“As I am now advancing, at the head of a large army, against his majesty’s enemies, the _French_, on the _Ohio_, I must strongly recommend to you to send immediate notice to any of your people, who may be at the _French_ fort, to return forthwith to your towns; where you may sit by your fires, with your wives and children, quiet and undisturbed, and smoke your pipes in safety. Let the _French_ fight their own battles, as they were the first cause of the war, and the occasion of the long difference, which hath subsisted between you and your brethren, the _English_; but I must entreat you to restrain your young men from crossing the _Ohio_, as it will be impossible for me to distinguish them from our enemies; which I expect you will comply with, without delay; lest, by your neglect thereof, I should be the innocent cause of some of our brethren’s death. This advice take and keep in your own breasts, and suffer it not to reach the ears of the _French_. “As a proof of the truth and sincerity of what I say, and to confirm the tender regard I have for the lives and welfare of our brethren, on the _Ohio_, I send you this string of wampum. “I am, brethren and warriors, “Your friend and brother, “JOHN FORBES.” “Brethren, kings _Beaver_ and _Shingas_, and all the warriors, who join with you: “The many acts of hostility, committed by the _French_ against the _British_ subjects, made it necessary for the king to take up arms, in their defence, and to redress their wrongs, which have been done them; heaven hath favoured the justice of the cause, and given success to his fleets and armies, in different parts of the world. I have received his commands, with regard to what is to be done on the _Ohio_, and shall endeavour to act like a soldier by driving the _French_ from thence, or destroying them. “It is a particular pleasure to me to learn, that the _Indians_, who inhabit near that river, have lately concluded a treaty of peace with the _English_; by which the ancient friendship is renewed with their brethren, and fixed on a firmer foundation than ever. May it be lasting and unmoveable as the mountains. I make no doubt but it gives you equal satisfaction, and that you will unite your endeavours with mine, and all the governors of these provinces, to strengthen it: The clouds, that, for some time, hung over the _English_, and their friends, the _Indians_ on the _Ohio_, and kept them both in darkness, are now dispersed, and the chearful light now again shines upon us, and warms us both. May it continue to do so, while the sun and moon give light.