As your Lordp must be sensible, that the line of jurisdiction cannot be exerted or have its effect until the line of property is drawn. I must beg leave to solicit His Maj'y that I may have permission, as soon as possible, to admit as many of the Townships of New Hampshire to take confirmations under this Gover", on half fees, or such other Terms, as His Majty shall prescribe, as voluntarily offer to take out 'patents under this Governt under the usual restrictions and limitations. This measure is founded on the soundest policy, as every such confirmation is securing the inhabitants of that Township in the interest of, and obedience to this Governt. The new Hampshire proprietors who have offered to confirm their titles under the seal of this Provee on half fees, and have been restricted by His Majesty's late order forbidding me to proceed in giving them titles, are very importunate, and begin to be so much sowered and disgusted, that there is much reason to apprehend as they find the Bennington people and the adjacent Country daily increase in strength and uninterrupted by Govern', they will soon reject any offers from this Country, and combine in opposition to the jurisdiction of this Province ; besides, the partition line between this Governt
NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANTS. 799
and Massachusetts Bay being still unsettled ; by the aid of those Borderers, the opposition may reasonably be expected to be very formidable ; too much so, for militia forces to encounter.