( 4 )
near two thouſand four hundred, who are to build many ſtrong forts at Ohio and places adjacent, which in a little time we expect will prove impregnable againſt any force the Engliſh can raiſe in thoſe parts. The cannon for aid forts is already diſpatched.
Our army at Canada, with our regulars included, will amount to near five thouſand, which we determine to divide into three main bodies, one to be commanded by count Montery, the ſecond by monſ. Boriel, and the third by monſ Eſtrides. Count Montery to proceed to Crown Point, and divide his ſquadron into parties on the back of Albany. The ſecond diviſion under monſ. Boriel, on the back of Maryland and Pennſylvania; and the third under monſ. Estrides, on the back of New England; which are all to be divided into parties, as the commanding officers ſhall judge proper. We deſign only to ſend ſmall parties of Indians into their back ſettlements, to bring us freſh ſupplies of proviſion, until we are properly fortified. Father Anthony, by an uncommon aſſiduity and influence, has gained over to our intereſt, a number of young men of the fix nations, who by the Engliſh are Jock'd upon as our enemies : let that ſuſpicion remain, and they may keep the old men and women.
I muſt not omit to acquaint you, that our new governour is more and more zealous and reſolate to be a principal inſtrument (with the united aſſiſtance of the houſes of Bourbon) to ſubdue and extirpate Hereticks out of America. And ſuch a glorious acquiſition, will add a kingdom,
