The alternative proposal made by Graffenried and Michel for a colony in Virginia received favorable attention by the English but they asked for more information. Below is the response of Graffenried and Michel:
Since the Lords of the Council, appointed by Her Majesty [Queen Anne], have found the proposals demanded of the Society for the Swiss Colony of Virginia too vague and general, so much so that they desire that more precise explanations be given regarding the subject in question; --We take the liberty to submit with profound respect to Your Lordships:
1. That we pray very humbly Her Majesty to grant us this favor, and to have allotted to us, with the recognition due to the Sovereign which is usual on such occasions, the land in Virginia, commencing at the fork of the two branches of the Potomac River, which land is along that [branch] which runs to the south west, as may be seen better on the map. Such land we offer to improve in time by the labor and assiduous care of our good workmen to such an extent that the Crown will draw a considerable benefit from it, while at the present time nothing is derived from it. And by this means the colonies in North America will be protected from the attacks of the neighboring enemies of Canada and Mississippi.2. This establishment shall in no way be an injury to the neighboring Lords Proprietors, or other persons, but rather to the contrary, they will draw advantage from it. Its desert places will be, from all appearance, for a long time uninhabited, on account of the difficulties encountered for lack of transportation either by water or by land.
3. As to what concerns the ecclesiastical, civil and military affairs, the colony will conform to those of all other faithful subjects of Your Majesty. On the other hand, the said colony hopes for the same favors and privileges that the other subjects of Your Majesty enjoy.
4. However, as we have a language peculiar to ourselves, we ask your Majesty the favor of granting us a minister of our country to preach the holy Gospel and to keep our people in the fear of God and in the bounds of good demeanor.
5. As to the persons whom we may induce to come with us, we also promise that they will not come in large numbers, nor in disorder, nor without having first notified you. Neither shall they be at the charge of Your Majesty, unless, seeing the good beginning of our settlement, Your Majesty, for our better encouragement, wishes to grant us some favors.
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