^as NATURAL AND CIVIL 



.justiGe,-^ncl nneorrupted integrity ; and had 

 4'i$charged the duties of his office without the 

 suspicion of Corruption. He was an admirer of 

 the principles on vyhlch the French revohition 

 had been founded, and carried republican senti- 

 ments to their full extent ; but was unblamed 

 iind unc^nsured in every part of his private and 

 judicial conduct. The assembly chose another 

 jnan for chief justice, in his room. They left 

 <)Ut also tvt'.o of the judges of Bennington coun- 

 ty, the sheriff, judge of probate, and several of 

 the justices in that, ,and some other of the coun- 

 ties ; and appointed in their room, men of more 

 approved federal principles. Tlie avowed aim 

 and design of these measures was to check the 

 progress of democracy, and encourage the sup- 

 porte^rs of Mr* Adams's administration. And 

 it was meant to carry the proceedings so far, as 

 jtp intimidate others from appearing in opposi- 

 lipixto the tneasiires of the state or federal gov- 

 crnments^ 



Whetv the political inflammation had subsided,r 

 ih^ assembly proceeded in the annual business 

 of the state, with their usual impartiality, industry 

 and good sense. In addition to their customary 

 business, an application of a singular nature 

 came before them from some of the Indian chiefs 

 of Canada, stating a claim to a large part of the 

 lands in the state, and requesting compensation 

 for that part of their territory that lay within the 

 bounds of Vermont. As the Indian character 

 and population is now depreciating and disap- 

 pearing, it may be a matter of curiosity and in- 

 formation to preserve the memory of this appli. 

 nation j in its original form and style : The foU 



