THE CHARTER Granted by Their Majesty's King WILLIAM AND Queen MARY, To the INHABITANTS Of the PROVINCE OF THE Massachusetts-Bay IN New-England.  
BOSTON in NEW-ENGLAND.  
Printed by Bartholomew Green, and John Allen, (Printers to His Excellency the GOVERNOR & COUNCIL,) for, and Sold by Michael Perry, and Benjamin Eliot. 1699.   

The CHARTER granted by Their Majesty's King William and Queen Mary, etc.  
WILLIAM and MARY, by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King and Queen, Defenders of the Faith, etc. To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting.  
Whereas his late Majesty King James the First, Our Royal Predecessor, by his Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England, bearing Date at Westminster the Third day of November, in the Eighteenth Year of his Reign, did give and grant unto the Council Established at Plymouth in the County of Devon, for the Planting, Ruling, Ordering and Governing of New-England in America, and to their Successors and Assigns, all that part of America lying and being in breadth from forty Degrees of Northerly Latitude from the Equinoctial Line to the forty eighth Degree of the said Northerly Latitude, inclusively, and in length of and within all the Breadth aforesaid throughout all the main Lands, from Sea to Sea, together also with all the firm Lands, Soils, Grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Waters, Fishings, Mines and Minerals, as well Royal Mines of Gold and Silver, as other Mines and Minerals, Precious Stones, Quarries, and all and singular other Commodities, Jurisdictions, Royalties, Privileges, Franchises and Preeminences, both within the said Tract of Land upon the Main, and also within the Islands and Seas adjoining: Provided always that the said Lands, Islands, or any the Premises by the said Letters Patents intended and meant to be granted, were not then actually possessed or inhabited by any other Christian Prince or State, or within the Bounds Limits or Territories of the Southern Colony, than before granted by the said late King James the first, to be planted by divers of his Subjects in the South parts: To have and to hold, possess and enjoy, all and singular the aforesaid Continent Lands, Territories, Islands, Hereditaments and Precincts, Seas, Waters, Fishings; withal and all manner of their Commodities, Royalties, Liberties, Preeminencies and Profits that should from thenceforth arise from thence, with all and singular their Appurtenances and every part and parcel thereof, unto the said Council, and their Successors and Assigns for ever, to the sole and proper Use and Benefit of the said Council, and their Successors and Assigns for ever: To be holden of his said late Majesty King James the first, his Heirs and Successors, as of his Manor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, in free and Common Sockage, and not in Capite, nor by Knight's Service: Yielding and Paying therefore to the said late King, his Heirs and Successors, the fifth part of the Oar of Gold and Silver, which should from time to time, and at all times then after happen to be found, gotten, had and obtained, in, at, or within any of the said Lands, Limits, Territories or Precincts, or in, or within any part or parcel thereof, for or in respect of all and all manner of Duties, Demands and Services whatsoever, to be done, made or paid to the said late King James the first, his Heirs and Successors (as in and by the said Letters Patents, amongst sundry other Clauses, Powers, Privileges and Grants therein contained, more at large appeareth:) and whereas the said Council Established at Plymouth in the County of Devon, for the Planting, Ruling, Ordering and Governing of New England in America, did by their Deed indented under their Common Seal, bearing date the Nineteenth Day of March, in the Third Year of the Reign of Our Royal Grandfather King Charles the First, of ever Blessed Memory, Give, Grant, Bargain, Sell, Infeoff, Alien and Confirm to Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Knights, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott and Symond Whetcombe, their Heirs and Assigns, and their Associates, for ever, all that part of New-England in America aforesaid, which lies and extends between a great River there, commonly called Monomack alias Merimack, and a certain other River there called Charles River, being in a bottom of a certain Bay there commonly called Massachusets, alias Mattachusetts, alias Massatusetts Bay, and also all and singular those Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever, lying within the space of three English Miles, on the South part of the said Charles River, or of any and every Part thereof; and also all and singular the Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever, lying and being within the space of three English Miles to the Southward of the southermost part of the said Bay called Massachusets, alias Mattachusetts, alias Massatusets-Bay; and also all those Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever which lie and be within the space of three English Miles to the Northward of the said River called Monomack alias Merimack, or to the Northward of any and every part thereof, and all Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever lying within the Limits aforesaid, North and South in Latitude, and in Breadth, and in Length, and Longitude, of and within all the breadth aforesaid throughout the Main Lands there, from the Atlantic and Western Sea and Ocean on the East part to the South Sea on the West part, and all Lands and Grounds, Place and Places, Soil, Woods and Wood grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Waters, Fishings and Hereditaments whatsoever, lying within the said bounds and limits, and every part and parcel thereof; and also all Islands lying in America aforesaid, in the said Seas, or either of them on the Western or Eastern Coasts or parts of the said Tracts of Land, by the said Indenture mentioned to be given and granted, bargained, sold, enfeoffed, aliened and confirmed, or any of them; and also all Mines and Minerals, as well Royal Mines of Gold and Silver as other Mines and Minerals whatsoever in the said Lands and Premises, or any part thereof, and all Jurisdictions, Rights, Royalties, Liberties, Freedoms, Immunities, Privileges, Franchises, Preeminencies and Commodities whatsoever, which they the said Council Established at Plymouth in the County of Devon, for the Planning, Ruling, Ordering and Governing of New-England in America, then had, or might use, exercise or enjoy, in or within the said Lands or Premises, by the same Indenture mentioned to be given, granted, bargained, sold, enfeoffed and confirmed, in or within any part or parcel thereof: To have and to hold the said part of New-England in America, which lies and extends, and is abutted as aforesaid, and every part and parcel thereof; and all the said Islands, Rivers, Ports, Havens, Waters, Fishings, Mines, Minerals, Jurisdictions, Franchises, Royalties, Liberties, Privileges, Commodities, Hereditaments and Premises whatsoever, with the Appurtenances, unto the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott and Simond Whetcombe, their Heirs and Assigns, and their