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[23] [1822 Jan. 5] [Governor's Message]

relation to this subject; and might now take such order thereon, as under all circumstances, should be judged advisable.

The Commissioners, appointed on the part of this State under the Act of separation have recently had a meeting with those of Massachusetts, to make preliminary arrangements for a division of the property between the two States. Their doings will be laid before you as soon as received.

It gives me anxiety, to be obliged to inform you, that in the consequence of the disagreement of the American and British Commissioners under the treaty of Ghent, in relation to the true boundary between the United States, and the British Provinces, the final division of the lands owned in common by this and the parent State, will necessarily be delayed to a period, uncertain, though it is to be hoped not distant. In addition to this it is understood that the claims of the British Commissioner cover a tract of country, heretofore confessedly belonging to this State, and over which it has exercised jurisdiction. Although we have no reason to apprehend that there will be any thing like acquiescence in this claim, but on the contrary that it will be resisted throughout as it has been at the threshold, yet I submit to the Legislature, whether it may not be well to request the particular attention of our Senators and Representatives at Washington to this subject, so far at least, as to collect the facts and transmit a statement for our information. I view this as more important, inasmuch as neither the Commissioner nor Agent on the part of the United States belongs to this State, and the subject in controversy is of consequence to us, both as it respects jurisdiction and property.

To a State situated like this, with several hundred miles of sea board and frontier, whose inhabitants have fresh in recollection the incursions of an enemy, the importance of an energetic, well armed and well disciplined militia, will be duly estimated. To the many experienced members of both branches of the Legislature I refer this subject in perfect conf