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 The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 367 
 
 
 A CALENDAK OF THE MANUSCRIPTS 
 OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON 
 
 IN THE 
 LIBRARY OF THE SOCIETY 
 
 PREPARED FROM THE ORIGINALS 
 
 UNDER DIRECTION OF THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE 
 
 BY CHARLES HENRY LINCOLN 
 

 368 American Antiquarian Society. ■ [Oct., 
 
 PREFATORY KOTE. 
 
 In publishing this calendar of the Sir William Johnson 
 manuscripts in the Library of tliis Society, little needs to be 
 said by way of preface. The strength of the Society 's manu- 
 script collections is in the Colonial and Revolutionary period 
 of American history and this group centering about the 
 personality of Johnson is typical of the material here available. 
 
 This calendar includes eighty-four manuscripts. Of this 
 number about fifty are drafts of the Baronet 's correspondence 
 retained by him, the latest bearing date Feb. 17, 1774, but 
 a short time before his death on July 11 of that year. With 
 these drafts are letters to Johnson and others, relating to 
 the struggle between Colonist and Indian for the possession 
 of America, the whole collection being an important aid in 
 any estimate of the noteworthy part played by this strong 
 character during the Indian wars and negotiations preceding 
 the American Revolution. 
 
 The correspondence with General Thomas Gage and the 
 Earl of Shelbume is one notable group in the collection 
 supplementing other letters between Johnson and these 
 English leaders already published. A second group of import- 
 ance is formed by the letters relating to the settlements 
 beyond the Ohio. These letters are printed in full in the 
 appendix to this calendar. 
 
 NATHANIEL PAINE, 
 WALDO LINCOLN, 
 FRANKLIN P. RICE. 
 
 Library Committee. 
 
 ABBREVIATIONS USED. 
 
 A. D. — Autograph Document. 
 A. D. S. — Autograph Document Signed. 
 D. S. — Document Signed. 
 A. L. — Autograph Letter. 
 A. L. S. — Autograph Letter Signed. 
 L. S. — Letter Signed. 
 [ ]. — Information Supplied. 
 [?]. — Doubtful reading or information. 
 * * * . — Omissions. 
 
 .<r^ 
 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 3G9 
 
 THE SIR WILLIAM JOHNSOl!^ 
 MANUSCRIPTS. 
 
 1755. Shirley, W[illiam.] Boston. Letter to Gov. 
 Feb. 25. [Benning Wentworth] of New Hampshire. 
 Encroachments of the French upon the English 
 colonies in America and particularly upon New 
 England ; letters received from the home govern- 
 ment authorizing measures against the enemy; 
 steps taken in the past; proposed movements 
 set forth in [Shirley's] message to [Massachusetts] 
 Assembly [Feb. 13] and reply [Feb. 18] enclosed; 
 enlarges upon terms of message and reply; 
 expects to appoint Col. William Johnson to 
 command of expedition; by so doing will avoid 
 Colonial jealousies and obtain aid from Indians; 
 Massachusetts Assembly bound to secrecy regard- 
 ing expedition; wisdom of speedy decision on 
 part of New Hampshire; sends Col. Robert 
 Hale as Commissioner to explain project further 
 if desired. L. S. 6 pp. 
 
 Similar letters sent to Governors of others Colonies and 
 printed: Penna. Col. Records, Harrisburg, 1851, VI, 310, 
 to Lt. Gov. R. H. Morris; R. I. Records, Providence, 1860, 
 V, 414, to Gov. William Greene. 
 
 1755. Wentworth, [Benning.] Portsmouth. Letter to 
 Feb. 28. Gov. William Shirley, [Boston]. Acknowledges 
 letter of Feb. 24 [25?] with enclosures; considers 
 proposals for Crown Point expedition reasonable 
 except that Coos should be fortified; agrees as 
 to excellence of appointment of Col. [William] 
 Johnson as Commander in Chief but is uncertain 
 
370 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 as to manner of appointment [i. e. by Shirley]; is 
 about to summon full Council of Colony and will 
 consider plan in more detail; welcomes coming 
 of Col. [Robert] Hale; "if he can convert the 
 Exeter members * * * he will gain a great point, 
 if not a miraculous one;" fears greatest difficulty 
 will be the want of money and asks advice as 
 to best method of raising necessary amount. 
 Cont. Copy. 2 pp. 
 
 1755. S[hirley,] W[illiam.] Boston. Letter to Gov. 
 Mar. 4. [Benning Wentworth,] of New Hampshire. 
 Acknowledges receipt of Wentworth 's letter 
 [of Feb. 28] and is gratified at approval of plans 
 against Crown Point; agrees that Coos should 
 be fortified; gives further outlines of plans 
 against the French and Indians; thinks nothing 
 upon which the colonies disagree should be 
 undertaken at the outset; pleased that selec- 
 tion of Col. [William] Johnson as Commander 
 in Chief is well received; will agree to any 
 method of appointment of Johnson if the result 
 is the same; Col. [Robert] Hale will be glad 
 of advice in working a miracle on the Exeter 
 men [See: Wentworth to Shirley Feb. 28]; 
 suggests three methods by which New Hamp- 
 shire can raise money for expedition; is to 
 ask [Maj]. Genl. [Edward] Braddock for an 
 engineer; hopes New Hampshire will be an 
 example to the New England "Charter Gov- 
 ernments." Cont. Copy. 3 pp. 
 
 1755. Franklin, B[enjamin.] Philadelphia. Letter to 
 Aug. 11. [Sir William] Johnson, [Johnson Hall]. 
 Acknowledges Johnson's letter of Aug. 1 and 
 has forwarded letter to Capt. [Robert] Orme; 
 [Thomas] Pownall is in New York and letter 
 [to Pownall?] will be forwarded to him; will 
 acquaint Gov. [Robert Hunter Morris] with 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 371 
 
 record of Johnson's proceedings; hopes money 
 appropriated by Assembly of Pennsylvania 
 may be used in part to aid him against the 
 Indians but fears the provision for taxation 
 of lands of the proprietors will cause the Gov- 
 ernor to veto the appropriation measure; 
 "Thus, from petty private Considerations in 
 particular Colonies, general publick good is 
 obstructed;" necessity for union of the Col- 
 onies. A. L. S. 2 pp. 
 
 See: A Brief View of the Conduct of Pennsylvania for 
 the year 1755. London. 1756 p. 39. 
 
 1761. [Johnson, Sir William.] Fort Johnson. Letter to 
 Dec. 9. William Smith, D[avid] Bostwick, P[hilip] V. B. 
 
 Livingston, William Livingston and David Van- 
 home, [New York]. Expedition to Detroit pre- 
 vented acknowledgement of their letter of Jun. 
 22; introduced [Samson] Occom to the Oneidas 
 as an instructor in religion as desired by the 
 Society; approves effort to obtain influence over 
 Indians through religious teachers as French 
 have done; will do his utmost to aid them in 
 their efforts to this end. Draft. Ip. 
 
 The men addressed were the American Correspondents 
 of the British Society for propagating Christian knowledge. 
 
 1762. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Mar. 30. [Thomas] Fitch, [Hartford]. Sends speech of 
 
 Mohawk Indians at Johnson Hall [giving their 
 opinion of the claims of the Susquehanna Co. 
 to land in New York and results, if claim be per- 
 sisted in]; has met Eliphalet Dyer and [John] 
 Woodbridge : warned them as to results of settle- 
 ment in Wyoming Valley, but they insisted on 
 claim of Connecticut to the country and inten- 
 tion of founding a settlement; declares "that 
 effusion of blood and depopulating of the 
 frontier must inevitably follow" if this intention 
 
372 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 is fulfilled; hopes Fitch will intervene in matter. 
 Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1762. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Sep. 21. [James] Hamilton, [Philadelphia]. Has been 
 
 visited by deputies from the Susquehanna Com- 
 pany of Connecticut and has convinced them 
 of the unwisdom of settling in the Wyoming 
 Valley; fears these efforts, with the proclamation 
 of Gov. [Thomas Fitch], will not prevent settlers 
 from Connecticut coming; has laid the matter 
 before the Lords of Trade; if settlement 
 is made, expects Indians to resort to force; 
 outbreak should be prevented if possible. 
 Draft. 2pp. 
 
 The deputies from Connecticut were Joseph Chew and 
 Col. Thomas Fitch. 
 