Associates for ever, to the only proper and absolute use and behoof of the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott and Symond Whetcombe, their Heirs and Assigns and their Associates for evermore: To be holden of our said Royal Grandfather King Charles the First, his Heirs and Successors, as of his Manor of East-Greenwich in the County of Kent, in free and common Sockage, and not in Capite nor by Knight's Service, yielding and paying therefore unto our said Royal Grandfather, his Heirs and Successors, the fifth part of the Oar of Gold and Silver which should from time to time, and at all times hereafter happen to be found, gotten, had and obtained in any of the said Lands, within the said Limits, or in or within any part thereof, for and in satisfaction of all manner of Duties, Demands and Services whatsoever, to be done, made or paid to Our said Royal Grandfather, his Heirs or Successors (as in and by the said recited Indenture may more at large appear.) And Whereas Our said Royal Grandfather in and by his Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England, bearing date at Westminster the fourth day of March, in the fourth Year of his Reign, for the Consideration therein mentioned, did grant and confirm unto the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott and Symond Whetcombe, and to their Associates after named, viz Si● Ralph Saltenstall Knight, Isaac Johnson, Samuel Aldersey, John Venus, Matthew Craddock, George Harwood, Increase Nowell, Richard Perry, Richard Bellingham, Nathanael Wright, Samuel vassal, Theophilus Eton, Thomas Gulf, Thomas adam's, John Brown, Samuel Brown, Thomas Hutchins, William vassal, William Pincheon and George Foxcroft, their Heirs and Assigns, all the said part of New-England in America, lying and extending between the Bounds and Limits in the said Indenture expressed, and all Lands and Grounds, Place and Places, Soils, Woods and Wood grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Waters, Mines, Minerals, Jurisdictions, Rights, Royalties, Liberties, Freedoms, Immunities, Privileges, Franchises, Preeminencies and Hereditaments whatsoever; bargained, sold, enfeoffed and confirmed, or mentioned or intended to be given, granted, bargained, sold, enfeoffed, aliened and confirmed to them the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott and Symond Whetcombe, their Heirs and Assigns, and to their Associates for ever, by the said recited Indenture: To have and to hold the said part of New England in America, and other the Premises thereby mentioned to be granted and confirmed, and every part and parcel thereof, with the appurtenances, to the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Sir Richard Saltenstall, Thomas Southcott, John Humphrys, John Endicott, Symond Whetcombe, Isaac Johnson, Samuel Aldersey, John Venus, Matthew Craddock, George Harwood, Increase Nowell, Richard Perry, Richard Bellingham, Nathaniel Wright, Samuel Vassal, Theophilus Eton, Thomas Gulf, Thomas adam's, John Brown, Samuel Brown, Thomas Hutchins, William vassal, William Pincheon and George Foxcroft, their Heirs and Assigns for ever, to their only proper and absolute use and behoof for evermore: To be holden of our said Royal Grandfather, his Heirs and Successors, as of his Manor of East-Greenwich aforesaid, in free and common Sockage, and not in Capite nor by Knight's Service; and also yielding and paying therefore to Our said Royal Grandfather, his Heirs and Successors, the fifth part only of all the Oar of Gold and Silver which from time to time, and at all times after should be there gotten, had or obtained, for all Services, Exactions and Demands whatsoever, according to the Tenor and Reservation in the said recited Indenture expressed. And further, Our said Royal Grandfather by the said Letters Patents did give and grant unto the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Sir Richard Saltenstall, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott, Symond Whetcomb, Isaac Johnson, Samuel Aldersey, John Venus, Matthew Craddock, George Harwood, Increase Nowell, Richard Perry, Richard Bellingham, Nathanael Wright, Samuel vassal, William Pincheon and George Foxcroft, their Heirs and Assigns, all that said part of New England in America, which lies and extends between a great River there, commonly called Monomack, alias Merimack River, and a certain other River there called Charles River, being in the bottom of a certain Bay there commonly called Massachusets, alias Mattachusetts, alias Massatusetts Bay; and also all and singular those Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever, lying within the space of three English Miles, on the South part of the said River called Charles River, or of any or every part thereof; and also all and singular the Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever, lying and being within the space of three English Miles to the Southward of the southermost part of the said Bay called Massachusets alias Mattachusetts, alias Massatusets Bay; and also all those Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever which lie and be within the space of three English Miles to the Northward of the said River called Monomack alias Merimack, or to the Northward of any and every part thereof, and all Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever lying within the Limits aforesaid, North and South in Latitude, and in Breadth, and in Length and Longitude, of and within all the breadth aforesaid throughout the Main Lands there, from the Atlantic or Western Sea and Ocean on the East part, to the South Sea on the West part; and all Lands, Grounds, Place and Places, Soils, Woods and Wood-lands, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Waters and Hereditaments whatsoever, lying within the said Bounds and Limits, and every part and parcel thereof; and also all Islands in America aforesaid, in the said Seas, or either of them on the Western or Eastern Coasts or Parts of the said Tracts of Lands, thereby mentioned to be given and granted, or any of them; and all Mines and Minerals, as well Royal Mines of Gold and Silver as other Mines and Minerals whatsoever in the said Lands and Premises, or any part thereof; and free Liberty of Fishing in or within any of the Rivers or Waters within the bounds and limits aforesaid, and the Seas thereunto adjoining; and all Fishes, Royal Fishes, Whales, Balene, Sturgeon, and other Fishes of what kind or Nature soever, that should at any time thereafter be taken in or within the said Seas or Waters, or any of them, by the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Sir Richard Saltenstall, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott, Symond Whetcombe, Isaac Johnson, Samuel Aldersey, John Venus, Matthew Craddock, George Harwood, Increase Nowell, Richard Perry, Richard Bellingham, Nathaniel Wright, Samuel vassal, Theophilus Eton, Thomas Gulf, Thomas adam's, John Brown, Samuel Brown, Thomas Hutchins, William vassal, William Pincheon and George Foxcroft, their Heirs or Assigns, or by any other Person or Persons whatsoever there inhabiting, by them or any of them to be appointed to Fish therein. Provided always, that if the said Lands, Islands, or any the Premises before mentioned, and