ORDERS AND CONSTITUTIONS, PARTLY COLlected out of his Majesty's Letters Patents; and partly by authority, and in virtue of the said Letters Patents: Ordained upon mature deliberation, by the Governor and Company of the City of LONDON, for the Plantation of the SumMER-ILANDS: for the better governing of the actions and affairs of the said Company and Plantation. 6. Febr. 1621. AT LONDON, Imprinted by FELIX KYNGSTON. 1622. Bermuda coat of arms Orders and Constitutions, partly collected out of his Majesty's Letters Patents, and partly by authority, and in virtue of the said Letters Patents: ordained upon mature deliberation, by the Governor and Company of the City of London, for the Plantation of the Summer-Ilands: for the better governing of the Actions and Affairs of the said Company and Plantation. 6. February. 1621. THE FIRST PART. The Company. 1. THe Company of Summer-Ilands consisteth of the Freeholders' and Owners of Land there. Nevertheless, no man shall be admitted into this Company, or have voice in any election, or other business, in quality of a Freeholder or Owner of Land, that is not Owner of one entire Share, at the least, of the four hundred and five shares, into which the eight Tribes of the said Summer-Ilands are divided. Provided always, that the Owners by joint-tenancy, Coparcinary, or otherwise, as Tenants in common, if the number of their persons exceed not the number of their Shares so held, may be admitted into the said Company, and have each their several voices: but if the number of their persons exceed, they shall, or may present one to have voice for them all. 2. No man, though having right, shall presume to be present at the Assemblies of the said Company, before he be solemnly admitted by the Governor or Deputy of the said Company in a General Court: which admittance shall neither be granted, where it is not due; nor denied, or delayed, where it is apparently due. 3. No person, by reason of minority of years, (having otherwise right) shall be excluded from being present at the General Assemblies of the said Company: but yet shall not be admitted to have voice in any Election, or other business whatsoever, till he have accomplished the full age of eighteen years. Courts. 4. THere are four great General Courts, commonly called, Quarter Courts, appointed to be held by the Governor, Assistants, and Company for the Summer-Ilands, upon the four last Wednesdays of every Term; which only have, and shall have power to choose Officers, as well for the Company here, as also for the Colony and Planters in the Summer-Ilands; to make Laws and Ordinances; to distribute and dispose of the Lands in the Summer-Ilands, as well for the public good of the Company and Colony, as also agreeable to every man's particular right. And lastly, to settle the matter of Trade, for behoof of the Company and Colony. 5. Every Friday before a Quarter Court, shall be held a Court to prepare all kind of business reserved to the power of a Quarter Court to determine. 6. Every Wednesday fortnight, reckoning from the great Courts, shall also be held an ordinary Court for this Company, for dispatch of ordinary and extraordinary business. And it is not to be counted a perfect Court, unless the Governor or Deputy be there, and seven of the Assistants. 7. It shall be in the power of the Governor or Deputy in his absence, upon extraordinary cause, to call an extraordinary Court. 8. It shall not be in the power of any other than a Quarter Court to make any contract, (save for the setting out of Ships) whereby either to charge the Company, or otherwise to bind the Company for any continuance of time. In which case it shall be proposed also in the Preparative Court next preceding. 9 Public business shall have precedence in the Courts before private, unless there be extraordinary important cause to the contrary. 10. If any thing ordered in an ordinary or lesser Court, be afterward reversed in one of the four great and General Courts, it shall be from thence forward, as though it had never been so ordered. 11. All Courts shall begin at two of the Clock in the afternoon, and dissolve at the rising of the Governor, or of the Deputy in his absence. 12. Nothing shall be put to the question after six of the clock in the afternoon: yet by order of the same Court to be made before six, the debating and concluding of any particular businesses mentioned in the said Order, may continue on longer, as the matters then in handling shall require. 13. If the business for the Quarter Courts grow very great; it shall be in the power of the Governor or Deputy, with allowance of the Preparative Court next preceding, to assemble the Quarter Courts both in the forenoons at eight of the clock, and in the afternoons of the days apppointed for them. Nevertheless, in regard the meetings in the afternoons have been observed to be always far greater than in the mornings: It shall be in the power of the same Quarter Court, in the afternoon to disavow and reverse any thing passed in the morning; to which purpose the morning Court shall be first read. 14. The Company shall be summoned to the Quarter Courts, and Courts extraordinary by the Officer, but of the ordinary Courts themselves shall take notice. And the Secretary shall keep a Book of the proceedings of the Courts, who with the husband, and other Officers shall at all Courts give diligent attendance. 15. It shall be lawful at a General Court, and with consent thereof, to dispense with all meetings in long vacations, or in such part of them as may be spared, unless some extraordinary matter befall. In which case may be called extraordinary Courts. 16. The Governor and Company being a Body and Communality perpetual, shall have one fair and common legal Seal, to be kept by the Governor, and not to be affixed to any Grants or Instruments whatsoever, otherwhere then in public Courts, or by express warrant from thence. Elections. 17. AT the Great and General Court, commonly called the Quarter Court in Easter Term, all Officers of this Company shall be void; and the Court shall proceed to Election of new Officers in manner following. 18. The Governor, soon after the beginning of the Court to be held in the afternoon of that day, at the giving up of his Office, shall declare by word or writing, the present estate of the Colony and Planters in the Summer-Ilands. And the Treasurer at the same time shall deliver into the Court a Book of his Accounts for the year then ended, examined and approved under the Auditor's hands: declaring withal the present estate of the Cash: which book shall lie open in every Court to be viewed by all men till the next Quarter Court; and shall then be laid up in the Chest of the Companies evidences. 19 This done, the Governor shall leave his place, and the Court without intermixing of other business, shall proceed to Election of Officers for the year ensuing; first of a Governor, then of a Deputy; afterward of the Assistants; next of a Treasurer; after that, of the Auditors: and lastly of the Secretary, Book-keeper, Husband, and Beadle. 20. At the choice of each Officer, the persons nominated to stand in Election, shall withdraw themselves, till the party chosen be publicly so pronounced. And generally, no man shall be present in the Court, whilst himself or his matter passeth the judgement of the Court. 21. In regard of the weighty business of this Company, which is also like to increase: no man shall be chosen Governor of the Company of the Summer-Ilands, who at the time of his Election is Governor of any other Company; except it seem good for the behoof of both Companies, that the same man have the government both of this Company, and of that for Virginia. 22. It is for weighty reasons thought very expedient, and so ordered, that no man continue in the place of Governor, Deputy, or Treasurer of this Company, above three years at once. 23. For the avoiding of diverse inconveniences; It is thought fit and so ordered, that all elections of Principal Officers, in, or for the Summer-Ilands, as also of the Governor and Deputy here, be performed by a ballading box, as in some other Companies. 24. Every Officer as he is chosen, shall openly in Court take his Oath, or if he be absent, at the next Court he cometh to. 25. The Governor, Deputy and Treasurer, having no certain allowance for their cares and labours: the rewarding of these former Officers according to their deserts, is referred to the pleasure of the Court, wherein new Officers are chosen. Governor. 26. THe Governors' duty is to keep the ordinary Courts of the Summer-Ilands, and upon cause extraordinary, to call Courts extraordinary: And in all Courts and other meetings, he is to have a casting voice. 27. He is to moderate the Courts in quality of a Precedent, and to cause gravity, decency and good order to be observed: and for breach thereof, after a grave admonition first given and prevailing, to proceed to reformation by the judgement of the Court. 28. He is to propound and put all things to the question which the Court requires, the same not being contrary to his Majesty's Letters Patents, or Instructions, nor to the Standing Laws and Orders of the Company; under pain of being immediately put from his office, if he refuse: in which case, the Deputy shall do it under the like pain. And if he refuse, than any of the assistants there present. 29. The Governor is to have care that the extraordinary Committees apppointed by the Courts to several business, do prosecute the same, and give seasonable account of their doings to the Court. 30. He is also to have an especial care, that no Grant or Patent do pass from the Company, but upon examination thereof by a select Committee; who are exactly to observe the Orders made concerning them. And to this end, with diverse others, he is to have a vigilant eye on the Companies Seal, which is to be committed to his custody, that they be not wronged by abusing thereof. 31. The Governor, upon receipt of public Letters, from, or concerning the Summer-Ilands, shall assemble at least four of the principal Assistants to impart them to them, and by their assent shall cause them to be read in Court, unless there be some cause of secrecy; in which case he shall communicate them with the Assistants only. In like sort, the public Letters and instructions to be sent to the Governor and people in the Summer-Ilands, or otherwise concerning them, he shall cause to be publicly read, and approved by the Court or Assistants as the case shall require. And neither he, nor any other, shall of his own head or authority, write, or send any directions swerving from such as the Court or Assistants shall give, upon pain to be suspended from the Court for ever. 32. The Governor shall assemble the Principal Assistants whom the Court shall particularly assign to assist him, upon all weighty occasions requiring serious deliberation: and shall have care with them, that the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council be acquainted with all matters of extraordinary and greatest importance concerning the State. 33. He is to do his best, that fit men be chosen to the place of Assistants, and being chosen, is to have care that they take their Oaths. 34. The Governor is to have care also that the general Assistants keep their Courts with the Deputy, upon all occasions of business. 35. The Governor at his pleasure shall sit in any Assembly, either of the Assistants, or other Committees ordinary, or extraordinary; unless the matter happen to concern himself particularly. Deputy. 36. FOr matter of the Courts, in the Governors' absence the Deputy shall perform his Office, and in his presence be assisting to him. 37. He shall oversee the Secretary for entering the Orders of Court, and shall give instructions for the writing of Letters as he shall be directed, and have care that accordingly they be written. 