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 372 But our public affairs are in a very bad situation at present, as all the Indians on the continent, i. e. between us and the Mississippi and St. Lawrence Rivers, have entered into a combination against us, resolved it seems to prevent our settling any farther than we have, viz., much about the main Blue Ridge of mountains; and in consequence of this resolution, they have, according to their manner, declared war against all our colonies, that is to say, all, or most of the tribes on our backs, divided themselves into proper parties, and fell upon our poor scattered unprepared frontier settlements, and have cut the throats of many of the inhabitants, whilst they were quite unaware that any mischief was intended them, and have carried a great number of women and children, as well as some men, and (for the first time too) a good many negroes, into captivity; indeed, 'tis said they have broke us more frontiers, come lower down to do us mischief, and killed as many people as in the last war.

I hope, my dear friends, you do not disapprove my manner of writing to you all together, as I direct for my uncle Torin, who after perusal, will be so kind as forward the letter to Wales. My family, I thank God, is at present in health. My youngest child is James, who I believe was born before I wrote last.

I long much to hear from you. I am in a more particular manner anxious to know how my dear aunt Torin and uncle Moses are, as I look upon them to be the greatest invalids, and of most crazy constitutions.

We all join in tenders of sincere respect and affection.

I am, my dear uncles, your most affectionate kinsman, 4em