by the said Letters Patents last mentioned, intended and meant to be granted, were at the time of the granting of the said former Letters Patents, Dated the third day of November, in the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of his late Majesty King James the First, actually possessed or inhabited by any other Christian Prince or State, or were within the Bounds, Limits or Territories of the said Southern Colony then before granted by the said King, to be Planted by divers of his loving Subjects in the South parts of America, That then the said Grant of our said Royal Grandfather should not extend to any such parts or parcels thereof so formerly inhabited, or lying within the bounds of the Southern Plantation as aforesaid. But as to those Parts or Parcels so possessed or inhabited by any such Christian Prince or State, or being within the boundaries aforesaid, should be utterly void: To have and to hold, possess and enjoy the said parts of New England in America, which lie, extend, and are abutted as aforesaid, and every part and parcel thereof; and all the Islands, Rivers, Ports, Havens, Waters, Fishings, Fishes, Mines, Minerals, Jurisdictions, Franchises, Royalties, Liberties, Privileges, Commodities and Premises whatsoever, with the Appurtenances, unto the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Sir Richard Saltenstall, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott, Symond Whetcombe, Isaac Johnson, Samuel Aldersey, John Venus, Matthew Craddock, George Harwood, Increase Nowell, Richard Perry, Richard Bellingham Nathaniel Wright, Samuel vassal, Theophilus Eton, Thomas Gulf, Thomas adam's, John Brown, Samuel Brown, Thomas Hutchins, William vassal, William Pincheon and George Foxcroft, their Heirs and Assigns, for ever: To the only proper and absolute use and behoof of the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Sir Richard Saltenstall, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott, Symond Whetcombe, Isaac Johnson, Samuel Aldersey, John Venus, Matthew Craddock, George Harwood, Increase Nowell, Richard Perry, Richard Bellingham, Nathaniel Wright, Samuel vassal, Theophilus Eton, Thomas Gulf, Thomas adam's, John Brown, Samuel Brown, Thomas Hutchins, William vassal, William Pencheon and George Foxcroft, their Heirs and Assigns for evermore: To be holden of Our said Royal Grandfather, his Heirs and Successors, as of his Manor of East: Greenwich in the County of Kent, within the Realm of England, in free and common Sockage, and not in Capite nor by Knight's Service: And also yielding and paying therefore to Our said Royal Grandfather, his Heirs and Successors, the fifth part only of all the Oar of Gold and Silver which from time to time, and at all times hereafter, should be gotten, had or obtained for all Services, Exactions and Demands whatsoever. Provided always, and his Majesty's express Will and meaning was, that only one fifth part of all the Gold and Silver Oar above mentioned in the whole, and no more should be answered, reserved or payable unto our said Royal Grandfather, his Heirs and Successors, by Colour or Virtue of the said last mentioned Letters Patents, the double Reservations or Recitals aforesaid, any thing therein contained notwithstanding. And to the end that the Affairs and Business which from time to time should happen and arise concerning the said Lands, and the Plantations of the same, might be the better Managed and Ordered, and for the good Government thereof, our said Royal Grandfather King Charles the First, did by his said Letters Patents Create and make the said Sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Sir Richard Saltenstal, Thomas Southcott, John Humphreys, John Endicott, Symond Whetcombe, Isaac Johnson, Samuel Aldersey, John Venus, Matthew Craddock, George Harwood, Increase Nowell, Richard Pe●ry, Richard Bellingham, Nathanael Wright, Samuel vassal and Theophilus Eton, Thomas Gulf Thomas adam's, John Brown, Samuel Brown, Thomas Hutches, William vassal, William Pincheon and George Foxcroft, and all such others as should thereafter be admitted and made free of the Company and Society therein after mentioned, one Body Corporate and Politic in Fact and Name, by the Name of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts-Bay in New England and did grant unto them and their Successors divers Powers, Liberties and Privileges, as in and by the ●aid Letters Patents may more fully and at large appear. And Whereas the said Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, by Virtue of the aid Letters Patents did settle a Colony of the English in the said parts of America, and divers good Subjects of this Kingdom, encouraged and invited by the said Letters Patents, did Transport themselves and their Effects into the same, whereby the said Plantation did become very populous, and divers Counties, Towns and Places, were Created, Erected, made and set forth, or designed within the said parts of America, by the said Governor and Company for the time being: 
The first Charter vacated by a Judgement in Chancery, Anno 1684.  And Whereas in the Term of the Holy Trinity, in the thirty sixth Year of the Reign of our Dearest Uncle King Charles the Second, a Judgement was given in Our Court of Chancery then sitting at Westminster, upon a Writ of Scire facias, brought and prosecuted in the said Court against the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, that the said Letters Patents of our said Royal Grandfather King Charles the First, bearing date at Westminster the 4th day of March, in the fourth Year of his Reign, made and granted to the said Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England, and the enrolment of the same, should be canceled, vacated and annihilated, and should be brought into the said Court to be canceled, (as in and by the said Judgement remaining upon Record in the said Court doth more at large appear:) And whereas several Persons employed as Agents in behalf of our said Colony of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, have made their humble Application unto us, 
The Agents of that Colony Petitioned to be reincorporated as formerly.  That we would be graciously pleased by our Royal Charter to Incorporate our Subjects in our said Colony, and to grant and confirm unto them such powers, privileges and Franchises as in our Royal Wisdom should be thought most Conducing to our Interest and Service, and to the Welfare and happy State of our Subjects in New-England: And We being graciously pleased to gratify our said Subjects, and also to the end our good Subjects within our Colony of New Plymouth in New-England aforesaid, may be brought under such a form of Government, as may put them in a better Condition of Defence, and considering as well the Granting unto them as unto our Subjects in the said Colony of the Massachusetts Bay our Royal Charter, with reasonable Powers and Privileges, will much tend not only to the safety, but to the flourishing Estate of our Subjects in the said parts of New-England, and also to the advancing of the Ends for which the said Plantations were at first Encouraged; Of our Special Grace, certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, have Willed and Ordained, and We do by these presents for us, our Heirs and Successors Will and Ordain, That the Territories and Colonies commonly called or known by the Names of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, and Colony of New-Plymouth, the Province of Main, the Territory called Accada, or Nova Scotia; and all that Tract of Land lying between the said Territories of Nova Scotia, and the said Province of Main, be Erected, united and Incorporated: 
