THE MODEL OF THE GOVERNMENT Of the PROVINCE OF EAST-NEW-JERSEY IN AMERICA; And Encouragements for such as Designs to be concerned there.  
Published for Information of such as are desirous to be Interested in that place.  
EDINBURGH, Printed by John Reid, And Sold be Alexander Ogston Stationer in the Parliament Closs. Anno DOM. 1685.   



TO JAMES Earl of PERTH, Lord DRUMMOND and STOBHALL, etc. Lord High Chancellor of SCOTLAND.  
JOHN Viscount of Melfoord, Lord Drummond of Gilston, Secretary of State for the Kingdom of Scotland, one of the Members of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council in both Kingdoms.  
GEORGE Viscount of Tarbet, Lord Mccloud and Castle— Haven, Lord Clerk Register of Scotland, and one of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council there.    
My Noble Lords,  
AS your Lordships concern in East-Jersey, makes it appear to all intelligent persons, that it is a Nationall interest to advance in general the design of a Plantation, hence to America; so that in particular, East-Jersey is the most proper place; seeing your Lordships have chosen it among all the other parts of that continent, to settle your interest there; Yet my Lords, there are (to our shame) a parcel of people, who whether out of Ignorance or Malice, I cannot well determine, decry the design; I believe they have a share of both, and thereby weakens not a little the hands of a number of well meaning people, who would gladly promote the same effectualy, were they not imposed upon by the false rumours, industriously spread abroad to stifle any such inclinations.  
I have been advised to consent to the publishing of the following sheets, at first collected, only for my own divertisement, and more clear information in the affair; As what may tend some what to prevent any foolish misrepresentation when by the perusal of the accounts, from thence the least jealousy is removed of any cheat in the thing itself, so advantageous a Character of the place coming from so many different hands.  
I have had too many demonstrations, of your Lordship's favour, to fear your displeasure upon account of my presuming to send the same abroad under your Patrociny; yea, I dare further adventure, without the least apprehension of your dissatisfaction with me upon that head, to mind your Lordships that as you have laid the foundation of this design, as to any concern of this Country, in that place; so it is expected your Lordships will continue to encourage the same: in process of time your Lordships may render your Names and Families as considerable in America as they are in Europe.  
My Lords, having resolved to dedicate myself, Family, and Fortune, to the promoting of this design; I should the more easily digest any frauns of Providence I have been trysted with; were I so fortunate as to find the opportunity, in Jersey of testifying my resentments of the favours I have received at your Lordship's hands in Scotland, by noticeing any of your Lordships concerns there, and contributing what in me lies to advance the same; nothing shall be wanting in me to testify how much I am,  
My Noble Lords, Your Lordship's most, humbly devoted Servant, George Scot   

Advertisement be the Printer to the Reader.  
That whereas the Authors other pressing affairs hindered him from overseeing the Press, as otherways he would; there is not that correctness requisite in the following sheets; it is hoped the Reader will upon this reason pardon the same, and with his pen help what he finds amiss. The pages 62, and 63, are misplaced: and are to be read according to the number.   

An Account of the Encouragement for promoting a Design of Planting; in East-New-Jersey, containing the Constitutions, and Model of Government of that Province, in a Letter from a Gentleman at Edinburgh, concerned there; to his Correspondent in the Country.  
Sir,  
PErceiving by your last Discourse, that you not only appeared somewhat resolved to be yourself concerned in promoting the present Design of carrying on a Plantation in America, but to endeavour to engage several of your Friends in the same undertaking, when you found any probability of its taking effect. I find myself obliged for your more full Information 〈◊〉 let you know at more length the Reasons, inducing me to be so much concerned in the promo●ing this Affair, submitting very willingly, the grounds prompting me hereto, to your most narrow scrutiny, whether in so doing I act Rationally or not?  
Having at London in the year 1679, the opportunity of frequent converse with several Substantial and Judicious Gentlemen, concerned in the American Plantations, I had thereby the opportunity of understanding throughly the great advantage redounding to that City, from Undertake of this nature, and rational grounds of Conjecture, That their Commerce with that place of the World, hath been one of the greatest Improvements of that Trade, they have for many years enjoyed, which hath rendered it now one of the most considerable Cities in Europe; the Customs thereof which in Queen Elizabeth's time, were farmed at Fifty thousand pounds, paying now in to the Exchequer, near seven hundred thousand pounds yearly, which great Improvement may be much attribute to their Trade with America, brought now in a great manner to Perfection, which at that time was but in its Infancy.  
From that time I began to have strong inclinations, to be more fully informed in that Affair, and to be at all imaginable pains, to notice the same very concernedly▪ and for my more full satisfaction, I judged i● requisite to trace the very beginnings of all the English Plantations, and their gradual progresses ere they arrived at that perfection they presently are at; I could not rest satisfied with the first Methods I proposed to myself, in Order to this, of discoursing at large with such as had been in the several Plantations, by putting such interrogators to them thereanent, as I judged most proper, for informing myself in all things relative to that knowledge, I judged requisite for my own clear information, and for being a foundation to a Design I then began to frame, of being therein myself some way interested; And though I found one and the same account given me in Solution of the most material Questions I proposed; Yea, from several hands, who were such, whose knowledge in other things with the good Character they generally went under, obliged me to notice their information as truth without the least jealousing the verity of the account they gave me; yet for my more full satisfaction, I proposed what I judged would contribute more clearly to my full understanding that affair, to wit, the perusal of all the Geographical descriptions of these places in America inhabited by the English.  
The first thing which offered to my view, in this search, was a question in itself, both pleasant and material, What way the continent of America came first to be inhabited after the Flood, it being a World wholly unknown to the Europeans, asiatics and Africans, till the late discovery thereof by Americus Vesputius, and Cristophorus Columbus, since by all circumstances, it is apparent that it hath been long inhabited: Laetius in his discourse anent the Original of the Americans, Declaring, That the Spaniards destroyed thirty mi●lions of them in these parts of America, usurped by them, which is not the 100 part of that continent. And since it is by all agreed, that after the Flood, Noah and his three Sons had their habitations in some parts of Asia; there being no probable evidencies that any of their Descendants led out the first Colonies thither, being so divided from the rest of the World, to wit, from the Western coast of Europe, and Africa, by the vast Atlantic Ocean, from the North parts of Europe, by the great frozen Seas lying betwixt it and Green-land, appearing to be the Northern Coast of America, from the Northern part of Asia, Tartary and Cathat, by the Fretum Annium, from the Fast part of China, and the Philippine Islands, by the Oceanus Pacificus, above 2000 Leagues in breadth, and divided from the great lately discovered Island Delphago, by the Straits of Magellan; and that Island divided again from the uttermost Southern Continent (if any be) by a great Sea not formerly known to the Europeans, and asiatics, being divided from Asia and Africa, by the great Indian Ocean, lately discovered by De La Mers Navigation; the only probable means of such a Migration, being of a far later perfection, than what could answer such a population of so great a continent.  
To this apparently difficult question I find a very satisfying answer given very fully by the Learned Hales, his Assertion, to wit, That notwithstanding these apparent difficulties, a Migration unto America from the Descendants of Adam, and Noah, was not only possible, but probable, that the 'samine was successive, that though the time or manner of these Migrations cannot certainly be defined, yet many of them were long since, some thousand of years; Yet after the universal Deluge, that the means of this Transmigration of the Descendants of Adam and Noah, from Asia unto America, hath been both by Sea and Land. That the readiest means of the Migration of Colonies unto the Western World, from the Eastern, was by the help of Navigation, whereof much might be casual by Tempests, or contrary Winds. But the more Principle from design, he judging it probable, that the use of Ships was not unknown to the Old World before the Flood, though not in that perfection that after; But that the Ark of Noah, being an exact piece of Arihitecture, did give a patron for Vessels of a greater burden, that from that time the skill of making and navigating Ships had been certainly improved. Heathenish Histories giving us account, that Navigation was ancient among the Grecians, especially among the Phoenicians, Tyrians, and Carthaginians Pliny in his Natural History, relating, That the Navigation of the Argonauts to Colchis for the Golden Fleece, happened about 1000 years after the Flood; And that 200. years before that, Danaus sailed out of Egypt unto Greece. And though there be no express mention of the Pixis Nautica for many years, after the mention of the use of Navigation, yet the same Author relates, That the Phoenicians steered their Course by observation of the Stars.  
