That it may be clearly understood, what was the occasion of this representation, we shall take the liberty of mentioning, that on the first of October 1767, and during the time that the Earl of Shelburne was Secretary of State for the southern department, an idea was entertained of forming, "at the expence of the crown," three new governments in North America, viz. one at Detroit [on the waters between Lake Huron and Lake Erie]; one in the Illinois Country, and one on the lower part of the River Ohio; and in consequence such idea, a reference was made by his lordship to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, for their opinion upon these proposed new governments.
Having plainly explained the cause of the representation, which is so very strongly and earnestly insisted upon by the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, as containing "every argument on the subject of the lands which is at present before your lordships;" we shall now give our reasons for apprehending, that it is so far from applying against our case, that it actually declares a permission would be given to settle the very lands in question.
Three principal reasons are assigned in the representation, "as conducive to the great object of colonizing upon the continent of North America, viz."
1st. "Promoting the advantageous fishery carried on upon the northern coast."
2dly. "Encouraging the growth and culture of naval stores, and of raw materials, to be transported hither, in exchange for perfect manufactures and other merchandize."
3dly. "Securing a supply of lumber, provisions, and other necessaries, for the support of our establishments in the American islands."
On the first of these reasons, we apprehend, it is not necessary for us to make many observations; as the provinces of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, and the colonies southward of them, have not, and from the nature of their situation and commerce will not, promote the fishery, more, it is conceived, than the proposed Ohio colony.—These provinces are, however, beneficial to this kingdom, in the culture and exportation of different articles;—as it is humbly presumed the Ohio colony will likewise be, if the production of staple commodities is allowed to be within that description.
On the 2d and 3d general reasons of the Representation we shall observe, that no part of his Majesty's dominions in North America, will require less encouragement "for the growth and culture of naval stores and raw materials; and for the supplying the islands with lumber, provisions," &c. than the solicited colony on the Ohio;—and for the following reasons:
First, The lands in question are excellent, the climate temperate, the native grapes, silk-worms, and mulberry trees, are every where; hemp grows spontaneously in the valleys and low lands; iron-ore is plenty in the hills; and no soil is better adapted for the culture of tobacco, flax, and cotton, than that of the Ohio.
Second, The country is well watered by several navigable rivers, communicating with each other; and by which, and a short land-carriage of only 40 miles, the produce of the lands of the Ohio can, even now, be sent cheaper to the sea-port town of Alexandria, on the river Potomack (where General Braddoc's transports landed his troops) than any kind of merchandise is at this time sent from Northampton to London.