Pursuant to your Orders of the 16th of July, of which I recd. a Duplicate only the 17th. instant, the Original having never come to hand, I underneath give your Lordships my humble Opinion in the best Manner I can digest my Thoughts in so short a time, that as little time might be lost as possible, since Your Orders were so late in coming, in answering the several Articles you have ordered me to send to you, that your Lordships might not be delay'd by me, and that you may compare the plan I send with those of the other Governors of the several Colonies to whom undoubtedly you have sent, that you may be enabled, by knowing the Sentiments of the several Governors of the Colonies, to digest and form a general Scheme to be held before his Majesty, altho' I cou'd wish for the Good of Britain that the French were totally expelled from Canada and Louisiana. 

In Order to answer Your Lordships Expectations and Orders in the best Manner I can to every Article, I must beg leave to observe that the Sums to be levied upon the several Colonies can't be fix'd until the Number of Forts to be erected and the Largeness of each is determined and known, which are necessary to defend the frontier, and to protect our Indian Allies and secure the Trade; and until the Number of Soldiers necessary to be maintained to defend them can be determined, and the Number of Cannon, Swivels, or Musquetoons, and other Military Stores necessary for the several Forts; and what may be necessary to keep the Forts and Barracks afterwards in Repair, by which the Expense may be calculated and the sum known which is necessary to be raised by the several Colonies—Nor can the Number of Forts and their Largeness be determined until the Bounds of our Claim is fixed, and the French are forced to give us our Right; But since the Treaty of Utrecht, confirmed by the Treaty of Aix, hath confirmed to us a Boundary, tho' it be not the foundation of our Right and Claim; I shall therefore fix the British Right and Boundaries of the Colonies upon the Right we have by the Faith and Sanction of these Treaties, without insisting upon our prior Right. 

The Treaty of Utrecht has yielded up and restored to Britain Acadia or Nova Scotia, according to it's most antient Limits, which were originally fix'd by King James the first's Grant, from the Entrance of St. Croix on St. John's River to it's fountain, and so the shortest way to St. Laurence River over against Tadousac, and down that River to Gaspee Bay, (the French claiming then no part of the Countries South of that River, having settled their Colony at Canada to Northward of it) and from Gaspee along the Coast to Cape Breton, which was included in it, but given up to the French by that Treaty; and from thence along the Sea Coast to Cape Mary over against St John's River. 

I can't tell whether his Majesty will insist upon his whole Right, and have a fort erected on St. Laurence River over against Tadousac, nearest the Springs of St. John's River, since the South Bank of that River to the Lakes ought to be our Boundary, as it is our undoubted Right, and wou'd effectually secure the friendship of these Indians, and to have another built at Gaspee at the Entrance of the River, which wou'd add greatly to the Expense, and wou'd be strongly litigated by France, as it wou'd give us the Command of that River, and therefore for the sake of peace his Majesty may probably abate of his Right in this instance, but it shou'd be upon such Terms, that the French shou'd acknowledge the British Right to all the Lands South of the River, and withdraw their Missionaries from the Indians; and let the Lands remain unsettled in the hands of the Indians. In that Case we may only keep fort Cumberland at Chignecto, and that at Bay verte, and one upon St. John's River, which shou'd be built as high upon that River as wou'd answer to protect our Settlers, and keep the Indians our friends.

The Limits of New Hampshire, Massachusets and Main ought also to extend to the Banks of St. Laurence River, from St. Johns to the River Iroquois and Lake St. Pierre, but probably for the Sake of Peace they may not insist to settle the whole upon the Acknowledgment of our Colonies, but they ought to make good their Claim as high as the Springs of Kennebec River, and have a fort as high upon it as may protect their Planters, which I believe they have already done last Summer—Our Claim from New England on the River Iroquois, is fix'd by the Treaty of Utrecht, to all the Lands possess'd or conquered by the five Nations, now call'd the six Nations upon their Conjunction with the Tuskeroras, to which they always claim'd a Right which extends from the River Iroquois to Niagara along the South Side of St. Laurence River and Lake Ontario, so that Crown Point fort is undoubtedly our Right, as well as all South of St. Laurence in right of our Allies, who put themselves under our Protection, whether His Majesty will support his Claim to the South side of that River, so as to settle it is a Matter of Prudence, but the French ought to give all the Indians South of that River to be under our Protection; and also any Claim or Right to settle those Lands. 