But the Sacred Scripture gives a better account of the Antiquity of Navigation, Jacob died 600. years' 〈◊〉 the Flood, yet he mentioned Ships and Havens for shipping, as things well known; and particularly Sidon, as a great Port for shipping, where Zebulons Lott was to be cast, Gen. 49.13. Balaam in the time of Moses mentions, the Ships of Chittim, or Grecians, as a known thing, Numb. 24.24. In the Reign of Solomon, the Tyrians are noticed as expert Seamen, he having a Navy upon the Coast of the Red-Sea, from thence making Voyages with the Tyrant's to Ophir, and Tarshish, places apparently in the East Indies, thence bringing Gold and other Commodities, 1 Chr: 8.18.9.21.  
The Histories of all succeeding Ages of the Grecians and Persians, of the Tyrians, Phoenicians and Carthaginians, of the Romans, Egyptians and Chinenses; And in the latter times of the Venetians, Sicilians and Rhodians, Spanish, Dutch, French, and English, give us a full account, how Sedulous and Industrious all Maritime Coasts have been in advancing of Navigation in multiplying of Shipping, in Merchandizing and Trading in searching out and subduing Foreign Countries, when either afflicted at home by war, or otherways 〈◊〉 or grown over populous.  
And therefore says the forecited Author, as latter years, hath given us of this Age witness of the Transplantations to America, from Spain, France, Portugal, England, Scotland, and Holland, and some Ages before that have given instances of Transplantations f●om Norway unto Green-land, and Iseland; So it appears not only possible, but probable, that either by Casuality or Tempest, or by Intention and Design, either for Lucre of Gold, or for disburthening of the Countries sur charged with multitudes of Inhabitants, or by greatness of mind, affecting Noble Undertake, or by Reason of Hardships, Oppression, and Wars at home, or by some of all these ways, several parts of this great Continent, at several times have been planted with Inhabitants, which through process of time, have multiplied unto these many Nations, and have forgot there Original, and the Manners, Religions, and Customs of these People, from whom they descended in Asia, Europe, or Africa.  
His Judgement is, That the Countries in Asia and Europe, which with greatest probability, have first Peopled America appear to be the British, the Norwegians, the Tartars, or Scythians, the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, or the Chinese; Not mentioning the late Migrations of the Spanish, French, Portugese, Dutch, English, or Scottish.  
Doctor powel's relates, That anno 1170, Madoch one of the Sons of Owen Guineth, went over twice unto the Northern coast of America, and made there a British plantation; This is at large prosecuted by Laetius in his second Observation.  
Grotius hath some Observations touching the Migrations of the Norwegians. Laetius grants, that Iseland, and some part of Green-land, were planted by Ericus Rufus, anno 928. that probably from hence Colonies were brought over unto the Northern parts of America, over the Fretum Anian, in respect of the easiness and shortness of that passage, from Nova Zembla, and the farthest North-east part of Tartary, over that narrow Sea, and partly by Reason of the congruity of the Barbarous customs of the Americans and Scythians.  
Hornius thinks the Migration of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, especially unto the Southeast part of the continent of America, as Mexico and Brasile, very probable upon many accounts, 1: Upon the great skill and long practise of Navigation, and the multitude of Shipping of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians. 2: Upon the Accommodation of the Port of Carthage, and other African ports bordering upon the Mediterranean Sea, to make their Voyages Westward, and the great advantage of the constant easterly Winds which makes the Voyage to Mexico, and Brasile more easy. 3. Upon some ancient Histories, intimating the progress of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians Fleet unto some Islands, or Continents in or near the Atlan ick Ocean.  
And lastlie, he finds much of the Origination of the Americans attribute to the Migration of the Seni or Sinenses from the Eastern parts of China, and the Philippine Islands, from the Islands of Borneo, and the Moluccas and Japan, through the Mare Pacificum, unto the Western parts of America, which though it be a large Ocean of above 2000 Leagues betwixt the Philippine Islands, and the West of the American Continent, and the passage hither difficult, in respect of the constant Easterly Winds betwixt the Tropics; yet many reasons appear to the liklyhood of a plantation, from thence, 1: in respect of the Peopling of China, which Mr. Web, says, Was first Peopled after the Universal Deluge; Sem the son of Noah, first settling here, it being the most ancient and primitive Language, that by means of the Antiquity and Settledness of this Monarchy, having continued ever since the Universal Deluge: It is most probable, the Western continent of America was Peopled hence. 2: Because they were the greatest Masters of Shipping, and best skilled in Navigation of any part in the World; The Pixis Nautica being there known, and used long before the knowledge thereof in Europe. 3. The many Islands upon the South, and Southeast part of China, as Borneo, Javae, Gilolo, Celebes, and others near the Aequator are disjoined, but by very narrow Seas, not much broader than between England and France, from the neck of Land, called Terra de Papes, or Nova Guinea, and Nova Hollandia new discovered; to be at least in some parts disjoined from the more Southern Continent, by a great Sea, but anciently thought to have been a part of the Southern Continent.  
Upon these and the like Probabilities, Judge Hales thinks it reasonable to conclude that the Americans had their Original from the Inhabitants of Europe, Asia, and Africa, that Transmigrated into that Continent, either intentionally or casually, or both. 2. That these Migrations were not of one single People, but of many and divers Nations. 3. That these Migrations were not altogether, or at one time, but successively in several Ages, some earlier, some later. 4. That therefore it is impossible to determine the time of such Migrations, only that they have been all since the Flood, now above 4000 years ago; some Migrations 2, 3, or 400. years after the Flood; some later according to various Accidents; but that is no ways probable that the earliest Migration hither was above 4000 years since, for of one hundred pair they might easily propagat a number competent to People all that Continent. 6. That it appears that since the last of these ancient Migrations, suppose that of Madoch and his Britons, until our late Migrations by the Spaniards, French, English, Dutch and Scottish; there probably interceded an interval of, at least 4. or 500 years; in all which Interval the Commerce and Communication between Europe or Asia, and America, hath as it were slept and been forgot both by them and us. 7. That in this interval of 500 years or there abouts in all parts, but in some parts far greater; there must in all Probability happen a great forgetfulness of their Original; a great Degeneration from the Primitive Civility, Religion, and Custom of these places, from whence they first derived a Ferine and necessitous kind of Life, by a conversation with these that having been long there, were fallen into more barbarous habit of Life and Manners, would easily assimilate; at least the next Generation to barbarism or ferinn●ss; where a Colony comes and keeps itself in a Body as the Roman Colonies did; and the Plantations in Virginia, and New England do; and the New Accessions incorporate and join themselves unto that Body, Custom, both Religious and Civil, And the Original Language are kept entire, but where the Accessions are but thin, and sparing and scattered among the Natives of the Country, where they come, and are driven to conform themselves unto their Customs, f●r their very subsistence, safety and entertainment; it falls out that the very first Planters do soon degenerate in their habits, customs, and Religions, as a little wine poured into a great veshell, loseth itself; but if they escape a total assimilation to the country where they thus are mingled; yet the nixt Generation in such a mixture, is quickly assimilated to the corrupt manners, and customs of the people, among whom they are thus planted; so that it is no wonder, if 〈◊〉 such kind of small Accessions, successively from one and the same, or several Countries, The third Generation forgot their Ancestors, and the Customs, Religions and languages of these people, from whom they were first derived; and assume various temperaments in their language and customs according as the places of their habitatation, and the Company among whom they live, obtain. But there remains yet a great difficulty, touching the noxious untameable Beasts, as Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, which that continent abounds with; how they come to be conducted over the seas, to be preserved in the Ark, and after to be transported again thither, it not being probable that they could be transported by shipping, seeing no man would be at the pains, charge and hazard, with such Beasts, which would do more harm than good: And although possibly, the Frozen Northern Seas might be a Bridge for their Passage; yet that appears unlikly in respect of the great Snows which accompany such frosts; and the impossibility of supply of food in so great and troublesome a journey and as to swimming though the Seas between Tartary and Cathay, and some parts of America, be not so wide as the Atlantic, or Pacifick Ocean; yet they are too large to afford a passage by Sea for Tigers and Lions not apt to take the water; and it is not yet certainly discovered, though conjectured, that there is any neck of Ground or passage by Land from any part of Europe, or Asia, unto any part of the continent of America.  
