Shirley, William, 1694-1771 Additional Instructions to Major Genl. William Johnson, relative to the Indians of the Six Nations under his Command.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09054.01 Author/Creator: Shirley, William, 1694-1771 Place Written: New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 24 December 1755 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 30.3 cm, Width: 19.9 cm Order a Copy
Copy of a letter instructing General William Johnson to ask the Six Nations to help fight against the French and their Indian allies. He requests that they "be engaged by private applications, and the offer of Rewards to take up the Hatchet against the French & their Indians, who have fallen upon the Provinces of Virginia, Maryland and Pensylvania." Wants them to muster in Pennsylvania by way of the Susquehanna river to join the others and bring as many people as possible. Instructs that the Indians should know they will be well supplied and rewarded for taking prisoners. Would like Indians to use spies "to get Intelligence, and to engage them to go the French Fort on the Ohio, and to the Towns in that neighbourhood..." Also gives assurance that wives and children will be provided for, protected and can accompany the warriors. Noted as a copy on the upper left hand corner. Noted as "/signed/ W. Shirley" and "By His Excellency's Command Wm. Alexander Secry." Gilt edges with a fleur-de-lis, V, backward C and I watermark on third page.
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