38. The Deputy shall also keep the Courts of Assistants upon all occasions requisite, and at his pleasure shall also sit in any Assembly of Committees ordinary or extraordinary, unless the matter concern himself: and in all these, in the Governors' absence, he shall have a casting voice. 39 He shall suffer no warrant to be made and signed for issuing out of money, but in the open Court of Assistants, after due examination of the Cause: unto all which warrants his own hand shall be first set, and after it, other four hands or more of the Assistants. And the Deputy and Assistants shall not intermeddle with Disbursements for any other charges, than such as arise within the compass of their own year. 40. When a Warrant is directed to the Treasurer to pay any gross Sum to the Deputy, to be issued out by him and the Assistants for the use of the Company: in that case it shall not be requisite, that the Deputies hand be to the Warrant, so it be to the receipt. 41. Generally the Deputy shall oversee all inferior Officers, that they perform their duties. Assistants. 42. THe Assistants being to be four and twenty, and to be yearly chosen; there shall be a yearly alteration made of one fourth part at the least; to the end many be trained up in the business: to which end, the six new Assistants shall be first chosen. 43. The Assistants Office is, together with the Deputy, to perform the orders of Courts, for setting out Ships, and buying provisions for the Summer-Ilands; wherein especial care is to be had, that neither the husband, nor any one man alone be entrusted with the making of those provisions: but two at the least, to be apppointed thereunto by the Deputy and Assistants in their Court; who shall also bring in their bills and accounts, to be examined and approved by the Assistants. The like care shall they have at the return of Ships from the Summer-Ilands, of the Goods belonging to the Company, to be safely kept and sold to the best advantage, either in Court, or otherwise by the Court's direction. The accounts of all which, shall be transmitted to the Auditors; and the money remaining, returned to the Cash. The Deputy and Assistants shall also have care, of the invoices to be made for the provisions sent to the Summer-Ilands: and of the Certificates of the receipt to be thence returned: as likewise of the invoices of the Goods sent from the Summer-Ilands. All which shall be registered fairly in a Book. 44. The Assistants shall diligently keep their Courts, whensoever occasion of business shall require. They shall be summoned by order from the Governor or Deputy: and it shall not be counted a Court of Assistants, unless the Governor or Deputy with six Assistants be present. The Secretary of the Company shall keep a Book also of their proceedings. Principal Assistants. 45. AFter choice of the four and twenty Assistants, six of them shall be selected by the Court, to be of counsel with the Governor, or Deputy in his absence, in all matters of importance concerning the Summer-Ilands: and they shall have the name of Principal Assistants; but their power shall be only to deliberate and advise; but not to conclude, without the rest of the Assistants, or the general Court, as the case shall require. 46. The Principal Assistants are to assemble upon all important occasions, being requested by the Governor or the Deputy in his absence. And in defect of both, being desired by the Court: and without favour or displeasure, private or sinister respect, to give their faithful advice in all matters tending to the advancement and benefit of the Plantation; and especially touching the making of Orders and Constitutions for the better governing, as well of the Company here, as also of the Colony planted in the Summer-Ilands, wherein the policy and form of England is to be followed as near as may be. 47. The Principal Assistants, together with the Governor and Deputy, shall have an especial regard, by pious Constitutions, and by other good politic Laws and Orders, to hold the people there in the true Religion and service of God; and in assured allegiance to his Majesty and the Crown of England; in due respect also to this Company for the Summer-Ilands; and in justice, peace, uniformity, and amity, amongst themselves. 48. They shall also have care of the Instructions to be delivered, or sent from time to time to the Governor, or other Principal Officers in the Summer-Ilands: and shall have an eye upon the due observance of the same. 49. If any Principal Officer of the Company here, or Magistrate, great Officer or Councillor in the Summer-Ilands, shall by the fame of his misdeserts, or particular occasion, merit to be called in question here of being removed from his place, or otherwise reform or censured: he shall be first convented and examined by the Governor, Deputy, and Principal Assistants, before his cause be produced in public Court: and in his absence the like course shall be held for his business. 50. The Principal Assistants, in consideration of this their greater employment, shall not be tied to attendance at the Courts of the general Assistants, other then at their own leisure and pleasure. Treasurer. 51. THe Treasurer shall stand charged with the public Treasure of the Company, and is to have care that it be duly got in, and not issued out, but by lawful warrant, and to the Companies use. 52. A lawful warrant for charges of the present year, is that which is signed by the Deputy and four of the Assistants, unless the money be to be paid to the Deputy himself; in which case the warrant shall be signed by six of the Assistants: and for former charges and debts, that which is signed by three of the Auditors, whereof one to be of the Quorum; and underneath, or upon the back of every Warrant, an Acquittance shall be taken for the Receipt under the party's hand. 53. The Treasurer is also to yield up a true and perfect account of the general Cash at the end of his year, and to bring it in a fortnight before, to the Auditors to be examined; and at all times, being requested by the Auditors or Assistants, to show in what case the Cash doth stand. 54. If any complaint or suspicion grow concerning the account, a review shall be made by twelve chosen by the Court, and the account being accepted and approved by the Court, the Treasurer shall have his Quietus est, under the Companies Seal at the Quarter Court in Trinity Term than next ensuing. Auditors. 55. THe Auditors shall be five; whereof one at the least of the Principal Assistants, and two of the Quorum. 56. The Auditors shall have care of the general accounts, to examine the Receipts and Disbursements according to the Orders of the Company: and in all cases of difficulty, or of breach of these Orders, they shall acquaint the Governor, and the general Court therewith; and from thence receive resolution, and direction. 57 They shall also cause to be reduced into a several book, the whole Receipts and Disbursements of that year; and the same under three of their hands at the least, (whereof one to be of the Quorum) shall be presented by the Treasurer at the Quarter Court in Easter Term, at the giving up of his and their Office. 58. They shall sign no Warrants for the issuing of money, but only for old charges or debts, that is to say, due before that year of their Office; and that not otherwise, then after due examination of the matter had in their appointed meetings. Unto which Warrant shall be first set the hand of one at the least of the Quorum, and then of two other or more of the rest of the Auditors. 59 The Auditors shall also employ their best industry and care, for the recovery of the old Debts due to the Company, and their Receipts shall transmit to the general Cash. 60. And touching the old accounts now depending in Audit, that is to say, from the beginning of the Plantation, till the ninth day of May 1621. the Auditors shall proceed in the examining and reducing them to order, and to the final auditing of them, with what expedition they well can; and shall from time to time acquaint the Governor, Deputy and Court, with such impediments and difficulties as shall be incident. 61. The Auditors shall keep their meetings once at the least in a week in Term time, or oftener, if need require; and once every month at least in the vacation times, to oversee the accounts, and to dispatch such other business as shall be committed to them. 62. They shall also have the authority of the Court, to call before them such persons as are indebted or accountable to the Company. To which end the Beadle shall attend upon them: who shall be rewarded for his travel at the pleasure of the Court. Accounts. 63. NO Auditors extraordinary, shall presume to intermeddle with the auditing of any account, wherein the Body of the Company is interessed; but being apppointed in the face, and with the approbation of the Court. 64. All Accountants whatsoever, and Auditors extraordinary, if the Court so require, shall have an Oath ministered unto them in the face of the Court; the one for true accounting, the other for true auditing. 65. No account shall be held cleared, nor Accountant discharged, till the account being approved under the Auditor's hands, be presented to the Court, and there lie openly in Court two Court days, to be viewed by any that are so disposed. 66. If exception be taken to any account whatsoever, the Court shall proceed to review, as in like case of the Treasurer. If no exception be taken in the two Court days, or upon the review returned, and the account approved; the Governor then, or Deputy in his absence, shall sign the account in open Court; whereby the Accountant shall be clearly discharged. 67. If any Officer, or other Accountant be slow in bringing in his accounts to the Auditors ordinary or extraordinary; or within one month after his account is perfect, do not pay the Cash the due Sum remaining, unless the Court see cause to give longer time: the Auditors or Treasurer shall impart the same to the Court, that order be thence given for redress thereof. 68 If any man be found indebted to the Company by any means whatsoever, and being required, shall refuse or forbear to pay the said Debt: the same shall be levied upon such profits and commodities, as he either hath in the Summer-Ilands, or shall be returned hither from thence; wherein he shall stand to the judgement of the Court. Secretary. 69. THe Secretary shall attend the Governor and Deputy, in such service of the Company, as wherein they shall have cause to use him. And besides the general Courts, he shall of duty attend the Courts of Assistants, and keep several Books of their proceedings. The Principal Assistants, Auditors, and Committees extraordinary, he shall then also attend, when, and so often as he shall be thereunto required. 70. He shall be bound by oath to keep secret all matters of secrecy; and not to discover the proceedings of the Principal Assistants, and Committees extraordinary, till such time as themselves shall publish the same. 71. The Secretary, upon reference of any business from the Court to a select Committie, shall give a note to the Officer, containing the business, time, and place. 72. His Office is also to be a Remembrancer to the general Courts, and to the Courts of Assistants, for the prosecuting and performing of matters formerly ordered; as also touching Motions formerly made, and referred to special Committees, or other further consideration. 73. If at any time a general Court shall order any money to be issued out of the Cash, the Secretary under his hand shall deliver a Copy thereof to the Auditors, if it be of old Debts; and if otherwise, then to the Deputy and Assistants, who respectively shall under that Order, make their warrant for payment of that money, unless they find the Court, by wrong information, to have been abused and deceived in that order; whereof at the next Court they shall give advertizement. 