The only thing then remaining to accommodat this difficulty, is to suppose, that though it should be granted there is no such Land passage extant, yet within the compass of 4000 years elapsed since the Flood, there have been some such juncturs or land passages between the Northern parts of Asia or Europe, and some Northern parts of the continent of America; or between the South cast part of China, or the Philipine Islands, and the Southern continent, though lately there be discovered an interposition of Sea, between the Isleand Delfago, & that Southern continent, whereby either from Asia to Greenland in the North; or from China to Terra-Australis incognita on the South, a land passage might be from Asia to America for men and beasts, though for some ages past either by the violence of the water or by floods, or earthquakes, which hath made great alterations in the Globe of the Earth and Seas that Bridge or Line of communication be now broken or obliterat; and truly such as observe the infinite number of Islands lying between the continent of China and Nova Guinea, almost contiguous to each other, hath probable reason to believe that these have been all formerly one continent joyining China and Nova-Guinea together, though now by the eruption of the Seas crumbled unto small Islands; hence there is ground to believe there hath been anciently necks of land which mantained passage of communication by land betwixt the two continents. Pliny tells us of the great Atlantick-Island mentioned by the Egyptian Priest, in Plato's, Timeus, almost contiguous to the western part of Spain and Africa, now wholly swallowed up by that Ocean; which if truth for aught we know might afford a passage from Africa to America, by land before that Submersion.  

BUT to return from this, I hope not unpleasant digression, having seriously considered the advantages which may be rationally conjectured, to redound from the right managment of a concern in America. I resolved to lay myself out wholly for the promoting such a design in this Country, as what I was convinced, would in the end not only tend to the Honour and Advantage of Our Nation in General, but to the Particular Interest of such as would resolve to be therein effectually concerned; though I am abundantly sensible; there are not a few who take upon them to censure this undertaking, who have not the capacity to pry unto the advantages, which may rationally be proposed in prosecuting thereof: the strongest argument they are able to bring against it, being taken from the practice of our Ancestors, altogether innocent of any such design, though reputed abundantly wise in their generation; that therefore in their Children it can be no less than folly, to introduce such a novelty, the same appearing to thuart the verity of some of our old Scottish Proverbs, that ill Bairns are best heard at home. Fools are fain of flitting; And a Bird in hand is better than two in the bush; esteemed no less by them, than sometimes were the Oracles of Apollo, at Delphos. Yes sir, I have heard some whose pretensions, to wit, were so great that they were upon the borders of Commencing Vertuosis, snarling at this intention, who having been engaged in the debate bewrayed their ignorance so far in the affair, as to inquire, whether the places treated anent, as the proper seats for a Colony, from thence were Islands, or on the continent, if such so little-versant in America, be competent Judges of a matter of this import? I leave it to your determination, and therefore judging them altogether unworthy of being otherways noticed, then to pity their ignorance, not envying them; the satisfaction of their own Opinions. I proceed more at length to acquaint you with the grounds I walk upon, in resolving to be so effectually concerned in promotting this design, as to hazard myself, Family, and Fortune, in Prosecuting thereof, submitting very cheerfully the consideration thereof to your narrowest and most exact scrutiny; whether the motives prompting me hereto be founded upon solid Reason or not?  
I find the most brutish of Mankind proposeth some end to himself, whereby he is actuated, the Voluptuous seeks after his pleasure, the Ambitious his preferment, the Covetous his treasure: whence it is apparent, that all the intentions of man, how unrational soever, are actuated by one of these three great engines of Jucundum Honestum, and Utile; In the effectual promotting this design I judge a man may rationaly have a prospect to all these three.  
I must confess, there is in the generality of Mankind a natural inclination to love the Land of their own Nativity, beyond other places, though upon several Considerations, every way preferable, according to that of the Poet, 
Nescio quo natale solum dulcidine cunctos.  
Tangit & immemores non sinit esse sui.   
Yet we see, it hath been frequently so ordered in providence, that severals upon different motives, have been brought to quit th●i●… Native Soil, and inclined to make choice of strange and remote Countries, for their habitation: and it is clearly seen, that this the●r removal hath tended both to their honour an●… outward more plentiful accommodation, hen●… the Northern Climates, though barren as 〈…〉 their Soil have been observed to produce bodies of Men, in greater abundance, more strong, and vivid than the more Southern and fertile places of the World, whence great multitudes of people pinched with the straits of their own Country, have ishewed forth to more agreeable and fertile places. Thus the Goths, Vandals, and Hunns overspead the Roman Empire, seating themselves in Italy and Spain, and a great part of Africa; hence the eruption of the Franks from the Rhine, upon the more pleasant Valleys of the Loire S●in, and giving thus rise to most flourishing Kingdoms.  
I grant that upon the first view, it may appear somewhat of a Novelty, and that upon this consideration, the Undertakers may be liable to the censure of such, as pry not further into the Affair; Yet I am ready to believe that the more serious and Judicious will have other sentiments of this Design, when they consider, that not only is this practice warranted by the Scripture, but that the effectual prosecuting thereof, will be made clearly to appear, to be contributive as well to the honour of the Undertakers as to their particular Interest, and likewise to the general advantage of the Nation.  
The placing of a People in this or that Country, is from the appointment of GOD, the Apostle speaks of it as grounded in Nature, Acts 17.26. GOD hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of our habitation, Deut. 2.8.5. and 9 GOD would not have the Israelites meddle with the Edomites or the Moabits, because he had given them the land for a possession.  
I do not find any taking upon them to define what particular summons the first Undertakers of planting Colonies had, whether from the mouth of GOD immediately, (as Abraham first and the Children of Israel thereafter,) or from the advice and Counsel of Men; Yet that the Wisdom of GOD directed them in this course is evident from Moses, his testimony, affirming, that he separated the Sons of Adam, and set the bounds of their habitation, Deut. 32.8. So that whoever set on the work, GOD acknowledgeth it as his own; we read also in the 16 of the Acts, verse 12. Of a Colony, (which is a company of People agreeing to remove out of their Country, and settle a City or Commonwealth elsewhere) which GOD blessed and prospered exceedingly, and made it a glorious Church.  
That Colonies as other States in Humane Society, have their Warrant from GOD'S direction and Command, is apparent to all. No sooner was Man created, than he was commanded to replenish the Earth, and subdue it, Gen. 1.26. by these words, and the repetition of them to Noah, Gen. 9 verse 1. We see a promise expressed (as the title of a Benediction, and thereto prefixed) So it may also be perceived, that they include a direction or command. Calvine sayas upon these words, Jubet eos crescere & simul benedictionem suam destinat; And Junius, pro ut vim intus indiderat sic palam mandatum, dedit curandae propagationis & dominationis exercenda●. And Paraeus, Jubet igitur replere terram, non solum generatione & habitatione, sed cum primis potestate cultu & usu, etsi vero nonullae orbis partes manent inhabitales, habemus nihilominus totius dominium, Jure Divino licet non habeamus totius orbis usum culpa & defectu nostro.  
If it be alleged, that though it must he granted, that the words have the force of a Precept, yet it was but to continue during the World's infancy and no longer; upon due consideration it will be found, that there is no ground here for such a Limitation; For though some Commandments founded upon, and respecting some present State and Condition of Men, received end and alteration, when the condition was ended; yet Precepts given to the body of Mankind, as these to Adam and Noah, receive neither alteration in the substantials, nor determination, while Men and any void places of the Earth continue; so that allowing this Commandment to bind Adam, it must bind his Posterity; and consequently ourselves in this Age, and our Issue after us, as long as the Earth yields empty places to be replenished.  
