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LEWIS BOND TO WORTHINGTON

Miami of the Lake

January 15th 1812

Thomas Worthington Esquire,

Sir,

In continuation of what I did myself the honor to communicate in my last letter, the Territory of Michigan have no laws regulating weights and measures, Sharpers therefore impose on the People, by purchasing in french measure that is forty quarts to the Bushel and sell in English or Winchester measure, and sell flour by the Nett hundred, or at most the french weight that is one hundred and eight pounds, the Terri- tory has no law to keep and observe the Sabbath day more than any other day it has no law to prevent or [illeg.] vice and immorality, taxes have been very unequal, and when collected used to no manner of purpose in Short they have very few laws and those weak and contradictory, are not Promulgated, or made known to the People at large. Govr. Hull has appointed Men to office who can hardly be called American Citizens, or who are entirely under British influence, and in the event of a War are not to be depended on, this he has done to secure his interest among the Canadians. Very few of whom could be brought to fight either the Indians or British, the government there- fore will be disappointed if they put any Confidence in the Body of the Militia of Michigan, in a former Indian alarm one of his Colonels, Geo. Catteral actually went over to the British Side and another I am credibly informed John Anderson, sent his valuable effects over also, intending no doubt to follow if danger actually appeared his adjutant Genl. is Geo. McDougall, a miserable demagogue, a wretched weather Cock, son of a British officer, his Brother now a half pay officer, and in fact all the name professed British Subjects except George, and he is in principles, from such men nothing therfore can be expected, the removal therfore of Govr. Hull and the appoint- ment of some gentleman of integrity and independent principles, will be for the inter- eat of the Genl. Government, and inhabitants of the Territory, as well as the Indians in this quarter, I forbear making any Comments on the above facts it must be obvious to every reflecting mind, nor have I have I made this Statement as a champion for the Genl. Government, yet if necessary am willing my name should be made use of altho a powerful party would level their Vengeance against me. Another of the Govrs. Colonels (Godfroy) was in the Battle at this place with the Indians in 1794, Lassell a Captain of his dragoons was also in the same action and on the same side a number of other officers of the Michigan Militia took part also with the Indians, Anderson was in the British Fort at this place as a Volunteer to defend it against Genl. Wayne whilst myself and others who have belonged to his army are crowded by such men, now in office and power under the government they have fought against, while the Votaries of that very government are persecuted by such men, stinging Idea that our own government should countenance it, it must be for want of information.

The Mail has been very irregular or I would have written you sooner, will give you a description of the Country &c in my next.

I have the honor to be with great Respect and Consideration sir your very obedient humble servt.

Lewis Bond

P.S. The people of this settlement are so averse to the Michigan Government that it is with difficulty they can be made to submit, and a Petition is in Circulation, addressed to the legislature of Ohio praying to be organized &c under the state.

L. Bond

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