Message from the Lieutenant Governour

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Die Martis, 10 ho˙, A˙ M˙, the 7th February, 1775.

A Message from his Honour the Lieutenant-Governour, by Mr˙ Bayard, Deputy Secretary, which being read, is in the words following, viz:

GENTLEMEN: The settlements in the Northeastern part of this Province have, within a few years, advanced with that rapidity as affords the strongest prospect of their soon becoming, in a commercial view, highly beneficial to the Colony. The produce of that country has already appeared at our markets; and, from the great fertility of the soil, there can be no doubt of large and plentiful supplies from thence, whenever a safe and easy communication shall be opened to Albany, by great Roads from Connecticut River. The Circuit Courts are as necessary in the most remote County, as in the nearest; otherwise the laws cannot be duly executed; and the subject will, in many instances, be deprived of the aid and protection he is entitled to. The Judges cannot go into those distant Counties, with tolerable ease and safety, unless the Roads are made. This is an object not to be attained without the aid of the Legislature — the inhabitants, under their present circumstances, being unable to support the expense; and as the advantages which the publick will derive from it are apparent, and evince the propriety of the measure, I persuade myself you will think it deserving of your serious attention.

CADWALLADER COLDEN.

New-York, February 7, 1775.

Ordered, That the said Message be referred to the consideration of the Committee to whom his Honour' s Speech, &c˙, are committed.