VI. In the sixth paragraph the Lords Commissioners observe, That "_every argument on the subject_, respecting the settlement of the lands in that part of the country now prayed for, _is collected together with great force and precision in a representation made to his Majesty_ by the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, in March 1768." That it may be clearly understood, what was the occasion of this _representation_, we shall take the liberty of mentioning, that on the first of October 1767, and during the time that the Earl of Shelburne was Secretary of State for the southern department, an idea was entertained of forming, "_at the expence of the crown_," three _new governments_ in North America, _viz._ one at _Detroit_ [on the waters between Lake Huron and Lake Erie]; one in the _Illinois Country_, and one on the _lower_ part of the River Ohio; and in consequence such idea, a _reference_ was made by his lordship to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, for their opinion upon these proposed _new_ governments. Having plainly explained the cause of the _representation_, which is so very strongly and earnestly insisted upon by the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, as containing "_every argument on the subject_ of the lands which is at present before your lordships;" we shall now give our reasons for apprehending, _that it_ is so far from applying against our case, that it actually declares a permission would be given to settle the very lands in question. Three principal reasons are assigned in the _representation_, "as conducive to the great object of colonizing upon the continent of North America, _viz._" 1st. "Promoting the advantageous fishery carried on upon the _northern coast_." 2dly. "Encouraging the growth and culture of naval stores, and of _raw materials_, to be transported hither, in exchange for perfect manufactures and other merchandize." 3dly. "Securing a supply of lumber, provisions, and other necessaries, for the support of our establishments in the American islands." On the first of these reasons, we apprehend, it is not necessary for us to make many observations; as the provinces of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, and the colonies _southward_ of them, have _not_, and from the nature of their situation and commerce will _not_, promote the _fishery_, more, it is conceived, than the proposed Ohio colony.--These provinces are, however, beneficial to this kingdom, in the culture and exportation of different articles;--as it is humbly presumed the Ohio colony _will_ likewise be, if the production of _staple commodities_ is allowed to be within that description.