Chapter 4

"The last but the most important affair I have at this time to mention, is with regard to the _settling a boundary between you and the English_. I sent a message to some of your nations some time ago, to acquaint you, that I should confer with you at this meeting upon it. The King, whose generosity and forgiveness you have already experienced, _being very desirous to put a final end to disputes between his people and_ YOU CONCERNING LANDS, and to do you strict justice, has fallen upon the plan of a boundary between our provinces and the Indians (which no white man shall dare to invade) as the best and surest method of ending such like disputes, and _securing your property_ to you, beyond a possibility of disturbance. This will, I hope, appear to you so reasonable, so just on the part of the King, and so advantageous to you and your posterity, that I can have no doubt of your chearfully joining with me in settling such a division-line, as will be best for the advantage of both white men and Indians, _and as shall best agree with the extent and increase of each province_, and the governors, whom I shall consult upon that occasion, so soon as I am fully empowered; but in the mean time I am desirous to know in what manner you would choose to extend it, and what you will heartily agree to, and abide by, in general terms. At the same time I am to acquaint you, that whenever the whole is settled, and that it shall appear you have _so far consulted the increasing state of our people, as to make any convenient cessions of ground_ where it is most wanted, that then you will receive a considerable present in return for your friendship."

To this speech the Sachems and Warriors of the Six Nations, after conferring some time among themselves, gave an answer to Sir William Johnson, and agreed to the proposition of the boundary line;--which answer, and the other transactions of this conference, Sir William transmitted to the office of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations.--

From a change of the administration, which formed the above system of obtaining an act of parliament for regulating the Indian trade, and establishing the _boundary line_, or from some other public cause, unknown to us,--no measures were adopted, until the latter end of the year 1767, for _completing_ the negotiation about this boundary line.--But in the mean time, viz. between the years 1765 and 1768,--the King's subjects removed in _great_ numbers from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, and settled _over_ the mountains,--upon which account, the Six Nations became so irritated, that in the year 1766 they killed several persons, and denounced a general war against the middle colonies; and to appease them, and to avoid such a public calamity, a detachment of the 42d regiment of root was _that year_ sent from the garrison of Fort Pitt, to remove such settlers as were seated at _Red Stone Creek_, &c.--but the endeavours and threats of that detachment proved ineffectual, and they returned to the garrison, without being able to execute their orders.--The complaints of the Six Nations however continuing and _increasing_, on account of the settling of their lands _over_ the mountains, General Gage wrote to the Governor of Pennsylvania on the 7th of December 1767, and after mentioning these complaints, he observed, "_You are a witness how little attention has been paid to the several proclamations that have been published; and that even the removing those people from the lands in question_, which _was attempted this summer by the garrison at Fort Pitt_, has _been only a temporary expedient_. We learn they are _returned again_ to the same _encroachments_ on Red Stone Creek and Cheat River in _greater numbers than ever_."[2]

[2] Vide p. 47.

On the 5th of January 1768, the governor of Pennsylvania sent a message to the general assembly of the province with the foregoing letter from General Gage,--and on the 13th the assembly in the conclusion of a message to the governor on the subject of Indian complaints, observed, "To obviate which cause of their discontent, and effectually to establish between them and his Majesty's subjects a durable peace, we are of opinion, that a speedy _confirmation_ of the _boundary_, and a just satisfaction made to them for their lands on this side of it, are absolutely necessary. By this means all their present complaints of encroachments will be removed, and the people on our frontiers will have a sufficient country _to settle or hunt in, without interfering with them_."

On the 19th of January 1768, Mr. Galloway, the speaker of the assembly in Pennsylvania, and the committee of correspondence, wrote on the subject of the Indians disquietude, by order of the house, to their agents Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, Esquires, in London, and therein they said, "That the delay of the confirmation of the _boundary_, the natives have warmly complained of, _and that although they have received no consideration_ for the _lands agreed to be ceded to the crown on our_ side of the boundary, _yet that its subjects are daily settling and occupying those very lands_."

In April 1768, the legislature of Pennsylvania finding that the expectations of an Indian war were hourly increasing, _occasioned by the settlement of the lands over the mountains_, not sold by the natives; and flattering themselves, that orders would soon arrive from England for the perfection of the boundary line, they voted the sum of one thousand pounds, to be given as a present, in blankets, strouds, &c. to the Indians upon the Ohio, with a view of moderating their resentment, until these orders should arrive:--and the governor of Pennsylvania being informed, that a treaty was soon to be held at Fort Pitt by George Croghan, Esq; deputy agent of Indian affairs, by order of General Gage and Sir William Johnson, he sent his secretary and another gentleman, as commissioners from the Province, to deliver the above present to the Indians at Fort Pitt.

