APPENDIX A. 317 



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erated the malpractices of ... . among tliem, and enabled them to 

 estabHsli themselves wherever they pleased, without fomenting the 

 Indians' jealousy. The able agents were made use of, and their unani- 

 mous indefatigable zeal for securing the Indian interest, were so much 

 superior to auy thing we had ever attempted, and to the futile transactions 

 of the .... and trading Commissioners of Albany, that the latter 

 became universally despised by the Indians, who daily withdrew from 

 our interest, and conceived the most disadvantageous sentiments of our 

 integrity and abilities. In this state of Indian affairs I was called to 

 the management of these people, as my situation and opinion that it might 

 become one day of service to. the public, had induced me to cultivate a 

 particular intimacy with these people, to accommodate myself to their 

 manners, and even to their dress on many occasions. How I discharged 

 this trust will best appear from the transactions of tiie war commenced in 

 1744, in which I was busily concerned. The steps I had then taken 

 alarmed the jealousy of the French ; rewards were offered for me, and I 

 narrowly escaped assassination on more than one occasion. The French 

 increased their munificence to the Indians, whose example not being at 

 all followed at Xew York, I resigned the management of afiairs on the 

 ensuing peace, as I did not choose to continue in the name of an office 

 which I was not empowered to discharge as its nature required. The 

 Albany Commissioners (the men concerned in the clandestine trade to 

 Canada, and frequently upbraided for it by the Indians) did then reassume 

 their seats at that Board, and by their conduct so exasperated the Indians 

 that several chieis went to New York, 1758, when, after a severe speecli 

 to the Governor, Council, and Assembly, they broke the covenant chain 

 of friendship, and withdrew in a rage. The consequences of which were 

 then so much dreaded, that I was, by Governor, Council, and House of 

 Assembly, the two latter then my enemies, earnestly entreated to effect a 

 reconciliation with the Indians, as the only person equal to that task, as 

 will appear by the Minutes of Council and resolves of the House. A 

 commission being made out for me. I proceeded to Onondaga, and brought 

 about the much wished for reconciliation, but declined having any fur- 

 ther to say of Indian affairs, although the Indians afterwards refused to 

 meet the Governor and Commissioners till I was sent for. At the arrival 

 of General Braddock, I received his Commission with reluctance, at the 

 same time assuring him that affairs had been so ill conducted, and the 

 Indians so estranged from our interest, that I could not take upon me to 

 hope for success. However, indefatigable labor, and (I hope I may say 

 without vanity) personal interest, enabled me to exceed my own expecta- 

 tions ; and my conduct since, if fully and truly known, would, I believe, 

 testify that I have not been an unprofitable servant 'Twas then that 

 the Indians began to give public sign of their avaricious dispositions. 

 The French had long taught them it ; and the desire of some persons to 

 carry a greater number of Indians into the field in 1755 than those who 

 accompanied me, induced them to employ any agent at a high salary, • 

 who had the least interest with the Indians ; and to grant the latter Cap 