The six Nations also claim a Right to all the Countries North of Ontario and St. Laurence, from the River Outaouas near Monreal to the Huron Lake, which they had conquered and was always their hunting Ground, so that we have a just Claim to Caterakui Fort, on the North Side of Lake Ontario where it enters St. Laurence River, However for the sake of Peace His Majesty may probably give up his Right, and won't claim any thing North of Ontario Lake but it ought to be stipulated in that Case that Catanakui fort shou'd be demolished or any other built North upon Ontario Lake, the whole Lake belonging to the six Nations. 

The Lands South of Ontario and Niagara Fort and River are undoubtedly our Right, as are all the Lands South of Lake Erie, the six Nations having conquered all these Lands Southward & Westward of it as far as Michigan Lake and the River Illinois, and so down to the Ohio and Mississippi, and Northward beyond the Miamis River, wch. falls into Lake Erie, and St. Joseph River which falls into Michigon Lake; and the Twigtwees and Shawans as well as the Delaware possess these Lands by the Express Leave of the six Nations; from the falls on the Ohio to the Mississippi, on the South Side of the Ohio, our Allies the Cherokees claim a Right, and dispute it much higher of the South Side with the six Nations; so that in their Right we have a Claim to these Countries; and the Chickesaws, our faithful Allies, claim a Right from thence down the East Side of the Mississippi to the River Mobile, and to Southward of them we claim a Right by our Allies the lower Creeks, to Albama Fort; and might claim a right to Mississippi by Cox's Discovery of it before the French. 

Upon this Presumption, that We shall exert our undoubted Right to these Lands, founded upon the Right of our Indian Allies, and the Treaties of Utrecht and Aix la Chapelle, from the River Iroquois including Crown Point by the South Side of Ontario and Erie Lakes, and so by the West End of Erie to Michigon Lake; and down the Ouaback to the Ohio, and thence to the Mississippi, and down that River of Mobile, to include the Chickesaws and so to Albama Fort & River, to secure our Creek Allies; I shall humbly propose what Number of Forts and what Size and Strength they ought to be to secure our Colonies and Indian Allies. 

Since Nova Scotia has got Possession of Fort Cumberland at Chignecto, and a small fort at Bay verte, which secures the Isthmus, and upon retaking the Fort at St. Johns (which when taken ought not to have been neglected) and since that Colony is now under the Direction and Care of the Government in England, I do not bring that Colony into the Estimate, and there being a small Fort already built by the Massachuset Colony upon Kennebec River, I shall pass that over, altho' I bring the Pay of the Garrison into the Charge—I therefore shall proceed to Crown Point Fort which when retaken we must garrison strongly, to secure the Massachuset and Connecticut Colonies as well as New York from the French and their Indians, as also our Claim to the Country west of Iroquois to the Lake Ontario—a small Fort at Oswego to secure our Trade, as it may not be prudent to insist upon Catanakui fort, and the Lands North of Ontario. A strong fort at Niagara, to secure the six Nations from the French Power & Intrigues, a Redoubt at the Head of French Creek above Verango, where the French have a small fort to communicate with Ohio—Another Redout upon Caya-hoga, a River running into Lake Erie, where there is a carrying Place to Muskingum or White Woman's River, wch. falls into the Ohio above the upper Shawan's Town, near little Konhawa River. A strong Fort upon Sanduski River, at or near Juniundat, where the French have lately built a small fort, where Vessels may be built to command the Trade upon Lake Erie, and so through the Streights to Huron Lake; from this River is a carrying Place to Sioto River which falls into the Ohio near the Lower Shawan's Town. A fort on or near the River Miamis, to secure and protect the Twigtwees our Allies. A Strong Fort at the Conflux of the Ouaback with the Ohio. A strong Fort near the Chickesaws, at the head of the Mobile, to secure and protect that warlike Nation; our faithful Allies, the Envy of the French, and their inveterate Enemies. And a fort either on Flint River, which falls into the Bay of Mexico, or upon the Head of Albama River to preserve a Communication between the Chickesaws and Creeks, and to protect the Creeks from Albama fort—If this Plan be followed, there will be no Occasion for a Fort to protect the Cherokees, as they will be at a great Distance within the Line. These are the Number of the Forts, and Places which I think the best to secure our Frontier and Indian Allies, and to protect the Trade being 9 in Number, including the fort on Kennebec River, and 2 Redoubts, which won't be more expensive than one small Fort, so these included they will make 11 Garrisons, which in my Judgment are as many as may be necessary to be garrison'd to secure our Colonies, and the Countries belonging to our Indian Allies, and to make them our perpetual friends, and to carry on our Trade as far as the Mississippi and through the Lakes; by which many more Nations wou'd be induced to come and trade with us, when it shou'd be put under proper Regulations, when we shou'd be able to undersell the French, upon Account of their Monopoly Distance, and a Difficulty of Navigation, as well upon the Rivers as the Seas leading to the River of St. Laurence and Mississippi. This wou'd secure to us the best part of the Indian Trade, and their friendship effectually, and wou'd soon oblige the French to give up or desert Fort Pontchartrain, as not worth the Expense, since by the Treaty of Utrecht we have a Right to trade with all Indian Nations, even with the French Allies, as they have wth. ours; and then the Lakes wou'd be open to us for large Vessels to trade in them. 