On the 2d of May 1768, the Six Nations made the following speech at that conference:

"BROTHER,

"It is not without grief that we see our country _settled by you_, without our knowledge or consent; and it is a long time since we complained to you of this grievance, which we find has not yet been redressed; but _settlements_ are still _extending further into our country_: some of them are made directly on our war-path, leading to our enemies' country, and we do not like it. Brother, you have _laws among you_ to govern your people by; and it will be the strongest proof of the sincerity of your friendship, to let us see that you remove the people from our lands; as we look upon it, _they will have time enough to settle them, when you have purchased them, and the country becomes yours_."

The Pennsylvania commissioners, in answer to this speech, informed the Six Nations, that the governor of that province had sent four gentlemen with his proclamation and the act of assembly (making it _felony of death_ without benefit of clergy, to continue on Indian lands) to such settlers _over_ the mountains as were seated, within the limits of Pennsylvania, requiring them to vacate their settlements, but all to no avail:--That the governor of Virginia had likewise, to as little purpose, issued his proclamations and orders, and that General Gage had twice _ineffectually_ sent parties of soldiers to remove the settlers from Red Stone Creek and Monongehela.

As soon as Mr. Jackson and Dr. Franklin received the foregoing instructions from the general assembly of Pennsylvania, they waited upon the American minister, and urged the expediency and necessity of the boundary line being speedily concluded; and in consequence thereof, additional orders were immediately transmitted to Sir William Johnson for that purpose.

It is plain therefore, that the proclamation of October 1763 was _not_ designed, as the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations have suggested, to signify the policy of this kingdom, _against_ settlements _over_ the Allegany mountains, _after_ the King had actually purchased the territory; and that the _true_ reasons for purchasing the lands comprized within that boundary, were to avoid an Indian rupture, and give an opportunity to the King's subjects, quietly and lawfully to settle thereon.

V. Whether the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations are well founded in their declarations, That the lands under consideration "_are out of all advantageous intercourse with this kingdom_," shall be fully considered in our observations on the sixth paragraph;--and as to "the various propositions for erecting new colonies in the _interior parts_, which their Lordships say, have been, in consequence of the extension of the boundary line, submitted to the consideration of government, particularly in _that part of the country_, wherein are situated the lands now prayed for, and the danger of complying with such proposals have been so obvious, as to _defeat_ every attempt for carrying them into execution,"--we shall only observe on this paragraph, that as we do not know what these propositions were, or upon what principle the proposers have been _defeated_, it is impossible for us to judge, whether they are any ways applicable to our case.--Consistent however with our knowledge, no more than one proposition, for the settlement of a _part_ of the lands in question, has been presented to government, and that was from Dr. Lee, 32 other Americans, and two Londoners, in the year 1768, praying that his Majesty would _grant_ to them, without _any purchase-money_, 2,500,000 acres of land _in one or more surveys_, to be located between the 38th and 42d degrees of latitude, _over the Allegany mountains_, and on condition of their possessing these lands 12 _years_ WITHOUT _the payment of any quit-rent_, (the same _not_ to begin until the whole 2,500,000 acres were surveyed) and that they should be obliged to settle only 200 _families in_ 12 _years_.--Surely, the Lords Commissioners did not mean this proposition as one that was similar, and would _apply_ to the case now _reported_ upon;--and especially as Dr. Lee and his associates did not propose, as we do, either to purchase the lands, or pay the quit-rents to his Majesty, _neat and clear of all deductions_, or be at the _whole_ expence of establishing and maintaining the civil government of the country.

VI. In the sixth paragraph the Lords Commissioners observe, That "_every argument on the subject_, respecting the settlement of the lands in that part of the country now prayed for, _is collected together with great force and precision in a representation made to his Majesty_ by the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, in March 1768."

That it may be clearly understood, what was the occasion of this _representation_, we shall take the liberty of mentioning, that on the first of October 1767, and during the time that the Earl of Shelburne was Secretary of State for the southern department, an idea was entertained of forming, "_at the expence of the crown_," three _new governments_ in North America, _viz._ one at _Detroit_ [on the waters between Lake Huron and Lake Erie]; one in the _Illinois Country_, and one on the _lower_ part of the River Ohio; and in consequence such idea, a _reference_ was made by his lordship to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, for their opinion upon these proposed _new_ governments.

Having plainly explained the cause of the _representation_, which is so very strongly and earnestly insisted upon by the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, as containing "_every argument on the subject_ of the lands which is at present before your lordships;" we shall now give our reasons for apprehending, _that it_ is so far from applying against our case, that it actually declares a permission would be given to settle the very lands in question.

Three principal reasons are assigned in the _representation_, "as conducive to the great object of colonizing upon the continent of North America, _viz._"

1st. "Promoting the advantageous fishery carried on upon the _northern coast_."