 1763. [Bradstreet, John.] Albany. Letter to [Sir Jeffrey 
 Nov. 7. Amherst, New York]. Regrets that Amherst 
 
 is to give up the command of British forces in 
 America so soon; Indians recently at Albany 
 suspected of being spies; they have been sent 
 to Sir William Johnson; hopes they will not be 
 allowed to escape as they deserve death; Indians 
 would despise English if spies were not punished. 
 Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1763. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Nov. 17. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Can not give full 
 opinions but embraces opportunity of [Henry?] 
 Gage sent by Commodore [Joshua] Loring to 
 write short letter; thinks former has reformed 
 "from the indiscretion to which youth are 
 often subject " ; hopes he may receive commission 
 in Commissary Department; friendly Indians 
 fear war from the Delawares; doubts the loyalty 
 of the Onondagas; will write more fully soon. 
 Draft. Ip. ^ 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 373 
 
 1763. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Nov. 23. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Refers to letter 
 
 of Nov. 17; describes the attitude of various 
 Indian tribes; many are apprehensive of resent- 
 ment of enemies and must be treated carefully 
 if they are to be held; advice as to an expedition 
 against the Senecas ; proposes movements against 
 the Dela wares and Shawanese ; some Canadians 
 to be taken to dispel Indian hope of French 
 aUiance; has written the Lords of Trade as to 
 conditions and in regard to enlisting Indians; 
 asks Gage's opinion; if latter agrees with idea 
 of enlistment, requests him to give orders on 
 [John] Bradstreet for supplies of arms as well as 
 presents for Indians; will report results of confer- 
 ence with Indians as soon as held. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jan. 12. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Summarizes inter- 
 views with Senecas and Indians from the Five 
 Nations; the enlistment of Indians in colonial 
 forces; Lt. [John] Montresor and others have 
 informed him of proposals made by Indians at 
 Detroit; distrusts Indian promises and would 
 have retained hostages if authorized ; French will 
 endeavor to arouse Indians and will supply them 
 with ammunition; English policy is to arouse 
 antagonisms between the various tribes; by 
 continuance of presents would make them look 
 to English rather than to the French for favors; 
 encloses accounts of [Thomas] McGee, deputy 
 agent ; they are certified by Col. [Henry] Bouquet ; 
 warrants on paymaster general requested. 
 Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jan. 20. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 Gage's letter of Jan. 8 with dispatches for Niag- 
 ara and Detroit; difficulties of forwarding them 
 
374 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 but hopes to do so ; refers to his letter of Jan. 12, 
 and repeats certain news as to Indian interviews; 
 steps taken against Senecas and a white man 
 with them; latter lodged in Albany gaol; [John] 
 Ellison who was captured in 1762 has obtained 
 his freedom and reports that the friendly Senecas 
 may be relied upon; sends Capt. [Daniel] Glaus 's 
 account of Indian expenses. Draft, 2pp. 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jan. 27. [Thomas] Gage, [New York?]. Acknowledges 
 letter of [Jan.] 12 forwarded by [John] Bradstreet; 
 discusses royal proclamation [of Oct. 7, 1763] 
 agreeing with Gage as to its utility in the "south- 
 em acquisitions"; northern lands on a different 
 footing; Indian problems in Canada and in 
 the Northwest; advantages of missionary work 
 among the Indians; recommends Niagara as 
 a fitting place for Indian treaty; has heard from 
 Lt. Gov. [John] Penn regarding the Conestoga 
 massacre: fears the consequence of this act 
 despite Penn's proclamation. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Feb. 19. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letters of Jan. 31 and Feb. 6; white deserters as 
 well as prisoners among the Indians; expected 
 outbreak of southern Indians following that 
 of the northern tribes; speaks encouragingly of 
 number of friendly Indians whom he can rally 
 to British side; urges a treaty of offensive and 
 defensive alliance with friendly Indians; speci- 
 fies provisions favored; [Daniel] Glaus not able 
 to reach Montreal; asks certificate as to rank 
 of Lt. [Guy] Johnson that latter may obtain land 
 under royal proclamation; case of Ghristopher 
 ■ Strubble who deserted from [William] Shirley 
 and has been among Indians; returned in 1759 
 and was forgiven; other notes. Draft. 4pp. 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 375 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Mar. 2. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Express just 
 arrived from a party of friendly Indians sent 
 against enemy; on Feb. 26 party heard of Del- 
 awares on way to attack English settlements 
 and on Feb. 27 friendly Indians attacked them, 
 took 41 prisoners from Delawares and sent 
 them under escort to Johnson Hall; writer 
 expects them in a few days; among prisoners 
 is "Capt Bull" son of Teedyuscung; asks Gage's 
 opinion as to furnishing guard for villages of 
 friendly Indians while latter are on campaign; 
 will send prisoners to Albany upon arrival. 
 Draft. Ip. 
 
 Friendly Indians were conunanded by Capt. Andrew 
 Montour. 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Mar. 16. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letters of Mar. 4 and 8; considers it wise to have 
 troops near when peace treaties are made with 
 Indians, and June a proper time for meeting at 
 Niagara; advice for instructions to Maj. [Henry] 
 Gladwin at Detroit; general meeting of Indians 
 at Onondaga; ideas as to obtaining tracts of 
 land from them; news regarding capture and 
 disposal of hostile Indians; [See letter of Mar. 
 2.] confessions of Capt. Bull; hostile Indians 
 increasing and "the sooner some troops move 
 will certainly be the better"; plans for joint 
 action of friendly Indians and troops; advances 
 of money made to Indians; further advances 
 necessary; needs £5000 at once for presents, 
 and 100 light shotguns for other uses; advantages 
 of employing Indians. Draft. 6pp. 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 
 Apr. 6. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 
 letters of Mar. 26 and 29; favorable results of 
 
376 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 negotiations with Senecas, Five Nations, and 
 other Indians at Johnson Hall; expeditions 
 against the Dela wares; backwardness of prov- 
 inces in raising troops; advice as to expedition 
 against Western Indians; approves sending one 
 party via Lake Ontario and Erie to Presque Isle, 
 and a second party down the Ohio and up the 
 Muskingum; this would encourage friendly Indi- 
 ans; English parties could join by means of the 
 carrying places of the Scioto [to Lake Erie]; 
 hopes to hear of destruction of French at Detroit; 
 urges need of money; great benefit of enlisting 
 Canadians against the Indians; congratulates 
 Gage on being chosen Commander in Chief in 
 America. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 The treaty with the Senecas referred to in this letter is 
 printed O'Callaghan: Documents relating to the Colonial 
 History of the State of New York, VII, 621-623. 
 
 1764. [Bradstreet, John.] Albany. Letter to [Thomas 
 Apr. 30. Gage, New York]. Acknowledges letters of 
 Apr. 22 and 23 and has forwarded packet to 
 Detroit as requested; has written Maj. [Henry] 
 Gladwin; arms for troops; has directed Capt. 
 [John] Montresor to order New York levies to 
 Oswego at once; Lt. Col. [Maj. William] Brown- 
 ing urges the forward movement fearing attacks 
 at carrying places; assistance expected from 
 Sir William Johnson. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1764. [Bradstreet, John.] Albany. Letter to [Sir William 
 May 5. Johnson, Johnson Hall]. Has written Maj. 
 [Alexander] Duncan to hold troops at Oswego 
 until [Johnson's] arrival; is expecting last of 
 provincial recruits hourly and will be on march 
 shortly so requests Johnson to await him at 
 Oswego; names men and garrisons to be left 
 at Fort Stanwix and Oneida Lake ; Lt. [Cornelius] 
 Cuyler to join Capt. [Ephraim] Lake at Fort 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 377 
 
 Stanwix the latter to command; requests that 
 Johnson's men be summoned from Fort Schuyler, 
 Draft. 2pp. 
 
 [1764.] Bradstreet, John. Albany. Letter to [Thomas] 
 May 7. Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges letter of 
 Apr. 30; reports from various companies of 
 provincial troops assembling for expedition; 
 has been told by Sir William [Johnson] that 
 Indians are to join the expedition and hopes 
 they will do real service rather than watch 
 "according to custom"; requests commissions 
 for two Majors to avoid provincial Majors com- 
 manding next Lt. Col. [Alexander] Campbell. 
 A. L. S. Ip. 
 
 1764. [Bradstreet, John.] Niagara. Letter to [Thomas 
 Jul. 12 Gage, New York]. Conditions at fort; morti- 
 fication of British troops delaying an expedition 
 because of^Indians, but considers latter, especially 
 the Senecas, untrustworthy ; 100 friendly Indians 
 in camp and more on the way; Sir William 
 Johnson considers it imprudent to proceed at 
 present, hopes the enemy will not retire and 
 leave no opportunity for a battle; wiU send 
 accounts of needs at Niagara. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1764. Bradstreet, John. Niagara. Proclamation to Indian 
 Jul. 19 Traders at Niagara. Proclamation granting, 
 on representation of Sir William Johnson, liberty 
 to trade with distant Indian Nations at Niagara 
 and prescribing regulations under which such 
 trade shall be conducted. D. S. Ip. 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Sep. 1. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letters of Aug. 15 and 16 but has had no oppor- 
 tunity to write Col. [John] Bradstreet; doubts 
 loyalty of Chenusios Indians; summarizes results 
 
378 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 of conference with Indians at Niagara; absence 
 of ''Pondiac" [Pontiac], the ''Powtewatamies" 
 and Ottawas; dangerous positions of small 
 English outposts at long distances from supplies ; 
 such posts give Indians the feeling that they 
 have the English at their mercy; important to 
 maintain trade relations; better protected posts 
 if fewer in number should be kept up; expedi- 
 dition of Col. [Henry] Bouquet not started as yet ; 
 Indian news from Lt. Col. [William] Browning; 
 Lt. Col. [William] Eyre about to go to England; 
 encloses accounts of officers in his department 
 and of sub-agent [Thomas] McGee. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Sep. 11 [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Much concerned 
 at news of [John] Bradstreet making treaty 
 with hostile Indians at Presque Isle; thinks 
 Bradstreet must have made treaty not knowing 
 of advance made by Col. [Henry] Bouquet; 
 treaty may be renounced by English but fears 
 enemy will consider this unfair; despite this 
 Johnson considers treaty void; motives of 
 Indians in treating with Bradstreet; advice 
 as to orders to be sent latter; hopes evil results 
 may be prevented ; has sent Indian aid to Bouquet. 
 Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1764. [Bradstreet, John.] Detroit. Letter to [Thomas] 
 Sep. 12. Gage, [New York]. Transmits a copy of his 
 negotiations with various Indian tribes about 
 Detroit ; eagerness of certain tribes to be included 
 in the treaty; encloses also (a) copies of letters 
 from Capt. [Thomas] Morris on his way to the 
 Illinois countiy; (6) oath of fidelity taken by 
 inhabitants of Detroit; (c) instructions to Lt. 
 Col. [John] Campbell and Capt. [William] Howard; 
 (d)account of steps taken to prevent debasement 
 of currency, and (e) copy of permission to people 
 
1907.J The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 379 
 
 to trade with Indians; movements about Detroit 
 by Lt. [John] Sinclair [Arthur St. Clair?]. Draft. 
 2pp. 
 
