NORTH AMERICA. 
77 
towns, to make inquiry concerning the late alarm 
and depredations committed by the Indians upon 
the traders ; which the nation being appriied of, re- 
commended thefe deputies to be chofen and fent, 
as foon as poiiible, in order to make reafonable con- 
ceiTions, before the flame, already kindled, mould 
fpread into a general war. The parties according- 
ly met in St. Auguftine, and the affair was ami- 
cably adj lifted, to the fatisfaction of both parties. 
The chiefs of the delinquent bands, whofe young 
warriors had committed the mifchief, promifed to 
indemnify the traders for the lofs of their goods, 
and requefted that they might return to their ftore- 
houfes, with goods as ufual, and that they fhould be 
fafe in their perfons and property. The traders at 
this time were actually preparing to return. It ap- 
peared, upon a ftrict inveftigation of facts, that the 
affair had taken its rife from the licentious conduct 
of a few vagrant young hunters of the Siminole na- 
tion, who, imagining themfelves to have been ill 
treated in their dealings with the traders (which 
by the bye was likely enough to be true) took this 
violent method of doing themfelves juflice. The 
culprits however endeavoured to exculpate them- 
felves, by afferting, that they had no defign or in- 
tention of robbing the traders of their effects, but 
meant it only as a threat ; and that the traders, from 
a confcioufnefs of their difhonefty, had been terri- 
fied and fled, leaving their (lores, which they took 
pofleftion of, to prevent their being totally loft. 
This troublefome affair being adjufted, was very 
agreeable news to me, as I could now, without ap- 
prehensions, afcend this grand river, and vifit its 
delightful Ihores, where and when I pleafed. 
Bidding adieu to my obliging friend, I fpread my 
fail to the favourable breeze, and by noon came to 
a-breafl 
