[COYNE] DAVID RAMSAY AND LONG POINT 117 



but the laws of nature justified his defending himself, and after adding 

 everything I thought prudent and necessary, I covered (according 

 to custom) the Graves of the Eight persons whom he killed and dis- 

 missed them with a very handsome and large present, and with 

 proper Belts and Messages to their Nation. The Indians at parting 

 expressed themselves very favourably, and I am willing to hope that 

 the affair may be accomodated, nevertheless I am so sensible of their 

 Resentment that I have judged it necessary to be thus particular, 

 because the Chippewas and Mississagaes are by far the most numer- 

 ous and powerfull Nation with whom we have any connection in 

 North America, being second only to Sioux in numbers, and from their 

 situation capable of affording great encouragement to Trade, or put- 

 ting an entire end to it, nor could it be expected that others would 

 enter warmly into Our Alliance when they considered the cause of 

 their Defection. The Traders are all come into Niagara and to avoid 

 the Resentment they apprehend from the Indians. I have already 

 described what may reasonably be apprehended whilst I use every 

 endeavour in my power to prevent its being realised, but I leave 

 Your Lordship to judge how difficult a task it is to calm the passions 

 of incensed Savages and to keep them faithfull to engagements whilst 

 they find themselves exposed to the licentious outrages of our own 

 people against which no remedy is as yet provided." 



The Earl of Dartmouth, who had succeeded Lord Hillsborough as 

 Colonial Secretary, replied to Sir Wm. Johnson's statement by com- 

 menting on the "atrocious and inhuman nature" of the "murders 

 committed by Mr. Ramsay" and a strong recommendation "to bring 

 that person to condign punishment." He added that he would "not 

 fail to write Lieutenant Governor Cramahie on the subject and to 

 exhort him to use his utmost endeavours that he do not escape with 

 impunity; and if a Bill of Indictment be found against him, that the 

 Judges be directed in their charge to the Jury, to guard them as much 

 as possible against the influence of those prejudices which you think 

 would probably be the means of his acquittal." 



Danger of Indian War. 



Johnson's description of the temper and disposition of the 

 Indians impressed the Colonial Secretary with the fear of an Indian 

 war, as the result of "the numberless frauds and abuses which are 

 at present committed by those who carry on trade and have inter- 

 course with them." 



On the 4th November, 1772, Johnson reminds the Earl of Dart- 

 mouth of his former letter of 29th June, "and of the murder of the 



