isions; nor is it
necessary in these instances for the settlements, already existing as
above described, which being formed under military establishments, and
ever subjected to military authority, do not, in our humble opinion,
require any other superintendance than that of the military officers
commanding at these posts.

"In addition to this opinion of the Board of Trade, expressed in the
foregoing recital, we further beg leave to refer your Lordships to the
opinion of the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's forces in North
America, who, in a letter laid before us by the Earl of Hillsborough,
delivers his sentiments with regard to the settlements in the interior
parts of America in the following words, viz.

VII. "As to increasing the settlements to respectable provinces, and to
colonization _in general terms_ in the _remote_ countries, I conceive
it altogether inconsistent with sound policy; for there is little
appearance that the advantages will arise from it which nations expect
when they send out colonies into _foreign countries_; they can give no
encouragement to the fishery, and though the country might afford some
kind of naval stores, the distance would be too far to transport them;
and for the same reason they could not supply the sugar islands with
lumber and provisions. As for the raising wine, silk, and other
commodities, the same may be said of the present colonies without
planting others for the purpose at so vast a distance; but on the
supposition that they would be raised, their very long transportation
must probably make them too dear for any market. I do not apprehend the
inhabitants could have any commodities to barter for manufactures
except skins and furs, which will naturally decrease as the country
increases in people, and the desarts are cultivated; so that in the
course of a few years necessity would force them to provide
manufactures of some kind for themselves; and when all connection
upheld by commerce with the mother country shall cease, it may be
expected, that an independancy on her government will soon follow; the
pretence of forming barriers will have no end; wherever we settle,
however remote, there must be a frontier; and there is room enough for
the colonists to spread within our present limits, for a century to
come. If we reflect how the people of themselves have gradually retired
from the coast, we shall be convinced they want no encouragement to
desert sea coasts, and go into