sent.

dissolved, and have a right to adjourn when, and for as long a time as they please, without the Governor's conIn fact, they sometimes by message acquaint the Governor with their intention, and ask if he has no objection; sometimes they adjourn without giving the Governor notice; and sometimes contrary to his express order.

"The Assembly never send the Governor their minutes, & have even refused them when he has demanded them; so that except what is contained in their messages, the Governor knows nothing of their daily proceedings till they are printed, which is once or twice a year. The Assembly, by a Bill now before the Governor, for the regulation of the Indian trade, have excluded him and his Council from any share in the choice of officers or approbation of their proeeedings, or even in the disposal of the presents that are proposed to be made to the Indians out of the profits arising from the sale of goods. "In short the powers of Governor are almost all taken out of the hands of the Governor and lodged in the Assembly; and as to what little remains, scarce a Bill comes up without an attempt to lessen them.

"A flood of paper currency will finish the ruin of the province-and the Assembly does not seem disposed to offer any bill without increasing the quantity of paper

money.

The Assembly have not as yet made any regular complaint against the proprietors, which they might and ought to have done any time these two years. So that it is their fault that the matters in dispute are not brought to an issue which the proprietors desire of all things may be done.

further promises to use all possible diligence in collecting the arrears of Quit Rent, and discharge the remainder out of that fund as soon as possible, and before the term proposed. As this will render the bill less necessary the Governor returns it, being unwilling to make any addition to the paper currency which is already too large." And that the bill was sent back to him with a verbal message, viz. that the proprietaries gift of £5,000 was made in consideration of their being exempted from paying their reasonable proportion of a necessary sum of money, long since expended in the service of the province; and by the act entitled an act for granting £60,000 to the King's use, &c. the money was to be paid immediately by their Receiver General into the hands of the Provincial Commissioners for that purpose. The Commissioners have repeatedly called on him for money, with so little success, that they have not to this day received one half of the sum given-the payment having been evaded by answers that the Receiver Gen'] could not collect sufficient sums of money from the arrearages of the Proprietaries Quit Rents to discharge their gift-whether this be so or not we shall not positively determine, but are credibly informed that considerable sums of money have been lately paid to the Receiver General by the people in discharge of their Quit Rents. The Governor is pleased to say in his last message "that the Receiver General promises to use all possible diligence in collecting the arrears of Quit Rents and discharge the remainder out of this fund as soon as possible and before the term proposed." It is not ma terial to us out of what fund the money is to arise nor have we any thing to do with the collection of the Quit Rents; and we conceive the proprietaries are in honour bound to discharge the remainder immediately, should their Quit Rents never be collected, especially as the public have been and still are in want of the money.— The term proposed was not for the payment of the mo

"The Post-office of America is executed by Mr. Franklin, and Mr. Hunter, of Virginia. It extends from Georgia to New Hampshire. And they have each £300 sterling per annum, payable out of their own offices. Besides the salary, they have the disposal of the Depu-ney into the hands of the Commissioners, but for sinkty Post-masters, 12 in number, said to be one with another above £100 sterling per annum. Mr. Franklin has, in particular, the great advantage of circulating his papers free, and receiving intelligence, which he may make the best or the worst use of, in the present situation of affairs. Sir Charles Hardie wrote to the late Gov. Morris and Gov. Denny to prevent the publication of improper intelligence in newspapers, which (says Gov. D.) it is impossible for me to do, unless your Lordship (Earl of Loudoun) lays your commands on the Post-master to be extremely cautious in that particular; and perhaps it may even be thought necessary for his Majesty's service that the articles of intelligence should receive my approbation and not be published without leave."

The new road for Gen. Braddock's use was through Raystown.

March 21.-In consequence of intelligence that 800 French were preparing to descend the west branch of the Susquehanna, to attack Fort Augusta, and that the garrison refused to do duty for want of pay, and there was a scarcity of ammunition and provisions, the Gover nor, at the instance of Lord Loudoun, assented to the £100,000.