Where there is an empty vacant place, there appears hence to be Liberty for the Sons of Adam, or Noah, to come and inhabit; Abraham and Isaac sojourned among the Philistines. Yea, I do not see that either they bought or asked leave of the Inhabitants; By sojourning, is meant a constant residence there, as in a possession of their own; although it be so termed, as if they had been Strangers, because they neither pretended to the Sovereign Government of the whole Country, neither did incorporate themselves unto the Commonwealth of the Natives, to submit themselves to their Government; they did not buy that land to feed their Catttle, because they said, there is room enough, intimating, that the Natives were no ways injured by their Neighbourhead; and so did Jacob pitch his tents by, Schem, Gen. 34. verse 21. Hamor said, there is room enough, therefore let them sit down among us, yea we see that in case the people who were former Inhabitants, did disturb them in their possessions, they complained to the King, as of injury done to them, as Abraham did, because they took away his well, Gen. 21.25. for his right thereto, he pleaded not his immediate call from GOD, for that would have seemed frivolous among the Heathen, but his own industry and culture in digging thereof, yea, we see the King does not reject his Plea, with what had he to do to dig wells in their Soil? but admitteth it as a principle of Nature, that in a vacant soil he who taketh possession thereof, and bestoweth Culture and Husbandry thereupon his right it is; the ground hereof being from the Grand Charter given to Adam and his posterity in Paradise, Gen. 1.28. Multiply and replenish the Earth, and subdue it, which Charter was renewed to Noah, Gen. 9.1. fill the Earth and multiply. In the next place, the gift of the Earth, is to the sons of Men, Psalm 115.16. this necessarily enforceth their duty to people it. Were it not an injury done to the most High, to think, He does aught in vain? or that He tenders a gift to Mankind, which He never meant should be enjoyed; And what way can Men make benefit of the Earth but by habitation and culture? Neither do I judge it a rational answer to this, that GOD'S intention is satisfied, if some part of the Earth be replenished and used; though the rest he wast, because we are still urged with the same difficulty, that the rest of which we receive no fruit, was never intended for us, because it was never GOD'S Mind, we should possess it. If it be then granted, that it hath been the mind of GOD, that Man should possess all the parts of the Earth; it must be acknowledged that we neglect our duty, and cross His Will, if we do it not when we have Occasion and Opportunity, and do little less than undervalue His blessing.  
Does not also that Order which GOD annexeth to Marriage, in His first institution, viz. That married Persons should leave Father and Mother, and cleave to other, warrant this practice; seeing frequently there is a necessity that young married People should remove out of their Father's Families, to live apart by themselves; whereby new Families are erected. Now what are new Families, but petty Colonies? and so at last removing further and further, they overspread the whole Earth; so long therefore as there shall be use of Marriage, there will be a warrant for deducing of Colonies from one place to another.  
We find that GOD'S directions have a double scope, Man's good, and His own Honour, that this Commandment of GOD is directed to Man's good, Temporal or Spiritual is more apparent; for it is most certain, that the life of Man is made comfortable, affording a more plentiful supply in a large scope of ground, which moves them to be so unsatiable in th●ir desi●●s, to join house to house, and land to land, till there be no more place. Exce●ding I grant therein the measure and bounds of Justice, and yet building upon a principle suggested b● Nature, that a large place best secures sufficiency, as we see by Nature, Trees flourish fair, prosper well, and wax fruitful in a large Orchard, which would otherways decay, if they were straitened in a little Nursery; These that are stronger Plants and better rooted, would increase, overtop, and at last starve the weaker sort. Do we not see it thus fall out in our Civil State, where a few Men flourish best, furnished with Abilities, or best fitted with Opportunities, and the rest wax weak, and languish, as wanting room and means to nourish them. Now that the Spirits and Hearts of Men are kept in better Temper by spreading wide, will be evident to any Man who considers, That the Husbanding of unmanured ground, and shifting unto empty lands, enforceth Men to Frugality, and quickeneth invention; and the settling of new Estates requireth Justice, and affection to the Common Good; and the taking in of large Countries, presents a natural remedy against covetousness, fraud and violence, when every man may enjoy enough without wrong or injury to his Neighbour. Whence it was that the First Age, by these helps were renowned for golden Times, wherein Men being newly entered into their Possessions, were enforced thereby to Labour, Frugality, Simplicity and Justice having neither leisure nor occasion to decline to Idleness, Riots, Wantonness, Fraud, or Violence; the ordinar fruits of well Peopled Countries, and of the abundance and superfluities of long settled Estates.  
But that which should most stay our hearts, is the respect unto GOD'S Honour, which is much advanced by this work of replenishing the Earth, whereby the largeness of his bounty is tasted hy settling of men in all parts of the World, whereby the extent of His munificence to the sons of Men is discovered; the Psalmist tells us, that GOD is much magnified by this, that the whole Earth is full of His Riches; yea, and the Red sea too, Psalm 104.24. And GOD when he would have Abraham know what he had bestowed on him, when he gave him Canaan, wills him, to walk through it, in the length of it, and the breadth of it, Gen. 13.17. GOD'S Honour is hereby advanced, when together with men's Persons, Religion is conveyed to several parts of the World, and all the quarters of the Earth, sound with His Praise, and CHRIST JESUS takes in the Nations for his inheritance, and the ends of the Earth for His Possession; according to GOD'S Decree and Promise, Psal. 28.  
Seeing then it must be acknowledged, that even those Colonies which have been undertaken upon the desire either of disburthening full states of unnecessary multitudes, or of replenishing waist and void Countries, have a clear and sufficient Warrant from the Mouth of GOD as immediately concurring with a special end that GOD aimed at in the first institution thereof, when GOD'S Honour and Glory, and next Man's Salvation is his own proper scope in this and all his ways; it must be more necessarily acknowledged, that the desire and respect unto the publishing his Name where it is not known, and reducing men who live without GOD in this present world, unto a form of Piety and Godliness, by how much the more immediately it suits with the mind of GOD, and is further carried from private respects, by so much the more it advanceth this work of planting Coll●●ies above all Civil and Humane ends, and deserves Honour and Approbation above the most glorious conqueasts or most successful interprises, which ever were undertaken by the most renowned men which the Sun hath seen, and that by how much the subduing of Satan is a more glorious Act, than a Victory over Man; and the inlargements of CHRIST'S Kingdom, than the adding unto men's dominions; and the saving of men's Souls, than the provision for their Lives and Bodies.  
It appears, this end in Plantation hath been specially reserved for this latter days of the World, seeing before CHRIST, the Decree of GOD that suffered all Nations to walk in their own ways, Acts 14.16. Shut up the Church in the narrow bounds of the promised land, and so excluded men from the propagation of Religion to other Countries. And in the Apostles times, GOD afforded an easier and speedier course of converting Men to the Truth by the gifts of the Tongues, seconded by the power of Miracles, to win the greater credit to their Doctrine, which most especially and first prevailed upon Country's civilised, as the History of the Acts of the Apostles makes manifest; As for the rest it is not questioned, but GOD used the same way to other barbarous Nations, which he held with these whom he first civilised by the Roman Conquests and mixture of their Colonies, with them that Religion, might be afterwards brought in, seeing it cannot be imagined that Religion should prevail upon these who are not subdued to the rule of Nature and Reason. It may be rationally conjuctured that GOD did especially direct this Work of Erecting Colonies, unto the planting and propogating of Religion in the West-Indies, and that for divers reasons, which ought to be taken unto serious consideration, as affording the strongest motives which can be proposed to draw on the hearts & affections of men to their work: There are men of Note, both for Place and Learning in the Church, that conceive the course held by GOD from the beginning, in the propagation of Religion, falls in the last age, upon the Western Parts of the World. It is most certain that from the first Planting of Religion among Men, it hath always held a constant way from East to West, and hath in that Line proceeded so far, that it hath extended to the uttermost Western bounds of the formerly known World, so that if it make up any further passage upon that point of the Compass, it must necessarily light upon the West-Indies, And it is conceived with all, that our Saviors Prophesy, Matth. 24.27. points out such a progress of the Gospel, its true that the comparison there used, taken from the lightning, aims at the sudden dispersing of the knowledge of CHRIST by the Apostles Ministry but whereas it is known, that the Ligthning shins from divers places of the Heaven, showing itself indifferently, sometimes in the West, sometimes in the North or South; It's judged probable that our Saviour does in this similitude, choice to name the lightning that comes out of the East unto the West, to express not only the shining out of the Gospel, but withal the way and passage by which it proceeds from one end of the World to an other, that is from East to West.  