However this ought not to be our full Scheme for I forsee that whenever we shall be able to accomplish this Plan, and the French find themselves confined to the North of St. Laurence River and the Lakes, and we shall have gain'd the Bulk of the Indian Trade, that the French will endeavour to make Reprisals upon our Trade in Hudson’s Bay, which the Hudson Bay Company and Monopoly will encourage them to do, since they now undersell the Company after so long a Land Carriage, and difficult River Navigation, as far as from Monreal to the West of the Bay; for they will then push on their Trade Northwestward, and secure all the richest furs. I therefore think it of great Consequence, that no time shou'd be lost in declaring the Hudson's Bay exclusive Trade by Charter (without an Act of Parliament to confirm it) an illegal Monopoly, and to allow all the British Merchants to trade, & British and foreign protestants to settle on all or any of the Lands within their Grant, and that the Legislature shou'd determine their Property, and where they were Proprietors, in Case they shod. not give up their Charter if the Monopoly be declared illegal, for if those Lands were settled as in other Colonies, they wou'd finish them and the Trade on to the Southern milder Latitudes, and secure all the Trade North of the Huron and Superior Lakes, as they cou'd undersel the French, and so cut them out of the Trade West of the Bay, and joyn our Colony Trade thro' the Lakes; This wou'd reduce the power and Wealth of Canada so much as to make them quit their Schemes, and Canada wou'd become of little Value to the French. 

Having premised these things, I shall now humbly give my Opinion of the Size and Strength of the several proposed forts & Redouts, which are proposed to be 11 in Number as already mentioned, having left out Nova Scotia, as being entirely under the Direction of the Government in Britain, and then the Forts to be erected, where not already built, will appear thus. 

The Fort at Kennebec River will soon have Planters settle near it, under it's Protection, and may be soon reduced in time of Peace to 50 Men, since the Planters upon any Attack wou'd shelter there, and add to the Garrison, Crown Point Fort being an exposed Frontier near Canada must be always kept compleat. Oswego, if the Town and Trade increase, may be reduced to 180 Men, as they may have Assistance from the Traders and Inhabitants in Case of an Attack—Niagara fort must be always kept compleat, as also the Redoubts on Lake Erie, and the Fort at Juniundat to prevent any Communication from the Lake to Ohio, by the short Land Carriages, and to secure the Navigation of Lake Erie. The Fort also at the Twigtwees must be kept compleat, to protect that Nation, who upon any attack wou'd assist the Garrison; and those on the Ouaback, Mobile, and Alibamas, must be always compleat—However in my Computation I will support them all compleat—There are to be in the whole 28 Companies at 100 Men ⅌. Company, one of which is to be divided between the 2 Redouts near Lake Erie; They must all be allow'd British pay and the Non Commission Officers and private Men Provisions until they are well settled; and when they have cleared the Lands near their Forts, they shou'd be allow'd Mares, Cows, Sheep, and Swine, for Breed, and afterwards be only allow'd Salt and Bread, as they may soon have Malt, fruits & Vines to make good Beverage, since they won't be more northerly than 41°, and may have every thing Gardens can afford, Sallads Roots &c—at the same time Lands shou'd be laid out in Lots for them, 500 Acres to a Captain, 300 to a Subaltern, 100 to a Serjeant or Corporal, and 50 to a private Soldier; so that when they are off Guard in time of peace they may improve their Plantations. These Garrisons which are placed near the Twigtwees, Chickesaws, & Creeks shou'd endeavour to have some useful Tradesmen in Garrison, to instruct the Indians, and be useful to them, as Smiths, Carpenters, Masons &c. and also Gardners and Farmers, to encourage our Allies to become Industrious, and only go to hunt for their Diversion, and when furs are in Season, to exchange to more Advantage, to buy Apparel and houshold furniture, and their Youth might be instructed and civilized, and enured to moderate Labour, which wou'd prepare them to be converted, and to incorporate with us; and the Soldiers shou'd be encouraged to take Indian Wives, whose Daughters wou'd again intermarry with the Indian Youth. 