74. The Secretary's Office is to keep the Books of the Company, and fairly, and orderly to enter in them the particulars heereunder expressed, and in such manner as he shall be directed by the Governor, Deputy, or Auditors. First, a Book containing the Copies of the King's Letters Patents to the Company: Likewise of all Grants from the Company for Virginia: Also of all Letters, Orders, Directions, and other Writings from his Majesty, the Lords of the Council, and other great Officers, concerning the Company and Affairs of the Summer-Ilands; together with the answers made unto them. 75. A second Book shall be kept of all the Laws and Standing Orders established henceforward in the Quarter Courts, and beginning with this day; as well such as concern the Government of the Company and business here, as also the Government of the Colony and Affairs in the Summer-Ilands. 76. In a third Book shall be registered all the Patents, Charters, and Indentures of validity, heretofore granted, or that hereafter shall be granted by the Governor and Company; all Instructions; all public Letters written to the Summer-Ilands, or from thence returned. 77. A fourth Book shall be of the Acts of the general Courts, beginning with a new Book at the Quarter Court in Easter Term last. In which Book, upon any cause controverted and debated, the Secretary shall have care to set down exactly, the resolution and conclusion of the Court, together with the principal reasons inducing thereunto: but shall not set down other passages of speech, nor the party's names that were of other opinion. 78. A fifth Book shall be of the Acts of the Assistants, beginning from the same Court. In which Book shall be registered all invoices of the provisions sent to the Summer-Ilands, and the Certificats of the Receipts to be thence returned: as likewise the invoices of the Goods sent from the Summer-Ilands, with the Husband's Certificats of the receipt or defect. 79. In the sixth Book shall be registered the names of all the Adventurers and Owners of Land in the Summer-Ilands, together with the number of Shares to each person belonging, according to the several Tribes wherein they are placed. Here shall also be entered the lawful transports of Shares. Both which shall first be published and allowed in a general Court, and not registered in this book, but by direction from thence. 80. The Secretary shall also keep safe in the Companies Chest of Evidences, the Originals of all the Letters Patents, and other writings afore mentioned: all the books also aforesaid: all the Governors and Treasurer's books of their yearly accounts: the Husband's books of accounts of every voyage to the Summer-Ilands: and all other accounts perfected and approved by the Auditors. In the same Chest shall be kept all Charter-parties, as well canceled, as uncancelled: all bonds made to the Company, or for their use: and all bonds of the Companies, discharged and canceled: and all other writings and muniments whatsoever belonging to the Company: and the Secretary shall deliver out none of the Companies writings, but by direction from the Governor, Deputy, or Court, taking a note of the party's hand for the true restoring of them: and in convenient time he shall make Calendars of all the foresaid writings. The said Chest of Evidences shall have two strong locks to it: the key of the one shall be kept by the Governor or Deputy; and the key of the other by the Secretary. 81. The Secretary's Salary shall be for the present, ten pounds per annum; and when the public Land shall be thoroughly planted, than twenty pounds; and of his pains extraordinary, the Court shall take consideration. Bookkeeper. 82. THe Book keeper, at such time as he shall be be found to be necessary, shall be directed and ordered by the Treasurer and Auditors; and shall receive his Salary in the Quarter Courts, as the Auditors shall report of his pains and deserts. 83. The Book keeper, upon conference with the Secretary and the Husband, and they two in his defect, shall in every Quarter Court present openly to the Governor, a true note of the Debts, both owing by the Company, and aught unto them; together with the ground from whence they are risen; that the Court may take order for the discharge of the one, and recovery of the other. Husband. 84. THe Husband is to be ordered by the Governor, Deputy, and Assistants; and to keep his accounts in exact and justifiable manner: and to bring them from time to time to the Deputy and Assistants, to be first examined there, and approved under their hands, and then to be presented to the Auditors. 85. He shall at the end of every voyage set out by the Company, make a several book of the charges of that voyage, to be presented by him to the Auditors, and by them to the Court. His wages for the present shall be ten pounds per annum; and twenty pounds, when the public Lands shall be thoroughly planted. Beadle. 86. THe Beadle or Messenger is to be at command of the Governor, Deputy, and Courts: He is to warn all Quarter Courts, and Courts extraordinary; all meetings of the Assistants, and of all select Committees. His wages ten pounds per annum for the present, and twenty pounds when the public Lands shall be thoroughly planted. Generality. 87 THe particular Members of the Company, shall be subject to the general Courts, in matters concerning the Company or Plantation. If any man find himself aggrieved by a lesser or ordinary Court, he may appeal to a great and Quarter Court: where the matter shall be heard and finally ordered. If any man refuse to obey both the Court and other, he shall be suspended from the Courts for three years, and so much longer till he submit himself to the order of the Court. 88 Every man speaking in Court, shall address his speech to the Governor, or Deputy in his absence, as representing the Court. And all private speech, or directed to particular persons, shall be forborn. 89 No man in one Court shall speak above thrice to one matter: save the Governor, and the Deputy being to moderate the business. 90 No man with his speech shall interrupt the speech of another, before he have finished: except the Governor, or in his absence the Deputy, (with approbation of the Court) see cause to put any to silence for impertinency, or other unseemly speaking. 91 If any man be found by sinister course, to practise his own advantage, to the damnifying of the public; or be found with the Companies money or goods in his hands, and refuse to deliver the same being lawfully thereunto required: If being summoned to the Court, he refuse to appear: or appearing, perform not the order of the Court; he shall be both suspended from the Courts, and farther poceeded against, as an unworthy member and wrongdoer to the Company. 92 If any man out of evil mind, practise to raise faction or dissension in the Company: he shall for the first time be admonished by the Governor and the Court; and at the second time be suspended from the Courts for three years. 93 Whosoever shall attempt by private solicitation to pack the Court to any unjust or unlawful end: he shall upon complaint be convented before the Governor and Principal Assistants; And being convicted thereof by judgement of the Court, he shall be suspended from the Courts for three years. 94 If any man be found through corrupt reward, to make a motion in the Court, tending to the public hurt, or to the private wrong of another: he shall be forthwith suspended from the Courts for ever. 95 No man shall presume to intercept letters, written by or to the Governor or Company, or to spread false rumours upon sinister intent, to the wrong of the Governor, Company or Colony. The offender shall be suspended from the Courts for ever. 96 No man shall traduce any member of this Company in the Court of any other Company, for any thing done or spoken in this Court. The offender for the first time shall be admonished; for the second, suspended from the Court for one year; and the third time, for more years, as the Court shall think meet. 97 To avoid the drawing of the Company into debt henceforward, It is ordered that no man, other than the Governor or Deputy, by the advice and assent of the Principal Assistants, make or propound any new project of charge to the Company: but that he therewithal offer good means to defray that charge, and uphold his project, in such sort that the Company be never drawn again into any further Debt. And the breakers of this Order, shall be excluded from the general Courts, and from having voice or bearing Office for one year after. 98 If any man move for any charge to the Company by way of gift in what sort soever: It shall be first referred to a select Committie: And if the charge do not exceed ten pounds, it may be ordered by the next Court: If above, it shall be reserved to the Qarter Court ensuing. 99 It shall not be lawful for any Owner of Land, to sell or transport his Shares to another, otherwise then in open Court: And not before it do appear under three of the Auditors hands, that the party transporting his Shares stand clear, and be not indebted to the Company; or the party to whom they are passed, pay the said debt. Laws. 100 NO Laws or standing Orders shall be made by the Company, otherwise then in this manner. First, after the propounding of them in Court, they shall be referred to the discussing of a Select Committie: the Commities shall present their labours to the view of the Assistants: The Court of Assistants approving them, they shall be brought to the Court of Preparation next before the Quarter Court, and there openly read: And lastly they shall pass the judgement of the Quarter Court. 101 The Laws and Orders thus made, shall be fairly registered by the Secretary in a Parchment book: which he shall bring in every Court, and lay on the Table, that all men may peruse them that are so disposed. 102 In the Quarter Court in Hillary Term, all Laws and Standing Orders concerning the Company here, shall be publicly read in the beginning of the Court, till such time as it shall seem fit to have them printed. 103 The abrogating of a Law or Order, shall proceed by the same degrees, by which the making. 104 All Orders heretofore made repugnant or swerving from these, shall be henceforth void. Orders and Constitutions for the Summer-Ilands, etc. presented to the Quarter Court held the 6. of February, 1621. and finally enacted and established in the Quarter Court held the 29. of May, 1622. THE SECOND PART. Land in the Summer-Ilands. 105. THe Land in the Summer-Ilands, is partly public, partly private. The private Land is divided into eight Tribes, lying from the common Land, in this order: Namely, Harington and Hamiltons Tribe, Smiths' Tribe, Devonshire Tribe, Pembroke Tribe, Pagets' Tribe, Warwick Tribe, South-hampton Tribe, and Sandys Tribe. Each of these Tribes is subdivided into fifty shares belonging to particular owners: save that two shares in Pembroke Tribe are appropriated for ever in quality of Glebe land to the Minister. To Southampton Tribe there have been also annexed five other Shares or parts out of an over plus of Land that fell out in the Division, three whereof have been given by the Company to one of the Governors in the said Summer-Ilands: And the other two are appropriated for ever in quality of Glebe Land to the Minister. 106 The little Lands and spots of Land scattered about these Tribes, and not appropriated to any Tribe at the admeasurement of the Land as parcel of the same, shall lie in common to the use of all the eight Tribes: But the spare Land lying near the fresh water in every Tribe, shall be divided in proportion to every share, and shall be orderly laid out for the building of houses, and for gardens and other easements to be adjoined to them, that the people may live more comfortably as in Towns together. 