Retention of the Frontier Posts (1787)

BY LORD SYDNEY THOMAS TOWNSHEND

. . . I HAVE been favored with your lordship’s despatches, numbered from ten to twenty-six, inclusive, and I lost no time in laying them, with their several enclosures, before the king. They have all undergone some consideration, and I shall make my replies, as I have been instructed to do, to them in the order in which they stand.

With regard to the posts, to which No. 10, marked secret, particularly relates, it was, I believe, intimated to your lordship, previous to your departure, that it was the firm opinion of the king’s servants that the retaining the possession of the posts was a measure perfectly justifiable, and, from the conduct observed since that time on the part of the American states, they have no reason to alter their sentiments upon that point. It therefore becomes necessary that steps should be taken by putting them into a temporary state of defence, to resist any attack which the citizens of the states may meditate, and the sooner it can be done the better. The execution of a project of this sort must consequently be attended with expense, but the king’s servants feet no difficulty in submitting the extent of the works to be performed to your lordship’s judgment and discretion, persuaded, as they are, that your zeal for the public welfare will induce you not to suffer a charge of any sort to be incurred which is not found to be indispensably necessary.

This resolution naturally brings forward some communications from your lordship wherein that subject is very materially concerned; I mean with respect to the conduct to be observed toward the Indians, and the establishment of a militia.

As to the first, it has all along been the disposition of his Majesty’s ministers to pay that sort of attention to those people, and that regard to their situation and necessities, which can with any degree of reason be expected by them. Under this idea such supplies have been sent out, as appeared from your lordship’s despatches, to be equal to their immediate wants, and though, as your lordship must suppose, it is desirable upon many accounts that these expenses should be kept upon as moderate a scale as possible, yet his Majesty’s servants, considering that the protection of the fur trade and perhaps the general security of the province of Quebec may in some degree depend upon the part these people may take, would rather submit to an augmentation of such supplies than suffer them to be discontented or dissatisfied, particularly at this moment, when their active assistance may possibly be called for, and which must happen should the posts be attacked. It is to be hoped that the Americans will not proceed to hostile measures; but if they should avail themselves of any opportunity which may offer of seizing upon the posts, it will become your lordship’s duty to use every endeavor to regain the possession of them, if you should find yourself sufficiently strong to be able to effect it.

With regard to the establishment of a militia, I am to acquaint your lordship that his Majesty’s servants entirely approve of the measure. It will not only immediately add to the internal strength of the province, but will be a means of attaching the principal Canadian families, and will incline them warmly to engage in the support of its interests whenever they may be invaded.

It is to be hoped that your lordship has been able to succeed in your endeavors to procure a sufficient number of seamen to compose the crews of the vessels which your lordship proposed to employ upon the lakes; at present it seems to be very difficult to raise supplies of seamen in this country, and could it even easily be done, it might perhaps be advisable, considering the uncertain state of affairs upon the European continent, to secure their services on this side the Atlantic. But if your lordship should still remain under any difficulties, I have no doubt that the officer commanding the king’s ships upon the American station will be ready to lend every assistance which the small squadron under his orders can enable him to do.

The report of an intention on the part of America to apply for a sovereign of the house of Hanover has been circulated here i and should an application of that nature be made, it will require a very nice consideration in what manner so important a subject should be treated. But whatever ideas may have been formed upon it, it will upon all accounts be advisable that any influence which your lordship may possess should be exerted to discourage the strengthening their alliance with the house of Bourbon, which must naturally follow were a sovereign to be chosen from any branch of that family.

George Bancroft, (New York, 1882), II, Appendix, 439–441.