 See: Bradstreet, John; Proclamation July 19, 1764. 
 
 1764. [Bradstreet, John.] Detroit. Letter to [Thomas] 
 Sep. 12. Gage, [New York]. As peace concluded with 
 various Indian tribes "is agreeable to [Gage's] 
 instructions", concludes that troops "sent [under 
 Col. Henry Bouquet] by way of Fort Pitt are 
 stopped"; if peace is not kept by Indian tribes, 
 will punish them severely; further intelligence 
 will be sent by way of Fort Pitt; writer is obliged 
 to remain at Sandusky; will inform Bouquet 
 and [Lt.] Gov. [John] Penn if events go wrong 
 or if Indian oubreak is renewed. Draft. Ip. 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Sep. 21. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges let- 
 ter of Sep. 16; Dela wares and Shawanese Indians 
 continue hostile depredations; expects peace 
 with Indians met at Niagara [Aug. 6] to con- 
 tinue; certain Indians north of Lake Ontario 
 have made peace since then; has explained 
 to the Six Nations the absence of authority in 
 the peace made by Col. [John] Bradstreet with 
 Indians at Pi-esque Isle; thinks Hurons and Six 
 Nations regard that pact as invalid; requests 
 by the "upper" Indians for provisions whenever 
 messengers are sent to Johnson. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1764. [Bradstreet, John.] Sandusky. Letter to [Thomas 
 Oct. 5. Gage, New York]. Assures him in answer to 
 letter of Sep. 15, that negotiations with Indians 
 ended in a satisfactory peace and not in a truce; 
 is aroused over its infringement and has sent 
 to every tribe demanding satisfaction; as Gage 
 does not mention time for Indians to send dep- 
 uties to Sir William Johnson he has postponed 
 
380 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 the summons until following year; Indian 
 troubles caused by Thomas King, chief of Onei- 
 das and by the Senecas; experience of Capt. 
 [Thomas] Morris confirms this; encloses reply 
 of Five Nations to summons to arms; report of 
 17th and 46th regiments to be sent by Capt. 
 [Richard] Montgomery. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 In a letter to Bradstreet, dated Sep. 2, Gage had 
 disavowed the peace with the Indians made by the former 
 and explained in letter of Sep. 12. The last named letter, 
 of course, had not been received by Gage when the letter 
 of Sep. 15 referred to above was written. 
 
 After the return of the Tuscaroras from North Carolina 
 in 1714-15 the Iroquois Confederacy is usually spoken of 
 as the Six Nations; Bradstreet reverts to the earlier name. 
 
 1764. [Bradstreet, John.] Niagara. Letter to [Thomas 
 Nov. 4. Gage, New York]. Encloses copies of nine 
 letters giving summary of each in an attempt 
 to justify his conduct during the Detroit expe- 
 dition and return to Niagara; outlines happen- 
 ings since leaving Sandusky; efforts to aid Col. 
 [Henry] Bouquet; loss of boats on lake; move- 
 ments and efforts of Lt. Col. [John] Campbell, 
 Lt. [Arthur] St. Clair, messengers to Indians 
 etc.; difficulties in securing provisions; has 
 received letter of Oct. 15 but three earlier packets 
 were sent on to Detroit;* has "some satisfaction" 
 in approval of conduct except making "formal 
 peace"; assures Gage that on receiving his letter 
 by Capt. [Richard] Montgomery he will be 
 convinced that this power was given him 
 [Bradstreet] and the blame, if any, is not his. 
 Draft. 4pp. See previous entry. 
 
 1764. [Bradstreet, John.] Albany. Letter to [Thomas] 
 
 Nov. 20. Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges letter of Oct. 26 ; 
 
 attempts to explain parts played by various 
 
 Indian tribes during and after the peace of 
 
 Detroit; action of Shawanese, Delaware and 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 381 
 
 Seneca Indians in connection with embassy of 
 Capt. [Thomas] Morris; things done while Sir 
 William Johnson was waiting at Niagara for the 
 Senecas; further justification of writer's acts on 
 return from Detroit; encloses copy of request to 
 return home made by the Five Nations when at 
 Sandusky ; they were allowed to go taking hostages 
 of Shawanese and Delawares to Sir William 
 Johnson ; complaints against Oneidas. Draft. 3pp 
 
 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Dec. 18. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 
 letter of Dec. 6 received Dec. 16; satisfaction 
 over success of Col. [Henry] Bouquet; conditions 
 which may now be demanded from Indians; 
 favors mouth of Kanhawa as point for trading 
 post with western Indians; necessity of gaining 
 over "Pondiac" for lasting peace; possession of 
 Illinois country will defeat French interference; 
 suggests an expedition or embassy under [George] 
 Croghan the latter to be present at peace nego- 
 tiations going thence to the west with troops 
 and with some of the Indians making peace; 
 trade favors to be offered outbalancing those 
 offered by French; has many Indians at his 
 home "full of complaints of wants;" congrat- 
 ulates Gage on succeeding to position held by 
 Sir Jeffery Amherst. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1765. [Bradstreet, John.] Albany. Letter to [Thomas] 
 Apr. 25. Gage, [New York]. When setting out for the 
 
 west [Detroit expedition] in June, 1764, was 
 informed by Sir William Johnson that rum must 
 be provided for Indians "to make good his 
 engagements"; was obliged to clothe those who 
 went with him to Detroit and make presents to 
 chiefs; encloses opinion of Johnson on subject 
 and requests reimbursement for money thus 
 expended. Draft. Ip. 
 
382 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 1766. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter 
 Jan. 7. to [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Has no 
 anxiety for safety of Capt. [Thomas] Sterling; 
 regards with disfavor proposition to abandon 
 outposts; under upright officers military posts 
 aid trade, defeat French and Indian machinations 
 and hold adjacent country to English allegiance; 
 some Americans wish them abandoned because 
 they restrain "RepubHcan designs" and prevent 
 abandonment of "Allegiancy and Dependence 
 to the British Crown"; reports disturbances 
 at Albany over sale of stamps for duties ; damage 
 to house of Postmaster "VanScoike" [Henry 
 Van Schaack.] Draft. 4pp. 
 
 1766. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jan. 30. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Sends letter by 
 [George] Croghan ; Croghan has sent [Alexander] 
 McKee to Fort Pitt and [Thomas] Smallman to 
 Illinois; hopes latter and Maj. [Robert] Farmar 
 . may aid English cause and restrain French in 
 the settlement; writer's plans for tiding matters 
 along until better arrangements are made with 
 Pontiac; necessity of maintaining frontier posts; 
 plans for expedition under Croghan; forces 
 should be sent even if necessary to recall them 
 later; favors reimbursement of Croghan for 
 losses of previous year; encloses petition from Lt. 
 [Andrew] McFavish late of Col. [Simon] Frazers 
 regt. for land due to reduced officers; considers 
 himself in same class; if Croghan expedition is. 
 approved, wishes medals etc. for Indians; 
 encloses accounts of various officers. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1766. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Mar. 15. George Croghan, [Detroit?]. Acknowledges let- 
 ter and accounts of Feb. 14; has forwarded 
 latter to Genl. [Thomas Gage] with recommenda- 
 tion for payment; advice as to method of pre- 
 
1907,] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 383 
 
 senting accounts; understands from Pensacola 
 that the 34th regt. has reached the Illinois 
 country but this will not interfere with Croghan 's 
 mission; probable expense of mission to be sent 
 to Gage; negotiations looking to a meeting 
 between Johnson and Pontiac at Oswego ; intends 
 to appoint [Alexander] McKee Commissary 
 at Fort Pitt; does not object to [Thomas] Small- 
 man at Detroit unless earlier promises may 
 have been made to Lieut. [Allen] McDonnell 
 or Lieut. [John] Hay recommended by Col. 
 [Henry] Gladwin; other possible appointments. 
 Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1766. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter [to 
 Jun. 20. Gov. [William] Franklin, [New Jersey]. Acknow- 
 ledges letter of Jun. 7 with enclosures; favors 
 establishment of colony [along the Ohio river]; 
 hopes he will use every means to bring to justice 
 colonial murderers of Indians; conduct of many 
 frontiersmen unwarranted; expects Benjamin 
 Franklin will have an opportunity to speak 
 regarding the erection of a new colony in the 
 west; [Maj]. Genl. [Thomas] Gage will have no 
 share in such a colony but thinks Lord Adam 
 Gordon would; advises consultation with author- 
 ities in England. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 This letter is printed in full on p. 404 of this volume. 
 
