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'f.s of the Situation — The Products (>f the Country — How Secure Settlers — The Indians Should Be Treated Kindly and Be Educated. THE FXPEDIFNCY OF SECURING OUR AMERICAN COWMES, Providence having favoured the British arms with surprising success, in (he prosecution of the hitc war, our enemies have l)een obliged to abate of their usual haughtiness, and tt) accept of reasonable terms of peace. Not to mention our advantages l)y this peace in the £05/ Indies and Africa, an addition is made to our Atncrimn territories of about 500,000 square miles, which we either did not pretend r/g/t/ to before, or had not in possession. Thisvast acqi'isilion, al)ovc four times larger than all the lands of Britain and Ireland, is, most part of it, very fertile and valuable o\ itself, and all (4] of it very convenient, along with the other plantations, to Britain. For hereby our dominions in that continent arc closely united; so precisely determined, that there can be no ambiguity nor dispute hereafter about the limits; have no neighlx)urs from whom danger can be appre- ' The only copy of this pamphlet known is in the library of Harvard University. It was probably written in Siotland and was published in KdinburKli sonKtimc between CKtober 10 and the end of November, 1763. It thus appeared subsi'- quent to the announcement of the proclamation of 1763. The authorship of the pamphlet may be ascribed to some one who was familiar with the intent of the proilamatioii and who was a supfxirler of Shelhurne's policy of westward expan- sion. For a full discussicm of this, si*e Susan Martha Reeil, " Farly Colonial Schemes in Ihe West," in manusiript; Alvord, "Genesis of the Proclamation of 1763," in / Michigan Hisl'yrical Collations, 30: 20 et seq. In this reprint the pagination of the / original is indicated. •34 A r ■V * \ 1/ r.i COLONY OF CHARIjOTINA I3S •< M ^ ^ bended, 'out upon one side only; and are of as large extent as Britain can be supposed tver to have occasion for, or as may be thought proper for the mother-country to have in any separate continent, and so remote. Our Rivals, no doubt, will look with regret, and with a wishful eye upon the fine extensive country they have been obliged to cede, and may, in some future period, agreeable to their usual temper and practice, attempt to annoy and disturb us in that quarter, if they shall have, or imagine they have, any probability of retrieving, were it but in part their late great and galing losses. The object they had in view, according to a plan concerted long before the last war commenced, was no less than the command of the whole continent of North- [$] America. With this view, were all their encroachments upon our settlements, begun many years ago, but carried on chiefly after signing the treaty of Aix la chapeUe; great numbers of their troops, with large quantities of military stores, clandestinely sent to their pLntations; the Indians debauched and spirited up to the most shocking instances of barbarous cruelty against our Planters; and their intended chain of forts, from Canada to Louisiana^ not only begun, but considerably advanced. But Heaven supporting our just cause, and making our arms remarkably victorious both by sea and land, our insidious enemies, like the dog with the piece of flesh in the table [fable], have not only been entirely frustrated of this their design, but obliged to relinquish all their former encroachments, and cede to us all Canada, with what- ever else they possessed of North America to the river Mississippi. Thus have the French, to their great morcification, been disap- pointed of a design they seera'd to have had much at heart; by the accomplishment of which, they would, [6] in all probability, not only have had Britain at their mercy within a few years, but been capable to give law to Europe. r Their passion for universal empire having been thus frustrate [sic], and their deep concerted scheme oi American dominion rendered abortive, they will, no doubt, be filled with revoige, and with a strong desire to recover the power they have lost, and the territory they have been forced to cede. These and other considerations give us great reason to expect, that a Nation, whose humour is constitutionally ambitious and restless, and which keeps no treaty longer than they (I 1 '*k 136 ILLIXOIS HISTORICAL COLLECTION'S think it their interest to break it, will, by their natural subtlety, evade the late treaty also, whenever a proniisinR view of advantage shall offer. An attempt of this kind, if compared with many similar instances of their conduct, both in farmer and later times, need ^ive us no surprise. But the probability of such event, ouRht to make us use all necessary precaution for our own security, especially where it may seem most in their power to annoy or injure us. I7] Wiik:hkr the Fremh in Canada will continue there or not, — time will discover. It seems most probable indeed, that national and natural relation; the same Religion, Language, Customs, and Manners; the ejngaging views of superior wealth, and a much more agreeable life in Louisiana, a place incomparably more fertile and pleasant than the other; will occasion a general Immigration of these Camuiians\ to whom, no question, encouraging offers will be made by their old masters, in order to such a removal |.v/( ). But though, for the reasons mentioned, the most part of them should remove within the stipulated time, yet it is probable S(yme of them will continue. The Protestant Religion will be a motive to retain those of that persuasion. The greater security of their whole rights and properties, under the mild equitable British Govern- ment, than under the arbitrary power of Trance, may possibly prevail with others also, to continue in their natural Climate and place of Nativity, in the full enjoyment of their ePitates and effects. Such of them (8) as may chuse to do so, ought to be discreetly used. For it is to be hoped, that these new subjects, under the cherishing wings of British protection and liberty, will, before many years, by civil usage and prudent management, entirely incorporate with their