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Gc 974.8 Sm65h 1667575
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
3 1833 01202 8525
HISTORY
OF THE
PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
BY SAMUEL SMITH
EDITED BY WILLIAM M. MERVINE
PUBLISHED BY THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
TVINO
PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1913
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofprovinc00smit_3
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NOTE BY THE EDITOR
New Jersey, son of the last named Samuel, was born in 1699; he represented Burlington County in the General Assembly for nearly twenty years, married Abigail Rapier, and died in 1751.
Samuel Smith the historian, son of the last named, was born in Burlington, December 13, 1720, a member of the Religious Society of Friends. He was educated at home, and at an early age served as a member of the Council and of the General Assembly of New Jersey. In 1768 be and his brother John, and Charles Read, were made custodians of the seals of the province, during the absence of Governor William Franklin in England. Samuel Smith was treasurer of the Western Division of New Jersey from 1751 to 1775.
He made a collection of materials for histories of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and of the Society of Friends in those provinces. In 1765 he published, The History of The Colony of Nova-Cæsaria, or New Jersey; containing an Account of its First Settlement, Progressive Improvements, The Original and Present Constitution, and Other Events, To the Year 1721, with some Particulars Since; and A Short View of Its Present State. By Samuel Smith. Burlington, in New Jersey: Printed and Sold by James Parker: Sold also by David Hall, in Philadelphia. MDCCLXV.
Mr. Smith married in November, 1741, Jane daughter of Joseph Kirkbride, by whom he had children, Joseph, Abigail, Sarah and Richard. He died at his residence, Hickory Grove, near Burlington, July 13, 1776. (Smith, The Burlington Smiths, 1877, pp. 101, 117, 209. Archives of the State of New Jersey. First Series. Volume IX, p. 394. Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography. 1888.)
WILLIAM M. MERVINE.
THE HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
BY SAMUEL SMITH
PREFACE
My design in the following sheets was to secure to the public, an account of the original manner of settling with a regular connection of such principal transactions for the first forty years afterwards as I could obtain. I was at the conclusion of that period too young for much observa- tion :- the merit of this collection (if any) must consequently principally rest upon materials left by others: such of these as I have here and appeared to me sufficiently founded, and worthy of credit, either from publick notoriety or un- disputed memorials, original setlers, & records; or from probabilities supported by incidents, many of them appar- ently incapable of deception :-- And nothing depending barely upon the memory of any man was adopted without caution ;- The last however was but a small part.
I give this short view of things merely to disclaim either merit or responsibility respecting the matters introduced; They are simply the product of such of the above materials as were fit for public use, and in the readers estimation must stand or fall as they appear to deserve; with regard to the propriety of the choice, I had the difficulties to en- counter common on such occasions-A profusion of matter in some instances-scarcely sufficient in others :- I selected with the judgment I had and endeavoured to arrange with as much clearness and method and comprise them in as few words as I well could.
To those acquainted with the original state of literature in the province, embarrassmts will readily occur in attempt- ing a particular view of all the persons materially concerned in the first improvements ;- such of them as were active in legislation fell in course to mention-Not many others are or could be properly introduced in the first part-let it suffice that the early setlers in general, tho' not many of
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PREFACE
them men of learning or science, were known to be people of reputation and credit. They went through many hard- ships to improve the country, and did it on their own ex- pences, at least without much charge or difficulty to the parent-state. Some of them brought effects to a considerable value, some spent them in improvements, others gained, and of these a large number, their children feel it, and are or prob- ably may be as happy as their own economy will allow.
I have remarked somewhere in the History on the incon- venience of descending minutely into the particulars of several of the later sessions of Assembly; A deference to general sentiments seemed to dictate such a caution, both to avoid a sameness of matter and for the reason then given, that their proceedings are now printed, so that any additional satisfaction on the subjects treated of, is easily had. The more material parts give a general view of the times, and mark events and characters with a degree of precision and exactness not to be expected elsewhere, & were therefore thought sufficient to answer the purposes of this part of the undertaking.
