

The Frencii regulars kept their ground and order for some time with great resolution and gpod conduct, but the warm and constant fire from our artillery and troops put them into disorder ; their fire became more scattered and unequal, and the enemy's fire on our left grew very faint. They moved then to the right of our encampment, and attacked colonel Ruggles, colonel …

1 do not know whether I can get the returns of the slain and wounded on our side to transmit herewith ; but more of that by and by. The greatest loss we have sustained was in the party commanded by colonel Williams in the morning, who was attacked, and the men gave way, before colonel Whiting, who brought up the rear, could come to his assistance. The enemy, who were more …

The exact number on either side I cannot obtain ; for tho' I sent a party to bury our dead this afternoon, it being a running scattered engagement, we can neither find all our dead, nor give an exact account. As fast as these troops joined us, they formed with the rest in the mahi battle of the day; so that the killed and wounded, in both engagements, officers excepted, must …

Our brave men fought them for near two hours, and made a considerable slaughter amongst them. Of this brave party two were killed and eleven wounded, and five missing. Captain M'Girmes, who behaved with the utmost cahnness and resolution, was brought on a horse here, and, I fear, his wounds will prove mortal. Ensign Falsam, of the New Hampshire regiment, wounded thro' the …

He thinks by the morning and afternoon actions they have lost near 1000 men, but 1 can get no /egular accounts. Most of our people think from 5 to 600. We have about 30 prisoners, most of them badly wounded. The Indians scalped of their dead already near 70, and were employed after the battle last night, and all this afternoon, in bringing in scalps; and great numbers of …

For these reasons I do not think it either prudent or safe to be sending out parties in search of the dead. I do not hear of any officers killed at our canip but colonel Titcomb, and none wounded but myself, and Major Nichols of colonel Titcomb's. I cannot yet get certain returns of our dead and wounded; but from the best accounts I C9.n obtain, we have lost about 130 who are …

My wound is in my thigh, is very painful. The ball is lodged, and cannot be got out; by which means I am, to my mortification, confined to my tent. lOth This letter was begun, and should have been dispatched yesterday; but we had two alarms, and neither time nor prudence would permit it. I hope, gentlemen, you will place the incorrectness hereof to the account of our …

Hudson's River ; C. Wood Creek ; D. Otter Creek ; E. Lake Champlain ; F. Fort Anne; G. Fort Nicholson; H. The place where Gen. Johnson mhos lo 20 30 beat the French ; H C. The rout of the French. %* Among the Mss. in the Sec'ys Dep*. are the original Muster Roils of the following companies which served in the campaign of 1755. Capt Phil. Jno Schuyler's Comp Albany .3 officers …

Aid de Camp to Major General Johnson, advising that on the the 8''' Instant General Johnson's Army'was attacked in their Camp, that after a conflict of 4 hours the Enemy gave way and fled. That the loss on our side is about 150 killed, and about 100 wounded. That our Indians lost about 40, That the French General is wounded, and about 25 prisoners taken, about 70 of their …

DeLancey to purchase 300 Fire Arms, over and above the 200, now in his hands belonging to the Province, all which the Council think necessary to be inimediately sent to Albany, and doubt not, but the General Assembly will readily make provisions for these, or any other necessary services. The Council were also of opinion, that his Excellency sliould order nineteen Barrels of …

The Council advised his Excellency to issue a Proclamation Ordaining and appointing Thursday the second day of October next, to be set a part and observed throughout this province as a day of publick thanksgiving to Almighty God for his singular dehverance from our Enemies. Which his Excellency ordered accordingly. GENL JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE. Camp at Lake George 24 …

They told me in private that one prevailing motive for their return home was that as the French Indians & they had now drawn the Sword against each other they expecied the Enemy might fall on their Settlements, & therefore it was necessary for their general Safety to go home & put their people on their Guard, call Councills & take eveiy needful precaution, and that when I …