fellow-subjects, without distinction of Nation, Language, or Religion, as was the case of the Dutch in New York. Particular care, however, should be taken, to prevent, by strict penal laws, any of these French from removing, after the time allowed them by treaty shall have elapsed. But though the greater part of them, or even the whole, should continue in Canada, there is little reason to apprehend danger from that quarter. Our military establishment in that country, would render any attempt in them to raise disturbance, folly, and madness. But to secure our Colonies on the west-?ide, seems to merit our serious attention. There the French, our constant Rivals and most 'm' COLONY Oh' CHARLOTINA 137 violent Enemies, are our next neighbours. Interest, and many political motives, can- (9] not fail to make them, who abound in numbers of j)eopIe, careful to settle Louisiana, the only Colony they now have in that continent, in as speedy and efTectual a way as possible. In doing this, they certainly will, agreeable to their con- stant practice, erect forts wherever thought necessary, especially upon the Missisippi, in order to secure the Country, and favour their future designs. If, when they shall have done so, the Country upon our side of that river shall have been neglected, or but thinly peopled, — no Fort above the river Ibernlle, — and perhaps no British Family for several leagues south of the Forks of the Missisippi: It is not to be exjjected, they will confine themselves within their own limits, and not scruple to cross the Missisippi with their usual encroachments, contrary to the late treaty, more than they did formerly to cross St Laurence, in manifest violation of the treaty of Utrecht. It is very natural to expect, that, in this case, they, in conjunction with the Indians, [loj whom we found to our cost they are very dexterous at corrupting, would by no means let slip what they might look upon as an opportunity of encroaching a-new upon ouf territories, and would renew their former scenes of cruelty upon such of our j)eople as might be exposed to their revenge. Tirus, if the French should be beforehand with us (as they still endeavour to be, and often are) and, by putting Louisiana in a respect- able condition, be capable to play their oid game over again, num- bers of our innocent Planters would lose, in a few days, what they might have gained by labour and industry in several years; whole Families of our people either barbarously murdered in cold blood, or driven from their habitations; our Colonies thrown into confusion; and the Nation put to the unavoidable expence and calamities of a new war. But that any such opportunity may, as much as possible, be prevented in all time coming, we may be confident, that [ii] His Majesty, whose paternal affection for his people is most conspicuous, and who, by the assistance of an aWe Ministry, hath happily brought about an honourable and advantageous Peace, mil, in his royal wisdom and goodness, use the most proper means for improving it in such a way, that all his Subjects may avail themselves of it, in the most speedy, general, and effectual manner. 138 ILLINOIS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS II In order to the effectual improvment of our Dominions in that Continent, three things seem to fall naturally under consideration. I. What part of our new acquisition there, it niinht he most proper to add to our former Colonies, and what parts of it to form into new Colonies, one or more. 2. Settling what parts first and chiefly, would contribute most to the security and advantage of the whole. 3. By what ways this might be efTectcd most speedily, and to t he best purpose. Upon these Questions, a few plain simple thoughts arc here humbly offered; written, designedly, without art or ornament. j)uri>ly for amusement, and as they [12] occurred to the writer, u|M)n reauhiane (Paris, 1758. 3 v.). This was oitt of the chief authorities on the Mississippi Valley, and there is evidence that it was used extensively by the English. * This is a reference to Lord Shelbume's plan as outlined in a portion of the proclamation of 1763 On account of certain changes in the ministry, he resigned the presidency of the board of trade in September, 1763; but before his resignation he bad drafted the proclamation which was to prepare the way for future westward e.xpan8ion. The measure was, however, carried oul by other minds. See in this connection Alvord, "Genesis of the Proclamation ot 1763," in Michigan Historical CoiUclums, 36: 30 e< seq. COLONY OF CUARLOTINA 139 SoMETiimr. intended to have been offered upon this Head, being prevented by the division of Florida into East and West, only two things shall be here proposed. I. That Virnitiia, Maryland, and Pensylvania, be terminated by a Hourul to be fixe\'ith the Imiians: be an effectual Barrier for the de- fence, security and quiet of all our Colonies; check the natives; pre- vent the Frenchirom having access to and corrupting them; and render any attempt in after-times, from either or both of them, vain and ineffectual. . » {17I Father Heunepin [sic], a French Jesuite, who, about 80 years ago, traversed and accurately survey'd this Country, expressly sa)'8, that whatever nation should secure the country on the Ohio, by u chain of Fort from the Lakes to the Missisippi, might command all North' America. Every body knows, of how great importance to their usurping scheme, his countrymen look'd upon this hint; what extraordinary pains and diligence they were at for a great many years, to possess and secure this very country; and how much labour, blood and treasure it cost this Nation, to defeat and overturn the small part of their plan they had executed. So very much were they taken with this their favourite scheme, as conducive to some valuable prize thdr ambitioa had fixed upon, that they expended several millions of treasure, and the lives of many thousands oi their pe^le, in the course of a seven years war, to accomjdish it. Thif il COLONY OF CHARLOTINA i4x they neither would nor did fall from, nor consent to relinquish their encroachments, [i8] till reduced to the lowest state of distress — beaten