LETTERS PROM CANADIAN ARCHIVES    317
Canadian Archives, Series B, Vol. 122, P. 48.
Detroit, April 25, 1778. [Abbott to Carleton.]
Sir—I left St. Vincenne the third of february, and after a painful journey ~oi thirty-three days through the woods, arrived here- the seventh of March.
I once nattered myself [as I had the honor of informing your Excellency] of being able to remain without incurring any great expence, experience has convinced me to the contrary, which determined me to leave the place before the Indians returned from their winter Hunt, knowing they would be much exasperated, my not making large presents.
I hope your Excellency will approve my conduct. It was the only alternative left under the restrictions you was pleased to lay on me. It was not possible for me to meet thousands of savages without presents of ammunition. Liquor and Merchandise. Notwithstanding every precaution in my power, I have been obliged to incurr a great expence to keep the Indians in the Crown's interest, for which I have drawn on Mr. Dunn.
The necessity and the nature of my situation, I hope, will induce your Excellency to order payment, however unfortunate I may have been to fall under your displeasure.
The utility of a Person to command at St. Vincenne to prevent the savages entering into the Rebel service, I submit to your Excellency, if this is necessary, it must of course, be attended with expence.