Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1753-1761. 223

ment, and as your Honor may be the better judge of it have
inclosed you a Copy of a Speech of theirs made at Fort Lou-
doun the I^st of this Instant and give you my opinion. These
People say that one Part of their People had been with
the French, and that they were returned with very large
Presents and great Promises, upon finding that Number of
their People inclined to join the French they determined to
come and see their Brothers the English as they have always
had a Regard for them in hopes that their Brothers would
treat them in such a manner that upon their going Home
they should be able to shew their People that it was their
Interest to let their Nation see that their Brothers were not
that bad People which those in the French Interest had
represented them. At their coming from their Towns, they
told them the Virginians would deceive them and not per-
form their promises, they say they are sorry to find what
they were told before they came from Home should turn out
to be true that they do not value the Presents but should
they go Home after being so long in the Service of the Eng-
lish, and have nothing to shew for their Services that they
will be made a Mock of, and give the Party in the French
Interest an Opportunity of persuading their People to join
the French which a contrary Behaviour on the Side of the
English would prevent.
Sir it is my Opinion if this Party goes away displeased,
it will be the Means of engaging us in a War with them
which will draw on a War with the Creeks also, as they are
intirely influenced by them, and the Consequence must be
dreadful to the English Colonies in General. When on the
other Hand should they go off in good Temper, I am of
Opinion that they will be able to bring over the over Hills
People, and Creeks to the Side of the English. I was glad
to see the good Understanding between the six Nations and
these People, as appears by the Speeches made by the Mohock
Sachem to them and their Answers, and they have agreed
with the six Nations to meet upon these Frontiers in the
Spring in great Numbers if they are now well treated in
Order to carry on the War against the French.
Sir I make Bold to recommend to you the sending home
these People in good Temper as their future Conduct will
be regulated by it, and by my Instructions I am ordered to
call upon you and M^r Croghan for such Rewards for these
People as I shall think necessary :
I am your Honors.
Most obedient humble Servant
To his Excellency Horatio Sharpe Esq^r Rich^d Smith.
Governor of Maryland.

Lib. J. R.

& U. S.