New York Ianuary the 8^th 1757 —
Sir,
I am just setting out for Boston, where I have appointed a
meeting, with the Governors of the Four New England Col-
onys, on the 13^th in order to Concert with them, what assistance
they will give, towards Carrying on the ensuing Campaign;
as soon as that is over, I propose going to Philadelphia, in
order to meet with you, and the Governors of the Southern
Colonys, to concert a proper Plan, to be carryed on there, for
their mutual Security and Defence, and such other things as
may appear necessary, in the present Situation of Affairs.
I do propose this meeting, should be held at Philadelphia, on
the 17^th day of February next, where I shall be very happy to
have the pleasure of meeting with you. —
As I hope, to have the pleasure of meeting you at Phila-
delphia, I shall postpone making any further answer to yours
at present, than to beg you will keep that Spy you have got,
till that time, and then have him carryed to Philadelphia, and I
must likewise beg, that you will take the trouble to enquire
about a Letter that fellow carryed from a Roman Catholic
Priest in Maryland, to the Commanding Officer of one of the
French Forts; and that if you find on Enquiry, that there is a
proper foundation for it, that you would secure the Priest
likewise. —
I am with great Respect
Sir
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
Loudoun

8^th of Jan^y 1757 —
Sir
M^r Stevens (whose Instructions for making Pot Ash you
some time ago sent me) calling on me here in his way to
Williamsburg & desiring my Letter of Introduction, I comply
with his Request so far as to make him known to you — I should
agreeable to my promise have sent you a Copy of the Exam-
ination of that Iohnson als Marshall who was sent hither some
time ago from Fort Cumberland had it not on farther Exam-
ination appeared that he had falsifyed in every Syllable he had
spoken & that no Credit ought to be given to his Information.
He at length proves to be a Deserter from the Independant
Company that was commanded by Capt Clark & as I have