An account of the natural curiosities and Botanical dis- coveries; and of the many fine improvements in Building and other works of convenience and charity, with a partic- ular Geographical description of the Counties, Towns, and Districts throughout the province, might be an acceptible present abroad, but to do it effectually would require a skill in and turn to the business that I have not, and more time and labor (If I had) than could now be spared .- They who clear a road through this naturally rough country commonly mean it only for use till a better is provided; this first attempt towards a History of that flourishing province so far as it goes, may at least furnish materials- perhaps otherwise excite to a more compleat & finished work.
In writing for the public, especially in attempts any- thing new, diffidence is natural-success may be deserved- Anxiety will not always command it-He who, after having
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PREFACE
done his best can preserve a Philosophical indifference in the hour of experiment may remain equally unconcerned as to events & solicitude, as for one I must own I have upon this occasion both a wish and a hope, but yet after having submitted involuntary errors to the candor of the public will endeavor to be content with the service I aim'd at, be it less or more as it happens to prove .-
With respect to the progress of Friends as a religious Society, tho there is reason to conclude it was very early under the consideration of the first Settlers to have their history composed, nothing appears on the Yearly Meeting records relative thereto till the year 1727 when some Papers that Caleb Pusey had preserved were by his order (after his decease) laid before the meeting for public service as opportunity to use them offer'd by such as might be capable and willing to undertake the business.
In 1728 the said Papers coming under the consideration of the Yearly Meeting, and many Friends appearing desirous to have such a history carried on, the meeting ordered the Papers to be deliver'd to David Lloyd, who offer'd himself to that service: He with Isaac Norris were desired to view, and con- sider them, and make what progress they could therein.
In their hands the papers remained till the next year, when they were brought to the meeting again, wtb a report that nothing was done therein, and thus it rested till the year 1734, when a request coming from Burlington Quarterly Meeting to be informed what progress was made it came under consideration again, & Isaac Norris informed the Meeting he had delivered the Papers lodged with him on that account to James Logan, who (he said) discovered some inclination to undertake that affair, John Kinsey was thereupon desired to speak with him on that subject, and to request his undertaking it, if he was so inclined, but if otherwise, to deliver him the papers.
At the meeting in 1735 John Kinsey reported that James Logan delivered to him the said Papers, on which, that meet-
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PREFACE
ing desired Samuel Preston, William Hudson, Robert Jones, Job Goodson, Caleb Raper, and the said John Kinsey to re- view those papers, and make report thereof to the next yearly meeting, and in the mean time they were desired to collect any further materials they might think necessary .-
The yearly meeting in 1736 received an Epistle from Ben- jamin Holmes urging it, and John Kinsey also now report- ing he had pursuant to the minute of last Meeting peruscd the Papers formerly Caleb Pusey's; and made a collection of divers materials proper for the composing such an Account of the settlement of these Provinces as Friends were desirous of.
He was therefore continued in the service, and so re- mained till his death. Multiplicity of other business prob- ably prevented him from doing much on the subject, and since his death it has too long suffered in the same way, however, not without gaining from time to time additional materials of considerable use .---
The relation of such Friends of the Ministry as came to visit these colonies from Europe may I believe be looked upon nearly complete, but of such who came from the adjacent provinces, or travel'd from here, there, so much cannot be said, nor with regard to the deaths of such of the setlers who deserved mentioning: The account of these is rather imperfect, nor will it be wondered at, when the dis- tance of time, and the difficulties of this part of the work is considered, for there was very little help of this kind from any regular records: I was obliged to collect them here and there wherever they could be got, hence it was that so few besides those who had been in some public service or em- ployment could be found .--
The account of the settlement of Meetings in these prov- inces is more, or less particular according to the informations I received about them, and tho' it may be sufficient to answer the design of its being publish'd, it is not quite so circum- stantial, nor in some parts so intelligible as could have been wish'd.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
CHAPTER I.
WILLIAM PENN PETITIONS FOR, AND IS INVESTED WITH THE SOIL AND GOVERNMENT-KING CHARLES IID'S DECLARATION IN CONSEQUENCE THEREOF --- AN ACCOUNT OF THE COUNTRY, AND TERMS OF SETTLE- MENT-ARRIVALS OF SETTLERS-WILLIAM PENN'S LETTER TO THE INDIANS-PUBLISHES THE FIRST FRAME OF GOVERNMENT-SETS SAIL FOR THE NEW COUNTRY -- MEETS THE FIRST ASSEMBLY-SUNDRY LAWS PASSED -- HIS REASON FOR ACCEPTING THE ADMINISTRATION . 3
CHAPTER II.
