That your Petitioner & those Indians concerned with him, constitute a Tribe commonly distinguished by tlie name of the Montawk Indians, and are the Remains of a numerous Tribe formerly inliabiting the East End of Nassau Island, and constitute at present, about thirty Families.

That upon the Coming of the English into this Country, the Ancestors of the present Montawk Indians granted divers Parcels of their Land to the People, who formed a Township now called East-Hampton.

That this Tribe continued to reside in the Neighborhood ; living principally, by Planting, Fishing & Fowling, gradually wasting away, and those who remain, now occupy a Tract upon Montawk Point.

That, of late Years, these Indians have discontinued their ancient Barbarian way of living, and are become, not only civil- .ized, but christianized and are peaceable and orderly, and willing to behave as good subjects to his Majesty King George the tlikd and his Heirs and Successors, to do the Duty, bear the Burdens, and beintitled to the Priviledges and Riglits of faithful Subjects.

That such a Change of Manners, as it exposes them to a Life of Labour, must introduce an Attachment to Property, witliout which they cannot subsist, perform the Duties nor enjoy the Rights of Subjects.

That they are exposed to, and suffer great Inconveniences from the Contempt shewn to the Indian Tribes by their English Neighbors at East-Hampton, who deny them necessary Fuel, and continually incroach upon their Occupations, by fencing in more

PAPEKS RELATING TO SUFFOLK COUNTY. 391