"It has of late been generally believed, that the Inhabitants of the Province of New York are so
advantageously situated, with Respect to the Indian Trade, and enjoy so many Advantages as
to Trade in general, that it is in their Power not only to rival the French in Canada,... but that it
is impossible for the French to carry on [the fur] Trade in Competition with the People of this
Province. The enquiring into the Truth of this Proposition, may not only be of some
Consequence, as to the Riches and Honour of the British Nation,... but likewise as to the
Safety of all the British Colonies in North America. ... The French plainly show their Intention of
enclosing the British Settlements, and cutting us off from all Commerce with the numerous
Nations of Indians....
*... The Art and Industry of the French, especially that of their religious Missions, has so far
prevailed upon all the Indians in North-America, that they are everywhere directed by French
Counsels [guidance]. Even our own Five Nations [allies], (the Iroquois [Confederacy]) who
formerly were mortal Enemies of the French... have, of late, (by the Practices of the French
Priests) been so far gained, that several of the Mohawks [Iroquois Confederacy members]...
have left their Habitations, and are gone to settle near Montreal in Canada."
Cadwallader Colden, British imperial official, A Memorial Concerning the Fur Trade of the
Province of New York, prepared for the royal governor of New York in 1724
In your response, be sure to address all parts of the question. Use complete sentences; an
outline or bulleted list alone is not acceptable
Using the excerpt, answer (a), (b), and (c)
(a) Briefly describe ONE historical situation in which the excerpt was produced.
*Historical situation is the context in which the document was written. It's what is
happening at the time.
(b) Briefly describe ONE cause of the development in the excerpt.
(c) Briefly describe ONE argument* made in the excerpt.
*The argument is the claim or point Colden is making.