The Massachusetts, Plymouth, and the Province of Main, Nova Scotia, united and made one Province.  And we do by these presents unite, Erect and Incorporate the same into one Real Province by the Name of Our Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, and of our Especial Grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, we have given and granted, and by these presents, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, do give and grant unto our good Subjects, the Inhabitants of our said Province or Territory of the Massachusetts Bay, and their Successors, all that part of New England in America, lying and extending from the great River commonly called Monomack, alias Merimaok, on the North part, and from three miles Northward of the said River to the Atlantic or Western Sea or Ocean on the South part, and all the Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever lying within the Limits aforesaid, 
The Extent and Bounds of that Province.  and Extending as far as the outermost points or Promontories of Land called Cape-Cod, and Cape Mallabar North and south, and in Latitude, breadth, and in length and Longitude, of and within all the breadth and Compass aforesaid throughout the main Land there from the said Atlantic or Western Sea and Ocean on the East part towards the South Sea, or Westward as lar as our Colonies of Rhode Island, Connecticot, and the Narragansett Country: And also all that part and portion of main Land, beginning at the entrance of Pisteraway Harbour, and so to pass up the same into the River of Newickwannock, and through the same into the furthest head thereof, and from thence Northwestward, till one hundred and twenty miles be finished, and from Piscataway Harbour mouth aforesaid Northeastward along the Sea Coast to Sagadahock, and from the period of one hundred and twenty miles aforesaid to cross over land to the one hundred and twenty miles before reckoned up into the land from Piscataway Harbour through Newickwannock River, and also the North-half of the Isles of Shoals, together with the Isles of Capawock, and Nantuckett near Cape Cod aforesaid, and also the Lands and Hereditaments lying and being in the Country or Territory commonly called Accada, or Nova Scotia, and all those Lands and Hereditaments lying and extending between the said Country or Territory of Nova Scotia, and the said River of Sagadabock, or any part thereof; and all Lands, Grounds, Places, soils, Woods and Wood-grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Waters, and other Hereditaments and Premises whatsoever lying within the said Bounds and Limits aforesaid, and every part and parcel thereof: And also all Islands and Islets lying within Ten Leagues directly opposite to the Main Land within the said Bounds: 
All Mines & Minerals granted to the Inhabitants & their Successors.  And all Mines and Minerals as well Royal Mines of Gold and Silver, as other Mines and Minerals whatsoever in the said Lands and Premises, or any part thereof. To have and to hold, the said Territories, Tracts, Countries, Lands, Hereditaments; and all and singular other the Premises, with their and every of their Appurtenances to our said Subjects the Inhabitants of our said Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, and their Successors to their only proper Use and Behoof for evermore, To be bolden of Us, our Heirs and Successors, as of our Manor of East-Greenwich, in the County of Kent, by Fealty only in free and common Sockage: Yielding and paying therefore yearly to Us, our Heirs and Successors, the Fifth part of all Gold and Silver Oar, and Precious Stones which shall from time to time, and at all times hereafter, happen to be found, gotten, had and obtained in any of the said Lands and Premises, or within any part thereof. Provided nevertheless, and we do for Us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and ordain, 
All Lands, Hereditaments, etc. formerly granted to any Town, College, or School of Learning, confirmed.  that all and every such Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments, and all other Estates, which any Person or Persons, or Bodies Politic, or Corporate, Towns, Villages, Colleges or Schools, do hold and enjoy, or aught to hold and enjoy, within the Bounds aforesaid, by or under any Grant or Estate duly made or granted by any General Court formerly held, or by virtue of the Letters, Patents herein before recited, or by any other Lawful Right or Title whatsoever, shall be by such Person and Persons, Bodies Politic and Corporate, Towns, Villages, Colleges, or Schools, their respective Heirs, Successors and Assigns for ever, hereafter held and enjoyed, according to the purport and intent of such respective Grant, under and subject nevertheless to the Rents and Services thereby reserved or made payable, any matter or thing whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding. And provided also, That nothing herein contained shall extend, or be understood or taken, to impeach or prejudice any Right, Title, Interest or Demand, which Samuel Allen of London, Merchant, claiming from and under John Mason, Esq deceased, or any other Person or Persons, hath or have, or claimeth to have, hold or enjoy, of, into, or out of any part or parts of the Premises situate within the Limits above mentioned: But that the said Samuel Allen, and all and every such person and persons, may and shall have, hold and enjoy the same in such manner, (and no other than) as if these Presents had not been had or made. It being our further Will and Pleasure, That no Grants, or Conveyances of any Lands, Tenements or Hereditament; to any Towns, Colleges, Schools of Learning, or to any private Person or Persons, shall be judged or taken, to be avoided or prejudiced, for, or by reason of any want or defect of Form, but that the same stand and remain in force, and be maintained and adjudged, and have effect in the same manner as the same should or ought before the time of the said recited Judgement, according to the Laws and Rules then and there usually practised and allowed. 
The Governors' Council to Consist of 28 Assistants.  And we do further, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Will, Establish and Ordain, That from henceforth for ever there shall be One Governor; One Lieutenant, or Deputy Governor; and one Secretary of our said Province or Territory, to be from time to time appointed and commissionated by Us, our Heirs and Successors; and Eight and twenty Assistants, or Councillors, to be advising and assisting to the Governor of our said Province or Territory for the time being, as by these Presents is hereafter directed and appointed: Which said Councillors or Assistants are to be constituted, elected and chosen in such form and manner as hereafter in these Presents is expressed. 
