Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. II

2d. '' That the Lands in question do not lye beyond the reach " of advantageous intercourse with this Kingdom, it appearing " from divers policies of insurance laid before this Committee '• that sundry commodities the produce of those Lands are exported '•'• II om thence to a considerable amount, & Evidence having been " likewise produced of a person being employed to collect & ship " from hence a cargo of British Merchandize for the use & " Consumption of the said Settlers and the natives : And it is " tlie opinion of this Committee, in case your Majesty shall be " graciously pleased to make a Grant of any part of these Lands, " tliat the petitioners are best intitled to such mark of your " Majestys Royal Favour, in regard they are the first who have '• made proposals for the purchase from Government of Lands in " your Majesty's Plantations in North America, and have agreed " to take the whole expence of the Civil Government on them- " i^elves : But the Lords of the Committee submit it as their " opinion, at the same time that they recommended to your Majesty " to comply with the prayer of the Petitioners that orders should " be sent to the Superintendant for Indian affairs to apprize the " Tribes of the Six Nations and their Confederates of such " intended Settlement ; and that the Lords Commissioners for " Trade & plantations should be directed to prepare a proper " Clause or Clauses to be inserted in the Grant, saving & reserving " to the respective Occupiers all prior claims to Lands within the " limits of the said Grant, whether derived from equitable or legal " titles ; and further strictly prohibiting the petitioners & their " associates, & their & each & every of their heirs & assigns from ^' settling, occupying dr improving any part of the lands lying