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Rh also to transmit a full and clear account of the manner of imposing and levying quit rents, as also of the mode of granting lands, specifying the amount of the arrears of the quit rents, the number of grants hitherto made, the names of the grantees, and the amount and date of the grants.

At the same time he indicated his own views in a letter to, Commander-in-Chief in America, on the whole subject, including the policy relating to the unoccupied lands between the older colonies, Canada and the Mississippi.

"I write to acquaint you," he said, "of three very material points, which are thought to require the deliberation of the King's servants in order to their being laid before him.

1st. A proper system for the management of the Indians, and for the carrying on the commerce with them on the most advantageous footing.

2nd. The most eligible manner of disposing of the troops; as well for convenience as for offence and defence.

3rd. A reduction of the contingent expenses of the establishment in North America, and the raising an American fund to defray American expenses in part or in whole.

As so much depends upon the happy regulation of these different articles, they require to be well weighed before a final resolution can be taken upon them, and as the King is desirous that they shall be regulated with all the dispatch that is consistent with securing both the permanence and honor of his Government, and the prosperity of his American subjects, every light and information which can be added to those we are already possessed of will be duly attended to.

You will therefore pay the utmost attention to these three points, and from time to time transmit such information and reflections upon them as shall occur to you.

In regard of the first article, that of the Indian affairs, a plan formed some time ago has been under deliberation. As this plan was transmitted to all the governors in North America for their opinions, it must have fallen within your observation. Many articles in it however appearing not so well calculated for the end proposed as could be wished, and several others being rather detrimental to it, there is a necessity either of reforming it, or of substituting another in its place. But it is to me matter of doubt whether any method of managing Indians can be found preferable to that of leaving the trade of each province to the particular care Rh