in all quarters of the world,— their Fleets destroyed, — their trade and credit sunk; they were upon the very brink of nati(Hial ruin, and incapable any longer to avoid impending destruction. What, therefore, our vigilant enterprising Rivals {Jas est et ab hoste doceri) found a very promising means for obtaining so great a prize, and laboured with assiduity and perseverance to make good, notwithstanding the opposition they might rationally expect from us, of whose just Rights the execution of thb their darling plan was a most manifest Invasion; let not us neglect nor dday to execute, while we can do it without opposition; and thereby secure to ourselves the full and undisturbed possession of our own indisputable property, that is of so great importance and value: Which if we Lad done about 12 or 14 years ago, when the designs of our Enemies were by that time pretty evident, the late bloody war, in all probability, might have been prevented, [19] and our national debt between forty and fifty millions Sterling less than it now is. It would be tedious to mention all the advantages, obvious to every one, that would accrue to us, and to our whole American Dominions, from the proposed settlements. Besides these already hinted, others will appear from comparing the country in general with our prc:cnt Colouici, and observing its vast superiority in extent, properties and productions. A Colony is profitable, according as its land is so good, that, by a part of the labour of the inhabitants bestowed on its cultivation, it yields the necessaricB of life sufficient for their sustenance; and by the rest of their labour, produces staple commodities in such quantity and of such value, as bring from the Mother-country, in the way of commerce and traffick, all manufactures necessaty for the pn^fer accomodation of the Colonists, and for the gradual and more extendve improvement of ihe Colony, as the number of pe<^le increases. So that FruUfidness of Land is the principal property of a Colony, and thai wherein [ao] iti usefulness chiefly consists: Because (Mines are supposed to be out >{ the questim here) in prf^rtkm to the quantity of the necessaries of life, with the number and ilue of staple commodities that it produces, will be the number of people encouraged tc go to it; the cheapness of labour; the si«iaU share of .,- "■■,' I4t ILLINOIS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS li 'I. ' I ^ it needful for the maintenance of the inhabitants; and, consequently, the more of ii bestowed on staple commodities. If, besides fertility of soil, it hath also a healthful Climate and extensive Bounds, — of so much greater value must it be accounted, and merits proportionably greater care and encouragement from the Mother-country. A Colony having these properties, if duly sup- ported in its infant state, must soon flourish and become strong; and will, like a dutiful child, return manifold the favours of the kindly parent, to the great convenience and advantage of both. But a Colony, whose inhabitants are obliged, from the barren- ness of the country, [21] the length and coldness of the winters, or whatever other cause, to bestow all or most of their labour on having the necessaries of life, can scarcely be supposed to avail the mother- country: Because the people, for their own subsistence, must of necessity apply themselves to Farming and Manufactures, and there- by, instead of benefiting, must interfere with her in many branches of trade. Without depreciating our former Colonies, or detracting in the least from their real worth, it must, however, be acknowledged, that most of them are rather of the last, than of the first mentioned kind: that, excepting the Furs which we purchase from the natives, all our northern Colonies produce very little staple, and but of small value for Britain,*and that all of them, except some lands on the south parts of Carolina, scarcely produce any but Tobacco. The lands of the very best of them, for several miles from the sea, are low, marshy, hot, and therefore unhealthy; and their [22] soil, from the Sea to the Apalachian mountains, b shallow, light, and soon wcmh out with culture. Beyond these mountains to the Ohio, particularly upon the back of our most southerly Colonies, the lands are said to be of a more deep, stn)ng and fertile soil: But these have never yet been occupied by our people, nor could be, on account of the en- croachments of the French, and the cruelty exercised by them and the natives in their interest, against our Planters, for a good many years past. So that, however valuable these our Colonies arc (and that they are of great value, is certain) yet they may be made infinitely more so to Britain as a trading nation, conjoined with, and by a i^oper im- provement of our new accquisition. For, if the Settlements here : COLONY OF CHARLOTINA 143 d proposed :vere made, our old Colonies would see it their interest, to extend their Plantations, each within their respective limits, to the Missisippi and Ohio, as far as the Forks. This they would be en- couraged to do, from the motives of gain, safety, undisturbed posses- sion, the prospect of [23] improving their lands at pleasure and to the best purposes, with the convenience of Navigation, whether for Export or Import, by the rivers that run from the Apalachian mountains into the Ohio, by the Ohio itself, and the Missisippi. Thus the old Colonies and the new one proposed, might be joined before many years, to their unspeakable mutual help and mterest. Besides this and other advantages, arising from its contiguity to our other Colonies, this extensive pleasant country, of which very little hitherto hath ever been opened, could not be expected to wear out by culture; and is of so deep and rich a soil, that, upon proper improvement, it would yield, not only all things necessary for the maintenance of the inhabitants, tho' several millions in number, but produce staple commodities for the Mother-country, in far greater plenty and variety, and of far more value, than all of that Continent we ever were possessed of before. [24] The south part of it, for about 30 or 40 miles from the Sea- shore, tho' by