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.

(page 447)

I received your other letter and do believe that you have bin misinformed as to the Iroquois they haveing traded with this Government above forty years and nowhere else, unlesse they did it by stealth: I am sure they are nearer to this place then yours, and all to the south and south West of the lake of Canada; Wee have pretences too, and it seemes a cleare demonstration that those lands belong to the King of England, haveing all his colonies close upon them, those Indians who have pipes through their noses, would faine come to trade at Yorke, did not other Indians hinder them, haveing from hence such trade as they want which is in no other Governm^t and that you have none of but what you have from us. As for any dispute about them I suppose Your people and ours may trade amongst them without any difference-- . . .

(page 452)

1.  It is not intended that I will justify the wrong the Indians have done to the French so farr to the south-west as 400 Leagues from Mont Royall or in any other place whatsoever, though in all probability if we were to dispute these countreys so farr to the south-west are more likely to be ours then the french haveing English colonies much nearer to them.

2.  The pretences you make to that countrey by your 25 years possesion and sending Jesuits amongst them are very slender, and it may bee, you may have the same to other countries as for Jesuites liveing amongst them, how charritable soever it may bee it gives no right or title and it is a great wonder that the English who so well know America should neither hear nor see in a long time the treaty you speake of.

3.  But if the matter in debate bee not concerning the land on the side of the lake of Canada, it is desired to know what it is concerning since the Indians offer to give satisfaction for what injuries can bee prooved to bee comitted by them as they say they have formerly done in such cases and if they do not I never promised them any countenance from this Government. . . .