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Show 41 5 9 2 INDIAN LAND CESSIONS IN THE UNITED STATES [ETII.AXN. IS The following remarks, by George Smith,1 in reference to this purchase, are worthy of quotation: It was tho first effort of civilized man to extinguish the Indian title to the district of country that is to claim our particular attention. It will be seen that it embraced Swancndaol, for which tho Dutch had already acquired the Indian title, and also tho lands about the Schuylkill to which, on account of prior purchase, they set up a rather doubtful claim. The lands within the limits of our county were free from any counter claim on this account; and it follows, that to Ike wise policy of the Swedes we are really indebted for the extinguishment of the Indian title to our lauds,-a policy first introduced by the Dutch as a matter of expediency, and subsequently adopted by AVilliam Penn on the score of strict justice to the natives. But it cannot be contended, that in accordance with national law, this purchase from tho natives, gave to the Swedish government any legal claim to the country. They had no legal right to make purchases from the Indians. To the Dutch, as discoverers of the river, belonged the right of preemption, or if any doubt existed on this point, it would be in favor of the English. As against the Swedes, the Dutch claim rested not only on discovery, but the exercise of preemption and occupancy. On the 25th day of September, 1G4G, the Dutch purchased some land which included a portion of the grounds now occupied by Philadelphia, " as it also certainly did some of the lands that had been purchased by the Swedes." As the policy of the Dutch and the Swedes, in their dealings with the Indians regarding the lands of the latter, has been fully shown in the sections relating to New York and New Jersey, it is unnecessary to dwell further on it. It may, however, be repeated that throughout the disputes and contentions of these two parties, both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, both recognized fully the possessory right of the natives, and considered no claim valid unless based on a purchase from them. William Penn, having obtained from Charles I I in 1681 a charter for the province, sent in advance his relative, Colonel William Markhani, who was his secretary. He was accompanied by several commissioners, who were to confer with the Indians respecting their lands, and to endeavor to make with them a league of permanent peace. They were enjoined by Penn to treat them with all possible candor, justice, and humanity.2 However, it does not appear that these commissioners were assoeiated with Markham in the single purchase he made of the Indians prior to I'enn's arrival. This was the large purchase on the Delaware above Shackamason. The deed, as given in the "Pennsylvania Archives"3 (though of somewhat doubtful authenticity), is as follows: .FirsJ Indian Deed to TTm. Penn, 1682. THIS INDKXTUUE, made the 15th day of July, in the yeare of or Lord, according to English Acconipt, one Thousand Six Hundred Eightye Two, Between Idquahon, Ieanottowe, Idquoquequon, Sahoppe for himselfe and Okonikon, Merkekowon Orec^ ton forXannaeussey. Shaurwawghon, Swanpisse,Nahoosey, Tomakhickon,Westkekittit i Historv of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, pp. 21-25. •Clarkson, ilenioirsof William Penu (1827), p. 112. 'Vol. J, pp. 47, 48. |