107 All the residue of the Land, with the little Lands and spots adjoining, is and shall for ever continue public Land; that is to say, The Land of the Governor and Company of the City of London for the Summer-Ilands: and shall not be alienated from the Body of the said Company, or subdivided amongst the said Company or any part thereof: Save that two hundred Acres of the Island, called Davies Island, shall be annexed to Harrington and Hamiltons Tribe, to make recompense for the alleged sterility of the Land in that Tribe: and excepting such other Lands, as have been already lawfully alienated or granted by former Quarter Courts, if any such be. 108 Nevertheless, the public Land shall receive the division ensuing, for public uses and services. Fifty acres next to Saint George's Town, shall be appropriated for ever in quality of Glebe Land to the Minister: and fifty other acres next to Harington and Hamiltons Tribe, in like sort to another Minister. The Governor of the Summer-Ilands there residing, shall have allotted to him and his Successors, twelve shares of Land, containing three hundred acres: which Land shall lie together in Saint George's Island, and shall begin at the point next Penistons' Island at the East, and so shall take all the Land before it from Sea to Sea; save that the fifty acres belonging to the Minister, shall lie near to the Church and Parsonage house; and the Governor shall take charge of the three Forts in his own Land. The Sheriff shall have also allotted to him and his Successors there residing, four shares of Land, containing one hundred acres, next adjoining to the Governors Land. And the Secretary shall have two shares, containing fifty acres. There shall be also allotted to the Captains of the other Forts, eight shares of Land, containing in the whole, two hundred acres, viz. to the Captain of the two Forts in Penistons' Island, two shares: to the Captain of the Fort toward Saint David's Island, two shares: to the Captain of the Fort on Cooper's Island, with a platform over against the Forts on Gurnards' Head, two shares: and to the Captain of the Forts at the Gurnards' Head, two shares: which shares of Land shall be laid out of good Land, and in places most convenient for the Officers aforesaid: all the residue of the public Land, shall be occupied for the use of the general Company; and to defray the public charges for the safeguard of the said Summer-Ilands; and in works for the general good of the Inhabitants thereof, according as the said Company shall appoint. 109. The Governors' Land, at the charge of the Company, is to be furnished with two Tenants to every share. In like sort the Lands of the Sheriff, and of the Secretary, and the Glebe Lands of the four Ministers; the Lands also of the four Captains of the Forts above specified. And it shall not be lawful for the said Governor, Sheriff, Ministers, Secretary, Captains, or any of them, to let out his or their Tenants to hire, or to employ them elsewhere, or otherwise, then in occupying of the said Lands respectively, under a grievous penalty to be inflicted upon the Offender by the judgement of a Quarter Court. And the Governor, Sheriff, Ministers, Secretary, and Captains aforesaid, and their Successors for ever, shall at the yielding up, or leaving of their places, be it by death, or otherwise, leave the like number of Tenants to their Successors, as shall be left unto them from their Predecessors, or as they shall have received from the Company. 110. For the benefit and better encouragement of all Handicrafts men necessary for the Summer-Ilands; it is granted and ordered, that every Shipwright, Carpenter, joiner, Mason, Brick-maker, Brick-layer Smith, Cooper, Sawyer, and all other of like necessary Handicrafts, that shall go to the Summer-Ilands to inhabit upon the public Land, and there to exercise their Handicrafts, shall have two acres of the said public Land set out unto each for an House and Garden, paying the yearly rent of two shillings, at the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, to continue in like sort to them, their heirs and assigns; upon condition that they continue also the exercise of some Handicraft occupation, and wholly forbear the planting of Tobacco upon the same Lands, and not otherwise. 111. If any Handicrafts men aforesaid, shall desire to be placed in any of the Tribes, it shall be lawful for any Owner in every of the said Tribes, to demise unto any of the said Handicrafts men, two acres of his Land, or a less quantity, but not above, for such yearly Rent as they shall agree on; upon condition that the said Handicrafts man continue the exercise of his said Trade, and wholly forbear the planting of Tobacco upon the same Lands, and not otherwise. 112. All the Lands in the Summer-Ilands, as well public, as private, shall be occupied to half profits, between the Owners, and the Occupiers; except the Lands granted or demised to the said Handicrafts men, and such Proprietors as themselves shall inhabit upon their own Lands, and such other as shall be here under excepted: And all other Contracts shall be void. 113. Yet no children, or young men, under the age of twenty and one years, shall share by halves, in the profits as other men do; nor live upon shares by themselves; but with Masters of families; there being found to them diet, lodging, and apparel convenient, with some other yearly allowance of profit, according to their abilities and deserts. And if any owner of Land shall contract with his servant or Apprentice, to serve him at any other rates, and not at the half profits, till the said servant or Apprentice shall have accomplished the full age of twenty four years, the said Contract shall stand in force and validity. 114. The Governor, and other Officers, shall take care for the preservation of the breed of Birds, by reserving to them those Lands whereunto they resort. Also for preservation of the young Tortoises, by such orders, and under such penalties, as by the general Assembly hereafter to be spoken of shall be set down. 115. They shall also have especial care of the preservation of Timber, that no waste be made thereof. And in particular, that no man presume without the Owners consent under his hand and seal, to cut down young Cedar trees, before they be come to their growth, under a grievous penalty, to be assessed at the discretion of the said Governor and Council. Neither shall they suffer any Timber, Boards, or Planks, to be transported out of the said Lands, without especial warrant from the Governor, and Company here. 116. Care also shall be taken, that all sorts of Trees, which defend the Lands from winds and tempests, be preserved and maintained: and where decay hath been, that young Plants be there set and cherished. 117. All Grants from the Company, of men's private Lands in the Summer-Ilands, shall pass under the common Seal of the Company; which shall be sufficient Evidence for their said Land: provided, that both the Grantees, and they from whom they derive their estate, before the affixing of the said common Seal to their Grants, stand clear from being any way indebted to the Company. 118. No man may be Owner of more than ten shares of Land in the Summer-Ilands; except it shall please a Quarter Court, to grant liberty unto any man for five shares more, or under, but not above: which Grant must be confirmed also by the Quarter Court next ensuing. The Transgressor of this Law, either directly or indirectly, shall forfeit his shares exceeding the lawful number, to the Company. But if they accrue unto any man by descent or Legacy; in those cases there shall be granted unto him the liberty of twelve months, to alienate the shares exceeding the lawful number. 119. All Grants of Land and Liberties in the Summer-Ilands, shall be passed by Indenture; the counterpart whereof shall be sealed by the Grantees: and the Secretary shall have the engrossing of all such Indentures. 120. No Patents, or Indentures of Grants of Lands in the Summer-Ilands, shall be sealed with the Companies Seal, but being read and approved in a Quarter Court: the same having been also first examined and allowed under the hands of a select Committee for that purpose. 121. No liberty shall be granted, tending to the exempting of any man from the authority of the Governor or Sheriff of the Summer-Ilands, or of the Council or Courts to be there established, in any case of Treason, Rebellion, Sedition, Heresy, or Schism; or upon any duty to be performed for the necessary defence of the Country, or for the preservation of the public peace, and suppressing tumults within the Land, or for Trials in matters of justice, by lawful orders to be from hence delivered; or in cases consented unto, as well by a General Assembly of the Colony there, as by the Company here in a Quarter Court. And all Grants swerving from this Order, shall be deemed unlawful and surreptitious. 122. In all Grants of Lands, a fifth of the Royal Mines of Gold and Silver shall be reserved to the Company, as another fifth is already reserved to the Crown. 123. There is also, and shall be for ever reserved to the Company, the Moiety of all lawful wrecks: and the other Moiety shall be to the Recoverers. But if the wreck be driven within the bounds of any particular man's Land; the Recoverers shall yield to the Owner of the said Land the one half of their Moiety. 124. There is likewise, and shall be for ever reserved to the Company, a fifth part of all the Ambergris that shall be found; and the rest shall be divided equally between the finder, and the Owner of the Land where the same is found; save that three shillings four pence upon every ounce of the said Ambergris, shall be allowed to the Governor of the said Lands. And whosoever shall not discover to the said Governor and Sheriff, and some one other of the Council, the true quantity of the Ambergris so found, within five days after the finding of the same, shall forfeit his own entire part to the Company, and be subject to such other punishment as the general Court shall award. 125. In all Patents or Indentures of Grants of Lands, the Grantees shall covenant to employ their people in reasonable sort in Staple Commodities, and not wholly or chiefly about Tobacco. 126. All Grants of Lands shall be made with equal favours, and Grants of like liberties and immunities as near as may be; to the end that all complaint of partiality or unindifferency may be prevented. Officers in the Summer-Jlands. 127. ALL Principal Officers in the Summer-Ilands, and namely, the Governor, Sheriff and Secretary, shall be chosen here by Ballading in a Quarter Court. 128. The Ministers, and the Council established in the Summer-Ilands, and all other Officers there reserved to the choice of the Company here, shall be chosen in a Quarter Court by only erection of hands; unless the Court desire to have it pass by Ballading. 129. The Commissions to all Officers there, excepting Ministers, shall be only for three years in certain, and afterward during the Companies pleasure: only the Governor shall, upon no occasion, hold that place above six years together. 130. The Company here shall not be charged with the maintenance of the Officers there: But they shall be maintained there, out of the public Lands, or by such other means as shall be hereafter set down. Governor in the Summer-Ilands. 