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Petition of Stephen Bussell and others, settlers on the east side of Penobscot river. [1776-8-19] [S5-V2-p0729] [Document Details][Complete Volume]
Page v2:729
To the honourable Council and the House of Representatives of the State of the Colony of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in General Court assembled at WATERTOWN:
That your petitioners are settlers on Penobscot River, and went on and settled on wild and uncultivated lands on the eastern side of Penobscot River, above the Falls, in March 22d, 1774; there built a dwelling-house each of us, and cleared about six acres of land each, cleared sundry roads
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to meadows, &c. And since being acquainted that the Indians of Penobscot tribe had a promise of the lands from the Congress of the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay, in June, 1775, your petitioners was willing to make any reasonable consideration for the lands when they were acquainted whose right it was, and since your petitioners has had a warning from the said Indians to move off from our possessions as soon as we can get our harvest in, we have offered them any pay they should reasonably demand for the same. But nothing will satisfy them but we must move off. Your petitioners are very needy, having spent our strength and substance in subduing the land, to raise bread to support our families, and therefore don' t know where to go to, to settle, unless enabled by your Honours to settle on lands back in the country. Your petitioners were and are always ready to comply with any rule, order, or directions your Honours in your wisdom shall order for the good and regulation of your inhabitants.
Your petitioners most humbly pray your Honours to take their difficult circumstances into your wise consideration, and grant them such relief as you in your wisdom shall think right. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
STEPHEN BUSSELL,
Penobscot River, August the 19th, 1776.
The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the above Petition, have attended that service, and beg leave to report that the petitioners have leave to withdraw the same.
JEDEDIAH PREBLE, Per order.
Petition of Stephen Bussell and others, settlers on the east side of Penobscot river
DAVID ROWELL,
PATRICK MCMANNAY.
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Petition of Stephen Bussell and others, settlers on the east side of Penobscot river. [1776-8-19] [S5-V2-p0729] [Document Details][Complete Volume]