far the most barren of all the country, is stored with plenty of the finest Pines, Cedar, Cypress, ever-green Oaks, fire, of which large navies mighi be built at small expence. Care acd pains in draining the swamps and clearing the ground in that low part of the country, as the French do in New-Orleans, would render it far more healthy, and fit to produce immense quantities of Rice, and other valuable productions. FaoBl thence to the Forks, about 8 or goo miles, the country, we are told, is healthful, and the soil exceeding fertile, the lands being of a rich black mould, three feet deep in the hills, and much deq>&^ in the bottoms, with a strong clayey foundation; producing all kinds of provisions and esculent plants, with little or no care ur labour, and almost without culture. The lands are dry, hilly, and in some parts mountainous, which greatly refreshes and cools the air over the whole country, and [25] renders the climate extremely healthful. This account we have from a hist...• COLONY OF CHARLOTINA m justly may, is one of the most considerable posts in all Louisiana. They acknowledge also, — that this country is very good and fertile: That of the whole Colony {viz. of Louisiana, of which they reckoned this a part) this is the country in which, \^ath the greatest ease, they grow Wheat, Rye, and other like grain: that turning the earth in the slightest manner, is sufficient culture to make it produce as much as can be reasonably desired; that Tobacco thrives there: that all plants transported thither from France, succeed well; as do also the fruits: That there are Mines of Silver, Lead, and Iron there: And that in the country north of the Illi- (28] nois, Mines are said to be in great numbers, and very rich. What place more encouragbg for a new Colony! It would make up a volume, to mention, at any tolerable length, the productions, already known of this whole Country, with their uses and advantages. And it is more than probable, there are many, especially of the vegetable kind, that have not yet fallen under the notice of Europeans. It would be both tedious and superfluous to enumerate the many sorts of Grain, Fruits, Roots, Plants, Beasts and Fowl, wild and tame, Fishes, Ssrc. which are there in the greatest variety and abundance. As to Productions for Commerce: — Hemp, Flax, Silk, Cotton, Cochineal, Oil, Raisins, Currants, Almonds, Oranges, Citrons, Wal- nuts, Chesnuts, Prunes, Potash, Indigo, Rice, Cop[)er, Iron, Pitch, Tar, Rosin, Saltpetre, Sweet-gum, Wax, Sasafras, Salsaparilla, 6*c. besides innumerable materials for Medicine and Dyeing, nught all be had from thence, and in great plen- [29] ty. In short, of the nu- merous articles of Commerce from this large, fruitful Country, these which by nature are, with these that, if transported thither from other places of similar Climate and Soil, by artificial culture might be produced, — may justly be supposed of such variety, quantity and value, as, when purchased with our manufactures, would enable us to keep in our pockets some millions of our Treasure, which, for these very Commooities, we yearly give out to other Nations; be- sides immense profits that we might draw from foreign parts, for such of these Conmiodities as would exceed our home Consumption. If , for instance, we pay, as it is acknowledged we do, near two millions Sterling yearly to other Nations, for these two necessary articles of Hemp and Flax, which may be raised in this Country, and that in ! VI ( 146 //JJA'O/5 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS J the greatest |)IeiUy; what vast profits would arise from the whole of the above List? And, besides our own savings and actual profits, what Resources of treasure, which hitherto we have furnished (^^o| our Kneniies with, would therel)y be cut off? The writer of the above mentioned History says of this Country, — "That whatever way one walks from the Sea-coast for 500 leagues n*)rthwartls, he cannot pnKecd 100 steps without meeting with a Vine."' Is there not goo\il*Ta.tz, Histoirede la Louisiant, 2:1$. . •";i.v V , V -••- .r COLONY OF CHARLOTINA 147 le he For, in the first place, — while, intoxicated with the views of Co'i- qucst and Territory, they disposed of what people they had in that Continent, sparsely, throughout these extensive Countries which they called Louisiana and Canada, and in the inland parts upon the back of our Colonies, in order to facilitate their encroaching Designs; they neglected the Improvement of the whole, at least of the very best Lands in all their Colonies. Again, in the course of the War, which their continued insufTerable Usurpations and repeated Insults had rendered unavoidable, so great were their Losses notwithstanding their formidable confederacy with the mightiest Powers of Europe, — and such our success, by the remarkable assistance of the God of Armies, maintaining the justice of our Cause; that [^t,] these boasting Invaders, besides renoiincing all their Usurpations, were obliged to cede to us immense territory, which, otherwise, they might have possessed and improved at their pleasure. If disappointment of their hopes with respect to .ImfrtVcw Empire, and their late great loss of Men, Ships and Territory, shall cure them for some years of their usual itch of 'ii;ar, and make them discontinue their old usurping practice; a superiority in Trade will be the next object of their incurable ambition, and what they will strain every nerve to make good. Upon comparing circumstances, ours and theirs, in that Con- tinent, there seems to be more reason to apprehend their Rivalship in this, for some years at least, than in war. Besides the Island and Fort of Neu'-Orleans, they are yet possessed of vast territory on the west of the Missisippi; the South part of which, from that river to mountains of New-Mexico westward, and from the Sea to about six Degrees northward, we are told, is one entire level [34I champaign Country, as large as both France and Spain together; exceeding fruit- i !; and alone sufficient to supply the World with the productions of North America; being fertile in every thing, both in Land and Metals; and watered by several large navigable rivers