2dly. "Encouraging the growth and culture of naval stores, and of _raw materials_, to be transported hither, in exchange for perfect manufactures and other merchandize."

3dly. "Securing a supply of lumber, provisions, and other necessaries, for the support of our establishments in the American islands."

On the first of these reasons, we apprehend, it is not necessary for us to make many observations; as the provinces of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, and the colonies _southward_ of them, have _not_, and from the nature of their situation and commerce will _not_, promote the _fishery_, more, it is conceived, than the proposed Ohio colony.--These provinces are, however, beneficial to this kingdom, in the culture and exportation of different articles;--as it is humbly presumed the Ohio colony _will_ likewise be, if the production of _staple commodities_ is allowed to be within that description.

On the 2d and 3d general reasons of the _Representation_ we shall observe, that no part of his Majesty's dominions in North America, will require less _encouragement_ "for the growth and culture of naval stores and raw materials; and for the supplying the islands with lumber, provisions," &c. than the solicited colony on the Ohio;--and for the following reasons:

First, The lands in question are excellent, the climate temperate, the native grapes, silk-worms, and mulberry trees, are every where; hemp grows spontaneously in the valleys and low lands; iron-ore is plenty in the hills; and no soil is better adapted for the culture of tobacco, flax, and cotton, than that of the Ohio.

Second, The country is well watered by several navigable rivers, communicating with each other; and by which, and a short land-carriage of _only 40 miles_, the produce of the lands of the Ohio can, even _now_, be sent _cheaper_ to the sea-port town of Alexandria, on the river Potomack (where General Braddoc's transports landed his troops) than any kind of merchandise is at this time sent _from Northampton to London_.

Third, The river Ohio is, at _all_ seasons of the year, navigable for large boats, like the West Country barges, rowed only by four or five men; and from the month of January to the month of April, large ships may be built on the Ohio, and sent laden with _hemp_, _iron_, _flax_, _silk_, &c. to this kingdom.

Fourth, Flour, corn, beef, ship-plank, and other necessaries, can be sent down the stream of Ohio to West Florida, and from thence to the islands, much cheaper, and in better order, than from New York or Philadelphia. Fifth, Hemp, tobacco, iron, and such bulky articles, can also be sent _down_ the _stream_ of the Ohio to the sea, at least 50 per centum cheaper than these articles were ever carried by a land carriage, of only 60 miles, in Pennsylvania;--where _waggonage_ is cheaper than in any other part of North America.

Sixth, The expence of transporting British manufactories from the sea to the Ohio colony, will _not_ be so much, as is now paid and must ever be paid, to a great part of the counties of _Pennsylvania_, _Virginia_, and _Maryland_.

From this state of facts, we apprehend, it is clear, that the lands in question are altogether capable, and will advantageously admit, from their fertility, situation, and the small expence attending the exporting the produce of them to this kingdom,--"of _conducing_ to the great object of colonizing upon the continent of North America:"--But that we may more particularly elucidate this important point, we shall take the freedom of observing,--That it is _not_ disputed, but even acknowledged, by the very _Report_ now under consideration,--that the climate and soil of the Ohio are as favourable, as we have described them;--and as to the native silk worms,--it is a truth, that _above_ 10,000 weight of cocoons was, in August 1771, sold at the public filature in Philadelphia;--and that the silk produced from the _native_ worm is of a good quality, and has been much approved of in this city.--As to _hemp_, we are ready to make it appear, that it grows, as we have represented, spontaneously, and of a good texture on the Ohio,--When, therefore, the _increasing_ dependance of this kingdom upon _Russia_, for this very article, is considered, and that none has been exported from the _sea coast American colonies_, as their soil will not easily produce it,--this dependance must surely be admitted as a subject of great national consequence, and worthy of the serious attention of government. Nature has pointed out to us, _where_ any quantity of hemp can be soon and easily raised, and by that means, not only a large amount of specie may be retained _yearly_ in this kingdom, but our own subjects can be employed most advantageously, and paid in the _manufactures_ of this kingdom. The state of the Russian trade is briefly thus:

From the year 1722 to 1731,--250 ships were, on a medium, sent each year to St. Petersburgh, Narva, Riga, and Archangel, for _hemp_, 250 Ships.

And from the year 1762 to 1771,--500 ships were also sent for that purpose, 500 ---------- _Increase_ in ten years, 250 Ships.