 1766. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jun. 28. Gov. Henry Moore, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letter of Jun. 14; pleased that Moore agrees 
 with [Thomas] Gage and himself in plans for 
 Indian settlements on frontier; is to meet Pon- 
 tiac and other Indians at Ontario in summer; 
 if no more attacks on Indians occur, hopes to 
 accomplish much at this congress in way of 
 division of territory; hopes to see Moore soon 
 and would be glad to have Lady Moore and^^his 
 
384 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 daughter come to Johnson Hall; thanks the 
 Governor for his offers of favors and for his 
 friendship. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1766. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jul. 8. [Gov. William Franklin, New Jersey]. Encloses 
 plan for colony mentioned in letter of Jun. 20, 
 also letter to [Henry S.] Conway with recom- 
 mendations regarding the project; is writing 
 Benjamin Franklin respecting the matter and 
 suggests that he do the same; regrets the hos- 
 tility shown the Indians; is about starting to 
 meet Pontiac and the western Indians at Ontario 
 and does not expect to return within three weeks. 
 Draft. Ip. 
 
 This letter is printed in full on p. 404 of this volume. 
 
 1766. [Johnson, Sir WilHam.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jul. 10. Benjamin ''Franklyn", [London]. At request 
 of Gov. [William] " Frankly n" and several 
 Pennsylvania gentlemen encloses a plan for 
 estabhshment of colony in Illinois country 
 with letter to Secry. [Henry S.] Conway on same; 
 requests Frankhn to forward the latter; owing 
 to licentious conduct of frontiersmen fears an 
 Indian outbreak at any time; hopes to be able 
 to satisfy Pontiac and western nations at meet- 
 ing in Ontario for which he is on the point of 
 setting forth. Draft. Ip. 
 
 This letter is printed in full on p. 404 of this volume. 
 
 1766. [Bradstreet, John.] Albany. Letter to [Thomas 
 [Jul.] 21. Gage, New York]. Has applied to the Mayor 
 [of Albany] as to completion and furnishing of 
 barracks for soldiers; one battahon only thus 
 far provided for; demands of Sir William John- 
 son for boats the reason why more are not 
 available for the troops ordered to march by 
 Gage. Draft. Ip. 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 385 
 
 1767. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jan. 15. the Lords of Trade [and Plantations]. Refers 
 to his letter of Oct. 8, 1766 in answer to theirs 
 of Aug. 20 regarding petition of inhabitants 
 of Montreal; mission of [George] Croghan has 
 resulted in peace with Indians of the west assem- 
 bled at Illinois; efforts of French and Spanish 
 to arouse dissatisfaction ; frauds of Indian traders 
 etc. furnish opportunities for French to stir up 
 the Indians and these can be prevented only by- 
 enlargement of powers of the Indian Department; 
 cites illustrations of cheating by traders at 
 Detroit; outlines plan mentioned in letter of 
 Oct. 8 for controlling this trade; dealings of 
 Col. [Thomas] Cresap with certain warriors of 
 the Six Nations: considers such affairs as this 
 flagrant violations of his own powers and certain 
 to bring bad results. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 Printed with slight changes: Docts. relating to Col. Hist, 
 of New York, VII, 894; letter of Oct. 8, 1766 ibid 871; 
 Albany 1856. 
 
 1767. Wood, Draper S. Albany. Letter to Col. John 
 
 Feb. 3. Bradstreet, Albany. Twenty-five sleds wanted 
 
 for Sir William Johnson's Indians to enable 
 
 them to carry provisions from Fort Stanwix [to 
 
 Johnson Hall]. A. L. S. Ip. 
 
 1767. Glen, John. Schenectady. Order to Commissary 
 May 28. Officers [and whom it may concern]. Orders to pass 
 the bearer, Andrew English, with batteaux laden 
 with provisions to be delivered to Wallace [Wouter 
 Dance?] at Caughnawa for the Indians subject to 
 orders of Sir William Johnson. A. D. S. Ip. 
 
 1767. Glen, John. Schenectady. Order to Commissary 
 
 May 29. Officers [and whom it may concern]. Orders to 
 
 pass bearer Adam Smith and provision batteaux; 
 
 on receipt of goods acknowledgement to be made 
 
386 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 and deficiencies to be noted on orders; goods 
 to be delivered to Mr. Wallace [Wouter Dance?] 
 at Fort Stanwix and held for the Indians subject 
 to orders of Sir William Johnson. A. D. S. Ip. 
 
 1767. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Aug. 14. to [William Petty], Earl of Shelbume. Refers 
 to his letter to Shelbume May 30 on the subject 
 of a Congress with the Six Nations at German 
 Flats and the irregularities in the Indian trade; 
 is about to set out for [Saratoga] Springs for 
 his health ; summarizes the methods he (Johnson) 
 has employed in dealing and trading with 
 Indians and good results therefrom; doubts 
 regarding attitude of home government; result 
 from methods of others; Indians becoming 
 restive and consider most of the colonists as 
 poor fighters but sharp traders; young men 
 under little control by the old chiefs; small 
 British garrisons and unwillingness of Americans 
 to do anything but talk; fears that powers 
 granted him are not sufficient to prevent serious 
 troubles from the Indians as he can not redress 
 their grievances against colonists. Draft. 4pp. 
 
 Printed with slight changes: Docts. relating to Col. 
 Hist, of New York, VII, 946. Letter of May 30 ibid 928; 
 Albany 1856. Shelbume is sometimes known by his later 
 title, Marquis of Lansdowne, but more generally in America 
 by the earUer one. The letter as printed is from the letter 
 received in England and not from this draft. 
 
 1767. [Johnson, Sir William]. Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Sep. 22. [William Petty], Earl of Shelbume. Refers 
 to his own letter of Aug. 14 and acknowledges 
 receipt of Shelbume 's of Jun. 20; encloses a 
 "Review of the former and present state of the 
 Trade, and Indian Affairs" within his district, 
 which he considers a lengthy but true statement ; 
 outlines methods of trade with Indians followed 
 by the French; prefers them to methods now 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 387 
 
 in use; they took trade to Canada rather than 
 to New York; will render all possible assistance 
 to Gov. [Sir Guy] Carleton in regard to obtaining 
 information as to early traders; Indian grievances; 
 Carleton obliged to send troops toward Carillon; 
 no willingness shown by the colonial authorities 
 to prevent encroachments on Indians about the 
 Ohio; is about to go among the Senecas and 
 will endeavor to decrease the prevalent dissatis- 
 faction. Draft. 4pp, 
 
 Printed with slight changes; Docts. relating to Col. Hist, 
 of New York, VII, 951. Review mentioned is printed ibid 
 VII, 953. 
 
 1767. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Oct. 26. [William Petty], Earl of Shelburne. Refers 
 
 to his letters of Aug. 14, Sep. 22 and review 
 enclosed in latter; has taken trip among the 
 Onondagas and finds hostility of Indians greater 
 than he has reported; Indians anxious for settle- 
 ment of boundary line between themselves and 
 the colonists, and desire compensation for 
 grievances suffered at hands of whites; are not 
 satisfied with promises or with orders to colonial 
 Governors but wish aid from the king; lacking 
 this Indian chiefs can not restrain their tribes 
 from attacking settlements; French emissaries 
 particularly active at this time; urges necessity 
 for new system of control for Indian relations; 
 sends letter by [John Tabor] Kempe, Atty. 
 Genl. of New York. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 Printed with date "Oct" supplied: Docts. relating to 
 Col. Hist, of New York, VII, 985. 
 
 1768. [Johnson, Sir William]. Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jan. 8. Rev. [Richard] Peters. [Philadelphia]. Acknowl- 
 edges letter of Dec. 14; is gratified that he had 
 so little trouble with Indians and regrets 
 that they would not continue line [of boundary 
 
388 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct. 
 
 between themselves and colony] so far as he 
 wished; reasons for feeling among Indians; 
 responsibility of French and of English settlers; 
 pretentions of Delawares to lands mentioned 
 by Peters may be disregarded in presence of 
 Six Nations; intrusion of Virginians [upon land 
 north of the Ohio] will cause trouble; hopes 
 they may be removed; will do his best for the 
 interests of Pennsylvania at any time; hopes 
 Indian feehng will not prevent speedy adjustment 
 of boundary line [with Maryland]. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 The lands upon which the Virginians settled were along 
 the Monongahela and Red Stone Creek. This land was 
 claimed by the Delawares and the Six Nations of Indians 
 and by Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York of the 
 Colonists. For the settlement with Indians, see: Pro- 
 ceedings of Johnson's Congress with them in Docts. relating 
 to Col. Hist, of N. Y. VIII, 38, (Mar. 2-12, 1768). Owing 
 to Indian feeling, Maryland and Pennsylvania were unable 
 at this time to complete the survey of their boundary 
 line. See Johnson to Thomas Penn, Feb. 5, 1768. 
 
