The New Hampshire Gazette

Important State Paper

AUTHENTIC.

Mr. Randolph's Letter.

Philadelphia, September 1, 1794.

SIR,

After the information, upon which my letter of the 20th of May, 1794, was founded, any considerable doubt had remained of Governor Simcoe's invasion, your long silence, without a refutation of it, and our more recent intelligence forbid us to question its truth. It is supported by the respectable opinions, which have since been transmitted to the executive, that in the late attack on Fort Recovery, British officers and British soldiers were, on the very ground; aiding our Indian enemies.

But, Sir, as if the Governor of Upper Canada was resolved to destroy every possibility of disbelieving his hostile views, he has sent to the Great Sodus,—a settlement begun on a bay of the same name, on Lake Ontario—a command to Captain Williamson, who derives a title from the State of New-York, to desist from his enterprise. This mandate was borne by Lieut. Sheaffe, under a military escort; and in its tone corresponds with the form of its delivery, being unequivocally of a military and hostile nature.

"I am commanded to declare that during the nonexecution of the treaty of peace between G. B. and the U. S. and until the existing differences respecting it, shall be mutually and finally adjusted, the taking possession of any part of the Indian territory, 'either for the purposes of war or sovereignty, is held to be a direct violation of his Britannic Majesty's rights, as they unquestionably existed before the treaty, and has an immediate tendency to interrupt, and in its progress to destroy, that good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America. I therefore require you to desist from any such aggression. R. H. Sheaffe, Lieut, 5th Regt. and Qr. Master Gen. Dept. of his Britannic Majesty's service. G. Sodus, 16th August, 1794."

Captain Williamson being from home, a letter was written to him by Lieutenant Sheaffe, in the following words:

Sodus, 16th August, 1794.

"Sir,

Having a special commission and instruction for that purpose from the Lieutenant Governor of his Britannic Majesty's Province of Upper Canada, I have come here to demand by what authority an establishment has been ordered at this place, and to require that such a design be immediately relinquished, for the reasons stated in the written declaration accompanying this letter; for the receipt of which protest I have taken the acknowledgment of your agent Mr. Little. I regret exceedingly in my private as well as public character that I have not the satisfaction of seeing you here, but I hope on my return, which will be about a week hence to be more fortunate. I am, Sir, your most obedient servant. R. H. Sheaffe, Lt. 5th Regt. Q. M. G. D."

The position of Sodus is represented to be seventy miles within the territorial line of the United States—about twenty from Owego, and about one hundred from Niagara.

For the present, all causes of discontent, not connected with our western territory, shall be laid aside; and even among these, shall not be revived the root of our complaints, the detention of the posts. But while peace is sought by us through every channel, which honor permits, the Governor of Upper Canada is accumulating irritation upon irritation. He commenced his operations of enmity at the rapids of Miami. He next associated British with Indian force to assault our fort. He now threatens us if we fell our own trees and build houses on our own lands. To what length may not Governor Simcoe go? Where is the limit of the sentiment which gave birth to these intrusions? Where is the limit of the principle which Governor Simcoe avows."

The treaty and all its appendages we have submitted to fair discussion, more than two years ago. To the letter of my predecessor on the 20th of May 1792 you have not been pleased to make a reply; except that on the 20th of June 1793, the 22d of November 1793, and the 21st of February 1794, no instructions had arrived from your court. To say the best of this suspension, it certainly cannot warrant any new encroachments. howsoever it may recommend to us forbearance under the old.

It is not for the Governors of his Britannic Majesty. to interfere with the measures of the United States towards the Indians within their territory. You cannot, Sir, be insensible that it has grown into a maxim, that the affairs of the Indians within the boundaries of any nation exclusively belong to that nation. But Governor Simcoe disregarding this right of the United States, extends the line of usurpation, in which he marches, by referring to the ancient and extinguished rights of his Britannic Majesty. For, if the existing condition of the treaty keeps them alive on the southern side of Lake Ontario, the Ohio itself will not stop the career.

You will pardon me, Sir, if under these excesses of Governor Simcoe I am not discouraged by your having formerly disclaimed a controul over, and a responsibility for, the governors of his Britannic Majesty, from resorting to you on this occasion. You are addressed from a hope, that if he will not be restrained by our remonstrances, he may at least be apprised, thro' you, of the consequences of self defence

I have the honor. Sir. to be

With great respect

Your most obedient servant,

EDM. RANDOLPH.

Mr. Hammond, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty.

Mr. Hammond's Answer.

New-York, Sept. 3, 1794.

Sir,

I this day received your letter of the 1st current; copies of which I will transmit, by the earliest opportunities that may occur, to Lieut. Gov. Simcoe, and to his Majesty's Ministers in England.

I have the honor to be,

With the greatest respect, Sir

Your most obedient humble servant,

G. HAMMOND.

The Secretary of State.