[Extract of a letter dated, July 28. 1797. from Major [undecipherable] to [undecipherable]] "The British merchants of this place seem exceedingly opposed to every measure taken by the General in order to remedy the evils which actually threatened our garrison, the greatest part of which was always in a State of intoxication on account of the small liquor Shops held under the fanction of licenses issued by the Magistrates within the lines of our guards and Sentries. The proclamation which forbid such intolerable abuse has occasioned many murmers and remonstrances from a set of people who have long before that declined being considered as American citizens, bought Settlements on the British Shore, and expressed on every occasion their contempt for our government; although our money has enriched them since our taking possession of the Posts. The French here are very little better, and in my opinion not in the least to be trusted. happily they are indolent, cowardly and (with prudence) little to be dreaded. The emigrans from their Mother Country alone are dangerous. Yesterday we drumted out an Impostor born in Canada, who made several false depositions respecting the intentions of the Spaniards and French to attack Machinae and Fort Wayne. He pretended to have been a prisoner at the Illinois and gave a spurious account of the regular forces landed there, aiming I suppose to Spread the alarm among the Canadians and to lead the General into some unnecessary and perhaps improper measures — fortunately we found that he never was fince two years nearer of the Illinois than three hundred leagues. Another man (a British Subject) was detected attempting to Seduce some of our Soldiers from their duty and was punished accordingly. It is so long fince we received an Express that we know nothing of what passed in Congress these Seven weeks past. The Indians are still very numerous here owing to their receiving plenty of provisions on both shores; but I find that they all expect to see their [underline: Fathers the French]. The little Turtle, although peaceably inclined cannot be persuaded that he received false information."