Chester County and its people .. . r them, theywere called in, and the Speaker, on behalf of the House, said: TheHouse has had information that you have been with the Governorand Commissioners already. Have you received satisfaction? Indians (by interpreter)—We have not. Speaker—What it is, then, that you have to offer to theHouse? Indians—When William Penn came to this country, he set-tled a iierpetual friendship with us, and after we sold him ourcountry, he re-conveyed back a certain tract of land upon theBrandywine, for a mile on each side of said creek, which writingwas, by the burning of
Chester County and its people .. . r them, theywere called in, and the Speaker, on behalf of the House, said: TheHouse has had information that you have been with the Governorand Commissioners already. Have you received satisfaction? Indians (by interpreter)—We have not. Speaker—What it is, then, that you have to offer to theHouse? Indians—When William Penn came to this country, he set-tled a iierpetual friendship with us, and after we sold him ourcountry, he re-conveyed back a certain tract of land upon theBrandywine, for a mile on each side of said creek, which writingwas, by the burning of a cabin, destioyed; but we all remembervery well the contents thereof: That AVilliam Penn promised thatwe should not be molested whilst one Indian lived, grew old, andblind and died,—so another, to the third generation; and now it isnot half the age of an old man since, and we are molested, and ourlands surveyed out and settled before we can reap our coi*n off;and to our great injury, Brandywine Creek is so obstructed with. AND i7VS PEOPLE. 121 dams, that the fish cannot come np to our habitations. We desireyou to take notice that we are a poor people, and want the benefitof the fish, for when we are out hunting, our children with theirbows and arrows, used to get fish for their sustenance, therefore, wedesire that those dams be removed, that the fish may have theirnatural course. Speaker—How did you understand that writing to be? Thatyou should enjoy that land forever? Indians—Not only we, but all the Indians understood it to betheirs as long as the waters ran down the creek. Speaker—Have you anything more to say? Indians—-No; but if you hear us not we shall be obliged tocome again next spring. Speaker—The House is inclined to do you all the favor thatlies in their power. Indians—We hope we are all friends, and desire to continueso, as long as we draw breath. Then the Indians withdrew, and after some debate it wasordered that Francis Kawle, John Kearsley, a
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