THE OHIO VALLEY-GREAT LAKES ETHNOHISTORY
ARCHIVES: THE MIAMI COLLECTION
It is noted that the following work from the Miami Archives should be read and
considered within the historical context in which it was composed and printed.
The opinions expressed and the language used do not reflect the opinions or
standards of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, but are, rather,
indicative of thought in that historical moment during which the document was
published.
Letter to Gage
(Johnson Hall, August 5, 1768)
Johnson, Sir William in: The
Papers of Sir William
Johnson, vol. 6,
pp. 307-308.
The Honble SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
|
Boston July 16th, 1768 |
[This] is to inform the Publick that John Williams Esqr (who tho Born in America [has] taken a Commission for Inspector General [of] his Majestys Customs in America, and thereby become an Actor in the Conspiracy [form]ed against his native Country) has promised to meat the Friends of Liberty this [ ] at 12 oClock at the Town House where Every person is desired to attend who has any [con]cern for the Public Welfare.
|
God Save the King |
[ ] with the News Papers
TO THOMAS GAGE
Df.1
|
Johnson Hall Augt. 5th, 1768. |
DEAR SIR
Since mine of the 20th ulto. I have received your favor of the 18th to Mr. Johnson. The Chipweigh Chief who notwithstanding the Obstructions given to his Journey, at last found means to come down has had sevl. Conferences with me, the purport of his Journey was to inform me of the discontents to the Westward & of Belts which he declares have come from the Misisipi thro' all their Nations, that some had already accepted of them, & the the Chipeweights waited his return to know what Steps they should take. I have given him sevl. Speeches to deliver to his people, and a handsome present to carry Home to them.- According to my accounts The Western Indians seem afraid & apprehensive of the Six Nations, & this corresponds likewise with Mr. Chabert's Letter which you transmitted, tho' I do not place much Confidence in his Opinion, or proposals, because I cannot help thinking that his Wishes are unfavorable to us, as I know (page 308) the Attachment of these people to their Countrymen, & besides have recd. so many accots of his Infidelity, which surely cannot all be goundless.- The time begins to draw near for the Genl. Congress to Settle the Boundary as I presume the Shawanese &c (if they come at all) Are now on their way & as I hear that the Commissrs from sevl. of the Governments are Set out. There are some points I would willingly settle previous thereto.- In the first place whether for the reasons I have given in a former Letter I ought not to continue the Line from Owegy, so as to form a Boundary between this Province & them, & whether those Provinces, (vizt. N Jersey & Maryland) who are not actually concerned in it, ought not to send Commissioners, as it may be necessary that all the Governments Enact Laws for preventing any of their People from Transgressing the Line, invited by the Quality of the Soil, &c altho' some of them may not border upon it & also with regard to the Sentiments of the Governors which seem to be that the Boundary of each Province should be particularly settled altho' I think it is Inconsistent with the Original design & impracticable at the Congress- please to favor me with your advice & thoughts hereupon.- The long dispute abt Kayadarosseras is at Length brought to a Conclusion, the late Attempt to Settle it when the Govr. was here in my absence having proved ineffectual, Their Agent no agreeing to the offers made by the Inds & Not having produced any Original Deed.- The Patentees therefore Applied again & Sir H Moore Wrote abt it & the Inds. Wearied out in Waiting for redress from home, & having had the Deed I mentd. produced to them have been at length induced to Relinquish their title to that patent, the Attorneys paying them 5000 dollars.2
His Excellency
GENL GAGE
_____________________________
1 In American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass.; in the handwriting of Guy Johnson.
2 (1, p. 308) In the Library of Congress is a Force Transcript of the letter sent to Gage, which, with slighter points of difference, has the following:
|
I am dear Sir |
|
|
Your most obdt humble servant, |
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|
WILLIAM JOHNSON. |
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