DIFFICULTIES OF THE SETTLERS-A PEACE CONCLUDED WITH THE INDIANS, AND LANDS PURCHASED OF THEM-THEIR GREAT AFFECTION FOR WILLIAM PENN -- HE LAYS OUT THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA-MEETS THE COUNCIL AND ASSEMBLY-A CHARTER CONCLUDED ON 16
CHAPTER III.
A NEW PROPOSAL TO RESTRAIN THE INDIANS FROM INTEMPERATE DRINK- ING-AN APPOINTMENT TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT- COMMISSION OF THE THREE PROVINCIAL JUDGES-WILLIAM PENN RETURNS TO ENGLAND --- HIS EPISTLE FROM THE SHIP. REPORT OF THE KING IN COUNCIL RELATING TO THE DISPUTE Wth LORD BALTI- MORE-AN ORDER THEREUPON-LINES BETWEEN THE COUNTIES OF BUCKS, PHILADELPHIA AND CHESTER-IMPEACHMENT AND CENSURE OF NICHOLAS MOORE-AN ALARM OF MISCHIEF FROM THE INDIANS- CAPTAIN JOHN BLACKWELL ARRIVES, GOVERN'-SOME ACCOUNT OF HIM-HIS INSTRUCTIONS 28
CHAPTER. IV.
WILLIAM PENN DEPRIVED OF HIS GOVERNMENT-A NEW GOVERNOR APPOINTED BY THE CROWN, THE PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS DURING THIS ADMINISTRATION 39
CHAPTER V.
THE PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS DURING THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR FLETCHER, CONTINUED 49
CHAPTER VI.
WILLIAM PENN RESTORED TO IIIS GOVERNMENT-SENDS A COMMISSION TO WY MARKHAM, TO BE HIS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-The Petition of Right SO CALLED, AS AGREED ON BY THE ASSEMBLY IN FLETCHER'S ADMINISTRATION 60
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER VII.
WILLIAM MARKHAM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-COPY OF HIS WRIT TO SUMMON THE ASSEMBLY-REMONSTRANCE FROM THE ASSEMBLY TO ILIM-THE THIRD FRAME OF GOVERNMENT-RELIEF FOR THE ALBANY INDIANS --- WILLIAM PENN WITH HIS WIFE AND FAMILY ARRIVE-HE MEETS THE ASSEMBLY-AGREES WITH THEM UPON A CHARTER-HIS SPEECH TO THEM-THE ASSEMBLYS ADDRESS-GRANTS THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA THEIR CHARTER-HE RETURNS TO ENGLAND --- LEAVES THE GOVERNMENT UNDER CARE OF ANDREW HAMILTON 62
CHAPTER VIII.
JOHN EVANS ARRIVES, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-WITH THE CAUSE, AND MANNER OF THE PROVINCE AND TERRITORIES BEING DIVIDED SO AS TO COMPOSE ASSEMBLIES INDEPENDENT ON EACH OTHER 73
CHAPTER IX.
GOVERNOR EVANS MEETS THE FIRST ASSEMBLY AT NEW CASTLE --- HIS PROCLAMATION TO RAISE A MILITIA-CALLS AN ASSEMBLY OF THE PROVINCE-HIS SPEECH- THEIR REPLY- THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA IN GREAT COMMOTION BY AN ALARM OF THE ENEMY COMING UP THE RIVER-PARTICULARS OF THE FORT AT NEW CASTLE- RICHARD HILL BREAKS THE WAY FOR A FREE NAVIGATION-THE ASSEMBLY ADDRESS EVANS ON THE SUBJECT 84
CHAPTER X.
THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR EVANS GROWN EXTREMELY DIS- GUSTFUL -- THE ASSEMBLY REMONSTRATE AGAINST HIM TO THE PRO- PRIETARY-EVANS REQUIRES THEM TO LAY IT BEFORE HIM-THEIR REPLY-EVANS'S SPEECH TO THE SUCCEEDING ASSEMBLY, THEIR ANSWER --- EVANS SENDS A PAPER TO THE HOUSE BY TWO OF HIS COUNCIL-THEIR RESOLVES UPON IT . 97
CHAPTER XI.
GOVERNOR EVANS CALLS THE ASSEMBLY-STRENUOUSLY RECOMMENDS MEASURES OF DEFENCE-THE ASSEMBLY'S REASONS FOR NON- COMPLIANCE -- THE GOVERNOR REPLIES BY TWO OF HIS COUNCIL- THE ASSEMBLY'S ANSWER 110
CHAPTER XII.
EVANS REMOVED FROM THE GOVERNMENT-CHARLES GOOKIN ESQ' SUC- CEEDS HIM-THE ASSEMBLY THEN SITTING CONGRATULATE HIM, AND LAY BEFORE HIM SUNDRY OF THEIR GRIEVANCES-THE PROPRIETORS' CHARACTER OF GOOKIN-SUBSTANCE OF GOOKIN'S SPEECH TO THE ASSEMBLY OF 1709-OF THE ASSEMBLY'S ADDRESS-AN ADDRESS OF THE COUNCIL TO GOOKIN-THE ASSEMBLY'S REPLY TO IT . 125
S
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER XIII.
SUMMARY OF DISPUTES BETWEEN GOOKIN AND THE ASSEMBLY ON SEVERAL SUBJECTS . . 140
CHAPTER XIV.
THE DISPUTES BETWEEN GOV' GOOKIN AND THE ASSEMBLY CONTINUED 152
CHAPTER XV.
THE ASSEMBLY'S ADDRESS TO K: GEORGE THE FIRST ON IHIS ACCESSION TO THE THRONE-REPRESENTATION OF THE ASSEMBLY TO GOVERNOR GOOKIN -- HIS LAST MESSAGE TO THE ASSEMBLY-SIR WO KEITH ARRIVES AND TAKES UPON HIM THE GOVERNMENT 165
CHAPTER XVI.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE MENONISTS AND SWENCKFELDERS . 168
CHAPTER XVII.
OF THE DUNKARDS OR DUMPLERS -- AND OF THE MORAVIANS . . 180
CHAPTER XVIII.
SIR WILLIAM KEITH'S FIRST SPEECH TO THE ASSEMBLY-THEIR ADDRESS TO HIM-SUBSTANCE OF OTHERS AT A SUCCEEDING SESSION-THE JOINT REPRESENTATION OF GOVERNOR AND ASSEMBLY TO THE KING ON THE SUBJECT OF THE AFFIRMATION-KEITA'S SPEECH AT THE CONCLUSION OF THAT ASSEMBLY-DEATH OF THE PROPRIETARY WILLIAM PENN 198
CHAPTER XIX
SPEECHES AND MESSAGES BETWEEN SIR WY KEITH AND THE ASSEMBLIES IN THE YEARS 1718 AND 1719 -- HE ESTABLISHES A COURT OF CHAN- CERY-HIS PROCLAMATION FOR THAT PURPOSE 202
CHAPTER XX.
KEITH RECOMMENDS THE APPOINTMENT OF A PROVINCIAL AGENT-THE ASSEMBLY GO INTO THE NOMINATION-HIS SPEECH TO THE ASSEMBLY OF 1721-THEIR ADDRESS TO HIM-HE CONTINUES IN THE GOVERN- MENT TILL 1726 --- A SHORT SKETCH OF HIS CHARACTER-HIS DEATH- ACCOUNT OF GOVERNORS SINCE, DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME-THE DEATHS AND CHARACTERS OF A NUMBER OF THE PRINCIPAL IN- HABITANTS .
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THE HISTORY
OF THE
PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
CHAPTER I.
