Johnson immediately publishes the Royal Proclamation and makes it public.

Major Wilkins previously lost a few battles to “Enemy Indians,” and lost ammunition during a storm upon his troops return to Niagara from Detroit. They were accompanied by a few Mohawks, who “behaved very well and were of great use.”

Johnson received peace offers from Hurons of Detroit + Wampums. Communicates intention to make peace separately (nation-to-nation): After airing grievances, Western Nations say they were instigated into taking up arms due to wampum from the Delawares and Shawanese who were encouraged and supported by the French. They agree to fight against the French if the English “make up matters with them now.”

Johnson says there is “no possibility of speedily rooting out the Northern Indians” - bad for trade, better to gain affection through demonstrations of power and influence. Also argues that separate peace will prevent union between Nations.

Johnson says Senecas have offered up land for Christianizing Mission.

Thanks His Majesty for fair guidelines in Proclamation, but expresses worry that Indians have been let down many times. Mentions killing of Conestoga Indians, who were living under the protection of Pennsylvania, by rioters who did not heed the Proclamation. Worries this massacre will make Five Nations lose confidence in the English.

Date of letter

Sir William Johnson to the Lords of Trade, January 20, 1764. In “Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Volume 6: Papers relating to the French occupation in Western Pennsylvania, 1631-1764,” reprinted under the direction of Charles Warren Stone, edited by John B. Linn and H. Egle. M. D., pg 653-658. Harrisburg: E. K. Meyers, Stat Printer, 1890. GKS ID: 58868.