 1768. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Feb.'^5. T[homas] Penn, [London]. Acknowledges letter 
 of Jul. 1767 with postscript of Sep. 12, regarding 
 land which King George granted to Johnson; 
 requests Penn to take out the grant and promise 
 payment of fees; is uncertain whether royal 
 grant will cover his whole purchase from Indians 
 by proper survey or not; expenses of writer 
 have increased since retirement from business 
 and acceptance of official position; hopes king 
 will regard his needs as also his services and 
 reward him accordingly; bad condition of Indian 
 affairs; has heard from [Richard] Penn of a 
 massacre of Indians on the frontier of Penn- 
 sylvania; among other bad results is unwilling- 
 ness of Indians to agree to boundary line between 
 Pennsylvania and Maryland. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 Grant of land referred to was an old Indian grant on 
 northern side of Mohawk river. It consisted of 66,000 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 389 
 
 acres and was given to Johnson by the Mohawks in 1760, 
 Johnson giving 12,000 dollars in return. The colony of 
 New York would give no patent for the land, holding that 
 the Crown alone could do so and Johnson did not receive 
 his patent until June, 1769, as result of appUcation to King 
 in 1766 and favorable report by Board of Trade, Feb. 1767. 
 See Johnson to John Watts, Oct. 4, 1769 and Johnson's 
 Memorial to Crown Jul. 8, 1766, Docts. relating to Col. 
 Hist, of N. Y. VII, 839. 
 
 1768. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jul. 28. Gov. [William] Franklin, [New Jersey]. Acknowl- 
 edges letter of May 23 by S[amuel] Wharton 
 and is grateful for enclosures; discusses the new 
 plan for regulation of Indian trade; powers of 
 Superintendent of Indian Affairs strongly 
 expressed but management of trade left to the 
 respective colonies; agrees with Franklin as 
 to poor results to be expected; salaries increased 
 but amounts for various services limited; grat- 
 ified that posts are to be garrisoned by British 
 troops; western boundary to be settled soon; 
 colonies expected to give assurances that white 
 men wiU not pass the border line; suggests that 
 New Jersey may wish her commissioners to be 
 present at Indian negotiations. Draft. 2pp, 
 
 This letter is printed in full on p. 405 of this volume. 
 
 1768. Glen, John. Sch[enecta]dy. Order to Commissary 
 Aug. 2. Officers [and to whom it may concern]. Orders 
 to pass bearer with provision batteaux; on 
 receipt of goods acknowledgement to be made 
 and deficiencies to be noted on orders; batteaux 
 in charge of "Wouter Dance" [Walter Dance?] 
 to receive their load from [Douwi] Fonda at 
 "Cagnowagie" [Caughnawa] and to deliver it to 
 Capt. [Lt. John] Galland at Fort Stanwix; latter 
 will hold goods subject to order of Sir William 
 Johnson as they are for the Indians. A. D. S. 2pp. 
 
 On verso are Glen's instructions to Wouter Dance and 
 receipt from Lt. Galland to Dance, each an A. N. S. 
 
390 American Antiquarinn Society. [Oct., 
 
 17G8. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Aug. 5. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letter of Jul. 18 to Mr, [Guy] Johnson; inform- 
 ation regarding western Indians obtained from 
 "Chipeweigh" [Chippeway] chief; hopes to have 
 large Colonial as well as Indian representation 
 at approaching Congress for settlement of 
 boundary line [Oct. 1768 at Fort Stanwix]; 
 discusses boundary question and asks Gage's 
 advice; long dispute [from 1703 when grant 
 from Queen Anne was obtained] over Kayadar- 
 osseras lands settled by payment of 5000 dollars 
 [to Mohawks]; previous efforts by Gov. [Henry] 
 Moore a failure. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1768. Galland, John. Fort Stanwix. Letter to Walter 
 Aug. 17. Dance. Gives receipt for provisions from store 
 of [Jelles] Fonda for use of Sir William Johnson. 
 A. D. S. Ip. 
 
 1768. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Aug. 24. Lt. Gov. [John] Penn, [Philadelphia]. Acknowl- 
 edges letter of Aug. 6; preparations for meeting 
 of Boundary Congress with Indians at Fort 
 Stanwix; hopes it will meet about Sep. 18; 
 doubts if Shawanese will be present ; will be glad 
 to see [Colonial] Commissioners at Johnson Hall 
 before Sep. 15. Draft. Ip. 
 
 Printed Penna. Arch. 1st series, IV, 307. 
 
 1768. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Sep. 12. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letter of Sep. 3; has directed continuance of 
 commissaries to enable the provinces to make 
 some provision for them but doubts if latter 
 will undergo any expense in the matter; thinks 
 additional provision should be made by home 
 government for deputies and interpreters among 
 Indians; matter of having other persons among 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 391 
 
 Indians is left by government to the colonies 
 and the need of persons to look after trade will 
 soon appear; communications from Govs. H[enry] 
 Moore, [William] Franklin and Lt. Gov. [John] 
 Penn as to Indian Congress at Fort Stanwix; 
 confidence of [Robert] Rogers in success of his 
 expedition although complaining to [Levin] 
 Gale of ill treatment. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1768. [Johnson, Sir William.] Fort Stanwix. Letter to 
 Sep. 25. [Gov.] John Blair, [Virginia]. Reports arrival 
 of Col. [Andrew] Lewis and [Thomas] Walker, 
 commissioners from Virginia to the Boundar}' 
 Congress with Indians; has desired them to 
 remain longer than anticipated as Indians are 
 slow in coming; claims of Six Nations; hopes 
 by granting certain of them to obtain a better 
 line than one proposed by Lords of Trade; con- 
 siders it better to delay treating with Cherokees 
 until settlement is made with northern tribes; 
 hopes Congress will terminate in a fortnight. 
 Draft. Ip. 
 
 The treaty was signed Nov. 5,. 1768. 
 
 1768. [Johnson, Sir WilUam.] Johnson HaU. Letter to 
 Nov.lS. T[homas] Penn, [London]. Acknowledges letter 
 of Aug. 11; outlines results of Boundary Con- 
 gress with Indians at Fort Stanwix so far as 
 they affect Pennsylvania; accomplished more 
 than he expected considering the ill humor of 
 the Indians and the opposition of the New Eng- 
 landers; among latter notes particularly agents 
 of Dr. [Eleazer] Wheelock who wished lands 
 reserved for religious purposes [endowment of 
 missionary school among Indians] ; as [Richard] 
 Penn has described Pennsylvania boundary 
 Johnson refrains from repetition but refers him 
 to report to Lord Hillsborough; urges his own 
 claim to confirmation by Crown of early grant 
 
392 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 of land in America. [See: Same to same, Feb. 
 5, 1768.] Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1768. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter 
 Nov. 18. to James Jeffreys [Jeffries?, London]. Death 
 
 of Mrs. [Grace] Cosby; will be glad to be of any 
 possible service to Jeffries or to Lady Fitzroy 
 [in settlement of estate]; received power of 
 attorney [in matter] Nov. 10 [power dated Mar. 
 22, 1768]; discusses questions arising in settle- 
 ment of estate; position of [Oliver] DeLancey; 
 poor title of late Mrs. Cosby to certain lands; 
 possibility of life interest rather than power of 
 absolute disposal; other complications. Draft. 
 2pp. 
 
 See: O'Callaghan, Doct. Hist, of New York, II, 794, 
 note, 926, 934-937. 
 
 1769. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jan. 13. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 
 letter of Jan. 2 received since his own of Jan. 4; 
 thanks Gage for vouchers of [George] Croghan 's 
 account and packet from [Wills Hill, Earl of] 
 Hillsborough; thinks that lands obtained by 
 Crown by treaty of Fort Stanwix amply justify 
 money spent; colonies would have paid amount 
 altho some delay might have ensued; quit rents 
 or sale will reimburse Crown if it so desires; 
 ?. home government will soon need to take some 
 
 direction of commerce with Indians and not rely 
 on colonies; would not be justified in diminishing 
 estimates [for maintenance of posts etc.]; asks 
 advice of Gage on this matter. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1769. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 
 Feb. 17. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 
 letter of Jan. 23 ; agrees that a portion of French 
 
 intrigue among western Indians may be due to 
 
 trade but thinks another part is the result of 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 393 
 
 a deliberate attempt to keep up an enmity 
 between Indians and English in preparation for 
 war; in either case frontier posts should be 
 maintained; defends his conduct and bargain 
 made at treaty of Fort Stanwix; means of reim- 
 bursement open to Crown; difficulty of joint 
 action by colonies; reform advocated in man- 
 agement of trade relations with Indians; action 
 in England based on too much confidence in 
 colonies; sends expense account at Fort Pitt 
 by [George] Croghan as also account of expense 
 at Illinois; considers expenses high. Draft. 4pp. 
 
 1769. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 May 26. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Has received 
 letters from [John] Hay, "late Commissary at 
 Detroit" and Capt. [Norman] McLeod reporting 
 an intended outbreak by various tribes of 
 Indians in Ohio and west; siege of Detroit 
 anticipated; other news from Detroit and from 
 Capt. [Thomas?] Robinson on Lake [Erie]; 
 forwards half-yearly accounts except those of 
 Capt. McLeod. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1769. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jun. 12. Gov. [William] Franklin, [New Jersey]. Acknowl- 
 edges letter of Apr. 10; will discuss with [George] 
 Croghan matter [of western lands] mentioned by 
 Franklin; hopes for successful outcome; pressure 
 of other affairs in England prevents action; lands 
 for Indian school; regrets that he can not offer 
 his land on the Susquehanna at a lower price 
 but has had offers for parts of it and expended 
 so much that he can not lower original sum; no 
 signs of colonies maintaining proper Indian 
 establishments; commissaries have been with- 
 drawn; has kept interpreters at posts^or matters 
 would be in worse condition than they are ; hopes 
 to see Franklin in fall after a visit to the Indians. 
 
394 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 Postcript notes receipt of Franklin's letter of 
 Apr. 29. Draft 3pp. 
 