The Names of the first Assistants.  And for the better Execution of our Royal Pleasure and Grant in this behalf, We do by these Presents, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, nominate, ordain, make and constitute our Trusty and Wellbeloved Simon Broadstreet, John Richards, Nathanael Saltonstall, Wait Winthrop, John Phillips, James Russel, Samuel Sewall, Samuel Appleton, Bartholomew Gedney, John Hathorn, Elisha Hutchinson, Robert Pike, Jonathan Corwin, John Jolliffe, Adam Winthrop, Richard Middlecot, John Foster, Pater Serjeant, Joseph Lynd, Samuel Heyman, Stephen Mason, Thomas Hinkley, William Bradford, John Walley, Barnabas Lothrop, Job Alcot, Samuel Daniel, and Silvanus Davis; Esq the first and present Councillors or Assistants of our said Province, to continue in their said respective Offices or Trusts of Councillors or Assistants until the last Wednesday in May, 
To continue until May, 1693. and until others are chosen by the Assembly.  which shall be in the Year of our Lord 1693, and until other Councillors or Assistants shall be chosen and appointed in their stead, in such manner as in these Presents is expressed. And we do further by these Presents constitute and appoint our trusty and Well beloved Isaac Addington Esq to be our first and present Secretary of our said Province, during our pleasure. And our Will and Pleasure is, That the Governor of our said Province for the time being, shall have Authority, from time to time, at his Discretion, 
The Governor with seven Assistants to be a Council.  to assemble and call together the Councillors or Assistants of our said Province for the time being: And that the said Governor, with the said Assistants or Counsellors, or seven of them at the least shall, and may from time to time hold and keep a Council for the ordering and directing the Affairs of our said Province. And further, We Will, and by these Presents for Us, our Heirs and Successors, do Ordain and Grant, that there shall and may be convened, 
A general Court or Assembly to be held the last Wednesday in May, or oftener every Year.  held and kept by the Governor for the time being, upon every last Wednesday in the Month of May, every Year, for ever, and at all such other times as the Governor of our said Province shall think sit & appoint, a Great and General Court or Assembly; which said Great & General Court or Assembly shall consist of the Governor and Council or Assistants for the time being, and of such Freeholders' of our said Province or Territory, as shall be from time to time elected or deputed by the major part of the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the respective Towns or Places who shall be present at such Elections; each of the said Towns and Places being hereby empowered to elect and depute Two Persons and no more to serve for and represent them respectively in the said Great and General Court or Assembly. 
Two Assembly-men to be Chosen by the Freeholders in every Town.  To which Great and General Court or Assembly to be held as aforesaid, We do hereby, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, give and grant full Power and Authority from time to time to direct, appoint and declare what number each County, Town and Place shall elect and depute to serve for, and represent them respectively in the said Great, and General Court or Assembly. Provided always, that no Free holder, or other person, shall have a Vote in the Election of Members to Serve in any Great and General Court or Assembly to be held as aforesaid, who at the time of such Election shall not have an Estate of Free hold in Land within our said Province or Territory, to the value of Forty Shillings per Ann. at the least; or other Estate to the value of Fifty Pounds sterling: And that every Person who shall be so elected; shall, before he Sat or Act in the said Great and General Court or Assembly, take the Oaths mentioned in an Act of Parliament made in the First Year of our Reign, entitled, An Act for Abrogating of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and appointing other Oaths, and thereby appointed to be taken instead of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy: And shall make, repeat and subscribe the Declaration mentioned in the said Act, before the Governor, or Lieutenant or Deputy-Governour, or any Two of the Assistants for the time being, who shall be thereunto authorized and appointed by our said Governor. 
The Governor has Power to Adjourn, Prorogue and Dissolve the Assembly.  And that the Governor for the time being shall have full Power and Authority from time to time, as he shall judge necessary, to Adjourn, Prorogue and Dissolve all Great and General Courts or Assemblies met and convened as aforesaid. And our Will and Pleasure is, and we do hereby, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, grant, establish and ordain, That yearly, once in every Year for ever hereafter, the aforesaid number of Eight and twenty Councillors or Assistants shall be by the General Court or Assembly newly Chosen; that is to say, Eighteen at least of the Inhabitants of, or Proprietors of Lands within the Territory formerly called the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay; and Four at the least of the Inhabitants of, or Proprietors of Lands within the Territory formerly called New-Plymouth; and Three at the least of the Inhabitants of, 
The Governors' Councillors to be Inhabitants or Proprietors of Land in New England.  or Proprietors of Lands within the Territory formerly called the Province of Maine; and one at the least of the Inhabitants of, or Proprietors of Land within the Territory lying between the River of Sagadahock and Nova Scotia. And that the said Councillors or Assistants, or any of them, shall or may at any time hereafter be removed or displaced from their respective Places or Trust of Councillors or Assistants by any Great or General Court or Assembly; and that if any of the said Councillors or Assistants shall happen to die, or be removed, as aforesaid, before the General Day of Election, that then, and in every such Case, the Great and General Court or Assembly, at their first sitting may proceed to a New Election of one or more Councillors or Assistants, in the room or place of such Councillors and Assistants so dying or removed. And We do further grant and ordain, 
Judges, Sheriffs Justices, etc. to be appointed with the Consent of the Governors' Council.  That it shall and may be lawful for the said Governor, with the Advice and Consent of the Council or Asistants, from time to time, to nominate and appoint Judges, Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer, Sheriffs, Provosts, Marshals, Justices of the Peace, and other Officers, to our Council and Courts of Justice belonging. Provided always, that no such Nomination or Appointment of Officers be made without Notice first given, or Summons issued out seven days before such Nomination or Appointment, unto such of the said Councillors or Assistants as shall be at that time residing within our said Province. And our Will and Pleasure is, That the Governor, and Lieutenant or Deputy-Governour and Councillors, or Assistants for the time being, and all other Officers to be Appointed or Chosen, as aforesaid, shall, before the undertaking the Execution of their Offices and Places respectively, take their several and respective Oaths for the due and faithful performance of their Duties in their several and respective Offices and Places; 
