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 resentment 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 Delawares and Shawanese; some Canadians to be taken to dispel Indian hope of French alliance; 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 conference with Indians as soon as held. Draft. 3pp. 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to Jan. 12. [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Summarizes interviews with Senecas and Indians from the Five Nations; the enlistment of Indians in colonial forces; Lieut. [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 Niagara and Detroit; difficulties of forwarding them 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] Claus'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 "southern 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; specifies provisions favored; [Daniel] Claus not able to reach Montreal; asks certificate as to rank of Lt. [Guy] Johnson that latter may obtain land under royal proclamation; case of Christopher Strubble who deserted from [William] Shirley and has been among Indians; returned in 1759 and was forgiven; other notes. Draft. 4pp. 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 Delawares 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. 1p. Friendly Indians were commanded 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. Apr. 6. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges letters of Mar. 26 and 29; favorable results of negotiations with Senecas, Five Nations, and other Indians at Johnson Hall; expeditions against the Delawares; backwardness of provinces 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 Indians; 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] Browning 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 Stanwix the latter to command; requests that [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 commanding next Lt. Col. [Alexander] Campbell. A. L. S. 1p. 1764. [Bradstreet, John.] Niagara. Letter to [Thomas Jul. 12. Gage, New York]. Conditions at fort; mortification 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; will 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. 1p. Sep. 1. 1764. [Johnson, Sir William.] Johnson Hall. Letter to [Thomas] Gage, [New York]. Acknowledges letters of Aug. 15 and 16 but has had no opportunity to write Col. [John] Bradstreet; doubts loyalty of Chenusios Indians; summarizes results |