that spread over the whole country. Ujwn supposition, then, of the Canadians and other French subjects in that Continent, their settling in the most con- venient parts of that fine extensive Country, it may be expected they will, by cultivating it with care and diligence, endeavour to obtain by the Improvement of Trade, that advantage and superiority, which they could not by their Martial Efforts. II r \ \- 148 ILLINOIS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS From the fruit fulness of these fresh virgin lands, and two or three months more of summer season in Louisiana than in our old Colonies, which, so far as hitherto occupied, are now much worn out, they can in one year make two or three crops of Tobacco, for instance, upon the same ground, as easily as we can make one, and in far greater plenty too, according to the supe- (35I rior fertility of soil. And if the Tobacco they used to make in thb country, is of such value as they give out, they may by the improvement that country is capable of, as efTectually outdo us, after some year, 'n that article, the only one we have hitherto kept entire to ourselvt. , as they have already done in that of the Sugar. But while we have ten or twelve times, if not more, the number of people that they yet have, in that Continent, and a country much of the same latitude and nature with theirs; it is in our power, and should be our endeavour, both to secure this valuable acquisition against Encroachments; and, by a proper timeous improvement of it, to prevent our Rivals, as much as we can, of superior commercial advantages: Both which necessary ends, it is presumed, the proposed settlements would answer. In this argument from Trade, it is supposed that the French will be pacific, and behave strict i^ conform \sic\ to treaty. But their speedy endeavours to restore their Marine; the freedoms they are said to be already u- [36] sing at Newfoundland; the present insur- rection of the Indians (of which afterwards) no question excited by French Jesuits and Priests; seem to indicate, that they are rather disposed to continue their former turbulent practices, than to main- tain peace and good neighbourhood. This makes it still more neces- sary for us, to be upon our guard. We are told in the public News-Papers, 20th July last, 'that according to advices from France, they were doing all in their power to establish their Colonies in America upon a firm foundation, and expected 60 or 70,000 Inhabitants from Canada to settle at New- Orleans and on the west side of the Missisippi.' No question this is their design, and what they will spare no pains to effectuate. If, for the reasons before hinted, the Canadians, or greater part of them, shall go thither, as is most likely, they will be of more use, both for themselves and their Mother-country fin point of national profit, the' perhaps not so well answering the late project of Usurpation (37] I M"\ COLONY OF CHARLOTINA 149 i and Conquest) in Louisiana, than in the cold regions of Canada. But as the French will sec to avail thcnihclvcs the best way they can of this last return they are to expect from that place, they will take care to dispose of them in such a manner, and in sue h places, as shall contribute most to their future Designs: And what these shall be, — time will discover. Suspicions and suppositions are indeed no arpumcnts; but, so far as probable, deserve notice. And is it not natural to think, a considerable number of these Canailians, and other Frcmh from the cast-side of the Missisippi, with many others from France, will settle on that river, opposite to the country betwixt the Ohio and Illinois? The famous Silver-mines of Marameg; the Lead-mines and Salt-pits betwixt that place and ihe Forks; the acknowlalgcd Fruit- fulness and Worth of that part of their country, dr. maybe justly reckoned such powerful motives (really, or in pretence, the same thing to us) that one can scarce help thinking, they will not let [,^8j that place be long unoccupied. But if we take this motive also, the strongest of all, into consideration, its. a Design, — tho', according to their usual way, absolutely disowned till discovered by an attempt to execute, — of seizing the country on the Ohio, the grand object of their ambitious views, and cause of the late war; this makes the mat- ter still more serious and interesting to us. For is it not rational to expect, they would carefully erect Forts; secure the country to the utmost of their power; cultivate a constant trade and correspondence with, and, when strong, spirit up against us, the numerous nation of the Illinois and other Indian tribes, their old acquaintance; whose firm alliance and friendship ever since they knew these parts, they acknowledge and boast of? In this event, and if we shall be so careless (infatuated would be a more proper term) as to neglect settling this imjwrtant place: Let any one who reflects on the usual behaviour of that nation, and their continued course of encroachments in that part of the [^^q] world for about thirty years past, figure to himself, — what we might expect from such restless, j)erfidious, neigh- bours, whom no treaty ever bound, when their interest and con- venience came in competition: Especially as such neglect on our part, v/ould encourage them, by the most probable views of success and impunity, again to grasp at the valuable and long coveted prize of North America. "1?