I had no written orders. I never doubted they would be called in question, tho’ verbal. But here are some extracts of two of Col. Stephen’s letters to me, while in the Cherokee country, that may clear up this particular. In one dated Fort Lewis, January 30, 1762, he says, “Give my compliments to your best friends, and I should have been extremely glad to have heard that Judd’s Friend (i. e. Ostenaco) had received the small present I sent him from the Great Island. I know no reason which will prevent you and Judd’s Friend taking your own time to come in, and should be glad to see you, &c.” In another, dated Fort Lewis, February 14, 1762, he says, “The Governor is extremely pleased with Judd’s Friend’s favours to you, and the kindness of all the Cherokees, and I think it is the better how soon the chiefs come in with you.” I was to bring some chiefs in then: this has likewise been disputed? But if I had no written orders, those given to Shorey will prove my verbal ones. The original, among my other papers, is in Mr. Walthoe’s hands; but the substance, as near as I can recollect, was as follows: “William Shorey, you are to wait at Fort Lewis for the coming of Mr. Timberlake, and accompany Judd’s Friend in quality of interpreter to Williamsburg. I can rely more upon you than on M‘Cormack. Pray put the country to as little expence as possible.” Through these continual series of ill fortunes, I got so much in debt, that I was obliged to sell my paternal estate and negroes. My friends advised me to return to London, promising to send me their tobacco, and I to make returns in such goods as would best suit the country, of which I was a tolerable judge. I communicated this project to many of my acquaintances, who gave me great encouragement, and promises of assistance. Mr. Trueheart, a gentleman of Hanover county, so much approved it, that he proposed himself a partner in the undertaking, as a voyage to England might be the means of recovering his health, then much on the decline. I did not hesitate to accept the proposals of a person of fortune, who could advance money to carry it into execution. We accordingly begun our preparations for the voyage, which were already in some degree of readiness, when walking one day in Mr. Trueheart’s fields, I perceived five Indians coming towards the house, in company with one of Mr. Trueheart’s sons, whom, upon a nearer view, I recollected to be some of my Cherokee acquaintance. I enquired of Mr. Trueheart where he found them? He told me at Warwick, enquiring for me, and overjoyed when he offered to conduct them to his father’s house, where I was, since they had feared being obliged to go a great way to seek me.