What Oaths are to be taken.  and also the Oaths appointed by the said Act of Parliament made in the First Year of our Reign, to be taken instead of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy; and shall make, repeat and subscribe the Declaration mentioned in the said Act, before such Person or Persons as are by these Presents herein after appointed: (That is to say,) The Governor of our said Province or Territory, for the time being, shall take the said Oaths, and make, repeat and subscribe the said Declaration before the Lieutenant or Deputy-Governour; or, in his Absence, before any two or more of the said Persons hereby nominated and appointed the present Councillors or Assistants of our said Province or Territory, to whom We do by these Presents give full Power and Authority to give and administer the same to our said Governor accordingly. And after our said Governor shall be sworn, and shall have subscribed the said Declaration, that then our Liutenant or Deputy-Governour for the time being, and the Councillors or Assistants before by these Presents nominated and appointed, shall take the said Oaths, and make, repeat and subscribe the said Declaration before our said Governor: And that every such Person or Persons as shall (at any time of the Annual Elections, or otherwise upon Death or Removal) be appointed to be the New Councillors or Assistants, and all other Officers to be hereafter Chosen from time to time, shall take the Oaths to their respective Offices and Places belonging; and also the said Oaths appointed by the said Act of Parliament, to be taken instead of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy; and shall make, repeat and subscribe the Declaration mentioned in the said Act, before the Governor, or Lieutenant-Governour, or any two or more Councillors or Assistants, or such other Person or Persons as shall be appointed thereunto by the Governor for the time being: To whom We do therefore by these Presents give full Power and Authority, from time to time, to give and administer the same respectively, according to our true meaning herein before declared, without any Commission, or further Warrant to be had and obtained from Us, our Heirs and Successors in that behalf. And our Will and Pleasure is, and we do hereby Require and Command, That all and every Person and Persons hereafter by Us, our Heirs and Successors, Nominated and Appointed to the respective Offices of Governor, or Lieutenant, 
The King reserves to himself Power to appoint the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Secretary.  or Deputy Governor, and Secretary of our said Province or Territory (which said Governor, or Lieutenant, or Deputy Governor, and Secretary of our said Province or Territory for the time being, We do hereby Reserve full Power and Authority to Us, our Heirs and Successors, to Nominate and Appoint accordingly) shall before he or they be admitted to the Execution of their respective Offices, take as well the Oath for the due and faithful Performance of the said Offices respectively, as also the Oaths appointed by the said Act of Parliament made in the said first Year of our Reign, to be taken instead of the said Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and shall also make, repeat and subscribe the Declaration appointed by the said Act in such Manner, and before such Persons as aforesaid. And further Our Will and Pleasure is, and We do hereby for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, grant, establish and ordain, that all and every of the Subjects of Us, our Heirs and Successors, which shall go to and inhabit within our said Province and Territory, 
Persons born in New-England to have the Privileges of Natural Subjects of England.  and every of their Children which shall happen to be born there, or on the Seas in going thither, or returning from thence, shall have and enjoy all Liberties and Immunities of Free and Natural Subjects within any of the Dominions of Us, our Heirs and Successors, to all intents, constructions and purposes whatsoever, as if they and every of them were born within this our Realm of England: And for the greater Ease and Encouragement of our loving Subjects, inhabiting our said Province or Territory of the Massachusetts-Bay, and of such as shall come to inhabit there, We do by these Presents, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, grant, establ sh and ordain, 
Liberty of Conscience to be granted to all Christians except Papists.  that for ever hereafter there shall be a Liberty of Conscience allowed in the Worship of God to all Christians (Except Papists) inhabiting or which shall inhabit or be resident within our said Province or Territory. And we do hereby Grant and Ordain, That the Governor, or Lieutenant or Deputy Governor of our said Province or Territory for the time being, or either of them, or any two or more of the Council or Assistants for the time being, as shall be thereunto appointed by the said Governor, shall and may at all times, and from time to time hereafter, have full Power and Authority to administer and give the Oaths appointed by the said Act of Parliament, made in the first Year of Our Reign, to be taken instead of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, to all and every Person and Persons which are now inhabiting or residing within our said Province or Territory, or which shall at any time or times hereafter go or pass thither And We do of our further Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, Grant, Establish and Ordain, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, that the Great and General Court or Assembly of our said Province or Territory for the time being, Convened as aforesaid, shall for ever have full Power and Authority to Erect and Constitute Judicatories and Courts of Record, 
The general Court has Power to Erect Judicatories, to hear & determine concerning all manner of Crimes, capital or not capital; and Pleas, whether real, personal or mixed.  or other Courts, to be held in the Name of Us, our Heirs and Successors, for the Hearing, Trying and Determining of all manner of Crimes, Offences, Pleas, Processes, Plaints, Actions, Matters, Causes, and things whatsoever, arising or happening within our said Province or Territory, or between persons inhabiting or residing there, whether the same be Criminal or Civil, and whether the said Crimes be Capital or not Capital, and whether the said Pleas be real, personal or mixed, and for the awarding and making out of Execution thereupon: To which Courts and Judicatories, We do hereby, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, give and grant full Power and Authority from time to time to administer Oaths for the better discovery of Truth in any matter in Controversy, or depending before them. And We do for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Grant, Establish and Ordain, that the Governor of our said Province or Territory for the time being, with the Council or Assistants, may do, execute or perform all that is necessary for the Probate of Wills, 
Wills.  and granting of Administrations for touching or concerning, any Interest or Estate which any Person or Persons shall have within our said Province or Territory. And whereas we judge it necessary that all our Subjects should have Liberty to Appeal to Us, our Heirs and Successors in Cases that may deserve the same, We do by these Presents Ordain, that in Case either Party shall not rest satisfied with the Judgement of Sentence of any Judicatories or Courts within our said Province or Territory in any personal Action, 
Appeals to the King in some Personal Actions.  wherein the Matter in difference doth exceed the Value of three hundred pounds Sterling, that then he or they may Apppeal to Us, our Heirs and Successors, in our or their Privy Council, Provided that such Appeal be made within fourteen days after the Sentence or Judgement given; and that before such Appeal be allowed, security be given by the Party or Parties appealing, in the value of the matter in difference, to pay or answer the Debt or Damages for the which Judgement or Sentence is given, 
