When I had last the honor of exchanging some letters with you on the Subject of the improvements in Pennsa. you expressed a wish to be informed of their progress in future.

   The road from Tacona, (a mountain about 80 miles due north of Philada. & 20 miles West of Walpack Ferry on Delaware) to our common Boundary has been judiciously cut quite to our common boundary, which it strikes a few perches(1) West of the 5th mile stone. We have the best reason to believe it will be very soon joined to the road a little further North in your state. About ten miles South of our boundary this road branches to Tioga, wch. passage is cut also -- the latter route is 62 miles, the former 70. The Tioga road for 15 miles at the E. end was found to be injudiciously cut, wherefore a branch road was immediately opend from a place Ten miles lower down the first on Tacona road to the place on the Tioga road where Salt Lick Creek crosses it, and this will be made fit for waggons very early this Year.

   The state has sold in Consequence of these roads to which £1,000 paper (worth 2,000 Dollars) was given, about 250,000 Acres of land -- about 100 New Engd. families have since bought or leased of the state or landholders, and are preparing to move and the attention of our swarming Counties has been considerably diverted from Kentucky &

    Niagara. Encouraged by those Circumstances the state is now instituting further improvements of the same kind on that Quarter & extending their Views to a land & water Communication to lake Erie through our state, & to lake Ontario through the Tioga and the several lakes that give rise to the Seneca River. The enclosed Message from our Executive will shew you something of the business, which you will better comprehend when I inform you that the Swetard is a fine branch of Susquehannah & the Tulpohochen of Schuylkill, which approach without art or expence within 20 miles. The Navigation of the Delaware is another Object of Government & two very judicious Committees of landholders have been appointed to push that business, and the North portage, which is connected with it. Several other Objects of the same kind are in contemplation to all of which a reasonable pecuniary aid will be given by the legislature -- as also by the exertions of the landholders. Pennsylvania is influenced by two Considerations in this business, one of which ought also to influence your state -- and the other Affords very cogent reasons for exertions on your part. Our Government & people are alarmed at the great Emigrations to the Kentucky, Ohio & British lands. They see that laws cannot be made to restrain it, and if it were just to make them, that they could not be executed. They think therefore that it is indispensibly necessary to counterwork that Movement by every equitable measure. Opening roads thro the heart of our new Country, and thus exposing our unsettled Millions to the Eyes of these Emigrants, carrying conveniencies, knowlege and religion to their Doors by judicious and moderate expenditures.

   In the second place we find that in pursuing this plan a new field of commerce is opened to us from the inattention of our Neighbours. The fur trade of lakes Erie & Ontario now go through the waters of S Laurence to the ports of Grt. Britain when they might be diverted by New York into her channels. The interests of the Union impel us to bring it into our state. The interests of Pennsylvania induce us to divert it from yours. I speak plainly, Sir, which is best in Matters of so much importance. Tis our wish, that you reach a common cause with us in competing with Kentucky & Niagara for settlers, & with Great Britain for the fur trade. Tis also our wish that you enter into a liberal Competition with us for that trade & for the commerce of those great tracts that lie on the Waters of Susquehannah and Delaware. As Pennsylvanians we should not say thus much, but as Citizens of two very congenial states & members of the same confederacy tis best to be open and make common cause when there is an Absolute common interest.

   I have the honor of being, Sir, your mo. respectf. h. Servt.,

    Tench Coxe(2)

   [P.S. ] A bill is now pending (and it is believed will pass) in our legislature to enable Aliens to purchase & hold lands in Pennsa.

   RC (PHC: Roberts Autograph Collection).