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reason for this unexpected and extraordinary delay. In the meantime it rests with the Legislature to devise such measures as are best calculated to preserve the interests of the State and protect it from a system of pillage countenanced by the claims of pretended title, and rendered doubly active by the wholesome provisions of our navigation laws. In compliance with the provisions of the Act relating to the Separation, and in conformity to the Resolve of this State, Col. Lewis was designated to negotiate with the Penobscot Indians. He has accordingly effected with them a new treaty or agreement, by virtue of which, this State assumes all the duties and obligations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in relation to that tribe; [message] the payment of the annuities to commence as soon as the stipulated sum to be received from Massachusetts for that purpose, shall have been paid over to this State. On their part the Indians have released to Massachusetts all claims and stipulations arising under any treaty between them and that Commonwealth. The ready compliance of these Indians with the wishes of this government, the unhesitating manner, in which they acceded to the existing arrangements, should constitute on our part additional inducements not only to respect their rights, but to aid them in obtaining at least the ordinary and common comforts, of which it is but two evident, they are destitute. Should the Friends or Quakers of our State be inclined to become the friends of a friendless people, they would here find a field for the exercise of those qualified for which they have long been distinguished, and at the same time, might do much.