Execution not to be stayed  with such Costs and Damages as shall be awarded by Us, our Heirs or Successors, in Case the Judgement or Sentence be affirmed: And Provided also that no Execution shall be stayed or suspended by reason of such Appeal unto Us, our Heirs and Successors, in Our or their Privy Council, so as the Party suing or taking out Execution, do in the like manner give security to the Value of the matter in Difference, to make Restitution in Case the said Judgement or Sentence be Reversed or Annulled upon the said Appeal. And We do further, 
The general Court has Power to make Laws, not repugnant to the Laws of England.  for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Give and Grant to the said Governor, and the great and general Court or Assembly of our said Province or Territory for the time being, full Power and Authority, from time to time, to Make, Ordain and Establish all manner of wholesome and reasonable Orders, Laws, Statutes and Ordinances, Directions and Instructions, either with Penalties or without (so as the same be not repugnant or contrary to the Laws of this our Realm of England) as they shall judge to be for the good and welfare of our said Province or Territory, and for the Government and Ordering thereof, and of the People inhabiting, or who shall inhabit the same, and for the necessary support and defence of the Government thereof. And We do for Us, our Heirs and Successors, give and grant, that the said General Court or Assembly shall have full Power and Authority to Name and settle Annually, 
To Name and Settle Civil Officers Except etc.  all Civil Officers within the said Province, such Officers Excepted, the Election and Constitution of whom We have by these Presents reserved to Us, our Heirs and Successors, or to the Governor of our said Province for the time being; and to set forth the several Duties, Powers and Limits of every such Officer to be appointed by the said General Court or Assembly, and the Forms of such Oaths not repugnant to the Laws and Statutes of this our Realm of England, 
Power to impose Taxes on all the Inhabitants, to be disposed by warrant from the Governor and Council, or according to such Acts as shall then be in force.  as shall be respectively administered unto them for the Execution of their several Offices and Places; and also to impose Fines, Mulcts, Imprisonments, and other Punishments, and to impose and levy proportionable and reasonable Assessments, Rates and Taxes upon the Estates and Persons of all and every the Proprietors or Inhabitants of our said Province or Territory, to be issued and disposed of by Warrant under the Hand of the Governor of our said Province for the time being, with the Advice and Consent of the Council, for our Service in the necessary Defence and Support of our Government of our said Province or Territory, and the Protection and Preservation of the Inhabitants there, according to such Acts as are or shall be in force within our said Province, and to dispose of matters and things, whereby our Subjects, Inhabitants of our said Province, may be religiously, peaceably and civilly governed, protected and defended, so as their good Life and orderly Conversation may win the Indians, 
The Conversion of the Indians to be endeavoured.  Natives of the Country, to the Knowledge and Obedience of the only true God and Saviour of Mankind, and the Christian Faith, which his Royal Majesty our Royal Grandfather King Charles the First, in his said Letters Patents declared was his Royal Intentions, and the Adventurers free Profession to be the principle End of the said Plantation. And for the better securing and maintaining Liberty of Conscience hereby granted to all Persons at any time being and residing within our said Province or Territory as aforesaid, Willing, Commanding and Requiring, and by these Presents, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, ordaining and appointing that all such Orders, Laws, Statutes and Ordinances, Instructions and Directions as shall he so Made and Published under our Seal of our said Province or Territory, shall be carefully and duly observed, kept and performed, and put in Execution according to the true intent and meaning of these Presents. Provided always, and We do by these Presents, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Establish and Ordain, that in the framing and passing of all such Orders, Laws, Statutes and Ordinances, 
The Governor to have a Negative on the Acts of the General Assembly, etc.  and in all Elections and Acts of Government whatsoever, to be passed, made or done by the said General Court or Assembly, or in Council, the Governor of our said Province or Territory of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England for the time being, shall have the Negative Voice, and that without his Consent or Approbation signified and declared in Writing; no such Orders, Laws, Statutes, Ordinances, Elections, or other Acts of Government whatsoever, so to be made, passed or done by the said General Assembly or in Council, shall be of any force, effect or validity, any thing herein contained to the contrary in any wise Notwithstanding. And We do for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Establish and Ordain, that the said Orders, Laws, Statutes and Ordinances, be by the first opportunity after the making thereof, sent or transmitted unto Us, our Heirs and Successors, under the Public Seal, to be appointed by Us, for Our or their Approbation or Disallowance. And that in Case all or any of them shall at any time within the space of three Years next after the same shall have been presented to Us, our Heirs and Successors, in our or their Privy Council, be disallowed and rejected, and so signified by Us, our Heirs and Successors, 
Laws to be sent to England for the Royal Approbation: If not disallowed within three Years to be in force until Repealed by the Assembly.  under our or their Sign Manual and Signet, or by Order in our or their Privy Council, unto the Governor for the time being, than such and so many of them as shall be so disallowed and rejected, shall thenceforth cease and determine, and become utterly void and of none effect. Provided always, that in Case We, our Heirs or Successors, shall not within the term of three Years after the presenting of such Orders, Laws, Statutes or Ordinances, as aforesaid, signify our or their Disallowance of the same, than the said Orders, Laws, Statutes or Ordinances, shall be and Continue in full Force and Effect, according to the true intent and meaning of the same, until the Expiration thereof, or that the same shall be repealed by the General Assembly of our said Province for the time being. Provided also, that it shall and may be lawful for the said Governor and General Assembly to make or pass any Grant of Lands lying within the Bounds of the Colonies formerly called the Colonies of the Massachusetts-Bay, and New-Plymouth, and Province of Main, 
The General Court has Power to pass any grants of Land in Massachusetts Plymouth, or the Province of Main. Grants or Land between Sagadahook and St. Laurence to have the Royal Approbation.  in such manner as heretofore they might have done by virtue of any former Charter or Letters Patents; which Grants of Lands within the Bounds aforesaid, We do hereby Will and Ordain to be and continue for ever of full Force and Effect, without Our further Approbation or Consent. And so as nevertheless, and it is our Royal Will and Pleasure, that no Grant or Grants of any Lands lying or extending from the River of Sagadahock, to the Gulf of St. Laurence and Canada Rivers, and to the Main Sea Northward and Eastward, to be made or passed by the Governor and General Assembly of our said Province, be of any force, validity or effect, until We, our Heirs and Successors, shall have signified our or their Approbation of the same. And we do by these Presents for Us, our Heirs and Successors, grant, establish and ordain, that the Governor of our said Province or Territory for the time being, shall have full power by himself, or by any chief Commander, or other Officer or Officers, to be appointed by him from time to time, to Train, Instruct, Exercise and Govern the Militia there; and for the special Defence and safety of our said Province or Territory, to Assemble in Martial Array, and put in Warlike Posture the Inhabitants of our said Province or Territory, and to Led and Conduct them, and with them to Encounter, Expulse, Repel, Resist and Pursue by Force of Arms, 