#> »^ ■■f-. < •* ISO ILUXOIS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS Once more upon this head:— If we will advert to these two facts mentioned in the News-papers loth Oct. That Frenchmen are seen among the warring parties of the Indians; and that large quantities of various sorts of goods of Frcnrh manufacture, are conveyed from France, in vessels sent upon pp;tence of the fishery, to be distributed among the Indians and natives in the Gulph of St. Lawrence and other parts of that coast; it appears pretty evident, whence these our present disturbances by the natives, have originally proceeded, and by whose influence they arc maintained. (40I To raise up the Indians against us, and in these very parts, is one of the best cards they can now play, and very artfully con- trived to serve a double end, both very much favouring the Design they seem already to have in view. For, such a war, they well know, must draw our attention and forces to those more barren northerly regions, and make us neglect the far more fertile and valuable coun- tries upon the Missisippi and Ohio; while, in the mean time, alluring by great encouragements, their late subjects from Canada and other parts, they are losing no time to settle New Orleans, and Louisiana to the best advantage. Which done, — their numbers increased, — their country secured, — and the Indians on that side also wheedled over and depraved by the contagion of their pernicious influence; as much mischief may be expected from them in some future period, and that perhaps not remote, as at any time before; if not timeously, and by suitable measures on our part, prevented. [41] Thus far of the expediency, advantage, and necessity of settling the country upon the Missisippi^ and particularly of planting a new Colony at the Forks. As to the third question: — No doubt there is difficulty as to the numbers of people requisite for the proposed Settlonents. But the difficulty, it b hoped, is not insurmountable. That considerable numbers for beginning a new Settlemoit, might be had from several parts of the British Dombions, where they are not so usefully em- ployed, — ^is evident: And that encouraging terms, with other views of gain, would engage many to go accordingly, — is equally certain. Were these settlements once b^;un in earnest, their numbers, tho* fewer at first than what might be wished, would soon increase. The prospect of gain ^n a country so far preferable in every req>ect, would engage spare hands from the northern Colonies, to settle dther at the COLONY OF CHARLOriNA 151 I Forks, or in other places betwixt that and the Sea, where found most necessary and convenient. (42] Ti^E harbours from Georgia to New Orleans, particularly at 5/. Augustin and Pensacola; the towns already built, and the con- venience of carrying on trade along that whole coast; the improve- ments and cultivation of lands already made in these parts by the French and Spaniards; will contribute much to the sjieedy settlement and peopling of East and West Florida; still more so, if a considerable number of the old inhabitants shall continue in their habitations. — The Colonies of Georgia and the Carolinas, from the motives of interest and safety, will, no doubt, take care to extend their settlements, within their respective bounds, towards the Missisippi. All this may be done with no charge to the mother-country. Towards settling the new Colony proposed, which seems to be more material, and therefore to claim greater notice; it were to be wished, the Government would give good encouragement. For, in proportion to this, undeniably, would be the number of adventurers at first; their fu- [43] ture increase of people, whether by incomers, or in the usual way of population; and, consequently, their prosperity, wealth, usefulness, &*<;. Wliat encouragement in particular should be given, — these who are proper judges in such matters, would deter- mine, according to the importance and public utility of the design. Besides, some present advance, as is usual, for helping the new planters to a stock of cattle, furniture, utensils, and other neces- saries, — a favourable easy tenure of lands; a set of well contrived good rules with respect to their constitution, polity, oeconomy and order; wise prudent Governors, and a suf&cient number of able approven Clergymen and teachers, brc. would be of the utmost consequence to their future welfare and prosperity. But more particularly: — Of our Soldiers and Sailors lately dis- missed without provision or encouraging prospect of business, many, 'tis to be feared, will rather become b^(gars, loose idle vagrants, or even worse, than re-apply themselves to labour, after [44] so many years disuetude. Inunediately upon the conclusion of the peace, icarce any one thing seemed to have a preferable claim to the atten- tion n, we should not grudge sending thither a few thousands of people, of the sorts before named. The extent and worth of thb our new acquisition; the danger that we have reason to apprehend from restless msidious Neighbours, in case of neglecting it; with the expediency and advantage of securing that Country, particularly, where the new Colony is'^proposed, make this necessary; and in all appearance but for onct. For, such a number being fixed there '^ encouraging terms would procure, besides num- bers of strangers that so fine a Coimtry could not fail yearly to allure thither, having most fertile ground to occupy at pleasure, and the necessaries of life in great abundance, and produced by little labour; would marry in their early years: Whereby, together with the health- fulness of the Climate, they could not, hr nanly speaking, but increase and multiply as much as any Colony could be expected. And it is ol»erved, that in our American Colonies the ntmiber of Inhabitants u doubled in 25 [49] years, exclusive ci Incomers. According to which calculation, Britaitt, one Century hoice, would hkwe sixteen times the Dumber ai Subjects in America that are there at present, besides all Strangers, with their proportional inaease. IS4 ILLINOIS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS m ■I ►, Some assistance therefore of people and money being bestowed upon this one, urgent, useful and necessary design, which can neither be ueglected nor delayed with safety, it is not likely there would be any demand of this nature aftcrv^'ards. For, these places being thus secured, our Colonies, enjoying peace and quiet, would so prosi)vr I and multiply, that they would be able to repel any force or injury attempted by whatever assailants on that Continent, without putting the Mother-country to the great trouble and charges of sending thither Armies, Artillery, &"€. as in the last War. Moreover, in pro- portion to the increase of peop'", and 'mprovement of lands in these parts, would be the demand for British Goods, to the great encourage- ment of our (50] Manufactures, the