Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1753-1761. 99

By His Excellency Major General William Shirley General
and Commander in Chief of his Majestys Forces in North
America &c.
Upon taking into his Consideration the very Great import-
ance of the numerous Nations of Indians in Alliance with
his Majestys Southern Colonies, the Advantages that will
Accrue to the English in General from their Friendship and
the Particular Necessity there is at this time to enter into a
Solemn Treaty with them in Order not only to Secure them
to the British Interest, so far as [possible] to Prevent them
from joining in the Designs of the French but to engage
them to Assist his Majestys Subjects in Defending their
Frontiers and Annoying their Enemys,

It is Proposed,
I^st That a Treaty be held with the Several Tribes of In-
dians in Alliance with his Majestys Southern Colonies at
such time and Place as shall be Agreed on between the Gov-
ernments of North & South Carolina and Notified by them to
the General and to the Other Western Colonies as far north
as Pensilvania
2^dly That one or more Commissioners should be appointed
by each of the Western Provinces from South Carolina to
Pensilvania both Inclusive to Carry on that Treaty in behalf
of his Majesty & of those Colonys, to be Particularly in-
structed by their respective Governments for that Purpose
3^dly That such Instructions be without Delay transmitted
to the General and that he or the Commander in Chief of
the Kings Forces for the Time being give such further In-
structions to the Commissioners Collective or Seperately as
he shall think necessary for his Majestys Service
4^thly That the Governments of Virginia and the two Caro-
linas as soon as Possible Dispatch the Messengers to those
Southern Tribes inviting them to a General Treaty in his
Majestys Name and in the names of all the said Western
Provinces and that the time and Place Agreed on for such
Treaty be Particularly mentioned in such invitation
5^thly That at such appointed Place Provision be made for
the Reception & entertainment of the Indians that may attend
the Treaty by the Province wherein such Place is, to be after-
wards Reimbursed in Proportion by the other Colonys.
6^thly That Money be Provided by the said Western Prov-
inces for defraying the Expence of the Treaty and for pro-
viding a Proper Assortment of Goods to be given in Presents
to the Indians that shall Attend, and sent into their Countrys
to be distributed among those that cannot Personally Assist
at the Treaty

Lib. J. R.

& U. S.
P. 80