Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1761-1769. 53

The like Demand is made in Pensilvania, and I cannot but
think that some Selfish People may have set them upon making
such a request to serve their private interest at the expence
of the Publick as otherwise I am of Opinion they would
scarcely have made application for that purpose.
I am very sensible of the opposition with such a proposal
must meet with from the House of Assembly, but hope they
will allow Cresap for the Expences he may be at in Conformity
to your directions, after which he can, and I suppose will keep
goods for them at his own Expence, in case he thinks it neces-
sary and beneficial.
At the request of Lieutenant Governor Fauquier for that
purpose to me, my Deputy Agent desired at a meeting lately
held at Onondaga that the Indians would take the Old Back
Path in going to War against the Southern Indians, which
they Promised to take into Consideration, But their passing
by Fort Cumberland will be of no service to them as Sir
Jeffery Amherst does not chuse to allow the Indians supplies
in these parts, & I presume the Officer Commanding there is
likewise restricted in the Same Manner.
I cannot but observe to you that I am Confident the shewing
the Indians in general some favor, and bestowing a few Pres-
ents as yet Occasionally on them will greatly contribute to
stifle many rising Jealousy's and suspicions now amongst
them concerning Us, and that our disapproving or discourage-
ing their prosecuting the. War against the Southern Indians
however reasonable, would greatly inflame them at present,
and give them reason to think we had formed some of those
projects which the French reasonably told them we should
not fail to put in practice on the reduction of Canada.
Whatever Answer you shall think necessary to return the
Indians, shall be Communicated to them on being transmitted
to me, and you may at all times command my Sentiments on
matters relative to the good of the Province, or your Own
Satisfaction As
I am with great Esteem
Sir Your most Obedient & Most humb^le Servant
Will: Johnson

Annapolis 28 ^th March 1763
Sir
Having lately received the Letter you were pleased to write
to me the 4^th of January in Answer to one I had taken the
Liberty to trouble you with the 25^th of November last I now
return you thanks for favouring me with your Opinion Con-
cerning the application which those of the Six Nations who

Lib. J. R.

& U. S.