difficulties which have arisen between the tribe and the Overseers.  We shall wait to get a glimpse of it before we pass judgment upon it.  Whatever may be alleged either against the Indians or against those who hold a supervision over them, or whatever may be said in favor of them both; we have felt authorized to make the foregoing remarks, upon an examination of the laws enacted for the government of these discordant parties.  An augmentation, diminution, or change of the Board of Overseers, will not remedy the evil.  It lies elsewhere; in the absolute prostration of the petitioners by a blind legislation.  They are not, and do not aspire to be an independent government, but citizens of Massachusetts.

Fortunately, there is a soul for freedom in the present Legislature.  A more independent House of Representatives has never been elected by the people.  The cries of the Indians have reached their ears, and we trust affected their hearts.  They will abolish a needless and unjust protectorate.  The limb, which is now disjointed and bleeding, will be united to the body politic.  What belongs to the red man shall hereafter in truth be his; and, thirsting for knowledge and aspiring to be free, every fetter shall be broken and his soul made glad.

About this time the opposition of our enemies increased to a flood.  Yet we remained undismayed; for we knew that we had the right on our side.  So we endured the shots of their sharp shooters against us patiently.  The following, from the Boston Courier of January 28, 1834, will show to what I allude.

Late in the month of June last, an extraordinary proceeding was had by the Marshpee tribe of Indians, residing on their plantation in Barnstable County, under the protection and guardianship of this Commonwealth.  Excited, as it has since appeared, by the turbulent spirit of a stranger and intruder, they assembled in what they termed a town meeting, and adopted resolutions declaring their independence of the government of Massachusetts, abjuring the authority of the laws, and proclaiming that after the first day of July then next, they should assume the management of their own affairs; and, that “they would not permit any white man from that day, to come upon their Plantation to cut or carry off any wood, hay, or other article, without their permission, under the penalty of being bound and thrown from the Plantation."

To allay the excitement which had been created among these misguided people, and to ascertain and remove, as far and as speedily as possible, any just cause of complaint, the most prompt measures were adopted by the Executive.  A discreet and confidential agent was despatched to the plantation with instructions to make thorough examination into their grievances, real or supposed, and to become acquainted with their condition, and what their interest and comfort required.  He was especially charged to represent to them the parental