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but for the sanctity of marriage among the slaves, and
for their personal safety.
The last object was effected; the first, which would have been the forerunner of freedom, was defeated.
Neither did philanthropy achieve permanent benefits for the Indian.
Treaties of peace were renewed with the men of the wilderness from the Potomac to Oswego, and the trade with them was subjected to regulations; but they could not be won to the faith or the habits of civilized life.
These measures were adopted amidst the fruitless
wranglings between the delegates from
Delaware and those from
Pennsylvania.
At last, the news was received that the English parliament was about to render all their strifes and all their hopes nugatory by the general abrogation of every colonial charter.
An assembly was summoned instantly; and, when it came
together, the proprietary, eager to return to
England to defend the common rights of himself and his province, urged the perfecting of their frame of government.
‘Since all men are mortal,’—such was his weighty message,—‘think of some suitable expedient and provision for your safety, as well in your privileges as property, and you will find me ready to comply with whatever may render us happy by a nearer union of our interests.
Review again your laws; propose new ones, that may better your circumstances; and what you do, do it quickly.
Unanimity and despatch may contribute to the disappointment of those that too long have sought the ruin of our young country.’
The relations of Penn to his colony were twofold; he was their sovereign, and he was the owner of the unappropriated domain.
The members of the assembly, impelled by an interest common to every one of
