This had the desired effect, 'and altho' it was not strictly complyed with as to the Time limited, no advantage was taken of such Delay, and in a few months, Petitions Memorials &«« were lodged by Persons sent up from thence setting up claims to ninety six Townships; of this Number no less than twenty one were deemed to be in this Government before his Matys order in Council for fixing the Limitts on the Connecticut River, as they were within twenty miles of the Hudsons River and within the same distance: of the Waters of South bay and the Lake Champlain. It was Imagind that this was only by way of Experiment to try how far this Province would carry its indulgence towards them, as it has not yet appeared to us . that any kind of settlement was ever made on any of those claims exéept in the Townships of Shaftsbury Bennington & Pownall which were ordered by advice of the Council to be confirmed to those who were actually settled there. As to the rest of the 21 Townships no Improvement ever having been attempted on them, The Lands after laying waste beyond the time limited for settling them became again vested in the Crown by the Conditions of the Charter. Proceedings have been had on 24 of the remaining number so far as Warrants of survey in pursuance of the orders in Council for that purpose, but although by His Majestys Instructions the Warrants of survey are directed to be returned within six months after they are issued some of these have been issued above Eighteen months and no return yet made. Four Townships have gone through all the Forms and their Patents have passed the Great Seal; Three more lay before me ready for signing at the Time I received your Lordships Letter mentioning his Majestys Commands that no more Grants. should be made till His Pleasure should be signified to me.