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XXVI Although one year is not sufficient to test the utility of this method of managing the Agriculture concerns of the Tribe, yet nothing has appeared to discourage the undertaking.

   Under the authority of the Resolve of the 7th of February last, a Gentleman was appointed to negotiate with the Indians for two Townships of land at the mouth of the Mattawamkeag River. The negotiation has proved unsuccessful, and the report of the Agent is communicated here with.
 Although a State has no direct means of enforcing its claims for relief or indemnity on subject within the control of the General Government, except through its Representatives and Senators on the floor of Congress, yet there are various other means of presenting and urging the decision of claims which are not without their effect, and may be considered within the sphere of the duties of the Legislature. The claim of Massachusetts on the United States for indemnity on account of expenses incurred in the employment of her Militia, and in which Maine has an interest, it is feared may become dormant, unless its merits and importance are kept constantly alive in the public Councils of these States, to which payment has been so long delayed. This claim is admitted to be just for a larger amount upon the principles of indemnity adopted on the settlement and allowance of similar claims, from other States. That policy which may have been disposed to punish a State for the errors of its Agents, must be amply satisfied by the ununciation of the doctrines to which such policy may have been applied; and the lapse of time for which the innocent have been delayed of justice, might atone for the errors of those who were more inclined to defend their Country in their own way, than utterly to neglect that duty. Whatever may have been the common sentiment in relation to such a course, if I mistake not, the voice of the nation has pronounced it patriotic. And it only remains for Congress to distribute justice with an equal hand. It can not be too much to say, that the neglect or refusal, on the part of the General Government, to bring this claim to a decision, ought to be viewed as less magnanimous than