know that Great Penn did speak to us here in Corlaer's house by his agents, and desired to buy the Susquehanne River, but we would not hearken to him nor come under His Government, and therefore desire you to be witness of what we now do and that we have already done and lett your friend that lives over the Great lake know that we are a ffree people uniting our selves to what Sachem we please, and do give you one beavor skinn.

This is a true Copy Translated, compared and

Revised P me

Rob Livingston.

JOHN WERDEN TO COL. DONGAN. [From same, Vol. IV.] St. James's, 27th August, 1684.

Touching Susquehannah River or lands abo' it or trade in it, w ch the Indians convey to you or invite you to, we think you will doe well to preserve yo interest there as much as possible [Extract.]

1'

that soe nothing more may goe away to M> Penn or ether New Jerseys.

apt enough to stretch their privileges as well as the people of

For it is apparent they are

New England have beene, who never

probably will be reduced to reason by prosecution of the Quo Warranto w ch is brought ag st y m

[Council Minutes V.]

At a Council August the 30th ie86 Goverm M S. V. Cortlandt M r N. Bayard, Maj. Ger. Baxter J. Spragge Arnold Inter-

P'sent the

r

.

preter.

********

The Govern' gave presents to the Indians for w ch they thanked him after their manner, and he said to them