The Expense of the several Garrisons, and the whole Sum necessary to be raised in the Colonies. Thus—The Expense of the pay of one Company. 

Total Pay of one Company ⅌. Ann. £1818.6.5 

Total Charge of the Pay of 28 Companies £50708.12.4 

Total ⅌. Year £237. 7.2 

In order to raise this Sum from the United Colonies, they ought to be tax'd proportionally to their Wealth and Numbers. The Numbers are generally computed from the taxable white Males from 16 and upwards, & the Number of Souls computed from those, as the Number of females are computed equal to the Males, and the Number under 16 equal to those above 16—so that the taxable whites shou'd be about 1/4th. of the whole. The Wealth is not so easily computed, but where there are Negros, the Taxable Negros shou'd be always added to the Number of Taxable Whites. 

Having seen a late Computation of the Number of Souls in our Colonies on the Continent of America, communicated by a Gentleman who has considered American Affairs to the Author of a late well wrote Pamphlet, entitled a State of the English and French Colonies; altho' it be not exact, as I shall shew, I shall make that at present the foundation of the Proportion of the Taxes each Colony shou'd pay, and after showing where several of the Computations are incorrect, shall form another Calculation from a more correct Computation, altho' I can't affirm it's being correct. 

The Number of Souls, of the Whites in the several British Colonies of North America as computed by him stands thus. 

Altho' these Numbers are not exact as I shall shew, and the Negros are not brought into the Number, nor the Wealth, I shall at present form a Calculation of the proportional Charge from these Numbers of each Colony, and shew how it appears upon this Calculation, and then I shall shew where these Numbers are deficient, where exact Numbers have been taken, and give reasons where I apprehend they are deficient from the Numbers in the adjacent Colonies where Numbers have been taken, and shall take in the taxable Blacks into the Calculation, and so form an Estimate what each Colony shou'd be charged.

But first I must deduct the Number in Nova Scotia, since that Colony is not included in this Calculation, the Crown at present being at the whole Expence of the Garrisons and Government in that Province—This Deduction will reduce the Number of Souls of the Whites to 1046000—and as the Charge of the Troops to be raised to garrison the Forts is computed to be about £63000—then the proportional Share that wod. fall upon each according to this Computation wou'd stand thus.

In this proportion according to the above Calculation of the Numbers wou'd the Sums be levyed from the several Colonies, in Case the Numbers return'd had been exact, and the Wealth of the several Colonies had been also calculated, But as the Computation is very deficient in several of the Colonies, and the Wealth not considered at all, this Calculation can never be thought a proper Plan to go upon, and as I shall shew that the Computation is vastly too low in several of the Colonies to Southward, I have reason also to believe that they may be short in the Number of several of the Northern Colonies; However as the Lands are less valuable to the Northward, and labour more severe, and consequently the Colonies not so rich in proportion to their Number, I shall not add to the Number of any of the Northern Colonies as above return'd, but shall shew how far short the Numbers are given in the Southern Colonies. 

An exact Account was taken in Virginia last year of all the Taxable white Males in each County from 16 years and upwards, and the Number amounted to 44214—and the Taxable Negros Males & female above 12 years old were 58292, so that if the Taxable whites are about ¼th. of the Number of Souls in Virginia, the Whites wou'd amount to 176856, wch. are above computed at 85000, not half the Number, and if we add to these the taxable Negros 58292 the Number to pay the tax wou'd be 235148, so that Virginia as it is an increasing Colony the Number may be fix'd at 230000. North Carolina is above computed at 45000 Souls whites; but as the Taxable white Males from 16 upwards were return'd last Year at about 20000, and 5000 Negros, and I am sensible the Returns are less than the Truth, as all the Laws had been neglected and not put in Execution, for this year in Craven County where I reside, having got a good County Clerk, and some Persons to inform against Defaulters, the Taxables this year are 300 more than last year, so that the Number may be computed at 80000 instead of 45000.

