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

and more of the Indian's Lands, under Pretence of Sales made by their Ancestors.

That your Petitioner and his Associates are in Danger of being crowded out of all their ancient Inheritance, and of being rendered Vagabonds upon the Face of the Earth ; and are therefore obliged to resort to his Majesty's Justice k Goodness for an effectual Protection, and being advised that they have good Title to the Lands, as yet unsold, by the Law of Nature and Nations, that the Crown has, in all Times, treated the Indian Rights, as deserving some Respect, and presuming that his Majesty will be graciously pleased to encourage their Design of becoming his civilized Subjects, and their forsaking also the Idolatry of their Fathers, they intend to apply for the Royal Grant and Confirmation, to them and their Heirs, that they may also have such a Title as may be maintained in the Kings Courts of Law, and afford tliem a competent Protection against all Trespassers.

But inasmuch as the barbarous and unlettered State of the American Indians, rendered it impossible for them to keep Records, & your Petitioners cannot ascertain what Lands have been, or remain still unsold