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them for their rights, should you think fit to repeal the laws by which
they are at present restrained from selling the lands they possess
As the person who is authorized by Sir William Johnson as well
as by the indians to act for them on this occasion, will wait here
for the result of your deliberations I must recommend this business,
in the first place to your consideration
Gentlemen
The frequent disputes and great confusion occasioned in this
province by the loss of boundaries and the variation of the compass
are matters well worthy your notice: Some remedy for so great
an evil is indisputably wanting; but it might perhaps be difficult to
point out one adequate and unexceptionable: That a just and equi-
table regard may be shewn to the rights of all concerned, the utmost
caution and foresight as well as the strictest impartiality, are requisite
The defects of our present road laws, are obvious and striking:
You must be sensible what great advantages would arise to the
community, from the public roads being made more direct and kept
constantly in good repair; I hope therefore you will take this matter
likewise into consideration
I must also observe to you, gentlemen, that an accurate review
of the criminal laws made or introduced here, seems to be highly
expedient: When it becomes a question whether a law is in force, or
not, a tenderness toward convicted persons, they may not seem to
deserve usually takes place and, by that circumstance, encourage-
ment is probably given, to the commission of crimes. Let therefore
some criterion be established, so plain and explicit, for determining
what criminal laws are in force here, that all doubts, on this head,
may in future be prevented
Gentlemen of both houses
The proofs I have on all occasions endeavoured to give of my
desire to promote the welfare and happiness of the people over
whom I have the honor to preside, make it, I hope, unnecessary
for me, now, to assure you, that you will always find me ready to
concur with you in every proper measure you can propose for the
public good
M.r speaker (with the rest of the members) returned to the lower
house and resumed the chair
The house adjourns till to morrow morning 9 o'clock
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L. H. J.
Liber No. 52
May 24
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