Colden still worried about disputes occurring between traders and Indians. Advocates for admitting Indian oral evidence:

“There is an absolute necessity of allowing Indian evidence; for, where evidence is only allowed on one side of the Question, it is impossible that Justice can be done; and yet, this is the practice in the Courts of Law, I believe, all over North America. Formerly, I conversed much with the Indians, and I always found as great a regard to veracity among them, as is usually found among Christians; tho' in war, every kind of Treachery and deceit with their Enemies, seems to be allowed. The Indians are ashamed when discovered in a lye. Where the evidences are contradictory, a Judge must determine from circumstances.”

Colden wants to punish bad traders disobeying the Proclamation and Niagara.

Has mixed feelings on the question of trading rum with the Indians.

Date of letter

Cadwallader Colden to the Lords of Trade, October 12, 1764. In “Documents relative to the colonial history of the state of New-York, Volume 7,” procured by John Romeyn Brodhead, edited by F.B. O'Callaghan, pg 667-670. Albany: Weed, Parsons, 1856. GKS ID: 58854.