In South Carolina the Computation made was only 30000 whites, but since for some years several thousands have taken up Lands there, from the Northward, and the back Lands on Santee, Savanna & Congeree Rivers are well settled, the Number of whites in that Colony, if rightly taken, can't be less than 60000, besides 50000 taxable Negros, so that by their late Improvement of Indigo their wealth is increased, and they are daily importing Numbers of Negros, so that including Negros they may be computed at 110000—By the Numbers in Virginia we may be convinced that the Whites in Maryland are short computed at 85000; and may be augmented to 107000, since all their Lands are taken up, and from their proportional Quantity of Tobacco to Virginia exported, their Negros can't be less than 40000, when Virginia has 58000, so that the Numbers to pay the Pole tax in MaryLand may be computed at 140000 at least—Pensylvania is as much under computed at 250000, when Virginia has 176000, and as they have always concealed their Numbers carefully, by allowing no Pole tax, nor List of taxables to be taken; As they carry on so great a trade, and are crowded with Planters, by the Numbers which Land there from Holland Britain and Ireland, of which I have seen Returns of about 10000 landed in one Season, that they are obliged to remove to the Southward for want of Lands to take up, and as that Colony has of late extended for to the Westward of Susquehana, I have reason to believe that what Governor Thomas inform'd me as to their Numbers was not above the Truth; that they had in that Colony including the lower Counties 100000 fighting Men, capable of bearing Arms—Therefore their Number of Souls can't be less than 400000, and they will have no Injustice done them, if they are stated here at 360000, besides there are several Negros who are not computed. I have also reason to believe that the Jerseys are short computed, as they have got many of the Germans among them, but shall make no further Observations Northward, as the Colonies there are now so wealthy as to the Southward. 

I therefore shall add these Numbers so adjusted to the Computation, and whatever Sum is raised over and above £63000 to pay the Troops, may answer the payment of the Officers and other Gentlemen who shall be employ'd by his Majesty in managing the Military Affairs of the Colonies, and the Trustees for the Management of Indian Affairs, and Regulation of their Trade; and if there is any Overplus, it may go toward the building of the Forts and Barracks, & afterwards in keeping them in repair, and in purchasing Arms & Ammunition; for I suppose his Majesty will give the Cannon necessary for the Forts. 

The Number of Whites & Taxable Negros in the Colonies according to this Alteration of the Numbers in the 5 Southern Provinces will appear thus. 

I shall now upon these Numbers of Whites and taxable Negros, amounting in the whole to 1471000, form a Calculation of what proportional Sum each Colony ought to pay upon a pole Tax of 12d. 13d. 13 ½ d. and 14d. ⅌. Poll, in order to shew the Amount of the Poll tax upon each of these Sums charged p Poll, from 12 to 14d. ⅌. head, that upon finding the exceeding upon each, above the £63000, the Charge of the Garrisons, we may consider what Surplus may be necessary to add until the forts are compleated, and what may be proper afterwards to keep the Buildings in Repair, and for the Charge of Management & securing and regulating the Indian Trade, so as to preserve their friendship. 

By this Computation it will appear that 12d. ⅌. Poll wou'd only raise a Surplus of £10500, that at 13d. ⅌. head it wou'd raise a Surplus of about £16600, by 13½d. about £19700, and at 14d. ⅌. poll about £22800, if it shou'd be carefully collected; I shou'd therefore incline to fix at 14d. ⅌. head, until the forts were erected and the Barracks for the Troops, and then When the Charge of Management and transacting Indian Affairs were known, if there was any Surplus it shou'd go towards Repairs & Contingencies and if there shou'd be any saving, and an overplus remain, it shou'd be kept in Bank to answer any Emergencies, if the poll tax shou'd not make up the Sum, each Colony to make up their Quota by other Taxes, & if they shou'd not approve of continuing a poll tax, then the several Assemblies may raise the Sum upon Taxables, by Excise or Duties upon Imports from all places but Great Britain, or upon any foreign Luxuries, and as this plan wou'd effectually secure their Peace by land, & increase and improve the several Colonies, it wou'd become more easy, so that upon due Consideration if the proportional Sums be found right, as might be known by the poll tax, if there was no fraud in the Collection, but each Colony took Care to have all their Numbers pay, by laying a heavy fine upon all families who gave a false Return of their Numbers, or upon single persons who did not pay, then a just Proportion might be struck the following year, and raised in a Manner the most agreable to each Colony; so as to have the Sum ascertained to be remitted by each Colony to the Managers; and I can't but think each Colony wou'd be pleased, for so small a Sum upon each, to pay it chearfully, to secure their Religion, Liberty & Property with a happy Peace, that they might improve their Colonies & enjoy the Indian Trade and their perpetual friendship. 

