upon the inhabitants; that is, ample reparation ought to be made them for the injuries they have already sustained, and an honest, open intercourse established with them for the future. This I imagine would be found a more cheap, easy, and expeditious manner of re-establishing the peace of this country than any offensive measures whatsoever, for be assured the rest of the Nations will not set tamely by and see a people, who have long been aiming at taking the lead amongst themselves, cut off, or even much distressed by the English.

The Councils of this Province will, I hope, continue to be founded in justice, whether that may be displeasing to the Western settlers or not; but you are certainly wrong to imagine my representations have any influence in the matter. I shall however, represent matters as they occur to those in Government, in the light they appear to me, as I have done hitherto, and have uniformly declared that I saw not the least probability of war, unless the Virginians forced it on. The different manoeuvres up and down and across the river, have now probably brought that event about, and who may see the end, God only knows.

I am, sir, your humble servant,

AR. ST. CLAIR.

Captain Conolly.

ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN.

Ligonier, July 26, 1774.

SIR: I have enclosed a letter I received last night from Mr. Mackay of Pittsburgh, together with the speeches and intelligence brought by White. Eyes, and a deposition respecting some Indians having been seen in the country. I thought them of consequence to be quickly communicated to you, and have forwarded them by express, as it was quite uncertain when a private opportunity might offer. All prospect of accommodation with the Shawanese and Virginians is certainly over for some time; but yet, it does not appear they have any hostile intentions against this Province. The engaging the service of the Delawares to protect our frontiers, would undoubtedly be good policy if it did not cost too dear. I am afraid however, they will be very craving, but as they have offered it, it should not be altogether overlooked, at the same time their friendship should be secured on as easy terms as possible.

I doubt, with the utmost prudence that can be exerted, but these Indian disturbances will occasion a very heavy expense to this Province. The necessity of establishing some place of security for the trade, (if it is considered as advisable to carry it on at all) is increasing daily. A small parcel of goods which Mr. Spear has sent to one of the Delaware Towns, has enraged the Commandant at Pittsburgh to an exceeding degree, and he threatens" the persons who carried them shall be tried for their lives on their return." I mentioned the Kittaning; it is certainly a proper place, both on account of some natural advantages of situation with regard to the interiour part of the country, and that its being in one of your manors, the settlers would have an opportunity of procuring lots on easy terms, at the same time it would not be foreign to your interest. 1 find, however, they, the traders at Pittsburgh, would wish to fix upon some place nearer that town, for which I can see no reason, unless they imagine the property they leave behind them will be more under their eye, or which, I think more probable, Mr. Croghan directs them to some spot where he has a right, and which may serve his interest; for though I believe he is zealous in the service of the publick at present, he will never lose sight of his own particular interest. If they do remove, I will endeavour to persuade them to the Kittaning at once; but if they are unwilling your ordering a town to be laid out there, and a small stockade to be built, will effectually determine them before they have gone far in another settlement.

Captain White Eyes and John Montaur are preparing a party to join the Virginia militia if they cross the river to attack the Lower Shawanese; and I have been solicited to order some of the rangers to join them. This I have positively refused, and have sent orders to the person intended, on no account whatever to attempt to pass either of the rivers. So far from joining the Virginians, who have taken such pains to involve the country in war, it would, in my idea, be not improper that the Shawanese should know this Government is at peace with them, and will continue so provided they do not infringe it themselves, and that a boundary be given them; the doing mischief on the east side of which, would be considered as a declaration of war and bring all the weight of this Government upon them.

We begin to be impatient with respect to the rangers; their second month is just expiring; but whilst the country is in such commotion, and the harvest not yet got in, they cannot be dismissed. I have not the least fears about the expense, and the Associators may safely depend on the generosity of the Government, more especially as they have such assurances from your Honour of your approbation of the measure, and your assistance towards relieving them from the expense.

I am, sir, your Honour's most obedient and most humble servant,

AR. ST. CLAIR.

P. S. If you should think proper to allow some presents to be made the Indians, I would be very glad the sum were specified. I am very little acquainted with Indian affairs, and I do not trust Mr. Croghan too much; he has been used to make expenses, and would not be very sparing when he thought he had the purse of a Province to make free with, and too great parsimony might spoil all. I have agreed with the express for six shillings a day.

Mr. Croghan says he expects some of the Six Nations to join White Eyes's party.

DEPOSITION OF DAVID CRIFFEY.

Westmoreland County, to wit:

The examination of David Griffey, of Struby's Foot, in the county aforesaid, taken on oath before me, Andrew McFarlane, Esquire, one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said county, this 24th day of July, in the year of our Lord 1774, who deposeth and saith, that on Saturday, the 23d day of this present month, between the hours of eleven and two of the same day, at a place called the Dividing Ridge, between Brush Creole and Seweekly, about four miles southwest of Hanna's Town, about the distance of one hundred and fifty yards, I saw five Indians with their guns over their shoulders, quite naked all but their breechclouts, marching towards Hanna's Town, and further saith not.

Taken, made, and signed the day and year above written, before me,

AN. MCFARLANE.

INDIAN MESSAGES AND INTELLIGENCE ENCLOSED IN ARTHUR ST. CLAIR'S LETTER OF JULY 26, 1774.

Pittsburgh, July 23, 1774.

We are glad to hear from you the good speeches which you have now spoke to us, and it also gave us great pleasure to hear from our brethren of Pennsylvania, when they reminded us of that ancient friendship made by our wise forefathers, which they have at this time handed to us, desiring us to take fast hold of it.

Brethren, Sir William Johnson, with our uncles, the Five Nations, the Wyandots, and all the several tribes of Cherokees, and Southern Indians, have spoke to us of peace and friendship; and you, our brethren of Virginia, have likewise desired us to be strong in holding fast the chain of friendship; and we now tell you that we strictly observe to do it. And now, brethren, I inform you that we will sit still here at our towns Kakelellamapcking, Gnaddenhutten, and Tupickcong upon the Muskingum, to hold fast that chain of friendship between you and us.

Brethren, you desired us that the road between us and you might be kept clear and open, that the traders might pass and repass safe, which we also have done, and we wish that it may continue further. We desire therefore, that you will not suffer your foolish young people to lie on the road to watch and frighten our people, by pointing their guns at them when they come to trade with you; for some of our people have been so scared that they came home and alarmed our towns, as if the white people would kill all the Indians, whether they were friends or enemies. (A string of white wampum.)