“Loving respects and salutations to your kind self and your kindest companion. Some while since, you desired a word of direction about the hay seed. I desired my brother to collect his own and other neighbors’ observations about it, which (with his respects presented) amounts to this.
“First, usually three bushels seed to one acre land.
“2. It hath been known to spread, to mat, &c. the Indian hills being only scraped or levelled.
“3. This may be done at any time of the year, but the sooner the better.
“4. It is best to sow it upon a rain preceding.
“5. Some say let the ripe grass stand until it seed, and the wind disperse it (susque deque) up and down, for it is of that thriving and homogeneal nature with the earth, that the very dung of cattle that feeds on it will produce the grain.
“6. The offs, which can hardly be severed from the seed, hath the same productive faculty.
“7. Sow it not in an orchard, near fruit trees, for it will steal, and rob the trees, &c.
“Sir: Concerning Indian affairs, reports are various; lies are frequent. Private interests, both with Indians and English, are many; yet these things you may and must do. First, kiss truth where you evidently, upon your soul, see it. 2. Advance justice, though upon a child’s eyes. 3. Seek and make peace, if possible, with all men. 4. Secure your own life from a revengeful, malicious arrow or hatchet. I have been in danger of them, and delivered yet from them; blessed be his holy name, in whom I desire to be
“Your worship’s, in all unfeigned