N.B. Lord Loudoun concludes his letter on this sub

The bill was calcula

ing it; therefore, the Receiver General's promise of dis-
charging it before the term proposed is unintelligible,
and by no means satisfactory to us. Nor do we appre
hend the striking of so small a sum as £2000 can be of
any ill consequences, as exchange is now lower than it
has been for several years past.
ted to make the payment easy to the proprietaries, and
to give the public the immediate use of the money by
striking it though at their own expence, without the
the least design of depriving the public of the present
benefit of a sum of money to which they have an un-
doubted right. We therefore beg leave to return the
Bill to your honour and desire you would pass it into a
Law.""

The same day the Governor likewise returned to the House the Militia Bill, with the amendments as agreed to by the Council on the 4th inst. which was sent back to him on the next day with a verbal message "that the House desired him to reconsider it and to pass into a law as it then stood."

And he had again sent to the House both Bills with a message, viz: "that as to the former he would not pass it, and as to the Militia Bill he adhered to all his amend

ments thereon."

ject thus-"I do most sincerely wish such measures may
be taken at home before next winter as may prevent
any difficulty of this nature ever happening again, as
the consequences are very bad and may prove fatal.'
April 9.-Assembly adjourned to the 8th August.-August, with his approbation.
Militia bill not passed.

some of their members should attend him at the Trea
That on his signifying to the House his desire that
ty to be held with the Indians, now at Conestogo, they
had nominated the Speaker, Mr. Fox, Mr. Hughes and
Mr. West. After which they adjourned to the 8th of

Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, with Minutes taken at a meeting of the Governors of North the Earl of Loudoun, commander-in-chief, &c. began at Philadelphia, March 15th, and continued by adjourn. ments to March 24th.

April 25-The Governor informed the Council, that Mr. Hockley being of opinion that the Bill for striking money on account of what was unpaid of the proprietary's £5000 was unnecessary, he returned it on the 7th inst. to the House with a verbal message, acquainting them that the Receiver General will pay as much to the Loudoun that there was a plan approved of by his Ma The meeting having been informed by the Earl of Commissioners, for the proprietaries, at their next meet-jesty of employing the greatest part of the troops this The Receiver campaign to the northward; and that he had invited

ing, as will reduce the sum to £2000.

1830.]

RECORDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.

341

There was a conference at John Harris's, and the Indians declined coming to Philadelphia, for fear of the sickness; but agreed to come to Lancaster where there was a great conference begun.

them to this meeting in order to consult in conjunction | ton, others (Six Nations) invited by Sir W. Johnson.— with them a plan for the defence of the Southern Provinces, whilst the other operations were carrying on.His Lordship further acquainted them, that he was willing to leave for the defence of the Southern Provinces, one battalion to be completed to 1000 men, and the three independent companies in South Carolina, of 100 men each, which may amount to 200 effective men.And that he thought it necessary for the security of the whole, that the several provinces should furnish by the following proportions: Pennsylvania 1400, Maryland 500, Virginia 1000, North Carolina 400, South Carolina 500, which joined to the King's troops of 1200, make 5000 men. And the several Governors do engage to use their best endeavors with their several provinces to raise and support the above number, to act in conjunction with the regular forces and under the command of his Majesty's General or the officers properly authorized according to his Majesty's regulation.

May 11.-The Governor, Mr. Croghan, Conrad Weiser, &c. and Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondagoes, Senecas, Mohawks, Tuscaroros, Nanticockes, Delawares and Conestogoes, present-men, women, and children. The Governor recapitulated the complaints of the Delawares, and regretted the absence of Tedyuscung. The Indians recommended that messengers should be sent to the Senecas who were the regular channel and invite a full meeting of them, the Delawares and Shawanese, and they had no doubt of accommodating matters. May 13.-Letter from Lord Loudoun, New York, 5th May, in answer to one from the Governor written at the instance of the provincial commissioners stating to Lord Loudoun that "the Governor was very willing to bear the expenses of the entertainment, and presents necessary to be given to Tedyuscung and his party, but hoped his Lordship would, on the part of the Crown, defray the expenses attending those other Indians encamped near Lancaster,under the care of Mr. Croghan.” Lord Loudon's answer is as follows-"As to the demand for the maintenance of the Indians, it is clearly out of my province. The fair state of that affair is thisThe King has seen that his Indian interest has been lost in a great measure by the management of the different provinces in whose hands it was originally placedtherefore has appointed two persons with large salaries for the management of all Indian affairs, one for the Northern Indians, the other for the Southern, with or ders to the commander-in-chief to supply them with money, to inspect into their conduct and give proper di

