Report of the Committee appointed to confer with the Delegates in Congress from Virginia, on the settlement of a temporary boundary between Virginia and this State

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"Williamsburgh, June 17, 1776.

"GENTLEMEN : The confusion which hath for some time happened amongst the people in the disputed lands between Pennsylvania and this Colony, and a representation to the Convention that a civil war was like to be the consequence if something was not done to prevent it, induced that body to take the subject into consideration, who were sorry to discover that a jealousy seemed to prevail in the governing powers of Pennsylvania, of our intending the garrisons on the Ohio to influence that dispute and to overawe their people. Whereas we only mean by them to protect our people and those in the contested settlement from the danger they are exposed to of Indian ravages, without the most distant view to offer any injury to our friends and neighbours, with whom it is our inclination as well as interest to unite, a temporary boundary appeared to the Convention the only means of quieting the people until we have leisure to refer the final decision to some arbitrating power between us; and in fixing that, they judged that to point a line which would most nearly leave the inhabitants in the country they respectively settled under would be most likely to give general satisfaction; and having examined several gentlemen well acquainted with that country, who were of opinion that end would be answered by the line described in the enclosed resolution, they have resolved to propose that line to the Pennsylvania Assembly, and have commanded us to transmit it to you, requesting that you would negotiate the matter in such manner as you shall think most effectual.

"We are, with great regard, gentlemen, your obedient humble servants,

"EDMUND PENDLETON,
THOMAS LUD. LEE,
"DUDLEY DIGGES,
WILLIAM CABELL,
"P. CARRINGTON,
Jos. JONES.

"To the Hon. the Virginia Delegates in Congress."

Report of the Committee appointed to confer with the Delegates in Congress from Virginia, on the settlement of a temporary boundary between Virginia and this State. [1776-09-14] [S5-V2-p0041] [Document Details][Complete Volume]