"As I am now advancing, at the head of a large army, against his majesty's enemies, the French, on the Ohio, I must strongly recommend to you to send immediate notice to any of your people, who may be at the French fort, to return forthwith to your towns; where you may sit by your fires, with your wives and children, quiet and undisturbed, and smoke your pipes in safety. Let the French fight their own battles, as they were the first cause of the war, and the occasion of the long difference, which hath subsisted between you and your brethren, the English; but I must entreat you to restrain your young men from crossing the Ohio, as it will be impossible for me to distinguish them from our enemies; which I expect you will comply with, without delay; lest, by your neglect thereof, I should be the innocent cause of some of our brethren's death. This advice take and keep in your own breasts, and suffer it not to reach the ears of the French.
"As a proof of the truth and sincerity of what I say, and to confirm the tender regard I have for the lives and welfare of our brethren, on the Ohio, I send you this string of wampum.
"I am, brethren and warriors,
"Your friend and brother,
"Brethren, kings Beaver and Shingas, and all the warriors, who join with you:
"The many acts of hostility, committed by the French against the British subjects, made it necessary for the king to take up arms, in their defence, and to redress their wrongs, which have been done them; heaven hath favoured the justice of the cause, and given success to his fleets and armies, in different parts of the world. I