The meeting taking into consideration the situation of the several provinces and the intelligence received from different parts, it appears to them that there is dan ger of the enemy's making an attack on the province of South Carolina, either by sea from St. Domingo, or from the Abama Fort, in the Creek Indians, on the head of the Mobile. For which reason they have agreed that there ought to be 2000 men employed in the defence of that valuable province of South Carolina, and to secure Georgia; and that they should be composed as follows: 5 companies regular troops 500, 3 independent companies 200, provincial troops raised by the province of S. Carolina, 500 do. from N.Carolina 200, from Virg'a 400, Pennsylvania 200-making in the whole 2000 men.That the said troops should be put under the command of Lt. Col. Boquet, and transported to Charleston, S. C. as soon as possible; the regular troops and the 200 pro-rections to them; by which means I have seen the imvincial troops of Pennsylvania by sea from hence; the 400 provincial troops of Virginia, by sea; and the 200 do. from N. Carolina, to march by land.

mense expense the crown is put to in this article. Notwithstanding the King's instructions in the management of his Indian affairs, and the letters writ on that subject, The Earl of Loudoun, on the part of the Crown,agrees | last summer both by Sir William Johnson and by me to that he will, at the King's expense, supply the 200 men you, the people of your province have obstinately insis from N. Carolina, the 400 from Virginia, and the 200 ted in carrying on negotiations with the Indians, and from Pennsylvania, with the King's provisions from the have even sent to negotiate with them separately in the time they arrive in South Carolina, during the time he King's agent's own house. And that the case of the Inkeeps them there; but that he expects the several pro- dians that are now with you is, that on the great eagervinces from whence they are detached, should transport ness your people have expressed for having a separate them there at the expenses of the province from where meeting with those Indians. Sir W.Johnson has for the they are sent. And to prevent any mistake hereafter present acquiesced in it, with my approbation, till I arising in relation to any demand that may be made, it shall receive further directions, in consequence of letis agreed that the several provinces shall maintain theters writ both by Sir W. J. and me, stating the method remainder of the troops raised by them for the services in which your province were proceeding in relation to in every article, as on this occasion they are entirely Indian affairs. In this situation of things I did not exemployed in the defence and for the security of the respect that the most sanguine of your people could have pective provinces.

And it is further agreed that we the Governors shall, in our respective governments, take particular care to form such regulations, and to see them properly executed, that in all time coming carriages for transporting the baggage of his Majesty's troops shall be prepared at stated reasonable rates. And that all the troops of whatever denomination either passing through our provinces, or while in fixed quarters therein, shall in time of peace be properly quartered, and in time of war whatever number of troops the commander-in-chief may judge necessary, shall be quartered according to custom or the exigencies of the service. Signed

Arthur Dobbs, William Denny, Robt. Dinwiddie, Horatio Sharpe. The rank of Captains, Generals, Governors, &c. staff officers, field officers, &c. settled. Also of Provincial Generals and field officers in North America-by which all generals and field officers (provincial) acting with regular troops were to take rank as eldest Captains.

Occasional murders, &c. of the Indians in the N. W. Various letters, &c. concerning a large number of Indians of the Six Nations and others, who were coming to treat, some in consequence of an agreement at Eas

imagined that I could give any countenance to putting the Crown to any expense for a meeting with the Indians, insisted on by your people, and only acquiesced in by the King's servants till they receive further instruc tions. I am sure you will see that I am in the right,not to interfere in this expence; and I hope a little consideration will bring your people to the same opinion.And I cannot help thinking that the expense will at last open their eyes, and that they will see that it is their interest as well as their duty to pay obedience to the King's commands and not to interfere with his prerogative of making peace and war.