131. THe Governor to be sent to the Summer-Ilands, shall be chosen a man well-affected in Religion, and zealous of the service of God; a Person discreet, industrious, moderate, just, and valiant. His Commission is to be for no longer time than three years, to be counted from the date of the same. Nevertheless, his said Commission is not to take effect, till the expiration, or other determination of the Commission to a former Governor, or till the delivery thereof to the new elected Governor; either here in England, or in the said Summer-Ilands, as the case shall require. Howbeit it is, and shall be lawful, by a new and solemn Election in manner before set down, to continue the said Governor in his place of Government for longer time, according to his deserts; so as the same exceed not six years in the whole together. And if it happen that the Commission to any such Governor, expire before the arrival of his lawful Successor: In that case he shall continue still in his place of Government, till such time as his said Successor shall arrive there: Immediately whereupon he shall yield up the Government to him. 132. The Governors' duty is to have a vigilant eye upon the strength and safeguard of the Lands, both from foreign Invasion, and intestine Mutinies. In which case he hath authority to exercise Martial Law, according to the manner and form limited by his Majesty's Letters Patents. 133. It is also his duty to have an eye upon the Ministers; as well that the people perform their duty toward them, and use them with all due respect and reverence; as also that they perform the duty of their place, in duly observing the solemn Divine service, and training up the People in the true fear of God, and observance of his Commandments; In assured allegiance also and duty to the King, his Heirs and Successors: In obedience also to all other subordinate Governors and Government, placed over them by authority derived from his Majesty: And lastly, in a fraternal love and unity among themselves. In all which, the example of the Magistrates and Ministers, will be of more force than any other persuasion whatsoever. 134 It is the Governor's Office, to have care of the due administration of justice to all the People, as well in cases Criminal, as Civil: wherein the equity of the Laws of England, & form of administration of justice here used, is to be followed as much as may be: Nevertheless the Governor of himself alone shall not make any order in Causes litigious, without both party's consent: but shall hear and determine Causes with the Counsels assistance and assent, in such manner as shall be hereafter set down. 135. In all Causes civil brought to the Governor and Council at the first instance, they may proceed to hearing and determining thereof in their ordinary sit. But if it be brought to them by appeal from some other Inferior Officers; Or if appeal be made from themselves; the Trial thereof shall be reserved to the next General Sessions. 136. The Governor shall not proceed as of himself alone, to the Corporal punishment of any man, other then three day's imprisonment. If the crime deserve higher punishment, he shall proceed by the advice and assent of the Counsel. Provided always, that matters of Treason, Murder, and Felony; also of Forgery, Perjury, Conspiracy, and such like, be reserved to be tried at the next General Sessions, according to the Laws and forms of Trial used in this Realm. 137. The Governor in the Summer-Ilands, hath power granted by his Majesty, to minister a formal Oath to any person there whosoever, for the examination, testifying and clearing of the truth in any cause whatsoever, as well concerning the Plantation, as any other particular business there arising for the maintenance of Peace and justice amongst the Inhabitants. Of which power he shall make use there, in all such causes, and to all such persons, as the like is done by the judges and justices of this Realm. 138. The Governor shall not suffer any man to depart from the Summer-Ilands, against whom there is any cause or suit in Law depending; unless the Defendant shall first substitute an Attorney sufficient to answer and undergo the Suit in his place; and also enter into bond with two sufficient Sureties, to perform whatsoever Sentence shall pass against him. And if the Governor and Council see probable cause to conceive, that the Suit is set on foot upon malice, and to stop the Defendant from his intended journey: in that case the Plaintiff shall likewise give good security to pay to the Defendant double costs and damages, if the Sentence pass not against him. 139. The Governor is to hold two general Sessions in every year, at times to be apppointed by the general Assembly hereafter mentioned: whereunto every Tribe shall send six men chosen by themselves to serve for that Tribe, and the common Land twelve: and all other having business, or summoned by the Governor and Council, may, and shall repair thither, and make their appearance. And no man shall depart till the Sessions be ended, without leave of the Governor. 140. The Governor shall also, in every second year once, hold a general Assembly, for the making of Laws and Orders for the particular necessities and occasions of those Lands, and the Inhabitants thereof, and for the ordering of other important business; which Laws and Orders shall no further forth be of force and validity, if they receive not confirmation afterward in a Quarter Court here. In this Assembly, the Governor shall sit as Precedent, to moderate the Assembly, and shall have a Negative voice. The Council shall sit next to him, and each have his several voice: but if they all join in one opinion, that also shall have the force of another Negative. And lastly, each Tribe shall by Election send out four able persons, to represent that Tribe: and the Occupiers of common Land, eight; who shall have likewise free voices in that Assembly; where all things shall be established by plurality of voices, the foresaid Negatives reserved. 141. Lastly, it is the Governors' duty, to oversee all inferior Officers that they perform their duties. To which end he shall minister a formal Oath to all other Officers and inferior Ministers in the said Lands whatsoever, for the just, true, and faithful discharge of their several places, duties and services. 142. The Governor shall not impose any Fines or Amercements for his own behoof: But all Fines, Amercements, Forfeitures, and Confiscations shall accrue to the public service of the Plantation; or to such other uses as are before, or shall be hereafter particularly expressed; to be levied and kept by the Sheriff, and to be expended or paid over by direction of the Governor and Council. 143. The Governor shall not lay any Taxes or Impositions upon the Lands in the Summer-Ilands; or upon the People or Commodities, otherwise then by the authority of the general assembly; to be levied and employed as the said Assembly shall appoint. 144. The Governor shall not withdraw the Inhabitants from their private labours, to any service of his own, upon any colour whatsoever. And in case the public necessity require employment of many hands, before the holding of a general Assembly to give order for the same: In that case, the levying of men shall be done by order of the Governor and whole Body of the Council, and that in such sort, as to be least burdensome to the people, and most free from partiality. 145. The Governor shall not grant leave to, nor suffer the Tenant or servant of any man to return into England, or otherwise to depart from the occupying of his Landlords or Master's Land, before the time of his Covenant be fully expired; except the Owner of the Land, under his hand and Seal give consent thereto. 146. The Governor also, in quality of Captain General, shall have care that the people be trained up to Military service: and shall from time to time give seasonable advertizment, for provision of Shot, Powder, and other Ammunition to be made. He shall also have yearly a general Muster or view of Arms: And shall yearly return to the Company a list of the names of all the trained Bands, together with a Certificate of all defects whatsoever. 147. The Governor shall not forsake his charge, nor depart out of the Summer-Ilands, during the time of his Commission, without especial Licence of a Quarter Court here, under pain of being disfranchised for ever as an unworthy person; and further censured and proceeded against, as by a general Court shall be thought meet. 148. If it happen the Governor of the Summer-Ilands to dye, before the expiration of his Commission, or arrival of his Successor; in that case the whole body of the Council shall assemble together, and choose any of themselves to succeed in that place of Government: unless, or till such time as the Company take other order. The like course shall be held for all other Principal Officers. Sheriff. 149. THe Sheriff's Office shall be, to see, or cause the judgements of the Governor and Council, especially those at the general Sessions, to be put in due execution. At which Sessions he shall also impannell the juries with all indifferency. 150. He shall also levy, or cause to be levied, all Fines, Amercements, and other forfeitures whatsoever; and all Taxes and Impositions lawfully assessed. And the same in quality of a Treasurer to the Colony, shall keep or convert to the most profit for their use, and shall expend the same for no other than public services; and that by direction from the Governor and Council; and shall openly at every Sessions deliver up in writing, a true account of all such his receipts and disbursements. The allowance for his charges, as well in executing the foresaid judgements, as also in levying the said Fines, Amercements, Forfeitures, Taxes and Impositions shall be such, as by the said general Assembly shall be set down. 151. He shall also in quality of a Treasurer to the Company, carefully collect and levy all such profits, as shall any way belong to the Company, by reason of the Royalties and other Commodities to them reserved, or by reason of any forfeitures due to the Company: and shall cause them to be yearly transmitted to the Company, together with his account; for which he shall receive from them an extraordinary reward. The like shall he do for the forfeitures due to the particular Owners of Lands. 152. All Shot, Powder, Armour, and other Ammunition whatsoever, with all other public provisions sent from the Company to the Summer-Ilands, shall be consigned to the custody and charge of the Sheriff; who shall not deliver out the same, or any part thereof, but by order, either from the Company here, or from the Governor and Council there, whereof the said Sheriff shall yearly give up a true and perfect Account in writing, as well to the Governor and Council there, as also to the Governor and Company here. And if any Officer or other person, by himself, his Servants or Agents, shall sell away any of the public provision of Shot, Powder, Arms, or other Ammunition, to the wrong of the Company, he shall make restitution to the double; and being an Officer, make forfeit also of his place. 153. Lastly, the Sheriff's duty is once at least every Quarter, and oftener if there be cause, to visit the eight Tribes, as also the public Lands, and all the several parts both of the one and other; and by diligent enquiry, to see how as well these Orders of the Company, and all other instructions, as also the contracts and agreements between the several members of the Company, and their Tenants or servants, are observed: and with the advice and assistance of the Overseers of the Tribes, and of the chief Masters of Families, shall proceed to the reforming and rectifying of what is found amiss, according to such Orders as shall be established. And if any man be found intractable or incorrigible by the Sheriff, he shall be summoned by him to appear before the Governor and Council, either at the general Sessions, or otherwise, as the cause shall require. Ministers. THe Ministers being to be four, shall have their Churches and Parishes thus placed and divided. The first Church shall be at S. George's Town: and that Parish shall extend over all the public Land, save that parcel which adjoineth to Harrington and Hamiltons Tribe on the Main. The second Church shall be on the said public Land fast adjoining to Harrington & Hamiltons Tribe: and that Parish shall extend over that part of the public Land, being as is said before, on the Main; as also over all Harrington and Hamiltons Tribe, and Smith's Tribe. The third Church shall be in Pembroke Tribe, upon the two shares there bought for Glebe Land to the Parsonage: and that Parish shall extend over Pembroke Tribe, Devonshire Tribe, and Pagets' Tribe. The fourth Church shall be on the Confines of Southampton Tribe, and Sandys Tribe: And this Parish shall extend over Southampton Tribe, Warwick Tribe, and Sandys Tribe. near adjoining to these Churches shall the Parsonage houses be built. And for the better yearly maintenance of the Ministers, over and above their houses, Glebes, and Tenants as aforesaid: It is ordered, that there shall be apportioned to them out of the fruits of the earth, and cattle, growing and renewing within their several Parishes, a certain portion by way of charge upon every Share or Farm; so as to make up each Minister's Entertainment in that kind, to the value of one hundred pounds a year, or thereabout. Which value of one hundred pounds the year, shall commence at the end of seven years after the making hereof. And in the mean season, the proportion for their yearly maintenance, besides the said Glebe Lands, shall be such as shall be agreed upon between the Company and the several Ministers. 