4 September 1784
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
Manuscript letter
Title: [Speech delivered to the Penobscot Tribe]
Written at the Penobscot River, present-day Maine. Lincoln, a commissioner chosen to negotiate land boundaries with the Penobscot Tribe, praises the Penobscots' involvement in the Revolutionary War. Continues, "It is said that in your own Opinion the Lands you occupy far exceed the Quantity necessary for your own Use; and that you have suffered pretended purchases for trifling Considerations, to engross Part of them... the Sovereign Power of this Commonwealth... will not suffer Individuals to purchase those Lands which you are permitted to occupy." Offers the option for the Penobscots to…
GLC02437.03049