18 



the Schuylkill, over which within a prescribed boundary, 

 they consequently afterwards claimed and maintained, a 

 respectful and undisturbed jurisdiction. 



No one without permission, ever intruded on their pos- 

 sessions or invaded their rights. 



The provincial Government of Pennsylvania, appointed 

 commissioners to survey the river from its mouth up- 

 wards, of course including the w^aters over which the 

 Colony exercised a granted jurisdiction, to guard against 

 the invasion of their sacred rights, they deliberated and 

 finally authorized their Governor, to grant permission 

 to Mr. Coultas a member and inhabitant of Blockley, 

 then High Sheriff of the County of Philadelphia, who 

 had been appointed one of the commissioners of sur- 

 vey, by the Provincial Governor, to execute his commis- 

 sion. 



An authorization was issued accordingly, viz. 



" To all our loving subjects, in the Colony in Schuyl- 

 kill, to whom these presents may come. Greeting; Where- 

 as the bearer hereof, James Coultas, has been a long time 

 a member of our said Colony, and borne several commis- 

 sions of honour and profit, and the said James Coultas 

 has discharged the same to our satisfaction? Now Know 

 Ye, that the said James Coultas is by our permission ap- 

 pointed by our neighbouring Government a commissioner 

 for viewing the river Schuylkill: We do hereby request 

 that the said James Coultas and his associates, may have 

 all the assistance that may be necessary for such discov- 



