84 AUTHEXTIC HISTORY 



Penii's situation now became uncomfortable in consequence of the news 

 he received from England, which urged his preparations for a speedy 

 return. 



"Since the revolution, it had been a fjivorite measure of the crown to 

 purchase the proprietary governments in America.^ Jealousy of the power 

 of these governments had grown with their growth ; and a bill was now 

 before the lords to change them into regal ones. The friends of Penn, 

 and others interested in the province, had succeeded with dif&culty in 

 obtaining a postponement of the bill until his return, which they earn- 

 estly represented to him should be immediate." 



Penn forthwith convened the legislature on September, 1(5, 1701. " The 

 completion of a new constitution, and the enactment of such laws as 

 required his special sanction, made the session important and laborious. ^ 

 The address of the proprietary was most frank and conciliatory. He 

 apologized for having summoned them before the customary time, 

 expressed his regret at being so unseasonably called away, and assured 

 them of his unceasing love and regard. 'Think,' said he, 'therefore, 

 (since all men are mortal,) of some suitable expedient and provision for 

 your safety, as well in your privileges as property, and you will find me 

 ready to comply with whatever rhay render us happy by a nearer union 

 of our interest.' Yet actuated by his duty to the crown, he again drew 

 their attention to the king's demand for money, and mentioned a late 

 treaty of peace, concluded with the Indians by the governor of New York 

 in behalf of all the provinces, as w^orthy of their acknowledgments. The 

 House replied to the address with grateful thanks, but refused the war 

 contribution for the reasons already given." 



While the Assembly was in session the Sachems of the Susquehanna 

 and Shawnese Indians and others came to take leave of Penn.^ He spoke 

 to them in Council, and told them, "that the Assembly was then enact- 

 ing a law, according to their desire, to prevent their being abused by 

 selling of rum among them ; that he requested them to unite all their 

 endeavors, and their utmost exertion, in conjunction with those of the 

 government, to put the said law in execution." 



At the same time he likewise informed them, "that now, this was like 

 to be his last interview with them, at least before his return ; that he 

 had always loved and been kind to them ; and ever should continue so 

 to be, not through any politic design, or on account of self-interest, but 

 from a most real affection :" " and he desired them, in his absence, to 

 cultivate friendship with those whom he should leave behind in author- 

 ity; as they would always, in some degree, continue to be so to them, as 

 himself had ever been. Lastly, that he had charged the members of 

 Council, and then also renewed the same charge, that they should, in all 

 iGoidon. 2 Proud. Col. Rec. 



