in a strong house, and a guard kept on them day and night to preserve them from any attempt that might be made by the Shawanese or Mingoes (a small party of these last live near the Shawanese, and are in a manner incorporated with them) and this was continued till White Eyes went down to the Shawanese town and returned, during all which time they were furnished with provisions and every thing that could be procured for them in the most liberal manner. This I think must be an unequivocal mark of their disposition.

The mischief done by Cresap and Greathouse had been much exaggerated when I wrote to Mr. Shippen, but the number of Indians killed is exactly as I informed Mr. Allen, viz: thirteen. Cresap has lately been in the neighbourhood of Pittsburg, with intention it appeared to pursue the blow he had before struck, but Mr. Conolly sent a message to him forbidding him to attempt any thing against the Indians; this he has taken in high dudgeon, and declares publicly that what he did before was by Mr. Conolly's orders; so that it is to be hoped some of the devilish schemes that have been carrying on here will come to light. I ventured to say that an Indian war was part of the Virginia plan; I am satisfied it must at least be part of Mr. Conolly's plan, for he has already incurred such an expense by repairing the fort and calling out the militia, that I think it is impossible that Colony will ever discharge it unless disturbances be raised that may give his manoeuvres the appearance of necessity.

It is scarcely possible to conceive the distressed situation of this country: one day the spirits of the people are raised a little, and some prospect of their being able to remain on their farms; the next a story worse than any they have heard before, and a thousand times worse than the truth, sinks them in despair; and those about Pittsburg are still in a more pitiable state, being harrassed and oppressed by the militia, who lay their hands on every thing they want without asking questions, and kill cattle at their pleasure; they indeed appraise them, when the owner happens to know of it, and give him a bill on Lord Dunmore, which is downright mockery.

From what I saw it was evident to me that the country must very soon be totally evacuated unless something was done to afford the inhabitants the appearance at least of protection. I therefore consulted with some of the inhabitants at Pittsburg, and Mr. Mackay, Mr. Smith, Colonel Croghan, Mr. Butler and myself entered into an association to raise victuals, and pay a ranging company of one hundred men for one month, to which a number of the inhabitants, as I came down, readily acceded, and I think in a few days we will have it completed. We flattered ourselves indeed that your Honor if you approve the measure, would take such measures with the House as would release us from the expense; but as you may probably want a formal requisition to lay before the House, I have acquainted you with it in another letter. One thing further I had in view: the inhabitants of Pittsburg propose stockading the town; when that is done should your negotiation with Lord Dunmore miscarry, throwing a few men into that place would recover the country the Virginians have usurped.

I beg pardon for so long a letter, and yet I believe I should have given you more but that I am detaining Mr. Montgomery, who charges himself with forwarding this to your Honor. I have only to request that you will please to give us your directions as soon as possible.

I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

AR. ST. CLAIR.

The Hon. John Penn, Esq., Governor of Penn'a.

P. S. An affair that has given me much trouble and vexation had like to have escaped my memory, the murder of a Delaware Indian, Joseph Wipey, about eighteen miles from this place. It is the most astonishing thing in the world the disposition of the common people of this country; actuated by the most savage cruelty, they wantonly perpetrate crimes that are a disgrace to humanity, and seem at the same time to be under a kind of religious enthusiasm, whilst they want the daring spirit that usually inspires. Two of the persons concerned in this murder are John Hinkson and James Cooper. I had got information of their design some time before they executed it, and had wrote to Hinkson, whom I knew to be a leader amongst them, to dissuade them and threatened them with the weight of the law if they persisted; but so far from preventing them, it only produced the enclosed letter. The body was discovered hid in a small run of water, and covered with stones. I immediately sent for the Coroner, but before he had got a jury together the body was removed, so that no inquest could be taken. I have issued warrants on suspicion, but they are so much on their guard I doubt they cannot be executed. Your Honor will please to consider whether it may be proper to proclaim, them; it is most unlucky at this time. The letter may perhaps be made use of as evidence.

Mr. McKee had not time to transcribe the speeches of the Indians, but in a few days I shall probably receive them, and will forward them by the first opportunity. Nobody offered the arrest they have threatened me so much with.

A Speech of the SHAWANESE, directed to ALEXANDER MCKEE, Esq., GEORGE CROGHAN, Esq., and the Commandant at PITTSBURG, Captain JOHN CONOLLY.

BROTHERS: We are sorry to see so much ill doing between you and us. First you killed our brother Othawakeesquo (or Ben,) next our elder brothers the Mingoes; then the Delawares. All which mischiefs, so close to each other, aggravated our people very much; yet we all determined to be quiet till we knew what you meant; our people were all getting ready to go to their hunting as usual, but these troubles have stopped them. The traders that were amongst us were very much endangered by such doings from the persons injured, but as we are convinced of their innocence, we are determined to protect them, and sent them safe to their relations and other friends, and it will, we hope, be looked upon as a proof of our good intentions.

I, the Cornstalk, do send my brother to be along with the traders in case any of the parties injured should be in their way, and in revenge for the loss of their friends, fall on them; therefore, we request that you will present our good intentions to the Governors of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and request that a stop may be put to such doings for the future. We likewise request that the Commandant, Captain Conolly, of Pittsburg, will do his endeavour to stop such foolish people from the like doings for the future. And I have with great trouble and pains prevailed on the foolish people amongst us to sit still and do no harm till we see whether it is the intention of the white people in general to fall on us, and shall still continue so to do in hopes that matters may be settled. I did intend to go myself, not to talk, but to carry home the traders, but in my stead I send my brother, and expect that Mr. McKee, Mr. Croghan, and Mr. Conolly, and each other of our brothers will, shew him the same regard that they would me, as in seeing him they see me all the same as if personally present. This is all that I have to say now to you.

N. B. what concerned the traders I have said to themselves, as the wampum we have given them will testify.

A short Speech to the Chiefs of the DELAWARES and a few of the SIX NATIONS, by Mr. ST. CLAIR, at PITTSBURG, May 1774.

Brothers of the SIX NATIONS and DELAWARES: The Governor of Pennsylvania has heard your good speeches, and I am come from him to thank you for the care you have taken of our traders, and the pains you have been at to preserve the general peace. Your brothers of Pennsylvania are determind to maintain the friendship subsisting betwixt the Six Nations and Delawares and them entire, but as they are alarmed at the threatenings of the Shawanese, we recommend it to you to prevent your people from hunting on our side of the river for some time, as our people will not be able to distinguish betwixt them and those who may be enemies.

We wish and will endeavour to keep the path open to our brothers, and will on our parts keep bright that chain of friendship which has been so long held fast by their and our forefathers.

AR. ST. CLAIR.