Here then, it is obvious that in the last _ten_ years there was, on a medium, an increase of 250 ships in the Russian trade. Can it be consistent with the wisdom and policy of the greatest naval and commercial nation in the world, to depend wholly on _foreigners_ for the supply of an article, in which is included the very existence of her navy and commerce? Surely not; and especially when God has blessed us with a country yielding _naturally_ the very commodity, which draws our money from us, and renders us _dependent_ on Russia for it[3].--

[3] "It is in settlements on the Mississippi and Ohio that we must look for _hemp_ and _flax_, which may in those fertile tracts be cultivated in such abundance, as to enable us to _undersell_ all the world, as well as supply our own consumption. It is on those _high_, _dry_, and _healthy_ lands, that vineyards would be cultivated to the best advantage, as many of those hills contain quarries of stone, and not in the _low, unhealthy sea coasts_ of our present colonies. Of such infinite consequence to Britain is the _production of staples_ in her colonies, that were all the people of the _Northern_ settlements, and all of the _tobacco_ ones (except those actually employed in raising tobacco) now spread over those parts of our territories to the Southward and _Westward_, and consequently employed in the same manner as the few are who do reside therein, Britain, in such a case, would _export_ to the amount of above _nine millions more_ in manufactures, &c. than she does at present, without reckoning the infinite _increase in public revenue, freight, and seamen_, which would accrue. To enlarge upon all the advantages of such a change, would be _impertinence_ itself."

_Political Essays concerning the British Empire._

As we have only hitherto _generally_ stated the _small_ expence of carriage between the waters of Potomack and those of the Ohio, we shall now endeavour to shew how very ill founded the Lords for Trade and Plantations are, in the fifth paragraph of their _report_, viz. That the lands in question "_are out of all advantageous intercourse with this kingdom_." In order however, that a proper opinion may be formed on this important article, we shall take the liberty of stating the particular expence of carriage, _even during_ the last _French war_ (when there was no _back_ carriage from the Ohio to Alexandria) as it will be found, it was even _then_ only about a _halfpenny per_ pound, as will appear from the following account, the truth of which we shall fully ascertain, _viz._

From Alexandria to Fort _l._ _s._ _d._ Cumberland, by water. 0 1 7 _per cwt._

From Fort Cumberland to Redstone Creek, at 14 dollars _per_ waggon load; each waggon carrying 15 cwt. 0 4 2 ------------------------- 0 5 9

Note, The distance was _then_ 70 miles, but by a _new_ waggon road, _lately_ made, it is _now_ but forty miles--a saving of course, of above one half the 5_s._ 9_d._ is _at present_ experienced.

If it is considered that this rate of carriage was _in time of war_, and _when_ there were no inhabitants on the Ohio, we cannot doubt but every intelligent mind will be satisfied, that it is now much _less_ than is daily paid in London for the carriage of _coarse woollens_, _cutlery_, _iron ware_, &c. from several counties in England.

The following is the cost of carriage from Birmingham, &c. _viz._

From Birmingham to London, is 4_s. per_ cwt. From Walsall in Staffordshire 5_s._ From Sheffield 8_s._ From Warrington 7_s._

If the lands which are at present under consideration are, as the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations _say, "out of all advantageous intercourse with this kingdom_," we are at a loss to conceive by what standard that Board calculates the rate of "advantageous intercourse."--If the King's subjects, settled over the Allegany mountains, and on the Ohio, within the _new_-erected county of Bedford, in the province of Pennsylvania, are altogether cloathed with British manufacture, as is the case, is that country "out of all advantageous intercourse with this kingdom?"--If merchants in London are _now_ actually shipping British manufactures for the use _of the very settlers_ on the lands in question, does that exportation come within the Lords Commissioners description of what is "out of all advantageous intercourse with this kingdom?" In short, the Lords Commissioners admit, upon their own principles, that it is a political and advantageous intercourse with this kingdom, _when_ the settlements and settlers are confined to the _Eastern_ side of the Allegany mountains. Shall then the expence of carriage, even of the very coarsest and heaviest cloths, or other articles, from the _mountains_ to the Ohio, only about 70 miles, and which will not, at most, _encrease_ the price of carriage _above a halfpenny a yard_, convert the trade and connexion with the settlers on the Ohio, into a predicament "that shall be, as the Lords Commissioners have said, _out_ of all advantageous intercourse with this kingdom?"--On the whole, "if the poor Indians in the remote parts of North America are _now_ able to pay for the linens, woollens, and iron ware, they are furnished with by English traders, though Indians have nothing but what they get by hunting, and the goods are loaded with all the impositions fraud and knavery can contrive, to _inhance_ their value; will not industrious English farmers," employed in the culture of hemp, flax, silk, &c. "be able to pay for what shall be brought to them in the fair way of commerce;" and especially when it is remembered, that there is _no_ other _allowable_ market for the sale of these articles than in this kingdom?--And if "the growths of _the_ country find their way out of it, will not the manufactures of this kingdom, _where_ the hemp, &c. must be sent to, find their way into it?"