Colonel Guy Johnson to the Magistrates and Others of Palatine, Etc., Tryon County, N.Y.

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Guy Park, May 20, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: I have lately had repeated accounts that a body of New-Englanders or others were to come to seize and carry away my person, and attack our family, under colour of malicious insinuation that I intend to set the Indians upon the people. Men of sense and character know that my office is of the highest importance to promote peace amongst the Six Nations, and prevent their entering into any such dispute. This I effected last year when they were much vexed about the attack made upon the Shawanese, and I last winter appointed them to meet me this month, to receive the answer of the Virginians. And all men must allow, that if the Indians find their council fire disturbed, and their Superintendent insulted, they will take a dreadful revenge. It is therefore the duty of all people to prevent this, and to satisfy any who may have been imposed on, that their suspicions, and the allegations they have collected against me, are false and inconsistent with my character and office.

I recommend this to you as highly necessary at this time, as my regard for the interest of the Country, and self-preservation, has obliged me to fortify my house, and keep men armed for my defence, till these idle and ridiculous reports are removed. You may lay this letter before such as are interested in those matters. I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,

G˙ JOHNSON.

To the Magistrates and others of Palatine, Canajoharie, and the Upper Districts.