It wou'd be impertinent in me to propose any thing relative to the Rank, Number, or Appointments of those His Majesty sends to preside over and conduct the whole Military Affairs of the Colonies, for the Military Affairs must always be under the Power & Conduct of his Majesty and his Successors; so that his Majesty must determine the Appointments, but it will be prudent, out of the Surplus to have a considerable Sum to go towards Repairs, Buildings, and to the Managers of Indian Affairs, and to answer Contingencies; and the Colonies will expect some of their Number to be joyned in the Commission or Trust for Indian Affairs, and to enquire into the Repairs necessary For the Barracks and Forts, and to see that the Garrisons are kept compleat: and in Case the fund shou'd increase by the Improvement of the Colonies, or by forming new Provinces beyond the Mountains, as the Colonies entered their settlements; then a Barrack Board or Office shou'd be erected, to take Care of the Forts, Barracks, and Bedding of the Soldiers, for they may have fire and Candles at their own Expense, when the forts are finish'd, and they have got into their farms. 

If Care be not taken there will be a great Expence attending the Building of the Forts and Barracks; Labour being at so excessive a price in the Colonies, and therefore all prudent Steps shou'd be taken to get proper Artificers necessary in carrying on Buildings to inlist in the Troops from England, or if no Troops come from thence, then Draughts shou'd be made of such and so many Artificers, as may be judged necessary, out of those already enlisted in the marching Regiments in England, who shou'd be allow'd British Wages whilst employ'd, besides their Pay, and such Soldiers of the several Garrisons who wou'd be Labourers, shou'd be allow'd Frocks, Shoes & doublepay. But in Order further to lessen the Expence, I shou'd think it a right Measure to send all the Convicted Felons and Vagabonds transported to the Colonies (where they are now become a Nusance) to these Garrisons to work at the Fortifications, for their Meat and Cloathing, and the Women may become Servants to the Garrison, in their several Farms or Barracks, and the Men cou'd be confined at Night, until the forts were finished, there being Guards and Sentinels over them; so they cou'd not make their Escape, and they wou'd become thus enured to Labour, and when their Time of Punishment expired, if they became tractable and industrious, they might be Servants at Wages until they had something saved, to take up Lands and turn Planters. 

I think it wou’d be advisable to pass a law in England and Ireland, that all persons guilty of Larceny or small Thefts & Pickpockets shou'd all be transported, instead of being burnt in the hand, or being allow'd the Benefit of the Clergy, or being publickly whipped, which hardens them and makes them greater Rogues, and that all Vagrants and Boys in Towns who have no Parents or Masters, nor apply themselves to labour for their Maintenance, shou'd also be transported, as none will trust them to be Servants; These might Be all usefully employed in the Colonies, in the Fortifications and Repairs, & making publick Roads, Bridges &c. and those who are flagrant Offenders, upon settling the Countries about Hudson's Bay, shou'd be transported thither to be Servants to the Planters, from whence they cou'd not easily return, and if they misbehaved send them to the most Northerly parts, or give them as Servants to the Northern Indians, who then must work or starve. 

If this Scheme be found reasonable, and £10,000 were allow'd annually out of the Surplus fund to pay the Labourers &c. and Surplus Pay, and to provide Materials, with such further sums as I shall here mention, the Forts might be erected in a short time. The small fort at Kennebee I suppose is already built, Crown point fort when taken will require little Addition or Repair, Oswego Fort now building will be finished before this plan can take place. It is not necessary that all the others shou'd be undertaken at once, but only 3 of those which are immediately necessary, vizt. Niagara, and the Fort near the Chickesaws, to prevent their being cut off by the French; and the Fort among the Creek Indians, lest they shou'd be forced into Allyance with the French for want of being protected. I wou'd not then advise the raising the 28 Companies at once, but only those Garrisons where the Forts are already built, and those here proposed to be immediately built, and the 3 Companies for Ouaback; one at the Twigtwees, 4 at Juniundat, and 2 Redouts, in all 9 Companies, may not be raised, which being 900 Men wou'd be a Saving of about £19000—and that Sum with the Saving on the Surplus of £10000 wou'd soon finish these 3 forts, after which the 4 Companies for Sanduski or Juniundat, and the Company for the Twigtwees, may be raised; and these 2 forts be erected, and the 4 Companies for the Ouaback, and the 2 Redouts not being raised there wou'd still be a Saving of about £8000, which added to the Surplus £10000, wou'd soon finish these 2 forts, after which the other 4 Companies shou'd be raised, and the Surplus fund £10000 would soon finish the Fort at Ouaback, and the 2 Redouts near Erie; so that with the Labour of the Convicts and Vagabonds transported, and the Labour of the Soldiers in Garrison, they might soon be compleated, and at a moderate Expence. 