155. Whereas the Owners and Occupiers of the Land, have of their own voluntary gift, offered the hundreth part yearly of all their Tobacco, towards the building of the said Churches and Parsonage houses: it is ordered that the Overseers of every Tribe, as also of the common Land, shall yearly collect the same, and deliver it upon account to the Sheriff; who by advice and direction from the Governor and Council, shall take order for the erecting of the said Churches and houses; and faithfully expend that which shall arise by the said Collections upon the uses aforesaid; and thereof deliver up a yearly account to the said Governor and Council: who shall transmit the same, or a copy thereof to the Governor and Company here. The works being finished, the Gift also shall cease. 156. The Ministers shall diligently apply their vocation, and show themselves Patterns of piety and virtue to the people. They shall by help of the Overseers of the Tribes, and other chief men in their Parishes, endeavour to reform all disorderly persons. If any appear incorrigible, he shall be presented to the Governor and Council; who shall proceed to reformation by exemplary punishment, according to the quality of the Offenders misdeserts. 157. For the avoiding of Sects and Factions in Religion, the Governor and Council shall be careful to suppress by course of authority, all factious and seditious Preaching, teaching, and disputing, as well in private, as public. Secretary in the Summer-Jlands. 158. THe Office of the Secretary, is to keep or cause to be kept a Register-Booke of the Decrees and Orders of the Council there; and to deliver to the Sheriff, and other Officers to whom it shall appertain, a Copy of such of them as are to be published, or to be put in execution. 159. It is also the Secretary's Office, at the General Sessions, to perform, or cause to be performed, the Office of Clerk of the Peace, and Clerk of the Assizes: and to have care that all Trials do pass in due form of Law; and to keep a Register Book of all the verdicts and judgements: and to deliver to the Sheriff a Copy under his hand, of such of them as are to be put in execution. 160. The Secretary shall also in all the general Assemblies, hold the place of Speaker; and have care that all things proceed and pass in due order: and shall keep a Register Book of all the Acts there passed, being first signed by the Governor and the Council present. 161. It is also ordered for the present time, till a more convenient course may be taken, that the probate of Wills, committing of Administrations, and all other Acts incident to Testamentary causes, shall be annexed to the Secretary's Office: who shall likewise keep an exact Register of them. The Ministers also in their several Parishes, shall deliver unto the Secretary at every general Sessions, a true note of all the Christen, Marriages, and Burials, which have been in their Parishes from the general Sessions last before; which the Secretary shall likewise enter in a Book, and shall send a Copy thereof yearly to the Company. 162. The Secretary at the arrival of every Ship at the Summer-Ilands, shall make a true list of the names of all the people then arriving with intent to continue and inhabit in the said Summer-Ilands, of what sex, age, and Trade they are, and upon whose account they are sent. And likewise at the departure of every Ship shall make a like list of the names of all the Inhabitants that depart therein, with their sex, age, and Trade, and whose Tenants or servants they have formerly been, together with the cause of their departure. Both which he shall enter in a Book there to be kept, and a Copy thereof shall transmit to the Company by the several Ships returning. 163. Lastly, it is the Secretary's duty, to be assisting to the Governor, as well in dispatch of all Letters and other writings to the Company; as also in publishing all Orders, Commissions, and other directions whatsoever, which the Governor there shall receive from the Governor and Company here; and to have care with the Governor, that the said Orders, Commissions and directions be duly executed; and that thereof a seasonable account be given to the Governor and Company here. 164. The Secretary, for his service at the general Sessions, and at the general Assemblies, and for Testamentary causes, shall have such Fees as shall be set down by the general Assembly. Captains of Forts. 165. THe Captains of the Forts ought to be men discreet, and commended for fidelity. They are also to be expert Gunners, and trained up in Military service. Their duty is to have care of the safety▪ of the Forts committed to their several charges, and that they be well furnished with all necessary provisions. There shall be also assigned by the Governor and Council, a competent number of the public Tenants to the service of every Fort, to be trained up to that Service, and to be always in readiness when occasion shall require: which Tenants, in consideration of that attendance and service, shall pay to the Company only a fourth part of their yearly profits. If any of the Captains of the Forts die there, his place shall be supplied by appointment of the Governor and Council there, till such time as the Company here proceed to a new Election. Overseers. 166. Out of the six persons sent yearly from every Tribe, to serve for that Tribe at the general Sessions to be held in the Spring or former part of the year, the Governor and Council shall choose out two, to have the place of Overseers of that Tribe for the year ensuing. And the Governor shall openly in the said general Sessions, minister unto them a formal Oath for the due execution of their Office. Provided always, that at the humble petition of any Tribe, the Governor and Council, if they so think good, may continue either one, or both of the Overseers of the former year, for the year also ensuing. Like course shall be held for the Overseers of the public Land in all points. Provided always, and it is reserved to the power of the Company here, to place such Overseers there from time to time, as they shall please to elect and nominate in any of their Quarter Courts. 167 The duty of these Overseers, is in their several charges, to divide with an even and just hand between the owners and their Tenants, all the Tobacco and other Commodities growing within their charge. And to the end that they may better inform themselves what Crop is like to be received out of the whole Tribe, they shall, about 14. days before the usual time of gathering their Commodities, generally survey all the Ground so planted throughout, and diligently observe what quantity each Tenant or Servant hath planted; and the same register in a book; a Copy whereof, as likewise of the divident, they shall send under their hands unto the Company here. When the division is made between the Owner of the Land and his Tenants or Servants, as justly both for quantity and quality as they can: They shall cast Lots upon the Moities, and take that part for the Owner which shall fall unto him by Lot. Which done, they are likewise to have faithful care, that the Owners part of such Goods as are fit, or shall be directed to be sent, be duly packed up sealed and conveied to the Ship, (unless the Owner under his hand and Seal give other direction,) to be sent to the Company here, or as the Company shall direct. Other Goods unfit to be sent by Sea, they shall dispose of as the Owners shall appoint. Provided always, that the Tobacco to be divided, be cured and made up in best manner, before the said Division be made. And concerning the Tobacco and other Commodities of the growth of the Overseers themselves, the same course shall be held, as well for division thereof between them and their Landlords; as also for disposing of the Landlord's Moiety in manner aforesaid. Save that the division of the Tobacco, and Commodities of the one Overseer, shall be performed and perfited by the other reciprocally. 168. These Overseers also, in their several charges, shall diligently inquire what Debts are owing by Tenants or Servants, to their Landlords. To which end the Landlords shall acquaint the Overseers, with the several Contracts betwixt them and their Tenants or Servants. All which hereafter, for the avoiding of fraud or quarrel, shall pass by Indenture. And the said Overseers, after the division once made, shall cause satisfaction of the Debts appearing to be due, to be made to the Landlords, before they deliver the Moiety due to the Tenants or Servants: Provided that there be always means left of livelihood and subsistence, to the Occupiers of the Land. 169. And to prevent all wrongs on either side, between Landlords and Tenants or Servants: It is ordered, that the Governor at every General Sessions, shall charge the Grand jury, to inquire by all lawful means of such defaults: and especially to inquire if any fraud have been committed by the Tenants or Servants, in concealing or secretly conveying away any of the said profits to be divided, before division of the same be made. And after presentment made, and trial thereof had, the Governor there shall cause a true and perfect Certificate thereof to be made unto this Company, under the jurors hands. And for the better discovery of all such misdemeanours, It is ordered that all the Overseers in every Parish, shall once every Quarter meet together at their Parish Church, and warn every Parishioner to be there: thereby to learn what presentments shallbe made of the said misdemeanours, or any other of the like nature; the better to prepare that general information. And in case any such purloining, imbezelling, deceit or fraud shall be proved, and the Tenant or Servant thereof found guilty, the person so offending, either presently, or so soon as he hath wherewith to do it, besides restitution, shall be compelled to pay one fourth part of all the Tobacco, or such like profits which he hath or shall have growing the same year; to be seized upon by the said Overseers in their several charges: which fourth part being subdivided into three parts; the one part shall be to the Landlord or Master of the said Tenant or Servant, another part to the said Overseers, as an increase of their Salary, and a third part to the Informer or Informers. The like penalty shallbe for any wrong done by the Landlord or Master to his Tenant or Servant. 