Washington's letter to the Continental Congress

As we are fully convinced that the ministerial Army we shall have to oppose this Campaign, will be, a great and numerous and well know, that the utmost Industry will be used, as it already has been, to excite the Savages and every body of People to Arms against us whom they can Influence, It certainly behooves us to strain every nerve to Counteract their designs: I would therefore submit it to Congress whether, especially as our Schemes for employing the Western Indians do not seem to be attended with any great prospect of success from General Schuylers Accounts, It may not be advisable to take measures to engage those of the Eastward, the St. John's, Nova Scotia, Penobscot &ca. in our favor. I have been told that several might be got, perhaps five or six hundred or more, readily to Join us. If they can. I should imagine, It ought to be done. It will prevent our Enemies from securing their friendship, and further, they will be of infinite service, in annoying and harassing them should they ever attempt to penetrate the Country. Congress will he pleased to consider the measure and if they determine to adopt it, I conceive it will be necessary to Authorize and request the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay to carry it into Execution.

Their situation and advantages will enable them to Negotiate a Treaty and an Alliance better than it can be done by any persons else.

Note: On July 8, Congress resolved: "That General Washington have permission to call forth and engage in the service of the United States so many Indians of the St. John's, Nova Scotia and Penobscot tribes, as he shall judge necessary, and that he be desired to write to the general court of the Massachusetts Bay, requesting their aid in this business and informing them that Congress will reimburse such expences as may be necessarily incurred." (See Journals of the Continental Congress.)