increase of trade and navigation, and of the national revenue. The new Colony, and the Bound above proposed, ascertaining the limits betwixt it and the other Colonies, could be no injury to them. They would have more land besides than they could fully settle in a great many years. For which reason, — proposing to settle that country, by extending the limits of our old Colonies that way, or by two or more new ones at first, instead of answering, would, it is to be feared, entirely defeat the excellent ends proposed. For it is no- tour[ious] fact, that not only a carelessness in general, but a jealousy of one another's prosperity prevaih among our Colonies. As a proof of this, — ^the greatest dangers lately hangmg over all their heads, was for several years insufficient to make them enter into any association, or to unite them L^ any public measure for their common safety. Noi is it to be expected, that they would, in this case, do any thing jointly or to purpoBC, for the effectual security of that country, nor build [51} torts in proper time, if at all, needful for that end. But a considerable body of peop'*^ settled there, in one com- munity, having one Governor, one law, one council, and one common interest; gathering additional strength by the yearly accession of strangers, that, for the above reasons, woulf*- flock to it, whether from ^\ the other Colonies, or from whatever Protestant Countries; would in proper time become so powerful, as fully to answer all the salutary ends already named. Afterwards, when become populous, strong, and its limits extended, it might, as has been done with some of our Colonies formerly, be divided into two or more, as convenience or reasons of state should require. COLONY OF CHARWTINA t«l : The objection,— "That in a Colony so remote from the sea, there would be little or no consumpt of British goods, rendered dear by the necessar}' charges of land-carriage,* — is frivolous. For com- mon sense and exi>erience dictate, that the trade of every country must be in pro- [52] portion to the quantity and value of its staple commodities: And that, if the productions of a country find their way out of it, the manufactures of the country to which they go, will cer- tainly find their way into it. We are assured by those who are well acquain;e/ermission and good leave of the French and Ittdians: which is absurd and ridiculous. But if a new Colony where projxjsed, is necessary at all, — so far from being delayed, it ought to be much rather hastened, on account of the present Indian insurrections. This being self-evident, to say any thing in support of it , would be altogether idle. That the French Jesuits and Priests are concerned in these dis- turbances, is fully confirmed by accounts from these parts. This hath been their usual practice, even in times of profound peace. But whether these incendiaries are, in this, acting by authority from Ihe French nation, we cannot as yet (55) |)ositively say: Though, from the public accounts already noticed, it is more than probable, they have instructions, or permission at least, from some leading Persons of that faithless Court, which countenanced proceedings of the same nature, immediately after the treaty of Aix-la-chapelle. Bi'T be this as it will, — Shall Br//am, whose troops carrieir art and cunning can suggest, to engage them firmly to their interest: Whereby they manage them to their own mind, and find great account in so doing. How highly imprudent and impplitick, therefore, it is, thus to injure aid provoke these natives, may be known from the melan- choly accounts from these parts, for some months past. These unjustifiable pro- [58) ceedings afford ve-y plausible arguments to the French Jesuits and Priests, who, like Satan, whose creatures they are, love to fish in muddy waters, and are ever rambling in these parts, — to create jealousies and suspicions; widen breaches however occa- sioned; inflame the revengeful spirits of these cruel savages, whom they still abuse; and in short, to persuade them, that our design is, to expel all the natives, and take possession of the whole country: A notion, with which they seein to have been strongly impressed ed, the humane generous Britons will never chuse to extend their dominions. WitHOLOiNG gun-powder and tire-arms from them, would cer- tainly occasion heavy complaints, and exasperate them exceed- ingly. The French 100, would not (61] only improve such refusal, and represent it as a strong argument, to incense the whole tribes against us, as keeping from them the necessary instnmaents ot their game, food, trade, and war; but would find ways and means, while they lutve any interest in that Continent, to fiumish them with these COLONY OF CHARLOTINA 159 implements, as much to their own advantage in trade and other ways, as to our loss. But tho' these, and other such forcible measures, may be im- proper for gaining over people of so cruel revengeful tempers, as they are in their present Pagan state; yet there are certainly some methods, which, if carefully pursued, would be found eflfectual. Besides justice in dealing, and discreet fair usage, we ought, principally, to endeavour civilizing them. The most effectual way of accomplishing this, would be, — using all due pains to teach them our language, — and, chiefly, to instill into them the principles of the true Religion: [62] Which we have hitherto neglected, equally to our shame and loss. The Spaniards make more useful subjects and friends in South- America^ and elsewhere, by their missionaries than by their soldiers; and more faithful too: For, of all obligations, these from Religion must be the most firm and lasting. One reason, among others, why the natives shew more favour, and are more firmly attached to the French than to us, b manifestly this: Because many of them, by the indefatigable diligence of thdr Priests, are proselyted to the Catholic faith. ' TuE impious freedoms, indeed , gross absurties [sic\ and blasphemous prostitution of the most sacred truths, whereby the French endeavour to engage them to their interest, and work up their indignation against us, are shocking, and altogether unworthy the Christian