WILLIAM PENN PETITIONS FOR, AND IS INVESTED WITH THE SOIL AND GOV- ERNMENT: K. CHARLES IID'S DECLARATION IN CONSEQUENCE THEREOF. AN Accot. OF THE COUNTRY, & TERMS OF SETTLEMENT. ARRIVALS OP SETLERS. WILLIAM PENNS LETTER TO THE INDIANS: PUBLISHES THE FIRST FRAME OF GOVERNMENT: SETS SAIL FOR THE NEW COUNTRY: MEETS THE FIRST ASSEMBLY. SUNDRY LAWS PASSED: HIS REASON FOR ACCEPTING THE ADMINISTRATION.
Seldom does an act of humanity and kindness go without its reward in one shape or other-sometimes it hath con- sequences quite unexpected. Edward Byllinge, the original proprietor of West-Jersey under purchase from lord Berk- eley, had got into difficulties so as to dispose him to assign his estate for the benefit of his Creditors, and prevailing upon William Penn to be one of his trustees; in the execu- tion of this trust it was that he became one of the principal promoters of the settlement of West-Jersey, and by his concerns there from about the year 1665 He seems to have first gained the knowledge of that more considerable tract of land, of which he afterward became the sole proprietor and which is only divided from New Jersey by the river Delaware ;- he had a right to claim a considerable sum of money due to the admiral his father, as well for sums act- ually advanced for the sea service, as for arrearages in his pay. He petitioned King Charles the second, in the sum- mer 1680, praying that in consideration thereof, letters patent might be granted to him for a tract of land in Amer- ica, lying North of Maryland, on the east bounded with Delaware River, on the west limited as Maryland, and
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HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
northward to extend as far as plantable: This was first laid before the privy council, then the lords, committee for trade and plantations; and after several meetings upon the occasion, in which the objections from the duke of York, by his agent Sir John Werden, as proprietor of that tract of land, since called the counties of New-Castle, Kent & Sussex; & lord Baltimore, proprietor of Maryland, were fully heard and debated: Lord chief Justice North, and S' Wm Jones the attorney-general being also consulted, both as to the thing and the manner of doing it: The matter was at length resulted in William Penns favor, and he accordingly was invested with the soil and government of all that tract of land, now called Pennsylvania: The Kings declaration to the inhabitants and planters of the province of Pennsyl- vania in consequence of it, was as followeth.
"CHARLES R.
"WHEREAS his majesty in consideration of the great merit and faithful services of Sir William Penn deceased, and for divers other good causes, him thereunto moving hath been graciously pleased by letters patent, bearing date the fourth day of March last past, to give and grant unto William Penn Esq: son & heir of the said Sir William Penn, all that tract of land in America, called by the name of Pennsylvania, as the same is bounded on the east by Del- aware river, from twelve miles distance northward of New Castle: town, unto the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, if the said river doth extend so far northward, and if the said River shall not extend so far northward, then by the said river so far as it doth extend, and from the head of the said river the eastern bounds to be determined by a meridian line to be drawn from the head of the said river, unto the said three and fortieth degree, and the said
· * The Grants, Charters, Concessions, Framd Laws &c being already in the hands of the public, it was thought unnecessary to reprint them here- See Pennsª Laws, Votes &c. Vol. I.
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HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
province to extend westward five degrees in longitude, to be computed from the said eastern bounds, and to be bounded on the north by the begining of the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, and on the south by a circle drawn at twelve miles distance from New Castle northwards, and westward unto the begining of the for- tieth degree of northern latitude, and then by a streight line westward to the limit of longitude above mentioned: Together with all powers, preheminencies and jurisdictions necessary for the government of the said province, as by the said letters-patent, reference being thereunto had, doth more at large appear.
"His Majesty doth therefore hereby publish and declare his royal will and pleasure, that all persons settled or in- habiting within the limits of the said province do yield all due obedience to the said William Penn his heirs and assigns, as absolute proprietaries and governors thereof, as also to the deputy or deputies, agents or lieutenants, lawfully commissioned by him or them, according to the powers and authorities granted by the said letters patent, where- with his majesty expects & requires a ready compliance from all persons whom it may concern as they tender his majesty's displeasure.
"Given at the court at Whitehall, the second day of April 1681, in the three and thirtieth year of our reign
"By his majesty's command "CONWAY."
