104 ON THE INHABITANTS OF THE 



ought to be purchased >; and, while he was recon- 

 ciling them to become subjects to the -British go- 

 vernment, he bestowed liberal presents in money and 

 clothes to the chiefs, and to all the men and wo- 

 men who ' came down to him. Of his generosity 

 they speak with gratitude ; and for the blessings 

 and benefit which they derive from the wise and ju- 

 dicious conditions which he granted, and which were 

 confirmed by government,' I- hope they will ever 

 have reason to be thankful. As long as that govern- 

 ment lasts, the comforts and happiness which they 

 derive from them, must ever ensure their obedience. 

 To engage their confidence, Mr. Cleveland, in the 

 early part of his intercourse with the mountaineers, 

 entertained all who offered their services as archers, 

 and appointed many of the relations of the chiefs, 

 officers : thev were not (nor are they as rangers, 

 though they very seldom now ask their discharges) 

 bound to serve for any limited time ; the corps, of 

 course, constantly fluctuated, and was frequently, I 

 understand, above a thousand strong. He clothed 

 them ; and in less than two years after they were 

 formed, from the confidence he had in their attach- 

 ment and fidelity, obtained fire-arms for them ; in the 

 use of which, I may venture. -to observe, that they 

 are expert, and have address ; and: [ can also with- 

 out hesitation assert, that they are capable of as 

 high a degree of discipline as any native corps ih the 

 service ; and 1 trust I shall have the happiness to 

 prove this in due time. Exclusive of having thus 

 employed so many of the mountaineers, Mr. Cleve- 

 land 



