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273

[1825]

[Governors Message]

interests of this State that the negociation [negotiation] be prosecuted with all convenient dispatch. From information communicated to me from different sources of high respectability, there is reason to believe that depredations to a very considerable extent have been committed on our timber lands lying on the Aroostook and Matawascah and other streams emptying into the St. John; and that unless energetic measures are speedily adopted on the part of this government, a large portion of our valuable timber in that regeon [region] will soon be destroyed. It is represented that these depredations are committed by British subjects, and on that portion of the territory of this State which is claimed by the British Government as belonging to the Province of New Brunswick. This pretended claim, it is understood; includes about one third of our territory, comprehending a great portion of our best timber land, and large tracts of superior quality for cultivation and settlement. The several communications from which this information has been derived, will be laid before you, and the subject is recommended to your special consideration.

In carrying into execution the Resolve of the last Legislature, “providing for a State Arsenal,” the first object was to obtain a suitable site. After viewing various situations, and availing themselves of the opinion of a number of military officers of rank and intelligence, the Council unanimously advised that the building be erected on the height of land at the westerly part of this town. A spot containing one acre and a half was settled for the purpose, and the same was conveyed