William Penn being now by royal authority invested with the soil and government of Pennsylvania, soon pub- lished an account of the country, with the Kings patent and other papers relating thereto, describing the situation & soil and what it produced, as well as he then could, and proposing an easy purchase of lands,b and good terms of
The terms were forty shillings sterling, for a hundred acres, and one shilling a year forever.
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HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
settlement for such as might incline to transport themselves, summing up the whole with this christian caution. "To conclude (says he) I desire all my dear country-folks, who may be inclined to go into those parts, to consider seriously the premises, as well the present inconveniency as future ease, and plenty, that so none may move rashly or from a fickle but solid mind, having above all things an eye to the providence of God in the disposing of themselves, and I would further advise all such, at least to have the permis- sion, if not the good liking of their near relations, for that is both natural, and a duty incumbent upon all, and by this means, will natural affertions be preserved, and a friendly and profitable correspondence, between them, in all which I beseech almighty God to direct us, that his blessing may attend our honest endeavors, and then the consequence of all our undertakings will turn to the glory of his great name, & all true happiness to us, and our pos- terity. Amen."
Upon publishing these proposals, a great number of pur- chasers soon appeared, from London, Liverpool, and es- pecially about Bristol, among these were James Claypoole, Nicholas Moore, Philip Ford and others who formed a company, and having purchased 20,000 acres of land, they published articles of trade, and soon afterwards put them in execution, by entering into sundry branches, which were improved upon by other hands; and the proprietor having now sold a considerable quantity of land, the next step was with the purchasers to agree upon a constitution of govern- ment, which was concluded on as stipulated in the first concessions.
The first or one of the first ships that arrived now about, was called the John & Sarah, of London, Henry Smith commander: In the latter part of this year, two ships were fitted out, one from London, the other from Bristol, to carry passengers to the new purchase. That from Lon- don was call'd the Amity, Richard Dimon Master, she
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HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
was blown off to the West Indies, & did not arrive at Penn- sylvania, 'till the spring of next year .- That from Bristol, was called the Bristol Factor, Roger Drew master, -she arrived at Chester the 11th of December this year, the passengers saw three or four houses & ventured to hawl ashore at Robert Wades landing, 'joining Chester Creek, on the lower side, and the river having froze up that night they remained there all winter. William Penn from a motive of Justice as well as to secure the new planters from the native Indians who in some other provinces, being in- juriously dealt with, had made reprisals to the loss of many lives, gave orders to treat them with all candor and hu- manity, and appointing his cousin William Markham to be his deputy governor, joined with him, commissioners to confer with them about land, and to confirm a league of peace, by whom in one of those ships he also sent them the following letter:
"LONDON, the 18th of the Sth month 1681.
"MY FRIENDS,
"There is a great God and power, that hath made the world and all things therein, to whom you, and I and all people owe their being, and well-being, and to whom you and I must one day give an account for all that we do in the world-This great God hath written his law in our hearts, by which we are taught and commanded to love and help and do good to one another -- Now this great God hath been pleased to make me concerned in your part of the world, and the King of the country where I live hath given me a great province therein, but I desire to enjoy it with your love and consent, that we may always live to- gether as neighbours and friends, else what would the great God do to us, who hath made us not to devour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and kindly together in the world, now I would have you well observe, that I am very sensible of the unkindness & injustice, that hath been too
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HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
much exercised towards you by the people of these parts of the world, who have sought themselves and to make great advantages by you, rather than to be examples of goodness and patience unto you, which I hear hath been a matter of trouble to you, and caused great grudgings & animosities, sometimes to the sheding of blood, which hath made the great God angry, but I am not such a man, as is well known in my own country. I have great love and regard towards you, and I desire to win and gain your love and friendship, by a kind, just, and peaceable life, and the people I send are of this same mind, and shall in all things behave themselves accordingly, and if in anything, any shall offend you, or your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same, by an equal number of just men on both sides that by no means you may have just occasion of being offended against them. I shall shortly come to you myself, at what time we may more largely and freely confer and discourse of these matters, in the mean time I have sent my commissioners to treat with you about land, and a firm league of peace: Let me desire you to be kind to them, & the people, and receive these presents and tokens, which I have sent you, as a testimony of my good will to you, and my resolution to live justly, peaceably, and friendly with you.
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