Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/169

DELAWARE COUNTY. 145 time, or forfeit their grant. They depended upon one of the Harpers to pay this at the time, but it not being paid, J udge W. went to him and told him he (H.) had ruined him, as he had been at great expense in the survey and otherwise, and he should lose the land. What to do he did not know. Fortu- nately the Legislature was then sitting in New York city, and thinking it might consider his situation, he went to Grov. Clin- ton and related the circumstances. The Governor asked him if he had the money due the State, and learning he had, said " he would assist him all he could. They went before the Legislature, or a committee : the Grovernor stated the situation and business of Judge W., and an act was passed, reinstating them in the contract. This is confirmed by the patent deeds," bearing date prior to the time of the visit of Judge W. to New York. This is probably the manner in which Judge W. became owner of the farm where he first located, instead of receiving it, as some have believed, as a certain share in consideration for his making the survey. It is also believed to explain the cause and means of his coming to the Ouleout. It a,ppears that after receiving their title from the State, the Indians were also to receive something more, and after his return from New York they came to get their pay. It is said that they met for the purpose of ratification of the treaty, under a large Elm tree, near Mr. Wm. Taylor's. Judge W. had made arrangements for them— that is, had furnished provisions and rum — at his house. They had a " good time," and what is worthy of note — as showing that even savages in those days, were so well acquainted with the nature and eff'ects of intoxicating liquor, that as they began to feel merry from the eff'ects of the rum, they gave up their knives, &c., to Judge W. to keep, so they should do no harm ! ! They re- ceived their money, or pay, and left — believed to be the " Dela- ware" tribe. 13