Q. Do you think, then, that the taking possession of the king's territorial rights, and strengthening the frontiers, is not an American interest?
A. Not particularly, but conjointly a British and an American interest.
Q. You will not deny that the preceding war, the war with Spain, was entered into for the sake of America; was it not occasioned by captures made in the American seas?
A. Yes; captures of ships carrying on the British trade there with British manufactures.
Q. Was not the late war with the Indians, since the peace with France, a war for America only?
A. Yes; it was more particularly for America than the former; but it was rather a consequence or remains of the former war, the Indians not having been thoroughly pacified; and the Americans bore by much the greatest share of the expense. It was put an end to by the army under General Bouquet; there were not above three hundred regulars in that army, and above one thousand Pennsylvanians.
Q. Is it not necessary to send troops to America, to defend the Americans against the Indians?
A. No, by no means; it never was necessary. They defended themselves when they were but a handful, and the Indians much more numerous. They continually gained ground, and have driven the Indians over the mountains, without any troops sent to their assistance from this country. And can it be thought necessary now to send troops for their defence from those diminished Indian tribes, when the colonies are become so populous and so strong? There is not the least occasion for it; they are very able to defend themselves. * * *
Q. Do you think the assemblies have a right to levy money on the subject there, to grant to the crown?
A. I certainly think so; they have always done it.