 This letter is printed in full on p. 405 of this volume. 
 
 1769. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jun. 24. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letter of Jun. 12; alarm at Detroit subsided for 
 the present; discusses the situation among the 
 western Indians generally; purposes to take a 
 trip to Onondaga for a month to investigate 
 matters; Guy Johnson will take his place during 
 his absence; news of Detroit by Col. [John] 
 Wilkins; [Gov.] d'Aubry [of Louisiana] has 
 ordered [Louis] St. Ange [de Bellerive] "to send 
 all the Spanish officers and Soldiers"; other 
 war news from " Huron Andrew" and [John] Hay; 
 Indians told that French would return soon. 
 Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1769. Penn, John. Black Point. Letter to [Thomas 
 Aug. 17. Gage, New York]. Has received letter from 
 Col. [John] Armstrong to [Joseph?] Shippen and 
 from contents fears an Indian war; Indians 
 upon the Ohio displeased with sale of their 
 lands at treaty of Fort Stanwix; is about to 
 hasten to Philadelphia to do all in his power to 
 suppress trouble. Cont. Copy. Ip. 
 
 This letter was forwarded by Gage to Johnson. See 
 Johnson to Gage Dec. 8, 1769. 
 
 1769. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Aug. 23. Gov. [W^illiam] Franklin, [New Jersey]. Acknowl- 
 edges letter of Aug. 11; accident to himself 
 at Onondaga when on his Indian trip; thanks 
 Franklin for news in letter to [George] Croghan; 
 English authorities express discontent with 
 extent of grant from Indians of land beyond the 
 Kanhawa river; writer gives his own views in 
 support of cession and is glad final authority 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 395 
 
 is given to settle matter ; notes of late trip among 
 Indians; latter offended with New Englanders' 
 intrusions into Pennsylvania; hopes to be able 
 to smooth over the disaffection; sends respects 
 from Sir John and Guy Johnson. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 This letter is printed in full on p. 408 of this vohune. 
 
 1769. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter 
 Oct. 4. to John Watts, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letter of Sep. 25 and thanks him for promise 
 to forward royal patent to lands [north of the 
 Mohawk river]; land given him by Indians with- 
 out asking in 1760; has proved expensive since; 
 location of lands etc.; patent under great seal 
 finally granted by Crown Jun. 8. 1769; sends 
 money by [William] Adems [being?] the amount 
 of [Jean?] Cadot's pay; requests assistance of 
 Watts in passage of petition laid before Assembly 
 by Capt. [James] DeLancey [in opposition to 
 measure introduced by Philip Schuyler] for 
 division of Albany County. Draft. Ip. 
 
 1769. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Dec. 8. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Cherokees wish the 
 
 Six Nations to join them in an attack on hostile 
 southern Indians; Six Nations replied that their 
 enemies were those of the Illinois country but 
 that they would engage in no war without 
 consulting Johnson; Cherokees agreed to come 
 to council with the Six Nations at Johnson Hall; 
 writer is troubled over expense of council which 
 he is in no situation to meet; asks Gage's aid 
 in this matter and his advice as to position to 
 be taken in the subject of the council; benefits 
 and evils to the English and colonists of an 
 Indian war such as the one proposed. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1770. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jan. 30. Thomas Penn, [London]. Acknowledges letter 
 
396 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 of Sep. 13, 1769 and sends money to pay expenses 
 connected with late grant of land from the king; 
 bearer [John] Robberts can give account of 
 relations with Indians; nothing done as yet by 
 local governments for regulation of Indian trade ; 
 fears results of this policy; claims of Connect- 
 icut persons to land within Pennsylvania 
 limits considered ^'ridiculous"; respects of Sir 
 John Johnson. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1770. [Johnson, Sir WiUiam.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Aug. 1. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Results of Con- 
 gress [with Indians at German Flats] more 
 favorable than he had anticipated; war proposed 
 by Indians has been postponed until after further 
 council with the "Wabache" [Wabash] nation; 
 Johnson pleased with large attendance at the 
 Congress; will send complete returns of tran- 
 sactions next week. Draft. Ip. 
 
 For report of Congress, see: Johnson to Lord Hills- 
 borough Aug. 14, 1770, in O'Callaghan, Doct. Hist, of New 
 York II, 973-978, or Docts. relating to Col. Hist, of N. Y. 
 VIII, 224-244. War postponed appears to have been con- 
 flict between Cherokees and Choctaws for which the former 
 claimed the aid of the Six Nations and their white allies. 
 Hillsborough's reply is in Docts. relating to Col. Hist, of 
 New York, VIII, 253, of date Nov. 15, 1770. 
 
 1770. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Sep. 21. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Trusts Gage will 
 be pleased with results of Congress with Indians 
 [at German Flats]; pleased that they are in 
 harmony as to effect of Johnson's advice regard- 
 ing possible war between [Cherokee and other] 
 Indians to the south and west; during earUer 
 conferences and at this Congress endeavored 
 to improve relations between Indians and 
 Whites, and to persuade Indians to live at 
 peace with each other; efforts made to oppose 
 his work; because of good results obtained by 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 397 
 
 [George] Croghan and Capt. [Beamsley] Glazier 
 considers their accounts as worthy of approval 
 and payment; is about to make a month's 
 excursion into Indian country during which 
 time Guy Johnson will act in his stead; congrat- 
 ulates Gage on promotion to Lieut. General- 
 ship; encloses accounts of men at Ontario. 
 Draft. 2pp. 
 
 1770. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Sep. 25. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 
 letter of Sep. 17 regarding mines near Lake 
 Superior; correspondence with Lord Hillsborough 
 on the subject; thought permission of Indians 
 might be secured and mines worked but doubted 
 the conduct of agents; results of a settlement 
 would be trouble; refused share in Company 
 offered by London agents; thinks that Gage's 
 observations on the question are "extremely 
 just and probable"; considers it unfair of pro- 
 motors of enterprise to withhold statements 
 as to settlements etc. that might influence 
 judgment of investor; is about to set out on 
 trip among Indians mentioned in last letter 
 [Sep. 21]. Draft. 2pp. 
 
 See: Johnson to Lord Hillsborough, Dec. 23, 1768 in 
 Docts. relating to Col. Hist, of New York, VIII, 140. 
 
 1771. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter 
 Jan. 22 to [Jan Baptist Van Epps and the Trustees of 
 
 Schenectady]. Affairs of the town as presented 
 in the Assembly; cautions the town against 
 * giving away power to unsettle early land grant 
 or to divide the township; only extravagant 
 grants should be questioned and in case referees 
 are appointed, men of "strict integrity & dis- 
 interestedness" alone should be selected; does 
 not know enough of questions discussed to give 
 detailed advice. Draft. 2pp. 
 
398 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 1771. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 May 24. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letter of Apr. 15 and refers to his own of Apr. 
 18; Indian accounts paid to order of [George] 
 Croghan; thought the account was incurred by 
 order of Capt. [James] Edmondstone; rumors 
 of Indian disturbances in south and west; Cher- 
 okee and Choctaw nations; hopes for better 
 news from convention at Scioto but fears war 
 before long; all well at Fort Chartres. Draft. Ip. 
 
 1771. [Johnson, Sir WiUiam.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jul. 10. [Rev. Thomas Bradbury] Chandler, [EUzabeth- 
 town, New Jersey]. Acknowledges letter of 
 May 30; regrets that document sent with it 
 became lost ; is sure that he agrees in thought with 
 Chandler in his views of the Church; hopes that 
 he will yet find Chandler's ''farther Defence" and 
 postpones till then further discussions. Draft. Ip. 
 
 Pamphlet mentioned is the 3rd of the series by Chandler 
 and is entitled "The Appeal farther defended; in Answer to 
 the Farther Misrepresentations of Dr. Chauncy" N. Y. 1771 . 
 
 1771. [Johnson, Sir WiUiam.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Jul. 25. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges 
 letter of Jul. 15; regards the " Powtewatamies " 
 as a troublesome tribe ; French at the Illinois not 
 so apprehensive as is pretended; expects return 
 of Thomas King within a month; mentions 
 [Francis] Maisonville, who is about to present 
 his suit for lands at Detroit, as a "useful man 
 and a fast friend to the EngUsh"; is holding a 
 conference with Indians and will send results 
 later. Draft. Ip. 
 
 1771. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Sep. 29. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Sends letter by 
 his son [Sir John Johnson] and Col. [Guy] John- 
 son; is preparing to go again among the Six 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 399 
 
 Nations to confer as to an embassy to the south- 
 ward; will write in detail on return, meantime 
 refers him to Col. Johnson; encloses account 
 of salaries and disbursements in his department 
 for last half year. Draft. Ip. 
 
 1771. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Nov. 16. [Thomas] Gage, [New York.] Gives account of 
 
 his trip to the Indian country; Six Nations 
 expressed "detestation" at death of Thomas 
 King and sent word to tribes responsible that 
 such were their feelings; agrees that western 
 Indians have been encouraged by the French; 
 intends making [Francis] Maisonville resident 
 at Post Vincent to watch in these matters; 
 regrets increased expenses at Fort Pitt; does 
 not question [George] Croghan's disposition but 
 recommends frugahty. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1772. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 [Jan. 1.] J[ohn] Watts, [New York]. Is sending second 
 
 petition regarding division of [Albany] County to 
 Capt. James DeLancy; is perfectly satisfied with 
 line of division proposed ; people desire the court- 
 house to be at Johnstown ; is willing to contribute 
 more to the building up of the town etc. and 
 requests assistance of Watts that it may be 
 made the County seat of the new County. 
 Draft. Ip. 
 
