.MTM1OQ.MTE1MTQ5

in despair. Such is almost uniformly the result of all efforts to overtake an Indian, who has committed any injury upon our frontier. This Country is peculiarly liable to these misfortunes. Its settlements are weak and feathered, that the whole Territory is in fact a frontier, exposed to every kind of Savage insult and injury. The immense number of Indians, who make their annual visits to this place and to Halden, bring a succession of Individuals ever ready to seize the opportunities, which are offered. It is generally easy to ascertain who the persons are committing these inquiries, although very difficult to prove it. In fact any thing like proof, in the legal acceptation of the word, is wholly unattainable, There is therefore no civil remedy for the injured party, even if process could be served upon the offender, and if he was professed of property to satisfy the judgment. And for the same reason no punishment can be inflicted upon him, and no example be held out to others. It is problematical also whether the proof in most cases will justify the subtraction of the amount. But the distribution of presents furnishes in these cases a powerful restraints upon the predatory disposition of the Indians. If they know, that the village to which they belong will receive no presents, till every injury committed by any individual of it, is redressed. they feel that committing them will be a direct loss to themselves