ng in
the valley of Tieuhoy, as well as of the tribes residing on the
mountains, whom we have conquered and rendered tributary
to our flag, I have caused the village of Madison to be built,
consisting of six convenient houses, a rope-walk, bakery, and
other appurtenances, and for the protection of the same, as
well as for that of the friendly natives, I have constructed a
fort calculated for mounting sixteen guns, whereon I have
mounted four, and called the same Fort Madison.

Our rights to this island being founded on Priority of discovery,
conquest, and possession, cannot be disputed. But the
natives, to secure to themselves that friendly protection which
their defenseless situation so much required, have requested to
be admitted into the great American family, whose pure republican
policy approaches so near their own. And in order
to encourage these views to their own interest and happiness,
as well as to render secure our claim to an island valuable on
many considerations, I have taken on myself to promise them
that they shall be so adopted; that our chief shall be their
chief; and they have given assurances that such of their brethren
as may hereafter visit them from the United States shall enjoy
a welcome and hospitable reception among them and be furnished
with whatever refreshments and supplies the island may
afford; that they will protect them against all their enemies
and as far as lies in their power prevent the subjects of Great
Britain from coming among them until peace shall take place
between the two nations.

There followed a list of the tribes from whom Porter had received
presents, to the number of thirty-one tribes, and the document
continued:

Influenced by considerations of humanity, which promise
speedy civilization to a race of men who enjoy every mental
and bodily endowment which nature can bestow, and which requires
only art to perfect, as well as by views of policy, which
secure to my country a fruitful and populous island possessing
every advantage of security and supplies for ships, and which
of all others is most happily situated as respects climate and
local position, I do declare that I have, in the most solemn
manner, under the American flag displayed in Fort Madison
and in the presence of numerous witnesses, taken possession of
the said island for the use of the United States.

To the guileless natives, mad