The Governor to Command the Militia.  as well by Sea as by Land, within or without the Limits of our said Province or Territory, and also to kill, slay, destroy and conquer, by all fitting ways, erterprises and means whatsoever, all and every such Person and Persons as shall at any time hereafter attempt or enterprise the destruction, invasion, detriment or annoyance of our said Province or Territory; and to use and exercise the Law, Martial in time of actual War, Invasion or Rebellion, as occasion shall necessarily require; and also from time to time to Erect Forts, and to Fortify any Place or Places within our said Province or Territory, and the same to furnish wi●hall necessary Ammunition, Provision and Stores of War, for offence or defence, and to commit from time to time, the Custody and Government of the same, to such person or persons as to him shall seem meet, and the said Forts and Fortifications to demolish at his pleasure, and to take and surprise by all ways and means whatsoever, all and every such Person or Persons, with their Ships, Arms, Ammunition, and other Goods, as shall in a Hostile manner Invade; or attempt the Invading, Conquering or Annoying of our said Province or Territory. Provided always, and We do by these Presents, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Grant, Establish and Ordain, That the said Governor shall not at any time hereafter, by Virtue of any Power hereby granted, 
No Persons to be Transported out of the Province without their own Consent.  or hereafter to be granted to him, Transport any of the Inhabitants of our said Province or Territory, or oblige them to March out of the Limits of the same, without their free and voluntary Consent, or the Consent of the great and general Court or Assembly of our said Province or Territory; nor grant Commissions for Exercising the Law Martial upon any the Inhabitants of our said Province or Territory, without the Advice and Consent of the Council or Assistants of the same. Provided in like manner, and We do by these Presents, 
The Law-Martial not to be executed on any Inhabitant without the Consent of the Council.  for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Constitute and Ordain, That when and as often as the Governor of our said Province for the time being, shall happen to die, or be displaced by Us, our Heirs or Successors, or be absent from his Government, that then and in any of the said Cases, the Lieutenant or Deputy Governor of our said Province for the time being, shall have full Power and Authority, to do and execute all and every such acts, matters and things, which our Governor of our said Province for the time being, might or could by Virtue of these our Letters, Patents lawfully do or execute, 
In the absence of the Governor, the Deputy Governor to have the same Power.  if he were personally present, until the return of the Governor so absent, or Arrival or Constitution of such other Governor as shall or may be appointed by Us, our Heirs or Successors in his stead; and that when and as often as the Governor, and Lieutenant or Deputy Governor of our said Province or Territory for the time being, shall happen to die, or be displaced by Us, our Heirs or Successors, or be absent from our said Province; and that there shall be no person within the said Province, Commissionated by Us, 
In the absence of both the Governor & Deputy Governor, the major part of the Council to have their Power.  our Heirs or Successors to be Governor within the same; then and in every of the said Cases, the Council or Assistants of our said Province shall have full Power and Authority, and We do hereby give and grant unto the said Council or Assistants of our said Province for the time being, or the major part of them, full Power and Authority to do and execute all and every such acts, matters and things which the said Governor, or Lieutenant or Deputy Governor of our said Province or Territory for the time being, might or could lawfully do or exercise, if they or either of them were personally present, until the return of the Governor, or Lieutenant or Deputy Governor so absent, or Arrival or Constitution of such other Governor, or Lieutenant or Deputy Governor, as shall and may be appointed by Us, our Heirs or Successors from time to time. Provided always, and it is hereby Declared, that nothing herein, shall extend or be taken to erect, or grant, or allow the exercise of any Admiral Court, Jurisdiction, Power or Authority, but that the same shall be, and is hereby reserved to Us and our Successors, and shall from time to time be erected, granted and exercised by Virtue of Commissions to be issued under the Great Seal of England, 
Admiralty Jurisdiction reserved.  or under the Seal of the High Admiral, or the Commissioners for Executing the Office of High Admiral of England. And further, Our express Will and pleasure is, and We do by these presents, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, ordain and appoint that these our Letters, Patents shall not in any manner Enure, or be taken to abridge, bar or hinder any of our loving Subjects whatsoever, to use and exercise the Trade of Fishing upon the Coasts of New-England, 
The Trade of Fishing not to be abridged.  but that they and every of them shall have full and free Power and Liberty to continue and use their said Trade of Fishings upon the said Coasts, in any of the Seas thereunto adjoining, or any Arms of the said Seas or Salt-water Rivers where they have been wont to Fish; and to build and set upon the Lands within our said Province or Colony, lying waste, and not then possessed by particular Proprietors, such Wharves, Stages and Work-houses, as shall be necessary for the salting, drying, keeping and packing of their Fish, to be taken or gotten upon that Coast, and to cut down and take such Trees and other Materials there growing, or being upon any parts or places lying waste, and not then in possession of particular Proprietors, as shall be needful for that purpose, and for all other necessary easements, helps and advantages concerning the Trade of Fishing there, in such manner and form as they have been heretofore at any time accustomed to do, without making any wilful waste or spoil, any thing in these Presents contained to the contrary notwithstanding. And Lastly, for the better providing and furnishing of Masts for our Royal Navy, We do hereby reserve to Us, 
Trees fit for Masts not growing upon any Soil granted to particular persons to be preserved,  our Heirs and Successors, all Trees of the Diameter of twenty four Inches, and upwards of twelve Inches from the ground, growing upon any Soil or Tract of Land within our said Province or Territory, not heretofore granted to any private Persons: And We do restrain and forbid all Persons whatsoever from felling, cutting or destroying any such Trees without the Royal Licence of Us, our Heirs and Successors, first had and obtained, upon Penalty of Forfeiting One Hundred Pounds Sterling unto Us, our Heirs and Successors, for every such Tree so felled, cut or destroyed, without such Licence had or obtained in that behalf, any thing in these Presents contained to the contrary Notwithstanding. In Witness whereof, We have caused these our Letters to be made Patents. Witness ourselves at Westminster, the seventh day of October, in the Third Year of our Reign.  
By Writ of Privy Seal. PIGOT.