The Honourable the Commissioners of _Maryland_.
The Deputies of the _Six Nations_.
_Conrad Weiser_, Interpreter.
_Mr._ Weiser _informed the honourable Commissioners_, _that the_ Indians
_were ready to give their Answer to the Speech made to them here
Yesterday Morning by the Commissioners_; _whereupon_ Canassatego _spoke
as follows, looking on a Deal-board, where were some black Lines,
describing the Courses of_ Potowmack _and_ Sasquahanna:
_Brethren_,
Yesterday you spoke to us concerning the Lands on this Side _Potowmack_
River, and as we have deliberately considered what you said to us on
that Matter, we are now very ready to settle the Bounds of such Lands,
and release our Right and Claim thereto.
We are willing to renounce all Right to Lord _Baltimore_ of all those
Lands lying two Miles above the uppermost Fork of _Potowmack_ or
_Cohongoruton_ River, near which _Thomas Cressap_ has a hunting or
trading Cabin, by a North-line, to the Bounds of _Pensylvania_. But in
case such Limits shall not include every Settlement or Inhabitant of
_Maryland_, then such other Lines and Courses, from the said two Miles
above the Forks, to the outermost Inhabitants or Settlements, as shall
include every Settlement and Inhabitant in _Maryland_, and from thence,
by a North-line, to the Bounds of _Pensylvannia_, shall be the Limits.
And further, If any People already have, or shall settle beyond the
Lands now described and bounded, they shall enjoy the same free from any
Disturbance whatever, and we do, and shall accept these people for our
Brethren, and as such always treat them.
We earnestly desire to live with you as Brethren, and hope you will shew
us all Brotherly Kindness; in Token whereof, we present you with a Belt
of Wampum.
_Which was received with the usual Ceremony_.
Soon after the Commissioners and _Indians_ departed from the Court-House
Chamber.
* * * * *
In the C o u r t-H o u s e Chamber at _Lancaster_, _June_ 30, 1744,
_A. M._