280 | To James Murray

    Boston Ap. 10. 1764

    Sir

    I have just received advice that endeavours have been used among them, Indians at Penobscot to induce them to rise against the English.1 The Promoter of this Scheme was Toma  an old Indian of 75 years old with grey hairs.2 He has been a famous murderer in his time, notwithstanding which, upon a principle of forgiveness, he was kindly treated by me last fall & presented with a gold laced hat. He is very proud & fond of haranguing. There was another Indian joined in this proposal called Espequeunt , whose person I can’t describe. When the rest of the Penobscot rejected this proposal, these two left them: it is not known whether they are gone; but it is probable to Becancour, or some other Indian Settlement upon St. Lawrence. It would be a good thing, if these Indians, especially Toma, could be seized; for which purpose I give you this Account. Altho’ the rest of the Indians disapproved3 of this proposal, yet it made them surly & untractable; which was so observable that it put the Captain of Fort Pownall  upon making an Enquiry, which produced this discovery, which comes from the Indians themselves. I shall be glad if this information shall enable your Excellency to Secure these Villains

    I am &c

    His Excelly Govr. Murray.4

    AL, LbC BP, 3: 36.