 1772. [Johnson, Sir WilUam.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Oct. 12. Thomas Penn, [London]. Delay in answering 
 letter of February due to business undertaken 
 since then; thanks him for kindness to Lieut. 
 [Benjamin] Roberts and will return money 
 advanced altho Roberts was not empowered 
 to use his name; asks if Letters-patent 
 [for Mohawk land] are recorded in England. 
 Draft. Ip. 
 
 LOFC. 
 
400 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 1773. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Mar. 19. Rev. [Eleazer] Wheelock, [Hanover]. Acknowl- 
 edges letter of February; has treated Indians 
 bringing it in accordance with recommendations; 
 hopes a desire for study may be awakened among 
 other Indians and Wheelock's undertaking be 
 marked with success. Draft. Ip. 
 
 1773. Chew, Joseph. Johnstown. Letter to Thomas 
 Jul. 15. Allen, [New London]. Health of Sir William 
 Johnson necessitates trip to ocean; has recom- 
 mended Allen's house [New London Coffee 
 House] to Johnson; diet recommended; regards 
 to family. A. L. S. Ip. 
 
 1773. Johnson, [Sir] W[illiam.] Fishers Island. [Long 
 Sep. 1. Island Sound]. Letter to [Thomas] Allen, [New 
 London]. Orders ammunition and miscellane- 
 ous articles to be sent at first opportunity. 
 A. L. S. Ip. 
 
 This letter is reproduced in facsimile facing p. 367. 
 
 1773. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Nov. 25. Rev. [Richard] Hind, [London]. Refers to letters 
 
 from [Daniel] Burton as to religious matters, 
 matters, especially the work of the Society for 
 propagating the Gospel; mission at Johnstown 
 in charge of [Richard] Moseley; religious con- 
 ditions in general; Rev. [WiUiam] Andrews 
 replaced by Rev. [John] Doughty at Schenec- 
 tady; work of Rev. [John] Stuart among the 
 Mohawks and Rev. [Harry] Munroe at Albany; 
 his own work in behalf of the church and schools 
 of the region about Johnstown. Draft. 3pp. 
 
 1774. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to 
 Feb. 17. Rev. [Henry] Caner, [Boston]. Thanks Caner 
 
 for edition of church service in Mohawk tongue; 
 understands from experience how easily errors 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Manuscripts. 401 
 
 in translation may have been made ; is endeavor- 
 ing to write a short history of the Bible which will 
 contain a brief "historical deduction of facts and 
 incidents in a regular and well connected order"; 
 thinks it will be of much use to the Indians. 
 Draft. Ip. 
 
ILLUSTRATIVE LETTERS 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 SIR WILLIAM JOHKSON MANUSCRIPTS. 
 
 In printing in full the following letters from the Johnson 
 Collection, two objects have been considered. It has been 
 thought wise to print certain letters that the members of 
 the Society and others interested might know in more 
 detail the nature of the manuscripts in our collection and 
 the manner in which they are being calendared for his- 
 torical use. These particular letters have been selected 
 because they form a united group concerned with the founda- 
 tion of an English settlement in what was at that time 
 the far west. They are noteworthy in that they illustrate 
 one stage in the accomplishment of the British and especially 
 the Colonial purpose to contest with the Indians and with 
 France or Spain if necessary, the possession of the territory 
 west of the Allegheny mountains. 
 
404 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 Sir William Johnson to Gov. William Franklin of New Jersey. 
 
 Johnson Hall June 20", 1766. 
 >StV; 
 
 I have been favored with your Letter of the 7th Inst together 
 with the Enclosures containing a Letter from the Company 
 with the Reasons for EstabHshing the Colony &c of all which 
 
 1 before gave my approbation & shall chearfully do every 
 thing consistent with my Office for Carrying it into Execution 
 as early as possible; — I have already hinted the Affair in a 
 Letter to the Lords of Trade & I am somewhat of Opinion it 
 would answer better that I recommended it in Gen.' Terms, 
 as an Affair I had heard was in Agitation, but as it is deemed 
 necessary to the design that I sho*. enclose it I shall not Scruple 
 to lay it together with my recommendation thereof before 
 the Ministry under a flying Seal to your father who Vvdll doubt- 
 less be consulted on the Occasion. — 
 
 I have sounded Gen'. Gage on the Occasion, who declines 
 being concerned I apprehend it will not be the Case with Lord 
 Adam Gordon. As to what you say of apply^ for an Extensive 
 boundary I agree in opinion v.ith you on the Utility of it, 
 but the Government should I think be previously Sounded 
 on that head Least it might obstruct or retard the Design — 
 
 I am persuaded you will use all your Endeavors for bringing 
 the Murderers of the Indians to Justice, the Conduct of the 
 frontier Inhabitants in many Colonies being such as gives us 
 great reason to dread a Renewal of that Cruel War from v hich 
 we are but Just freed, eA^ery Week brings me fresh Complaints 
 from the Inds & but Just now I have reed an Acct of the Murder 
 of 4 Onondagas on their return from the South ward with 
 
 2 or 3 more tow.*' Fort Pitt So that I have great reason to 
 doubt of Succeeding in attempting to Calm the Minds of a 
 Revengefull people to whom we are Giving fresh provocation. 
 
 I promise myself great Satisfaction from your friendly 
 Correspondences which I shall be glad to improve by every 
 occasion that Offers as I am — 
 Gov.' Franklin 
 I shall write to the Compy by next Opp" — 
 
 Sir William Johnson to Gov. William Franklin of New Jersey. 
 
 Johnson Hall July 8'" 1766- 
 Sir: 
 
 The 20'\ ulf. I ackno\\ledged the receipt of your last 
 favor, & Signified my Intentions of Enclosing the plan for the 
 Colony v.'ith my Recommendation to the Ministry which I 
 now send you with a Letter thereon to M'. Secretary Convvay, 
 wherein I have said all that I could Venture to do from my 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Letters. 405 
 
 very slender knowledge of him and the delicacy of the Subject 
 but I hope the Nature of it and the interest of some Gentle- 
 men at home, may render it an Object worthy of attention. 
 
 As I have not had the pleasure of your father's Correspond- 
 ence I just wrote him a few Lines wch you can Explain more 
 fully as I should think it were better that my Letter was put 
 into the Office for the Sec^ of State but this I Submit to his 
 discretion & hope You will write him thereon. 
 
 I am sorry it goes over at a time when from the daily Murders 
 & Encroachments complained of we have all the reason imagin- 
 able to Expect an Ind" War. Sev.' other Murders have been 
 Committed Since my last so that I know not where it will end. 
 
 As I am Just Setting off to meet Pondiac & the Western 
 Nations ^ho are arrived at Ontario for that purpose I have 
 only time to add that I am with much Esteem, Sir, 
 
 Yours Etc 
 
 I shall be very Glad to hear from you & shall return in Three 
 Weeks — 
 
 Sir William Johnson to Benjamin Franklin. 
 
 Johnson Hall July 10" 1766— 
 Sir- 
 
 At the Request of your Son Gov-' Franklin, & sev.' Gent." of 
 Pensilvania, I now enclose you a Scheme proposed for 
 establishg a Colony at the Ilinois, together with my Letter 
 to M' Secretary Conway in fav.' thereof, which the proposers 
 denied might be transmitted thro' your hands- I have accord- 
 ingly sent it under a flying Seal, & must request you to forward 
 it as Addressed — 
 
 I daily dread a Ru[p]ture w"" the Ind." occasioned by the Licen- 
 tious Conduct of the frontier Inhabitants who Continue to Rob, 
 and Murder them. — I am imediately to meet Pontiac with the 
 Western Nat.' at Ontario and wish I may be able to satisfy 
 them. — 
 
 Altho' I have not had an Opportunity of Cultivating your 
 .Acquaintance I shall always be Glad to render you, or yours 
 any Services as I am, &c 
 To 
 
 Benj." Franklin Esq. — 
 
 Sir Williavi Johnson to Gov. William Franklin. 
 
 Johnson Hall July 28'\ 1768. 
 Sir, 
 
 W S. Wharton delivered to me your kind favor of the 23d 
 of May with the Several Inclosures for which I give you many 
 thanks. — I hope you will Excuse my having deferred an Answer 
 
406 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 to it, until my return home which was some days ago, having 
 received it Whilst on a Tour to the seaside for the recovery 
 of my health which was brought very low thro my fatigues 
 etc. — 
 
 Tho' I by no means accuse you of neglect of Writing I shall 
 be very happy in your agreable & friendly Correspondence 
 abstracted from any motives arising from the Subject. 
 