But passing by that only as a probable argument, the following seems to carry greater weight, the knowledge of CHRIST must certainly be manifested to all quarters of the World, according to divers predictions of Prophets ratified and renewed by Christ and his Apostles; but that the knowledge of Christ hath been never as yet fully discovered to these Western Nations is clearly demonstrated, seeing till the time that the first Planters went over from England, not many years since, no History for 500 years before Christ, ever mentioned any such Inhabitants upon earth; much less l●ft any record of passage to them or commerce with them; so that unless we should conceive a miraculous worth of conceiving knowledge without means, it cannot be imagined, how these Nations should have once heard of the Name of CHRIST?  
But further▪ what shall we think of that almost miraculous opening the passage unto, and discovery of these formerly unknown Nations, which must needs have proven impossible to former Ages, for want of the Knowledge of the use of the Loadstone, as wonderfully found out as these unknown Countries by it. It were little less than impiety to conceive, that GOD, whose Will concurs with the lighting of a Sparrow upon the ground, had no design in directing one of the most difficult and observable works of this Age, and as great folly to imagine, that He who made all things, and consequently, Orders and Directs them to his own Glory, had no other scope, but the satisfying of men's greedy appetites, who thirsted after the riches of that new World; And to tender to the bloody and cruel Spainard the objects of such barbarous cruelties, as the World never heard of. We have then ground to conceive, that GOD in that great Discovery, aimed at this, that after he had punished the Atheism and Idolatry of these Heathens, and brutish Nations by the conquerors cruelty; and acquainted them by mixture with some other people's civility, he might at length cause the Glorious Gospel of JESUS CHRIST shine out to them as it did to other Nations, after the sharp times of the bitter dissolations thereof betwixt the Romans and them. That this Nation is able and fit to send out Colonies unto foreign parts will evidently appear to any who considers our overflowing multituds, this being admitted for a received principle, that Countries superabound in people, when they have more than they can well employ, seeing we know men are not ordained to live only, but withal and specially to serve one another, throw love in some profitable and useful calling; and though it be granted, that this Land by GOD'S ordinary blessing yields sufficiency of Corn and Cattle, for more than the present inhabitants; yet that we have more people, than we do or can profitably employ, will appear to any man of understanding, willing to acknowledge the truth, and to consider that many among us live without employment either wholly or in the greatest part.  
We have as much opportunity as any Nation to transport our men, and  provisions b● Sea unto these countries, without which advantage they cannot be peopled fro●●a● part of the World; from this Christian part at least, and how useful a Nighbour the Sea is to the furthering such a work, th● xample of the Grecians and Phoenicians, who filled all the bordering coasts with ●ol●o●●es, do sufficiently prove unto all the wo●ld ●●ither is it to be doubted, but the first 〈◊〉, wanting this conveniency, as Abraham ●n his removing to Charan first, 〈◊〉 to Canaan afterwards; must needs h●ve sp●●●● much time, and endured much trouble in ●●ssing their companies and provisions by land, ●ver Rivers, and throw Woods, and Thick t● h unbeaten paths.  
I know it will be asked, what call or warrant a m●n hath to remove, when he is w●ll where he is? Or, what warrant particular men have to engage their Persons, and Estates, in this employment of planting Colonies.  
As for he first of these, we find we may remove for the gaining of knowledge, our Saviour commends it in the Queen of the South, that she came from the uttermost ends of the Earth, to hear the wisdom of Solomon, Matth. 12.24. And surely with him she might have continued for the same end, if her Personal Calling had not recalled her home. We find it also allowable to remove, and travel for Merchandise, and Gain-sake; Daily Bread may be sought from a far, Prov. 31.14: Yea, our Saviour approveth travel for Merchants, Matth. 13.45. when He compareth a Christian to a Merchant man seeking Pearls; for he never fetcheth a Comparison from any unlawful thing, to illustrate a thing Lawful; the comparison from the unjust Steward, and from the Thief in the night, not being taken from the unjustice of the one, or the Theft of the other, but from the Wisdom of the one, and the suddenness of the other, which in themselves are not unlawful.  
We find from Scripture, its lawful to remove to plant a Colony, that is, a Company agreeing together to remove out of their own Country, and settle a City or Common Wealth elsewhere; of such a Colony (as is already mentioned) we read in Acts 16.12. which GOD blessed and prospered exceedingly, and made of it a glorious Church. Nature teacheth Bees to do so, when as the Hive is too full, they seek abroad for new dwellings; so when the Hive of a Kingdom is so full, that Tradesmen cannot live one by another, but eat up one another, in this case its lawful to remove.  
But further, GOD alloweth a Man to remove, when he may employ his Talents and Gifts better elsewhere, especially when he is not bound by any particular ingadgement to the place where he is; thus GOD sent Joseph before to preserve the Church, joseph's Wisdom and Spirit was not fit for a Shepherd, but for a Counsellor of State, and therefore GOD sent him to Egypt.  
Where people find themselves straitened in point of their opinion, no reasonable man will question their call to go, whereby Law they are allowed that Freedom, in this point which they themselves would desire; this is one great encouragement to any so circumstantial, to remove to any of the new Plantations; the interest of which oblidgeth to lay this as a fundamental, that no man shall be any way imposed upon in matters of principls, but have their own freedom without the least hazard.  
It will certainly be allowed by all that in the present circumstances of the Protestants in France, where the free exercise of their Religion is denied to them, it is very allowable for them to remove where without hazard they may live in the free exercise of their own principles, being upon that account obnoxious to no hazard as guilty of the breach of the Law.  
I believe some may object, that no man undertakes this task without an extraordinary warrant, such as Abraham had from GOD, to call him out of Mesopotamia to Canaan; their opinion appears to be founded upon this argument, that the planting of Colonies is an extraordinary work; and therefore these who undertake it, must have an extraordinary call. In answer to this, I think it cannot be granted, that the planting of Colonies is an extraordinary work this argument lying strongly against it.  
That duty which is commanded by a perpetual law, cannot be accounted extraordinary.  
But the sending out of Colonies is commanded by a perpetual Law.  
Therefore it is no extraordinary duty.  
Now that the commandment is perpetual, hath been proved, first, because it was given to Mankind. 2. Because it hath a ground which is perpetual, to wit, the emptiness of the earth, which either is so, or may be so, while the World endures, for even these places which are full, may be emptied by Wars, or sickness, and then an argument passeth as strongly the contrary way, the undertaking of an ordinar duty needs no other than an ordinary warrant, but such is planting of a Colony as being undertaken by Virtue of a perpetual Law, therefore the undertaking to plant a colony needs no extraordinary warrant.  
I must grant Abraham's undertaking was in many things extraordinar, and therefore needed an immediate direction from GOD, he was to go alone with his Family and Brethren, to such a certain place far distant, possessed already by the Canaanites who were to be expelled, that land was to be wholly appropriate to himself and his Issue, he was not to plant it at present, but only to Sojourn in it, and walk thorough it for a time; Now none of these circumstances fit our ordinary colonies; & consequently Abraham's example is nothing to this purpose, because the case is different, though in some other things alike.  
It may be further objected, that though Men may adventure upon the Work, upon an ordinary Warrant, yet none can give that but the State; therefore it may be judged that a Command from the Highest Authority unto such as engaged themselves in this Affair is necessary; That the State hath power over all her Members to command and dispose of them within the bounds of Justice; is more evident than can be denied; but this power is diversely executed, sometimes by Command, sometimes by Permission, as in preparations to War; sometimes Men are compelled to serve, sometimes they are permitted to go Volunteers; sometimes the Supreme Power takes care of the whole business; sometimes as in Musters commits it to Delegates. If the Government then proclaim Liberty to such as will go about such a design, and commit the care to themselves, to associate whom they think fit. It cannot be denied, but the State hath given a sufficient Warrant, as will appear by your perusal of the Advertisement published thereanent, adjoined to the close hereof.  