I shall a little further explain the kind of Forts which I think wou'd be proper to be erected. The 2 small Redouts for 50 Men each, may be triangular with half Bastions, a Fosse, and pallisades on the Counterscarp, with a Glacis, with only 12 Swivel Guns on the Parapet, or Musquetoons, with a strong Barrack and Magazine in the fort. The small Forts to be garrison'd by 100 or 200 Soldiers, to be large Triangles wth. full Bastions, with a large Fosse and Counterscarp, pallisadeed and large Glacis; and ought to have 12 Cannon 4 pounders, 2 in each flank of the 3 Bastions, and 30 Swivels on the Curtains. The Forts whose Garrisons consist of 3, 4, or 500 Men, ought to be large Square Forts, with 4 Bastions, 16 Cannon 6 pounders, 2 on each Flank, 48 Swivel Guns, with a large Fosse and Covered way upon the Counterscarp, with places of Arms, and a Glacis well pallisaded. These I think will be strong enough to resist any force can be brought against them. The first thing to be done is to make Log houses for the Soldiers, and to trade out and clear the Ground about the fort, and then to throw up some of the Fosse, to form the Glacis, & to fix the Pallisades; and then after making a proper Barrack for the Officers, to fall about raising the Body of the Fort. 

I must beg leave to observe that if this Expence be taken off the Government, it will still be the Interest of Britain to keep several Independent Companies in America, and to erect Forts at the Entrance of all the great Rivers as well to defend the Harbours and Shipping from hostile Attacks or Invasions by Sea, as to be a Check upon the illicite Trade of the Colonies, and to assist and countenance the Revenue Officers; and also to be a Check upon the Colonies, whilst Britain has the Harbours, & Rivers to prevent their Trade; if they hereafter shou'd attempt an Independency, or openly carry on a Trade with foreigners, as Rhode Island and Connecticut do. I shou'd think if some Soldiers were sent to these Colonies, to prevent an open illicite Trade, it wou'd be of Benefit to the British Trade, as they are almost all supplied with Goods and Manufactures from Holland, which are dispersed among the neighbouring Colonies. But exclusive of these 2 Provinces, it wou'd take the Companies, the Expence of which wou'd be about £25000, at 100 private Men each, 2 Companies in a fort to command the Entrance of Hudson's River, below New York, 2 in Delawar River, whereover they can command the Channel in a fort there, 2 to command the Entrance into Chesapeak Bay by a Fort at Cape Henry, where large Cannon cou'd command the Channel, one at Core Banks to command Ocacock Bar, and the Shipping to Neuse, Pampticoe, and Roanoak Rivers, one at Cape Fear in the New Fort, 2 at Charles Town or Portroyal in South Carolina, and 2 in Georgia at Savanna and Frederica; and above all 2 at Cape Look out Harbour, the best and most convenient from Boston to Cape Florida, with a strong Fort, under the Protection of which in time of War our Navigation wou'd be safe, and our Ships from Privateers, who wou'd water and clean there, where the Station Ships to Southward of New York wou'd be of more Service in time of War, than in any River on the Continent, as they cou'd be at Sea in 2 hours, and cou'd from thence sail to the Capes of Virginia, or to Charles Town or Georgia, in 48 hours; when they may be some weeks in getting out of the Rivers, where they have all the Convenience to wood water or clean, and careen, and be as safe as in a Mill pond or dock, and the Bay without the Harbour all clean Ground, which cou'd contain the whole British Navy. 

As to our Treatment of the Indians, so as to secure this friendship and Trade, it must take up some time and Consultation wth. Merchants and Traders of Character, to fix proper Regulations for that Trade; in the mean time I shall give your Lordships some hints and Sketches of the Outlines of what ought to be settled, and prosecuted with Care, and then be punctually observed. 