170. It is the duty also of the Overseers, to take up all petty controversies, and to inform the Governor and Sheriff of all matters of greater importance: To see the people diligently and discreetly to apply their business: To acquaint the Sheriff from time to time, of the estate of each Tribe; what persons there are on each Owners Land: what be their names, and what their endeavours; and in what estate their Farms do lie, that the same may be yearly certified by the Sheriff to the Company. They shall also have care, that the several Lands or Farms be well used, and occupied in husbandly manner by the several Tenants and Servants: That the houses be maintained and kept in repair: And that the Timber be preserved, according to the Orders concerning it. 171. The Overseers, in regard of their great care and pains, if they perform their duty according to their Oath, shall have two in the Hundred weight of all the Tobacco growing within their precincts, to be taken out of each Moiety at the division made as aforesaid. Council. 172. Out of the Officers aforenamed, the Governor shall have a Council to assist him, which shall be ordinarily these: The Sheriff, The two Ministers planted on the public Land, The Secretary, Two Captains of the chief Forts, & the first of the Overseers of the public Land. Nevertheless at the General Sessions, and upon other especial and extaordinary occasion, there shall sit with the Governor, as being of the Council, the other two Ministers, and the first of the two Overseers of every Tribe. There shall be also of the Council, all such as have held the places of chief Governors or Sheriffs of the said Summer-Ilands, and have worthily for their times discharged their Offices, and not been censured for misdemeanours, either by the Company here, or by such Commissioners as shall be sent from hence with such authority. Lastly, it is in the power here of a Quarter Court, to appoint any other particular person to be of the Council there, whom they shall please to choose. 173. It shall not be counted an Assembly of the Council, unless that four of them, or three at least be present, beside the Governor: and that without practice or purpose to exclude the rest. 174. It is the duty of the Council there, to be assisting to the Governor with their faithful and careful advice, both for the strength and safeguard of the said Lands; and for the well Government of the people: as also for the due administration of justice in all causes brought before them: and for the observance of all the Laws and Orders delivered unto them by authority from hence, and such other particular Instructions as from time to time they shall receive. To the performing of which duty, the Governor shall administer to every of them, at his admittance to be of the said Council, a formal Oath. And in all meetings of the said Council, Resolutions and judgements shall pass by plurality of voices: Only the Governor shall have both two voices, and all so a casting voice in the said meetings. 175. The Governor, with the whole Council, shall sit as judges or justices in the General Sessions. Wherein by agreement amongst themselves, they shall publish to the people what times they will hold for their ordinary hearing of causes and administration of justice, in all such matters as shall come or be brought before them: which times they shall not fail duly to observe. Nevertheless, it shall be lawful for the party grieved, to appeal from any sentence given by the said Governor and Council, to a more solemn trial at the next General Sessions: Yet so, that he put in good security, to pay double costs and charges to the party at variance with him, if the matter pass against him at the said General Sessions, be it either by the verdict of jury, or by the judgement of the Governor, and whole body of the Council, as in cases of equity, and not tryable by Iury. The same Law shall be for all other appeals whatsoever. 176. The pleading of all causes both Civil and Criminal, shall be o'er tenus, and plain. The parties by themselves, or by their more able friends declaring and alleging what they have to say each for themselves: And the Witnesses shall be present, and heard viva voce, being first sworn. Only the sentence shall be fully set down in writing, and registered in a Book to be kept for that purpose. Jnferiour Officers. 177. THe Governor and Council shall, at their meeting at the General Sessions, choose & appoint all other Inferior Officers, necessary either for the due and speedy administration of justice, or for other public service in the said Summer-Ilands, whose sees shallbe such & no other, as shallbe rated & set down by the General assembly from time to time. Which General Assembly may also at their pleasure, alter and reform the said Officers and Offices; with reference always to the pleasure of the Company here, as is before expressed. 178. In like sort the Inhabitants of every particular Tribe, as also of the public Land, being assembled by the Overseers respectively, shall have power to choose such inferior Officers, for the behoof and service of the said Tribes and public Lands respectively, as they shall find necessary, with allowance of such Fees from the said Inhabitants, as they shall agree on: Which shall be subject to the Confirmation or reformation of the said General Assembly, in manner before delivered. Commissioners. 179. THe Governor and Company here, by Order in a Quarter Court, shall once in three years, if they think it so expedient, send or appoint Commissioners for the said Summer-Ilands; Men fearing God, Men of gravity, wisdom, courage and integrity uncontrolled, to examine the actions, as well of the said Governor and Council, as of all other Officers, or which in former times have borne Office within the said Lands: Who shall also have power, according to the tenor of their Commission, to proceed to the censuring and reforming of all Delinquents: and the said Commissioners, during the time of their Commission, shall be exempted from any jurisdiction over them in the said Lands: and of all their proceedings, they shall from thence, or at their return, make due Certificate to the Governor and Company here. Inhabitants. 180. THe Inhabitants of the Summer-Ilands, shall duly frequent the service of God, and thereat behave themselves with all decency and reverence, under a penalty to be set down by their general Assembly. The Masters also of Families, shall by aid and direction of their Minister, see their children, Servants, and other Cohabitants, brought up in the true knowledge and fear of God, in the hatred also of vice, and exercise of piety and virtue. 181. They shall carry themselves loyally both in deeds and words towards the King, his Heirs and Successors. They shall also behave themselves reverently and dutifully, as well toward the Governor and Company here, as also toward the Governor and Council there; under penalties to be set down by the general Assembly. If any man suppose himself to have just cause of grievance, he shall not by mutinous speech raise discontent also in other man; but exhibit his Petition or Complaint to the Governor and Council; who shall transmit the same to the Governor and Company here, from whom he shall receive right and justice without delay. 182. The Tenants or Servants shall not by unreverent speech or writing abuse their Landlords or Masters, under a penalty to be inflicted upon them by a great and general Court here. But he that hath cause of complaint, shall exhibit his Petition in manner aforesaid. 183. If any of the Company here, by any sinister means seek to oppress or wrong any of the Inhabitants there; after complaint made and proved, either before the Governor and Company here, or the Governor or Council there, and certified hither, as the case shall require, besides the forfeiture above mentioned in the said Summer-Ilands, whereof one third part shall be to the party grieved; he shall be also severely proceeded against in a Quarter Court here. 184. If any man be a Common Swearer, or profane abuser of the Name of God, if after lawful admonition by the Magistrate or Minister, he do not reform himself, besides other due punishment, he shall be declared infamous. 185. If any man of unquiet and contentious spirit, be a common raiser of quarrels or brabbles amongst neighbours; besides other penalties to be inflicted according to Law, he shall be condemned by the Governor and Council to be a person infamous. 186. A person by lawful Sentence condemned and declared to be infamous, shall, during the time he so continueth, be uncapable of any Office of dignity or command: But in Offices ministerial, and of toil only and labour, he may, and shall be employed. He shall not sit or stand in the Church with the rest of the Congregation, but in a lower place apart by himself: and in all other Assemblies, he shall always sit or stand in the meanest place. His testimony shall not be received in any cause or business. If he commit any crime, or break any Law or Order, his punishment shall be double to that of another man in the like case. If he presume to do any thing contrary to this Order, he shall endure six days straight imprisonment for the same. And every person declared to be infamous, shall so continue, till he publicly declare his repentance and reformation at a general Sessions; and thereupon be discharged from his infamy. 187. If any man being of an idle and vain disposition, forsake his labour, or other business, and thereby give example to other men to do the like: he shall be admonished thereof by the Sheriff, or Overseer. If after admonition he persist in his idle course of life, he shall be declared infamous. But if the same person become also a wanderer or vagrant from the due place of his service: he shall for the first time be only admonished; but for every offence after, he shall by order of the Sheriff or Overseers, be scourged on the naked back at the whipping post, as a Rogue; and the entertainers and relievers of every such wand'ring person, or of any Fugitive from the business of his lawful Landlord or Master, shall for every time or day of such entertainment, forfeit ten pounds of Tobacco, or to the value thereof: whereof the one Moiety shall be to the use of the Landlord or Master so wronged, and the other Moiety shall be to the use of the public works of the Plantation. 188. If any man be a Drunkard, or a common haunter of Tippling-houses; if after admonition he do not reform himself, besides other due penalties, he shall be declared infamous. And the Governor and Council shall in their general Sessions, from time to time, take especial care for limiting the number, and reforming the abuses of all Hosteries, Taverns, or Drinking-houses, of what kind soever. 189. If any man be a common spender of his time in dicing and carding, or other vain or unlawful gaming; or use the same 〈◊〉 times unseasonable; he shall be declared infamous. 190. Whosoever shall in bravery of apparel exceed his degree; if after admonition he do not reform the same, he shall in all public burdens bear the double to any other. 191. The Sheriff and Overseers of Tribes, shall take diligent notice also of such persons, as by their orderly and industrious course of life, give good example unto those amongst whom they live: whereof, and of their other good parts and abilities, they shall give information to the Governor and Council from time to time, who upon that, and such other information as they shall take, shall advertise in like sort the Governor and Company here of the men of best quality, good carriage and sufficiency in the said Summer-Ilands: that the Company may accordingly prefer, or otherwise reward persons of good sufficiency and well-deserving. 