Neither does it appear that any State did more; the Romans use was to proclaim, That they intended to plant a Colony of such a number in such a place, and as many as would give in their names, should receive so many Acres of ground, and enjoy such other privileges as they thought fit to grant them; which they then expressed, these who gave in their names were enroled till the number was full: and then they had certain Commissioners appointed; to see all things ordered accordingly, and every Man put in possession of his Inheritance; Neither did the State interpose their Authority, in assigning and choising out the Men, but left it free and voluntar to every Man to take or leave, seeing nothing can bear out the Hazards and inconveniencies of such undertake, but a willing mind; Men can disjeast any thing which themselves do choice or desire, but a Commandment makes a pleasant thing harsh; how much more harsh things intolerable!  
By what is above written, I apprehend you will find it sufficiently cleared, that the prosecuting this Design is warranted from the Word of GOD; it remains for your further satisfaction, as to the reasonableness thereof, to be made no less apparent, that the effectual carrying on thereof will contribute to the advantage of the Nation in general, and to the honour and particular interest of these who are active Undertakers ●herein; and I am much in a mistake, if I make not that appear as clearly as the other, but before I begin to condescend upon particulars, I judge you will not find it improper in the first place, to offer to your consideration, a general Survey of the present cireumstances of the Nation, whereby you will the more easily be satisfied of some particulars properly to be noticed, for your more clear conviction of the truth of this assertion.  
Tho there be some particular parcels of Our Country here and there to be found, which both for the nature of the Soil, and other pleasant and agreeable accommodations are in themselves sufficiently desirable, yet where I have the general prospect thereof in my view, I find myself obliged to acknowledge, it is not among the most fertile places of the world, to say no worse, but though we cannot compate with Our Neighbour Nation, as to the fertility of the Soil in general, or the flourishing of trade; in some things it will be acknowledged we are comparatiuly nothing inferior to them, this kingdom hath plenty of Inhabitants, whereof yearly it may cast a Fleece, without the least prejudice of the general interest of the Nation, as actually it hath done since the year 1618. that the wars began in Germany; it is sufficiently known what multitudes of People have gone hence yearly since that time, the truth of this well appear to these who consider, that in the Swedish Army at one time there were 27. Scottish Colonies and that Douglas Regiment in France hath since His Majesty's Restauration, taken hence upwards of thirty thousand men, besides what number have during all that time gone to Flanders, and Holland, where there have been three Regiments of Scots Men, of standing Forces constantly till this day kept in pay; and are at present yet standing; whereby is occasioned the transport of a considerable number of men yearly for their recruits.  
Sir, you may easily consider, what an interest Scotland might have had in America, had all these who have gone from their native Country in queast of Honour and Fortunes, to these places, steered their course to this Airth; there is hardly any noble family in Scotland, or Gentlemen of any note, but ere this time should have had some interest in America; If these had all settled in one place, it should have been a very considerable Colony ere this time; Women also of our own Nation would not have been wanting to these Men, by which the foundation of a very flourishing Colony should have been laid; You know as well as I, that Our Country People want not their Sagacity in Country Affairs, they know abundantly well how to manage their own Business, according to their Capacities, they are painful and laborious, enured to hardship; these who know how to make a Livelihood in this Country, will certainly know much better how to live in a more Fertile Soil, where their Pains and Industry would be more plentifuly rewarded, than can be expected from the natural barrenness of our Native Soil, when compared with the Fertility of these places in America.  
It is on the other hand sufficiently known to all, who are in the least acquainted with Our Scottish Histories, That, Our Gentry who have ordinarily the advantage of Education, whereof our Commonality are deprived, are in nothing inferior to any Gentry in Europe; by this I mean not only Our Nobility and Gentry, and the Eldest Sons, their Representatives, but the younger of both, to whom it is observed; Nature gives no less Vivacity of Spirit than to the Elder, (if not more.) Though by Our Law they are deprived of being proportionably sharers in their Fortune; Whence it is, that these of them who have any Spirit, sensible of this disadvantage, choice rather to go abroad upon their own Purchase, than to be obliged to a slavish dependence upon the elder Brother for a Liuly-hood, which by the custom of the Country, these of no Spirit are frequently engaged to, how insignificant so ever he may be.  
I desire to know, if a more easy or honourable way could be proposed? Or a more probable mean to expect a comfortable Liuly-hood, than with what small Fortune will be allowed by their Parents, (from the elder Brother's Estate) to be settled in such a place of America, as shall be judged a proper seat for these who go upon such a Design from this Nation? Their Parents can always with ease provide them with a convenient number of the Commonality, as Servants who in this Country can never be wanting to Gentlemen. Our Common People will quickly come to understand their particular interest in this affair, se●ing after their four years' service, they may rationaly propose to live more plentifully & more at ease▪ after a very l●ttle moderate pains and labour, than they can do at home, when they have spent their whole time, aft●r the ordinary method of this country, according to their accustomed slavish toil they are used to.  
I am ready upon very good ground to believe that within a few years, the elder brothers left at home entangled in the ordinary debts of the Family; and so in a mann●r what by that, and what by the other public burdens, engaged in a most slavish life, when he is every morning in the reverence of high Creditors; will quickly come to envy the happiness of the ●●unger brothers in America, when th●y come to be informed ●n what plenty they live, recreating themselves with no less pleasant, then harmless divertisements that Country in great plenty affords, and divertising primative recreations, where every one shall have such a competent sufficient or ●●mself, as h● shall not have the least occasion of envying his Neighbour upon account of his or ●ne; each having for himself what in reason can be judged a comfortable accommodation.  
But however, weighty this consideration may be, I leave the further prosecuting thereof to offer to your serious thoughts, a point of no less moment, as being in my weak judgement more ma●erial, and of greater weight in their times, than the other, are not the distractions of this Kingdom, anent matters of Opinion, in reference to Church Government, come to that height that the sad and fatal consequences thereof, are astonishing to all sober persons; many who upon some scruple, cannot comply with the present Model of Government, are yet confounded and ashamed, to consider the unwarrantable practices of some, who give themselves out, as owning their principles, while their inhuman and barbarous practices are a scandal not only to the Protestant Religion, but inconsistent with Christianity. Yea, Humanity itself! what the further result of these differences shall be, I will not take upon me to determine, only the consequencies are like to be not a little prejudicial to the Protestant Religion; each of the Parties endeavour to blame the other, without any design of Accommodation, or yielding one to another. There is nothing impossible to the Omnipotent Power; But a reconsiliation of the differences among our Churchmen appears improbable in the highest degree; So fixed both Parties do seem to be in their own Principles. If Mackquare and Broun vent publicly the justification of their Tenets, for the further encouragement of their own Party, in opposition to the other.  
The Bishop of St. Asaph will not be behind with them, seeing rather as not to have the occasion of reaching them a blow, he choiceth affrontedly in the face of the World, to cut off from his Native Prince, Forty of his Royal Ancestors. I desire not to reflect upon any of his Lo: Character, but I may be allowed without giving offence, to say, whatever demonstration his Lo: hath given in that piece, of reading, he hath evidenced small sense of his gratitude to so bountiful a Prince, to whom he owed so much, to have so treated him; as his malice against our Nation, is thereby made sufficiently apparent, so you now see his gross ignorance in that particular laid open to the world, by a very ingenious Pen, (Sir G. McK.) which probably may have that effect upon his Lo. as to oblige him for the future to treat in matters wherein he is more versant, and which are more becoming a Gown-man, than so publicly to endeavour to affront a Nation, by injuring their King, and his own.  
