Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/272

248 HISTORY OF desired to be attained by the institution of a new and novel form of government. It could but centre in single individuals a migbty controlling influence, not only over those who be- came their tenants, but indirectly it might extend to and control the machinery of government. It would give to the capitalist the reins of weal or woe to republicanism, and the high hopes centered upon it^ by the annihilation of that social, moral, and political freedom, guaranteed and established by the declaration of our independence, which had emanated from the old congress-hall in Philadelphia, with the unanimous acquiescence of that venerable body, and had been given to the world, a marked epoch in her history and certain omen of future good. Accordingly we note, that while the State in all good faith acknowledged the validity of previous grants, in 1777 John Jay introduced the following preamble and resolution, which was acquiesced in by the legislature : Whereas it is of great importance to the safety of the State, that peace and amity with the Indians within the same, be at all times supported and maintained : And whereas, the frauds too often practised toward the said Indians, in contracts made for their lands, have in divers instances been productive of dangerous discontents and animosities : Be it ordained, that no purchases or contracts for the sale of lands, made since the fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord 1775, or which may hereafter be made, with, or of the said Indians, be deemed valid unless made under the authority and with the consent of the Legislature of this State." All these early grants, were made prior to the Eevolution, The parties who owned them resided in New York, Philadel- phia, and other cities. The titles of those who embraced the cause of American liberty were afterward ratified by the home government, while those who abetted the English suffered the