name. Be- sides their conunon maxim, of keeping no faith ox promises made to those differing from them in religion, they are at great pains to make these Natives believe the most absurd stories and [63] falsehoods, the very naming of which would be disagreeable to Christian ears: Such as, — that our Saviour was a Frenchnum, and the English those that crucified him, b'c. By these, and other scandalous abuses, which scarcely any other Nation on earth would dare to attempt, instead of teaching them Divine Truth, they debauch and deprave them; vuakt them still more faithless, treacherous and cruel; extinguish any notions of morality that the light of Nature furnishes; and in short render them seven-fold more the children of the Devil than before. But still, this makes the duty more necessary, of endeavouring to free these our poor abused fellow-creatures and neighbours from the fatal impositions of these arch-deceivers, who, from base selfish views, % i: 1 60 ILLINOIS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS thus defy the Arm of Omnipotence, prostitute Religion, make no scruple to i)crvert and mislead by the grossest lies upon all occasions, and ruin the souls of many thousands. (64] Not to mention the Honour of our Nation, King, Church and Government, and other motives yet more noble; this, tjven from jwlit- ical considerations, claims our sincere regard. The national ad- vantages that would acrue to us from thence, cannot be told. By the light of the Gospel planted among these poor Heathens, would the fertKity of their tempers be removed; their Li\es and Manners jwlished; and the Souls of many saved. Instead of Jealousies, Hatred, Diirulenco, Insurrections, and Hostilities, they would love and reverence us as their si)iritual Deliverers, and Guides: would be fond to imitate us in polite fashions and civilized manners: would use apparel; build and live in towns and villages; cultivate lands; and, thro' time, study Arts and Sciences. Finally, instead of being idle wanderers, they would make a great addition of very useful Subjects to the British Empire. Then might we expect, with much more reason than ui the present situation, jM^ceable neighbourhood with them: Ju- (65] slice in deal- ings; a closQ lasting friendship; mutual affection and confidence; and their chearful ready assistance when wanted. The most effectual way of obtaining and securing these advantages by them, is, — to instruct them carefully in the Knowledge of the true God; the immortality of the Soul ; a future State of rewards and punishments; the nature, usefulness and necessity of Truth, Justice, Uprightness and other moral Virtues, with the turpitude and danger of their contrary Vices, &c. This would be the most glorious Conquest we ever made in A merica ; and a suitable return of gratitude to our God, who of late gave us so many Victories there, and such large Dominions. In case of attempting this worthy Design (and would to God it were attempted) we never had such promising views of Success as now. For, supposing the present differences with the Natives accommodated, and peace restored, 'tis hoped we [66] shall take care not to be any more pestered virith the French Jesuites, b'c. in these parts.— Again, how favourable for such a design is it, that a Prince of such eminent Goodness, and possessed of all the amiable Virtues, now fills the British Throne I A Prince,~who would rejoice to be the .:<»• v^t: ms gion, make no m all occasions, ng, Church and ;ven from jwlit- le national ad- ot be told. By Icathcns, would cs and Manners 1 of Jealousies, hiy would love (luides: would manners: would cultivate lands; instead of being ti of very useful lan in the present (65I stice in deal- d confidence; and ; these advantages knowledge of the ite of rewards and of Truth, Justice, pitude and danger r made in A merica ; of late gave us so i would to God it iews of Success as with the Natives [66] shall take care iuites, Ssrc. in these b it, that a Prince le amiable Virtues, lid rejoice to b^ the COLONY OF CHARWTINA 161 Instrument of sending Ihe Light of Gk)D's Word to so many thou- sands of the human species, sunk in the woeful darkness of Heathenish Ignorance, or abused by nominal Christians, but falsely so called: A Prince, — whose principal aim is, the Glory of God whom he serves, and the good of Mankind" whom he loves: A Prince, — against whom the wanton opposition of selfish designing Men, must be as wicked and odious, as his disinterested truly patriotick Views and endeavours for the welfare and happiness of all his Subjects, are remarkable: A Prince, as well qualified as disposed to bring us to the y£ra of the highest Glory and Felicity that Britain ever enjoyed; if, turning precious Liberty into Licentiousness, and [67] abusing the greatest Mercies, and most distinguished privileges that any Nation on earth is favoured with, — we do not, peevishly, and with unparalleled perversity, provoke Heaven to withdraw the numerous Blessings now in our oflfer. To conclt^i^^eeing the late war, which was chearfuUy gone into by the ^iVI^H^^ioi^; prosecuted by Measures as wisely con- certed as vigormii^^ecuted; maintained by a steady firnuiess, and at vast expence; — is at length happily terminated by a peace, the most advantageous to us of any ever made betwixt the two Nations, and which, if but as carefully improved, as its improvement is easy, may render Britain more glorious, powerful and wealthy, than in any former period: It is hoped, that those in power, particularly the Lords of Trade and Plantations, will join our most excellent, amiable, virtuous, and truly worthy Sovereign, and use all proper methods, timeously and effectually to accomplish a matter of such importance and general concern: tb||g^ [68] now extensive British Dominions, by the blessing of the^^P^ High, who has done such great and marvellous things for us, may henceforth flourish and prosper, under the mild, auspicious and happy Reign of His Majesty and of his Royal Descendents, as the Guardians of Liberty, and Defenders of the true Religion in these our Realms, till earthly Kingdoms and Dominions shall be no more. , k FINIS *i> •s*. .^*l». >•« -■V"-