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King George; and that to prevent any disorders which might happen by the New England people's going up the Bay to pursue the Indian enemy, he had given positive instructions to them not to molest any of the inhabitants who had behaved themselves well, and in regard to the notion the inhabitants had amongst them that all who had any Indian blood in them would be treated as enemies, it was a very great mistake, since if that had been the design of the New England armed vessels, it might very well be supposed that the inhabitants of this river, many of whom have Indian blood in them, and some even who live within reach of the cannon, would not be suffered to live peaceably as they do, if that ever had been resolved upon.
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His Honor further told the three inhabitants that what the three districts had desired to know about the New England people making the inhabitants take up arms to pursue the Indians, and go as guides and pilots to find them out; the first was never intended nor so much as ever thought of, but that the latter, of taking pilots and guides from amongst them was not in his power to hinder, since it was practiced by all nations, and was agreeable to the laws of war; that therefore they must rest satisfied, and whenever they were called upon, or forced to go on said service, they were to be faithful to them, and not to quit them without leave.
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P. MASCARENE.
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At a Council held at the place aforesaid, the same Members present as on Saturday, May 25th, 1745.
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Five of the Deputies only appearing, His Honor asked them why the rest had not also made their appearance, &c. To which they answered that two were sick, and the other, Lawrence Grandyer must have been detained by some impediment, having promised to be here, and having been here on the Saturday before, being the first time any of the inhabitants came to the fort since the enemy went away.
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They were then asked concerning the enemy's behaviour towards the inhabitants; to which they answered, it had been very harsh, that the enemy coming in the night sent men to every house whilst they were buried in sleep, and threatened to put any to death that should stir out or come near the fort; that they had been ordered to furnish weekly a certain quantity of cattle, to bring their carts and teams, the orders being most of them on pain of death.
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