16© Logan f Cresap, and Rogers, 



Such is the monstrous confusion in which this simple 

 historical point is involved ! I will only, in this place, 

 add two observations relative to the date of the speech : 



First. It is most probable, that the expression used 

 by Mr. Jefferson, " a dozen years" was made entirely 

 from memory, without any special reference, at the time, 

 to authentic notes, or documents. Could he have been 

 certain, that a speech such (or nearly such) as he has 

 published in his Notes had appeared in any of the public 

 prints, or before the public in any other shape, prior to 

 the year 1774, he would not, for a moment, have hesi- 

 tated to conjecture, that the name of Cresap was an 

 inteqDolation, by some person who was hostile to the 

 character of this gentleman ; or by some person who 

 was anxious to preserve his own reputation, from the 

 indignant censure of the public, at the expence of ano- 

 ther's. 



Secondly. It is certain, that Colonel Cresap was an 

 active officer in the year 1774, at the very time when 

 the disturbances between the Indians and the whites 

 were so great, and so alarming. This fact being ascer- 

 tained (and we shall afterwards see that it is ascertained), 

 a rash, or rapid inquirer might think it safe to conclude, 

 that die speech, admitting it was ever sent, was sent 

 in 1774. But this question is much more difficult than 

 may, at first sight, appear. 



I come now to by far the most essential point of dif- 

 ference in the historical view of the speeches of Lonan 

 and Logan. This is the most difficult part of the ques- 



