The memorial of the Freemen inhabitating the Country Westward
of the Alleghany or Appalachian mountain, and Southward of the
Ouasioto Humbly sheweth:
That having been made acquainted with the several resolves and
other Acts of Congress, respecting Western Territory, and
having considered maturely the contents of the same, we are
highly pleased with that equal respect for the Liberties of the
people, which seems to influence the Councils of Con,,ress.
That nothing but a firm adherence to the principles of the
Confederation, and a sacred regard to the rights of Mankind
could produce the late Resolves for laying off new, Independent
States, thereby pointing out such effectual measures, to
prevent the encroachments of arbitrary power on the Asylums of
Freedom.
That we are happy to find so large a part of Territory already ceded to the United States for National purposes, and trust that every obstacle will speedily be removed for the completion of that business by the individual States affected thereby. That we are too much elated at the prospect before us not to wish that we may speedily enjoy the advantages of such a Government as will be ex ercised over a convenient territory, not too small for the support of authority, nor too large for the security of Freedom. That our situation is such, inhabiting valleys intermixed with and environed by vast wi]ds of barren and inaccessible mountains, that the same compensation of latitude allotted to the new States Nortllwest of the Ohio, might prevent us from ever being on an equal footing with our neighbors, bleFsed with so many natural ad vantages, navigable waters, and a level, fertile country. That the state bounded by a meridian line that will touch the confluence of Little river, near Inglis' Ferry, thence down the Ea nawha to the Ronceverte or Green Briar river, thence Southwest to latitude 37 North, thence along the same to the meridian of the rapids of the Ohio, South along the Meridian until it reaches the Tenasee or Cherokee river, down the same, and eastwardly on that . parallel to the top of tlle Appalachian mountains, and along the highest parts of the same, and the heights that divide the sources of the waters that fall into the Mississippi from those that empty into the Atlantic to the beginning. This, though not equal in quantity of habitable lands with the adjoining States, yet may be sufficient territory for a society that wishes to encourage industry and temperance as cardinal virtues.
That in our present settlements we have maintained our gronud during the late perilous war, and frequently gave effectual aid to our Brethren to the South and Westward; that we are first occupants and aborigines of this country, Freemen, claiming natural rights and the privileges of American citizens.
Our prayer therefore is, that your Honorable Body, with a generous regard to the Rights of mankind, would speedily erect the aforesaid described Territory into a free and independent State, subject to the Federal Bond, and likewise confirm and guarantee to its inhabitants all their equitable rights and privileges acquired under the laws of the States lately claiming this Territory; that the disposition of the vacant lands he under the power of the Legislature of the new State, in as full a manner as that exercised hv , such of the Fastern States having unappropriated lands, with this Reservation, that the monies arising from the sale of vacant lands shall be faithfully paid to the order of Congrees, towards the pay- ment of the National debt.
And your Memorialiste shall ever pray, &c.
Approved and eubscribed by us in behalf of ourselves and the
Freemen of our Respective Districts, whom we represent.
Charles Cumminge, Chairman.
John Jameson, John Campbell,
Alex'r Wiley, Robert Buchanan,
George Finley, William Tate,
Arthur Campbell,John Bankhead,
John Campbell, Snr., Thomas Wooleey,
John Davis, Richard Brownlow,
Gilbert Christian, Matthew Willoughby,
David Looney, John Anderson,
John Adair.