 The Extracts you were pleased to send me were very Accept- 
 able, as they contain abundance of Judicious Remarks, & 
 Sufficiently shew my much esteemed M'. Franklin's Experience, 
 attention & knowledge in American affairs. — 
 
 You must before this time have been advised of the new 
 arrangement of all these matters, and of the Reform by which 
 the Management of the Indian Trade is Committed to the Care 
 & Charge of the respective Colonies Whereby the Alterations 
 which you wisely foresaw, are in part made, the powers of the 
 Super.Intend." are however pretty Strongly tho' Generally 
 Expressed, their sallaries increased, but they are limited to 
 a very Small Annl, Sum for the Various Services & Contingent 
 Expences of their Departments. The Event of which, you 
 seem so Justly Sensible of that I cannot but be intirely of 
 your Opinion, altho' I find that the Lords of Trade think 
 every post that is kept up sho.* be Garrisoned by the Kings 
 Troops, Yet there will be sundry other Expences found neces- 
 sary for the Colonies to be at for the preservation of the Trade, 
 which may render it impracticable, as a Union of Sentiment 
 on these Occasions cannot be Expected, for the reasons you 
 have Judiciously Assigned. — 
 
 The Settlement of the Boundary Line vvill I believe shortly 
 take place, it is only retarded by reason of the distant resi- 
 dence of the Shawanese & Delawares whose presence I Judge 
 necessary not as Owners of the Land but as Nigh Neighbours 
 to the Settlements, to whom they may easily be troublesome — 
 Your Province does not appear concerned in this Line, but 
 as the Governmt. think the Colonies should give all security 
 to the Transaction by Laws, to prevent their people from 
 Transgressing, which may be a Case Common to every Colony, 
 I thought it best to mention it, and in Case you think the 
 attendance of one or two Commissioners from Your Govern- 
 ment necessary to attend the Treaty You will doubtless take 
 measures accordingly — 
 
 I have only now to add that I am 
 with perfect Esteem, Sir, Your Excellys &c 
 
 His Excell"^ 
 Gov.' Franklin 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Letters. 407 
 
 Sir William Johnson to Gov. William Franklin. 
 
 Johnson Hall June 12". 1769. 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Your kind Letter of April 10th relieved me from the Sus- 
 pence which your Long Silence occasioned and which you have 
 sufficiently accounted for. Indeed my own Situation has 
 been such since we parted, that I can the easier excuse any 
 omission of that nature in another, and this hitherto prevented 
 me from Setting you a good Example, tho' I could not pretend 
 to afford you equal entertainment from the unimportant 
 events of these parts. 
 
 I began a Letter near three Weeks ago, but dropped it in 
 Expectation of having something worth communicating in 
 a little time altho' I have waited to no purpose. 
 
 I thank you for the Copy you transmitted me, & shall Settle 
 the Matter with Col. Croghan as you desire when he & I has 
 more Leisure than we have had Since his arrival in these parts, 
 and I shall likewise talk fully to him upon the Subject. I 
 hope it will go on with better success than it has hitherto done, 
 but think it will require time and perseverance. 
 
 You have doubtless before this time heard from our Friend 
 Wharton, as I expect to do but have not as yet. Neither 
 have I had any account from any person concerning the event 
 of his Voyage, or on the Subject of the Retribution. The 
 Letter from the Sec.^ of State which I have Just received by 
 the pacquet containing very little, and nothing material, 
 and by my other Letters I find that the Whole face of things 
 is much as it was when we heard before. The nature of the 
 dispu e about the Rights of Parliament, and the disturbed 
 State tof Affairs at home Create so many difficulties that when 
 it wil end, or other business be fully attended to must be uncer- 
 tain-I-I thank you kindly for the Pamphlet you sent me which 
 is I think a very good performance, and I fancy I could guess 
 the Author of it — in return I send at your desire by this oppor- 
 tunity Evans's Manuscript Journal, I also inclose you Copys 
 of the Two Letters from the Two Clergymen which you wanted, 
 I have since had several Curious & Extraordinary Letters 
 from Parson, Williamson al.° Johnson one of a Very late date, 
 All on the Subject of Lands & Establishments for the faithfuU 
 & desiring to know why I did not make public the boundary 
 that they might take possess" of their lands. There are no 
 New Steps taken for carrying on the pious work and the Oneidas 
 have thro' some disgust withdrawn most of thier Children from 
 the Seminary, I believe all attention is more directed to the 
 Susquehanna Vales, concerning the Settlement of which 
 I hear they have come to Some Strong resolutions in 
 Connecticut. 
 
408 American Antiquarian Society. [Oct., 
 
 I wish I could dispose of my right on Susquehanna below 
 the price I mentioned, especially as you Signify an Inclination 
 for it, but really, from the Trouble & Expence it has already 
 put me to, and the price I have been very lately offered for 
 a great part of it, I cannot consistently do it. The Account 
 of its being very hilly & Stony must have arisen from some 
 misinformation, for except where some points of hills happen 
 to Come to the River which occupy but a Very Small part of 
 it. It is perhaps as Rich & Valuable for the Generality as 
 any Land whatsoever, & this is allowed by some who have 
 carefully viewed & are now Sollicitting me to dispose of it. 
 As to Indian Intelligence I cannot say any thing Satisfac- 
 torily. The Commissaries are withdrawn, & I don't see any 
 speedy prospects of such Establishments on the part of the 
 Colonies as will Answer the purposes of preserving peace & 
 Extending Commerce, neither can it be expected that they 
 will make an adequate provision, or from their different Inter- 
 ests unite in a matter of that nature so as it may be attended 
 with any Good effects, I have kept Interpreters & Smiths 
 as yet at the posts, without which, affairs would not have 
 gone on so easily as they have done, — Belts however. Said to 
 come from the Southward are amongst the Indians & there 
 has been an Alarm lately at Detroit which Frightened & 
 Stopped the Traders at Niagara, & has induced the Inhabitants 
 of the first mentioned Settlement to fortify themselves on the 
 opposite Side of the River, which will probably alarm the Indians 
 & may have consequences different from what is intended. 
 
 I think to go up the Country for a little time & do what 
 little I can under the present restrictions for preventing any 
 Union to our prejudice, and as my health is but very indifferent 
 may possibly go down to the Sea Side in the fall when if I 
 should happen to be near you, you may be Assured that I 
 should Visit Burlington with great pleasure — In the Mean- 
 time I shall be happy in hearing from you whenever your 
 Leisure will admit you to write to him Who is Always with 
 great Sincerity D' Sir, 
 
 His Excell."^ 
 Gov.' Franklin 
 
 Mess." Wells & Smith by whom you wrote the 29'" April, 
 forwarded the Letter but did not come this way, which deprived 
 me of an opportunity of shewing them those Civilities which 
 your Friends sho* Always receive at my hands. 
 
 Sir William Johnson to Gov. William Franklin. 
 
 Johnson Hall Aug.' 23*. 1769. 
 Dear Sir 
 - Upon my return from Seneca which was about 12 days ago 
 
1907.] The Sir William Johnson Letters. 409 
 
 I had the favor of your kind Letter of the 11." of this Month 
 which till now I could not Answer, & even now I cannot be 
 as particular as I co.* Wish, for not being able to Write without 
 much pain tho I have a Great deal of business on my hands, for 
 on my return in the Night from the Hut of a Chief near Onon- 
 daga where I held a private Conference My Canoe overset, & 
 I had to make the Shore & get up a Bank in the Dark with 
 much difficulty in effecting which I tore my Swelled Leg very 
 much on a Small Stump, so as not yet to be able to go into 
 my study, or write without great Inconvenience tho' it is 
 recovering much faster than I Expected. 
 
 I most kindly thank you for the news communicated in 
 your Letter as well as for the perusal of what you wrote to 
 Col. Croghan who has received it; My Letters from home 
 seem to Express a dissatisfaction, at the Great Extent of the 
 Cession beyond the Kanhawa, tho' it is indisputably the 
 Lands of the 6 Nations, & if it had been denied, the Latter 
 wo." have proved Worse Enemys than the Cherokees can be, 
 besides I believe the Virginians wo.'* have settled on it at 
 all Events. It is however left to me now, that in case I don't 
 think it good policy to give up that part it will be Confirmed. 
 I wish I could say the same as to the Grant of the Traders to 
 which objections are made. — 
 
 I can Just say a Word as to my late Tour. I met near 
 2500 Ind.° at Seneca assembled from the Sev.' Villages, & I 
 found them more dissatisfied than I hope I left them. They 
 are greatly discontented at the Withdrawing people from the 
 posts Which it is not in my power to Continue there, & I don't 
 find the provinces inclined to do any thing material on that 
 head. 
 
 The Ind." are likewise dissatisfied with the N Englanders 
 Intrusions into Pennsylvania, which they say will involve 
 their people in disputes. They complain bitterly of 111 usage 
 & Acts of Injustice at the posts & frontiers & say that the 
 other Confederacys have invited them to Joyn in Measures 
 for redress. And Indeed from the sev.' Discoveries I have 
 Made The belts Constantly passing thro the Nations from the 
 French, The late proceedings on Ohio, & their Speeches at 
 Ilinois, I must have very unfavorable Sentiments of their 
 Intentions. — After a meeting to be held soon at Onondaga I 
 shall know more, In the meantime I use all my endeavors 
 to prevent a Gen.' dissaffection, & to keep matters quiet as 
 long as the present State of things will admit of — I persuade 
 myself I have no occasion to Apologize for not being more 
 particular under my present Circumstances, and Wishing to 
 hear from you by every opportunity Convenient to yourself 
 
410 American Antiquarian Society. 
 
 I remain with Great Cordiality & Truth Dear Sir &c 
 His Excell'"' Gov' Franklyn — 
 
 Sir John Sends his best CompHments, as does Guy who 
 desires me to tell you that he Wrote you a Long Letter last 
 month, & will give you the Trouble of more whenever he has 
 Subjects for them. 
 
 LB N '03