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

O'Callaghan, E.B., ed. The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. IV. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Co., 1851. 430 words

I suppose, before now, William has again seen his Native Soil, & delivered you my last Letter--I had such Expectations from this Lad, that I am sorry I could not prevail upon him to stay & prosecute his Studies a little longer; but he got so uneasy at the violent Proceedings in these Parts, that he apprehended himself in Danger indeed no Wonder!--Some People here are grown so insolent and daring, thatmany even of the Inhabitants themselves seem to dread the Consequences--The Spirit of Violence & Outrage flames not only here, but throughout several of the Colonies, and bends its Fury at present against the Bishops & the Church of England:--where it will end, God only knows. . .

Ever since the Murder of the Canestogo Indians, their Plantation, called Indian Town of Canestogo, has lain open to waste, & to the Use, or rather Abuse of every bold Intruder--I lately

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made some Enquiry about the Indian Deeds relating to this town, which I once saw in the Hands of some Persons, who "were suspected to be concerned in the Assassination of those hapless Wretches, & had the Pleasure to be informed that they had been collected by Capt McKee, & by him transmitted to you.

Now I humbly request the Favour of you to permit me to take this Plantation under my Care, and to sow one of the clear Fields untill it is claimed by, & wanted for the Use of the proper Owners--lI ask this Favour because the Land is convenient to me (being only seven miles from Lancaster,) and as Iliveinatown, where I-have no Land of my own near, & where Grain of every kind is sold at a most extravagant Price--I am likewise encouraged to make this Application as I am well assured that my Care of the Plantation, in preventing future waste & keeping off Intruders, will fully compensate for any Benefits I may reap from a little Crop; And I promise to resign it in good Repair whenever demanded by you or the Indians--If you should think proper then to favour my humble Boon, be pleased to appoint me a kind of Agent or Overseer to. take Care of this Place by a Certificate, or in any other manner which you shall deem better--I trust you will pardon, Worthy Sir, this Sollicitation--The Admission with which you have honoured me to your Favour & Friendship, leaves no Room to doubt but you will kindly indulge me the Freedom of this Address, & always allow me the satisfaction of declaring myself