192. No Tenant or Servant, set out and furnished by any Owner of Land according to their mutual agreement, shall, during the term contracted for between them, shift his Master or Landlord, or occupy any other man's Land, or come away from the said Lands, without his Landlords or Master's consent in writing under his hand and seal. 193. Whosoever shall by any persuasion whatsoever, entice or withdraw the Tenants or Servants of any Owner of Land, to forsake the occupying of the said Owners Land, shall forfeit the one Moiety of all his part of Tobacco, or other profits growing in that year; whereof two third parts shall be to the Owner of the said Land, and a third to the Informer. But if any man shall seek to draw away any of the Tenants of the public Lands; he shall forfeit the double of the foresaid forfeiture, to be levied part in that year, part in the year ensuing. Of which forfeitures, two thirds shall be to the use of the Company, and one third to the Informer. And the Tenant or Servant so enticed or withdrawn, or withdrawing himself, shall be immediately returned to the said Owners or public Land, as the case shall require. 194. No Tenant or Servant shall alienate, lend, or let to hire any Apprentice or Servant, provided, sent, or contracted for by the Landlord, or Master, to be placed and employed upon his own Land, without leave first obtained from the Owner of the said Land, in writing under his hand and Seal. The Offender shall forfeit one hundred pound of Tobacco, and in want of Tobacco, other goods to the like proportionable value, to be levied to the use of the said Owner or Landlord: and the said alienation, hiring, or lending out, shall be utterly void: and the said Apprentice or Servant shall be returned to his first place, employment, and service. 195. If any Tenant or Servant, being sent over to the Summer-Ilands by his Landlord or Master, to be employed upon his Land there, shall afterward betake himself to some handicraft trade, or other course of life, and either in whole, or in great part neglect the occupying of his said Landlord or Master's Land: he shall pay unto his said Landlord or Master, during the time of the Contract with him, the Moiety as well of all the profits by his other earnings, as of the profits of the said Land which he shall occupy, to be rated, assessed, and levied by such ways and means as shall be set down in the general Assembly. 196. If any man marry the Maid-servant of any Owner of Land, or the Widow of any of his Tenants or Servants sent over to inhabit upon his Land there; he shall by the Governor and Council, pay to the said Owner, the ratable part of furnishing out, and transporting the said Maid-servant or Widow, consideration being had to the time that she hath served her Master, or the owner there. 197. It shall not be lawful for Tenants or Servants to abuse the Owners Land on which they are placed: but they shall use it in an orderly & husbandly manner, according to the Owners directions, or according to such directions as they shall receive, either from the Governor and Council, or from the Sheriff and Overseers in their several charges: who shall take the well-using of the Lands in the Summer-Ilands into special consideration. The Transgressor, after admonition and direction, shall forfeit the one Moiety of his profits for that year, to the use of the Owner of the Land abused. 198. The making and repairing of the Forts, also of Bridges, and Highways, and the preserving of the bounds of every man's Land, shall be performed in such sort, and by such means as the general Assembly shall appoint. 199. The Governor and Council shall take into consideration the building of houses in the said Lands, and give order that they may be strongly and durably built; and being built, that they be well maintained and kept in repair. The execution of which order, and Survey of the said buildings, shall be committed by them to the charge of the Sheriff and Overseers, or such other as they shall think meet to appoint. The violater of this Order shall be censured and punished at the discretion of the Governor and Council, at their next general Sessions. 200. No kind of Timber-wood growing in the said Lands, shall be used for firewood, under the penalty to be set down in the general Assembly, over and above the double value thereof to be forfeited to the Owner of that Land. 201. No Tenant or Servant shall cut down any Timber trees, but upon a Survey and setting out thereof by the Overseers respectively: which Timber so cut down, shall be laid up and preserved for the building of houses, and other necessary uses with the Owners consent. The transgressor of this Order shall be amerced at the discretion of the Governor and Council; whereof the one Moiety shall be to the Owner of that Land, and the other to the public services of the Plantation. 202. The Timber of the Land of one Owner, shall not be carried from thence to the Land of any other, or to the use of any other person, without the Owners consent under his hand and Seal, under pain of the double value, to be forfeited to the Owner, and levied to his use. But if necessity require, that the Timber growing upon any private man's Land, be taken for public use of the Company and Colony; the Owner shall be paid for the same by the Company or Colony, according to a true estimate by an indifferent Iury. 203. The Inhabitants shall not live too much scattered or single one from another, but draw themselves to five in a Family at the least, where it may conveniently be, so to eat, and work together. 204. Neither shall they wholly apply themselves to the planting of Tobacco; but rather to other more stabile and solid Commodities, as the Governor and Council by directions from hence, or as the general Assembly shall appoint. 205. All bad, rotten, and otherwise unwholesome or unmarchantable Tobacco, being tried by order enacted in their general Assembly, shall be publicly burnt, under such penalties for concealing of the said bad Tobacco, or neglecting to put the said Order in due execution, as by the said general Assembly shall be set down. And if the badness of the said Tobacco, have happened merely by the negligence or other default of the maker thereof: he shall be bound to continue in occupying of the Land where the said Tobacco did grow, one whole year longer than his contract with his Landlord; and so toties quoties, in recompense of the said Landlord's loss undeservedly sustained. 206. It is ordered that every Tribe, at the common charge thereof, shall build a sufficient Storehouse with two rooms; the one for keeping Corn, the other for their Arms: and that each man be provided of one Sword and Piece at the least: and that all Pieces be of two sorts, calivers, and Muskets; and of one kind of boar, to avoid confusion by diversity of moulds and bullets. And the Inhabitants of every Tribe being assembled by the Overseers, shall agree amongst themselves for the safe and clean keeping both of the said Corn and Armour; that the one may be sweet, and the other bright and serviceable. In defect whereof, the Governor and Council shall set down a certain Order for the same; which the Sheriff shall see put in due execution. 207. It is likewise ordered, that for the preventing of dearth, each Family sow or plant a convenient quantity of Corn, according to the proportion that the general Assembly shall set down. Of which Corn, a certain quantity (to be rated likewise by the said general Assembly) shall at every Harvest, being well conditioned, be brought into the public Stores before mentioned: which at the Harvest of the next year shall be faithfully delivered out to the true Owners thereof, at their bringing in of new Corn of like quantity to the same. Provided always, that in case of general scarcity, the Corn in the said Storehouses may be delivered out to the Deliverers in thereof, before the time of Harvest; or to others that shall be pressed with greater need, satisfying the Owners according to the true value thereof. The penalties for neglect or breach of this order, are likewise referred to the general Assembly. 208. Whereas by reason of diverse uncertainties and difficulties, through the great remoteness of the Summer-Ilands, the particularities of sundry matters mentioned in these Laws, are referred to such further Orders, provisions and penalties, as by the general assembly to be held in the said Lands, shall be thought just and expedient: It is therefore ordered, that the Governor of the Summer-Ilands which shall be sent thither next, do within one half year after his arrival there, hold a general Assembly: and that therein, according to the trust reposed in him and them, they do, with grave and mature deliberation proceed to the setting down of the orders and penalties here referred to them: and thereof, together with the rest of their proceedings, make a full and authentical Certificate to the Company, to receive their approbation, or reformation, as there shall cause appear. Trade. 209. IT shall be free for all the members of this Company, to trade into the Summer-Ilands with the Colony there, by Commission from the Governor and Company here; which shall be denied to no man: and according to such Orders as the Company shall find expedient for behoof of the Colony. Provided notwithstanding, that if any man be found by himself, his Factors or Agents, to use any fraudulent or oppressive course to the wrong either of the Inhabitants there, or of the Owners of the Land: in that case the Company shall inhibit the party so offending, whether by himself, or by his Factors, or Agents, from trading to the said Lands, during the space of five years then next ensuing; and under such penalty as shall be set down in a great and general Court. And for the better discovery of all fraud and oppression, the Cope-Marchant or Factor for every public joint-stocke or Magazine, shall keep a true Book of the sale of all the Commodities then sent and transported to the Summer-Ilands; expressing both to what persons, as also in what quantities, and at what prices they shall have been sold: which Book shall be presented to the view and consideration of a general Court. 210. If in any joint-stocke for a Magazine to be hereafter erected, the General Company, out of their common Cash bear part as an Adventurer: they shall ratably partake like profit, and undergo like loss, with other Adventurers: and any Order to the contrary shall be void. In which case also the Court shall appoint the meetings for the Magazine! 211. The Governor and Company here, as also the Governor and Council residing in the Summer-Ilands, shall from time to time have especial care, that as well the Passengers to and fro, as also the Inhabitants in the Summer-Ilands maintain friendship and good correspondence with all other Nations being in league or amity with his Majesty, and the Crown of England; and that they forbear all hostile or injurious acts or attempts against them, or any of them, in their persons, Possessions, Lands, Goods, or business, upon penalty to be proceeded against as Malefactors in the highest nature, and disturbers of the general peace established by his Majesty. Land in Virginia. 212. WHereas the Company for Virginia, in consideration of the great defect of the quantity of Land in the Summer-Ilands, conceived to have been at the time of the sale thereof to this Company, and to make recompense for the same, have ordered in one of their great and general Courts, that there shall be granted by them, and under their Legal Seal, a large proportion of Land in Virginia, to be and continue to the Company of the said Summer-Ilands, and the members thereof for ever, for the better support of the said Company, and of the Inhabitants of the said Lands: It is therefore ordered, that a select Committie be forthwith apppointed, as well to pursue the perfecting of the said Grant; as also to take into careful consideration, how the planting and peopling of the said Land in Virginia, may be proceeded with in most effectual sort, and without delay, and as may be most for the support of the said Summer-Ilands: which Committee shall from time to time reduce into writing, and present to the Courts, their proceedings therein: so to receive resolution and further direction. FINIS.