The building of this Fort deserves the more notice by reason, it isnot at half the Distance from the settlements in New York, that it is from the nearest settlements in Canada. If we are to Judge of the Pretentions of the French, by the maps lately published in France by Publick Authority, they not only claim this part of the Country and the Countries of the Five Nations depending on New York; but likewise a considerable part of what is actually settled by the Inhabitants of New York. The English maps are such servile copies of the French that they mark out the Boundaries between the English & French, with the same Disadvantage to the English, that the French do. The Boundaries between Massathuset's Bay & New York is
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every where disputed. By the Massathuset's Bay Charter, that Colony is to extend as far west as Connecticut. The Question is whether it shall extend, as far west as to Connecticut, or extend as far west as Connecticut does. The Difference is so considerable, that it takes in near as great a quantity of Land, as' the whole of what is not disputed. It is probable, they may at last make their claim good, by the numerous settlements they ~ have allready & are daily making upon it.
Your Honours knowledge of this Country, will easily discover any Errors I may have committed, & will supply the Defects. I have endeavour'd that what I have wrote may be of use to you, in some maters, wherein you are less conversant, & may assist your memory in others. In hopes that it may & in obedience to your Commands it is submitted by