But to return from this digression, you see so it is now judged the interest of the Government altogether to suppress the Presbiterian Principles; and that in order thereto, the whole force and bensel of the Law of this Kingdom, are leveled at the effectual bearing them down, that the rigorous putting these Laws in execution, hath in a great part ruined many of these, who notwithstanding thereof find themselves in conscience obliged to retain these principles; while in the other hand Episcopacy is by the same Laws supported, and protected; I would gladly know what other rational medium can be proposed in their circumstances then either to comply with the Government, by going what length is required by Law, in conforming, or to retear; where by Law a Toleration is by His Majesty allowed; such a retreat doth at present offer itself in America; and is no where else to be found in His Majesty's Dominions. I would be informed if such as cannot comply with the present Laws would not act more rationally, to bestow what is yet left them in making an interest in that place, transporting themselves thither where they are by Law allowed, the free exercise of their principles, beside what other accommodations they may upon just grounds propose to themselves, rather than by still living where they are resolved not to comply with the Government, expose themselves wholly to ruin, which appears absolutely inevitable, otherways then by a full compliance, with the Laws, whereby may be obviated the penalty; such will otherways be liable to the exacting, whereof will certainly tend to their ruin in the close.  
And to conuclude you will find no small ground of further encouragement to such as are resolved effectually to bestir themselves in carrying on this design, from the consideration of the great success of the only undertaking of this Nature this Kingdom was ever concerned in, whereby ●s made clearly evident that we want not people for managing such design, it was but about the latter end of King James the sixth, his days, that we began to be concerned in sending some people to Ireland, and yet the small beginning that design had, from the undertaking of a very few Gentlemen, hath come this length that I am informed by Creditable Authors, that Kingdom this day could bring to the fields an hundred thousand of our country men; Yea, I had an account thence lately from an acquaintance of mine, who was serious in advancing this design, That the Province of Ulster, where most of our Nation are seated, could spare Forty thousand Men and Women, to an America Plantation, and be sufficiently Peopled itself. The Gentleman who gave me this Information, is since settled in Mary-land, the account he sends of that Country is so encouraging, that I hear a great many of his Acquaintances are making for that Voyage; one thing is considerable in this to be observed, That the difficulties of such an undertaking were far more terrifying at that time, then now to our Country Men, seeing a Voyage from the West of Scotland to Ireland, not 16. hours sailing, was then more formidable generally to People, who otherwise would have undertaken willingly the Voyage, than now from Lieth to America, whether several Ships have gone without the least discouraging accident.  
But now to come to the Answer of your most material Question, to wit, What I judge the most proper place in America, for a seat to these who would resolve to go hence upon such a Design For your satisfaction in this, I shall very freely, tell you my own Opinion, that having for some time made it my work to consider all the Coast of America, from the River of Canada, Northerly, to the River of May, Southerly, in that part of Flonda now called Caralina; having in my search had the opportunity of informing myself of the different nature of the Soils, the temperature of the Climates, the healthfulness of the places, the Constitutions of the several Governments, the conveniences of Access, the advice given to Phaeton, appears very apposite, medio tutissimus ibis, and so East-Jersey, upon the River of Hudson, is the place I find myself oblige to prefer to any other of the English Plantations upon that coast, upon some or other if not most of the above named considerations.  
That you may be convinced of the truth of this, I here send you what description I have of that place, as it is narrated in a Treatise thereanent, emitted lately by the Scots Proprieters; I send you also the doubles of several letters from thence all agreeing in one, to the advantage of that place, confirming all spoken in the said Treatise, after your perusal of what does follow, you will see whether I have ground or not to make this choice.  
It is time now to show how some of our Countrymen, in order to so advantageous a Project, have already purchased an considerable Interest in a Plantation, which is justly esteemed not Inferior, if not beyond any place, upon the whole continent of America, belonging to the English Dominions, called East-New-Jersey. The deduction of the right of it is thus;  
The KING by Patent to the Duke of York granted a great tract of Land lying betwixt Virginia and New-England, It was formerly in the hand of the Dutch, and considerably improved by them, and called New-Netherlands, And by treaty after the first  Wars, Surrendered to the King that part of it, lying betwixt Delaware and Hudsons' River, called New-Cesaria, or New-Jersey; which is betwixt the 39 and 41. Degree of Northern Latitude: was by the Duke of York, granted to John Lord Barkley, and Sir George Cartwright. That part, which belonged to the Lord Barkley, being assigned to Edward Billings. Afterwards by a deed of Partition betwixt the said Edward Billings and Sir George Cartwright, The West Part lying upon Delaware River, was allotted to Edward Billings for his share; and the East part lying upon Hudsons' River, nearest to the Province of New York, was appointed to Sir George Cartwright for his share. Which part, now called East-New-Jersey, is from Sir George Cartwright conveyed to twelve Persons in and about London, who have since conveyed an half to other twelve, so that as well the Right of Government as the Soil, standeth now in 24. Proprietors, in favours of some of whom the Duke of York has been latey pleased to make a new Grant of Confirmation, both of Soil and Government to the twenty four Proprietors, with the same Power and Privileges, he has in his Patent from the King, which are as large as any other Plantation hath, for the Words of the Duke's Patent are as followeth;    

The Patent from the King, to James Duke of York, etc.  
CHARLES the Second, by the Grace of GOD, King of Scotland, England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, etc. To all Men to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting, Know ye that WE, for divers good causes and considerations, Us hereunto moving, have of Our special Grace, certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, Given and Granted, and by these presents for Us▪ Our Heirs, and Successors, Do give and grant unto Our dearest Brother JAMES Duke of York, his Heirs and Assigns, All that part of the Maine-Land of New-England, beginning at a certain place, called or known by the name Saint Croix, next adjoining to New-Scotland in America, and from thence extending along the Coast, unto a certain place called Pamaquin, or Pemaquid, and so up the River thereof, the farthest Head of the same as it tendeth Northward, and extendeth from the River Kenbequin, and so upwards by the shortest course, to the River of Canada Northward; and all that Island or Islands commonly called by the several name or names of Mattawax, or Long-Island, situate and being towards the West of Cape-cod, and the narrow Heggansets, abutting upon the main Land between the two Rivers, there called or known by the several names of Conectecute and Hudsons' River, together also with the said River called Hudsons' River, and all the Land from the Westside of Conectecute River to the East-side of Delaware Bay; And also all those several Islands called or known by the name of Martins-Vineyard, and Hantucks, alias Hantuckett, together with all the Lands, Islands, soils, Rivers, Harbours, Mines, Minerals, Quarries, Woods, Marshes, Waters, Lakes, Fishing, Hauking, Hunt, and Foulings, and all other Royallities, Profits, Commodities, and Hereditaments to the said several Islands, Lands and Premises belonging and appertaining, with their and every of their Appurtenances, and all Our Estate, Right, Title, and Interest, Benefit and Advantage, Claim and Demand of, in or to the said Islands or Premises, or any part or parcel thereof, and the Reversion and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders together with the Yearly and other Rents, Revenues and Profits of the Premises, and every Part and Parcel thereof; To have and to Hold all and singular the Lands and Premises, with their, and every of their Appurtenances thereby given and granted, or herein before mentioned to be given or granted, unto Our said Dearest Brother, James Duke of York, his Heirs and Assignies for ever. To be Holden of Us, Our Heirs, and Successors, as of Our Manner of East-Greenwich in the County of Kent, in free and common Soccage, and not in Capite, or by Knight's Service, Yield and Rendering. And the same James Duke of York; for himself, his Heirs and Assigns, DOTH Covenant and Promise to yield and render unto US, Our Heirs, and Successors, of, and for the same yearly, and every year, Forty Beaver skins, when the same shall be demanded, or within ninety days after such Demand made. And WE do further of Our special Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, for Us, Our Heirs, and Successors, give