And then the Governor requested the advice of the Council, if after having received Lord Loudoun's letter he could comply with the advice of the Indians to invite the Delawares and Shawanese, to a meeting in this province. His Honour said he had communicated this letter to Mr. Croghan, since the conference of this afternoon, and desired his advice, which he said he would give him to-morrow morning. Some of the members advised the Governor to send an express to Sir William Johnson, and leave it to him to make the invitation of the Senecas, with the Delawares and Shawanese or not as he should think proper, and either to his house or to

some place in this province. The Governor, however, inclined to desire Sir W.Johnson to invite and treat with them himself, and that an end should be entirely put to any further treaties in this government; our conduct having already given so much offence, and it being likely that on the representation made of us to the King he will be displeased. One of the members thought that these Indians should not be disobliged, nor their advice slighted; that Mr. Croghan representing Sir W. Johnson at this treaty, might make the invitation and manage the affairs so as not to give any further umbrage to Sir William or Lord Loudoun. The Gov. thought otherwise, and declared he would not invite, nor suffer them to be invited; but the whole should be referred to Sir W. J. and every thing in future be done by him. Mr. Croghan is to be consulted in the morning."

service, I cannot doubt of your complying with this recommendation, and hope if the necessary orders are given and strictly obeyed by them, to receive the same benefit from your militia as we did lately on the enemy's attempt on Fort Wm. Henry from the militia in the upper part of this country.

"The above is my circular letter-but as we can benefit nothing by the militia of your province, it is neces sary to add that as the Constitution of Pennsylvania differs so widely from all the other provinces, and in particular, in having no militia law in force by which either the service can be benefitted in the mean time, or the province protected in case of any sudden attack, I must beg that you will in compliance with his Majesty's com mands, apply in the most earnest manner to your Assembly to collect at least 500 men, to be added to those already agreed on, to supply the want of a militia, which every other province has wisely provided for their defence. I am sorry to be obliged to mention that I am informed that the 200 men that were to be furnished by Pennsylvania for the public service in S. Carolina are not ready to embark along with Lt. Col. Bouquet, from the delays you have met with in that ar ticle, which has obliged me to give Col. Stanwix orders to remain with the troops at Philadelphia, to assist you in getting those 200 men forwarded to South Carolina, by which means they deprive themselves of the assis tance of the regular troops under him, who would oth erwise now have been in their back country for their protection."!!

Governor informed by Mr. Mifflin that the £45,000 was expended or appropriated, and advised to call the Assembly.

Mr. Croghan said he did not think it was any new matter for the Governor to make the invitation as advi sed by the Indians, or that it would be taken ill by Sir W. Johnson, as it was manifestly for the public service, and might when nothing else could, bring about a peace with the Indians, and that if the Governor was scrupu lous he would give this as his opinion under his hand. The giving an answer to the Indians was then refer red to Mr. Croghan and Mr. Weiser.

