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.
(Johnson Hall, Sept. 30, 1773)
Johnson, Sir William in: The
Papers of Sir William
Johnson, vol. 8,
pp. 898-899.
TO FREDERICK HALDIMAND
A. L. S.1
| Johnson Hall, Septbr. 30th, 1773. |
DEAR SIR
I have had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter of the 15th. Inst. with the inclosure from Capt. Lord, and am much oblidged to You for your friendly wishes concerning my health which is something improved by my late Journey, but my time will hardly permit me to repeat My Visits to the seaside as often as my health may require And tho it would be no small Inducement to me to see You, I flatter myself I may have that pleasure here, if you hold Your former Resolution.
I think Mr. Murrays proceedings very extraordinary. The Spirit of purchasing & pushing Settlements in to the back Country, remote from the Influence of Government, and where they do as they please is already so prevalent that unless his Majesty shall fall on some vigorous measures to prevent it, I despair of its being ever done. The Indians Justly observe that we have not half settled the Country near the Sea, and that those who go back are a Banditti who disregard our Laws, as much as they hate them.
Thro the Delay of some dispatches, and the Several Councils held amongst themselves of late, I apprehend I shall hardly See the Southern Indians &ca this Season, I shall not however neglect to give them the proper Cautions wth. regard to Lands, but it is so easy to get Deeds from a few of them & they are liable to so many Temptations & Impositions that it is in Fact the rigorous Hand of Government alone that can effectually prevent it, All which I have often represent to his Majestys Ministers. The Lands You Speak of are certainly within the Claim of the Six Nations. And the purchase appears to have been made without (page 899) the Consent, & contrary to the Expressed Sense of Government, farther particulars relative to this Affair You may receive from Mr. Kennedy a Trader who is come from ye. Illinois and was present at the time, and is now gone to New York together with Monsr. Maisonville a Person in my Employ.
I have Just received a Pacquet from Major Basset Commanding at the Detroit inclosing an Answer to the Belts I sent to the Westward, wherein the Miamis assure me of the Satisfaction my Belts have afforded, & they are busied in opening the Road of Peace (as they term it) and will Continue to observe what is recommended to them.
I understand the Senecas are still busied in Conferences, & that I shall soon hear from them on the Subject of the Murder of the French Men wh. Col. Johnson Communicated to You, I shall do everry thing for the best in that Affair, which appears to me to be an Act of Revenge of an Individual, who led in the rest of the party to Joyn him, 'tho against their Inclinations.
I am with perfect Esteem & sincere Regard,
| Dear Sir, Your Real Wellwisher & verry Humble Servant |
|
| W JOHNSON |
His Excellency
MAJOR GENRL. HALDIMAND
| INDORSED: | 73 Sr. Wm. Johnson of Sept. the 30th. re. Octoe. the 5th |
______________________________
1 In British Museum. Additional Manuscripts 21670, fo. 82, London, England.
Return to TOC, p. 21
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