"Niagara at most should be my furthest Post in that quarter... By this Means we may keep up a Trade with the most distant Nations, retain their good Opinion, and totally prevent any Jealousy
of our intending them any ill. ... As we increase in Numbers on this Continent, it's easy and Safe
to advance our settlements in Townships, though this I would do only by Cession or by Purchase
of the Lands to prevent the Shadow of an Excuse for the Indians to quarrel with us