The friendship of the Indians can never be effectually secured without protecting them, and preventing their being imposed upon by Frauds of the Traders, doing them exact Justice, and shewing them by Actions of Benevolence, that we desire to have them for our friends, and to settle on equitable Standard of trade with them, according to the Distance, Hazard, and Expense of Carriage, that they may have a reasonable Price for their furs, Skins, and other Goods they have to dispose of, fit for our Market, and that they may have at a reasonable Value good and well made Manufactures, or other Goods, that they shall choose, to take in Exchange, without being cheated or overreached. I shou'd therefore think it advisable, that His Majesty shou'd appoint a Number of Commissionrs. or Trustees, to look into Indian Affairs, in order to regulate the Indian Trade and to gain and secure their friendship; That they shou'd be chosen out of Gentlemen who understand Trade, or Merchants who have left off Busyness, or who by Misfortune have been prevented from following Trade, some to be sent from England, to be joyned to others here who are well recommended, and understand the Colonies and Indian Trade. 

That there shou'd be at least 6 or 8 appointed wth. proper Salaries, to be paid out of the Surplus raised by the Colonies, for the pay of the Garrisons, building of forts &c. who shou'd reside and hold their Office in one of the most Central Provinces, nearest to the principal Indian trading Nations: That the Trade shou'd be put under proper Regulations, but be made as general as possible from every Province, according as they ly convenient to the Trade, and shou'd be clog'd with no Charges, except the taking out Licenses, for which they shou'd pay a small fee to the Board, & to give Security to follow the Instructions and Regulations given to them by the Trustees of the Board; That there shou'd be a fine or Penalty laid upon every other person, by a Law passed in England, or in each of the Colonies, who shou'd go beyond the Settlements of his Province to trade with any Indian Nation, without such License, and giving Bond as already mentioned, But shou'd not be prevented from trading with any Indian within the Province, or who shou'd come into the Province to trade. 

That those licensed shou'd be laid under strict Regulations, and shou'd be obliged to use the Indians well, & wth particular friendship and to shew them a proper Regard. That no Rum or other Spirits sho'd Be sold to any particular Indian, but if any were allow'd to be carry'd in Casks, it shou'd be brought in to the Indian Town and be lodged in a Store not to be sold but by Permission or token from the Headman, King, or the Council of the Nation, at the regulated Price—It wou'd be also proper for the Board to fix a Gentleman who had been conversant in Trade in every trading Indian Nation in friendship with us, at a reasonable Salary; who shou'd be obliged not to trade, and shou'd swear to observe the Regulations given to him by the Board, to the best of his Power and Knowledge, and to do their Utmost to secure such Persons who trade without License, which the Traders shou'd be obliged to shew to him; and to oblige those, who have Licenses, to follow the Regulations and keep to the Standard of Trade, and to give marketable Goods in Exchange for the furs, Skins &c got from the Indians; in Case any Indian Trader had no License, or refused to produce it, He shou'd have a power given to him to seize the Goods, and dispose of them to the Indians, and the Value shou'd be given to some licensed Trader to carry to the Trustees, who were to pay him for the Carriage and his Trouble, to be sold by the Trustees to be added to their Contingencies. 

That no Guns shou'd be sold to our Indian Friends, or other Indians, that were not proved, it being a great Loss to the Indians in their hunting, and maiming many of them, and alienates their Affections from the English. If the Traders do not follow the Regulations, these Inspectors are to acquaint the Board, in order to have them prosecuted upon their Return upon their Bonds and Securities. These Inspectors fix'd in the Indian Towns, shou'd be chosen for their humanity and Integrity, as well as Capacity in Trade, that they may by good Offices gain the Indian's friendship, and promote their being industrious, by their good Advice and Example, in Gardening, Husbandry, and rearing of Cattle, Keeping Dairies &c; These are some hints out of many more which may be thought of, to oblige our Traders to be just in their Dealings, and to sell at a reasonable Profit to the Indians For unless we deal without fraud and can undersell the French, the cheating and monopolising Indian Traders will ruin our Credit with the Natives, and they never will be sincerely our friends. 

These my Lords are my present Thoughts, which I have long wish'd to see put in practice for the Good of Britain and the Colonies. It is a Justice due to the Natives whose Lands we possess, and those Regulations with Prudence and proper Management, wou'd spread our Interest and Trade over the greatest part of this Continent, and we at the same time shou'd add to the Happyness of the Indians, by civilizing and giving them a Constitution founded on Liberty and Truth, which wou'd still more endear us to them. 

I hope you will pardon my laying my Thoughts so incorrectly before your Lordships, But as it is Obedience to your Orders, of so old a Date as 16th. July, which never came to my hands, but the Duplicate which I got the 17th. instant; I thought any Delay might be construed a Neglect, and therefore better to send them in a rude Dress, and not lose this Opportunity, than to delay to revise them.