PREFACE, 9 



The controversies which took place between 

 the states of Vermont, New York, and New 

 H iinpshire, were of the most dangerous nature ; 

 and they were agitated for a while, with a vio- 

 lence greatly unfavorable to the peace and safety 

 of the whole union. Most of the wars which 

 have taken, place among mankind, have been 

 occasioned by disputes respecting territory and 

 jurisdiction : And however just or proper it 

 might be for any nation, to give up part of its 

 territory and dominion to its neighbours, such 

 a sacrifice was scarcely ever made without com- 

 pulsion, and force. To have expected New 

 York would voluntarily give up part of her ter- 

 ritory, when the decisions of the king, and the 

 •law were in her favor, was to expect that which 

 is never done by any sovereign or nation, while 

 they have power to prevent it. To have ex- 

 pected the people of Vermont would voluntarily 

 submit to a government, which set aside their 

 titles to the lands which they had purchased of" 

 the crown, and made valuable by their labours 

 and sufferings, was to look for that, which no 

 people ever ought to submit to, if it is in their 

 powiir to avoid it. When the states of New- 

 York, New Hampshire, and Vermont, had en- 

 gaged in a controversy of this kind, it was more 

 agreeable to the course of human affairs to ex- 

 pect it would produce a civil v/ar, than to look 

 for so much wisdom and moderatioa among 

 cither of the contending parties, as to prevent it. 



In relating these controversies, I have felt a 

 constant anxiety, lest I should misrepresent the 

 proceedings of either of tho^e states. I had not 

 the interests or the passions which those parties 



VOL. I. A 