Letter from Lord Loudoun, New York, May 5th: "As I have received a copy of a letter from one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, signifying his Majesty's pleasure that you should apply to your Council and Assembly, in the strongest manner, to raise with the utmost expedition so large a number of provincial troops as may be, for the service of the ensuing campaign, over and above what they shall judge necessary for the immediate defence of their own province. And as I am now preparing, agreeably to his Majesty's orders to me to leave this province with the transports, in order to join the fleet and succours from Europe, it is necessary to acquaint you that I shall leave Major General Webb to command at Albany and the Forts, with a body of his Majesty's regular forces, together with the troops raised by the northern colonies, who will have the command in my absence. And that in consequence of the plan settled at the meeting I had May 14. The Governor expressed himself extremewith the Governors of the Southern Provinces at Phila-ly averse to making any more invitations either to Te delphia, I leave Col. Stanwix with 5 companies of the dyuscung, or the Senecas, or any other. It appeared 1st battalion Royal Am. Regt. to take post in the back to him to be drawing on fresh business and new mat parts of Pennsylvania, and to have the command of the ters, which he thought contrary to Lord Loudoun's let remaining part of the Pennsylvania troops, the troops ters. Mr. Croghan might do what he pleased, as agent raised in Maryland, and the remaining part of the troops under Sir W. Johnson; but he would not suffer any raised in Virginia.-And that I detach Lt. Col. Boquet message to be sent in the name of the government. with the other 5 companies of that battalion, to South Carolina, who carries with him 200 of the Pennsylvania troops, 400 of the Virginia troops; and have ordered 200 of the troops raised by N. Carolina to meet him at S. Carolina, where he is to take the command of his Majesty's 3 independent companies, and likewise of the troops raised by the province of South Carolina, for the security of that and the most Southerly provinces. And in order to prevent any dispute hereafter, it will be necessary here to remind you, that at the meeting it was settled and is agreeable to his Majesty's orders from the principal Secretary of State, that I should supply the provincial troops detached from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and N. Carolina to South Carolina, but that the provincial troops who remain and are employed for the defence of their respective province should be entirely supported and maintained by the provinces by whom they are raised. As the plan we had settled before the arrival of his Majesty's orders by his principal Secretary of State, I hope, if speedily and punctually executed on your part, will prevent any immediate danger, I must recommend it to you in the most earnest manner (in consequence of his Majesty's orders signifyed to you) to set about raising and getting in readiness a considerable force to be ready to join and support the troops already agreed to be raised for the public service. And that you will in the mean time give orders that the militia of your province should be properly armed and furnished with ammunition, and have a standing order to march to the aid and assistance of the forces already appointed, on the requisition of the commander of them; and that this order should be more particularly given and enforced in such parts of your province as are most nearly situated to those forces or the passes thro' which the enemy can enter, without waiting for any further orders from you. From your zeal for the public

Writ issued for the Assembly, fixed on the 16th for the 30th-to provide money as required by Lord Lou doun's and the Secretary of State's letters.

May 15.-Accounts from Fort Littleton, of the arrival of a party of about 60 Cherokees, who came to assist the English, and had attacked and killed some enemy Indians.

May 16.-Governor answered the Indians that he would follow their advice.

May 17.-Governor delivers speeches to the Indians, urging the Six Nations to state their complaints, if any they had, about their lands, as stated by Tedyuscung, or of any other sort.

May 18.-This day 4 persons that were killed on the frontiers in the settlement of Swata ra, by the enemy Indians were brought at this town. The Indians made a speech, stating that it was no doubt done by the French King, to breed a difference between the whites & them.

May 19.-Little Abraham (a Mohawk sachem) spoke as follows: "Brothers-Some years ago in the Jersey's, one of the head men of the Delawares had been out a hunting. On his return, he called to see a gentleman, a great friend of his, one of your people, who he found in his field. It was rainy weather, and the Delaware chief had his gun under his arm. They met at a fence, and as they reached out their hands to each other, the Delaware's gun went off by accident and shot him dead.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

He was very much grieved at the accident, and went to the house, and told the gentleman's wife what had happened, and said he was willing to die, and did not choose to live after his friend. She immediately sent for a number of the inhabitants. When they were gathered, some said it was an accident and could not be belped. But the greatest number were for hanging him; and he was taken by the Sheriff and carried to Amboy, where be was tried and hanged. There was a nother misfortune that happened. A party of Shawanese who were going to war against their enemies, in their way through Carolina, called at a house, not suspecting any harm, as they were amongst their friends. A number of the inhabitants rose and took them prisoners on account of some mischief that was done there about that time, suspecting them to be the people that had done the mischief; and carried them to Charleston, and put them in prison, where the chief man, called Pride, died. The relations of these people were much exasperated against you (our brethren) the English, on account of the ill treatment you gave their friends and have been continually spiriting their nations to take