and grant unto Our said Dearest Brother, James Duke of York, his Heirs, Deputes, Agents, Commissioners and Assignies, by these Presents full and absolute Power and Authority, to Correct, Punish, Pardon, Govern and Rule all such Subjects of Us, Our Heirs and Successors, or any other Person or Persons, as shall for time to time adventure themselves into any the Parts or Places aforesaid; Or that shall or do at any time hereafter inhabit within the same, according to such Laws, Orders, Ordinances, Directions, and Instructions, as by Our said Dearest Brother, or his Assigns shall be Established, and in defect thereof in cases of necessity according to the good Directions of his Deputy Commissioners, Officers or Assigns respectively, as well in cases and matters Capital, and Criminal, as Civil, and others; so always as the said Statutes, Ordinances and Proceed be not contrary to, but as near as may be agreeable to the Laws, Statutes, and Government of this Our Realm of England; AND Saving and Reserving to Us, Our Heirs, and Successors, the Receiving, Hearing, and Determining the Appeal, and Apeales of any Person or Persons, of, in, or belonging to the Territories or Islands aforesaid, or touching any Judgement or Sentence to be there made, or given: And further, that it shall and may be Lawful to and for our said Dearest Brother, His Heirs, and Assigns, by these Presents, from time to time, to Nominate, Make, Constitute, Ordain, and Confirm such Laws, as aforesaid, by such Name, or Names, Style or Stiles, as to him or them shall seem good: And likewise to Revoke, Discharge, Change, and Altar, as well all and singular Governors, Officers, and Ministers, which hereafter shall be by him or them thought fit, and needful to be in, or used within the aforesaid Islands and Parts: And also to Make, Ordain, and Establish all manner of Laws, Orders, Directions, Instructions, Forms, and Ceremonies of Government and Magistracy fit and  for, and concerning the Government of Territories and Islands aforesaid. So always as the same be not contrary to the Laws and Statutes of this Our Realm of England, but as near as may be conformable thereunto, and the same at all times. hereafter to put in Execution or Abrogate, Revoke, or Change, not only within the Precincts of the said Territories or Islands, but also upon the Seas in going and coming to and from the same, as he or they in their good Discretion shall think fittest for the good of the Adventurers and Inhabitants. AND We do further of Our special Grace, certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, Grant, Ordain, and Declare, that all such Governors Deputes, Officers, and Ministers, as from time, to time, shall be Authorized, and appointed in manner and form aforesaid, shall and may have full power, and Authority within the Territories aforesaid, to use & exercise Martial Law, in cases of Rebellion, Insurrections, & Mutiny, inas large and ample a manner as our Leiutenents in our Countries within Our Realm of England, have or aught to have, by force of their Commissions of Leiutenency, or any Law, or Statute, of this our Realm. And We do further, by these presents for us our Heirs and Successors, grant unto Our Dearest Brother James Duke of York, his Heirs and Assigns, that it shall and may be Lawful to and for the said James Duke of York, his Heirs and Assigns, in his or their Discretions, from time to time, to admit such & so many person or persons, to Trade & Traffic into & within the Territories and Islands aforesaid, to every and any part & parcel thereof, & to have, possess, and enjoy any Lands, and Hereditaments in the part and places aforesaid, as they shall think fit according to the Laws, Orders, Constitutions, and Ordinances, by our said Brother, his Heirs Deputies, Commissioners and Assigns, from time to time, to be made and established, by virtue of, and according to the true intent and meaning of these presents, and under such Conditions, Reservations, and Agreements, as our said Dearest Brother, his Heirs and Assigns, shall set down, Order, Direct, and appoint; and not otherwise, as aforesaid. And We do further, of Our special Grace, certain Knowledge, and mere motion, for US, Our Heirs, and Successors, Give and Grant, unto Our said Dearest Brother, his Heirs and Assigns, by these presents, that it shall and may be Lawful to, and for him, them, or any of them, at all and every time or times hereafter, out of any of our Realms, or Dominions whatsoever, take, load, carry, and transport, in, and unto their Voyages, for and towards the Plantations, of our Territories and Islands aforesaid, all such and so many of our loving Subjects, or any other Strangers, being not prohibited or under restraint, that will become our loving Subjects, and live under our Allegiance, and shall willingly accompany them in the said Voyages, together with all such Clothing, Implements, Furniture, or any other things usually Transported, and not Prohibited, as shall be necessary for the Inhabitants of the said Islands, and Territories, and for the use and defence thereof, and Managing, and carrying on the Trade, with the people there. Yielding and paying unto Us, our Heirs and Successors, the Customs and Duties thereof, due and payable, according to Laws and Customs of this our Realm. And we do also for Us, our Heirs and Successors, grant unto our said Dearest Brother JAMEs Duke of York, his Heirs and Assigns, and to all and every such Governor or Governors, or Deputies, their Officers, or Ministers, as by ou● said Brother, his Heirs or Assigns shall be appointed, to have Power and Authority of Government, and Command in, and over the Inhabitants of the said Territories, and Islands, that they and every of them, shall, and may lawfully, from time to time, and at all times for ever hereafter For their several Defence and safety, Encounter, Repulse, Expel, and Resist, by force of Arms, as well by Sea, as by Land, and all ways and means whatsoever, all such person and persons, as without the special Licence of our Dearest Brother, his Heirs and Assigns, shall attempt to Inhabit within the several Precincts, and Limits, of our said Territories and Islands; and also all, and every such person, and Persons whatsoever, as shall Enterprise, and Attempt, at any time hereafter, the Destruction, Invasion, Detriment, or Annoyance, to the parts, places, or Islands aforesaid, or any parts thereof. And Lastly, our will and pleasure is, And We do hereby declare, and grant, that these out Letters Patents, or the enrolment thereof, shall be good and effectual, in the Law, to all intents, and purposes whatsoever, notwithstanding the not well, and true Receiting, or mentioning of the premises, or any part thereof, or the Limits, or Bounds thereof: or of any form, or other Letters Patents, or Grants whatsoever made, or Granted of the premises, or of any part thereof, or the Limits or bounds thereof, or of any former, or other Letters Patents, or Grants, whatsoever made, or Granted, of the Premises, or of any part thereof, by US, or any of Our Progenitors, unto any Person, or Persons, whatsoever bodies, Politic, or Corporate, any other Law or other restraint, in certainty, or imperfection, whatsoever to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding, Although, express mention of the true yearly Value, or certainty of the Premises, or any of them, or of any other Gifts or Grants by Us, or by any of our Progenitors heretofore made to the said James Duke of York, in these presents is not made or any Statute, Act, Ordinance, Provision, Proclamation, or Restriction heretofore had, made, enacted, or provided, or any other matter, cause, or thing whatsoever to the contrary, in any wise notwithstading: In witness whereof, We caused these Letters, to be made Patent, Witness ourselves, at Westminster, the 29. day of June, in the 16. Year of Our Reign.  
The SCOTS Proprietors are the Earl of Perth, Lord High Chancellor of SCOTLAND, his Brother, the Viscount of Metfoord, Secretary of State for this Kingdom, and the Viscount of Tarbit, Lord Register, Five hundred thousand Acres, being seven parts of the 24. belongs to these three, and some other Gentlemen.  
This Province or Colony lies betwixt 39 and 41. Degrees of Latitude, being about 12. Degrees more to the South, than the City of London. It is in the same Climate with the Kingdom of Naples, and Montpelier in France. The Summer is hotter, and longer than in England, and the Winter colder and shorter, the days about an hour longer in Winter, and as much shorter in Summer. Is bounded Southeast with the Main Sea, East by that vast Navigable Stream, called Hudsons' River, which divides this from the Province of New-York, West by a Line of Division, which separates this Province from West-Jersey, and North upon the Maine-Land. And extends itself in length upon the Sea-coast and alongst Hudsons' River, one hundred English miles and upward.  
The situation of this Country is just, as it were, in the Centre of the English plantations in America, betwixt the South parts of Carolina, which is over hot; and the North parts of Pemaquitte, next New Scotland which are coldest; so that its conveniency of situation, temperature of the Air, and fertility of the Soil is such, that there is no less than seven Towns considerable already, (viz.) Shretsburry, Midletonn, Berghen, Newwark, Elizabeth-town, Woobridge, and Piscataway, which are well inhabited by a sober and industruous people, who have necessary provisions for themselves and families, and for the comfortable entertainment of Travellers and Strangers.  
And the Quitrents, or Fewes (as they are called) of these Towns and other plantations, already in the Country, yields to the 24 Proprietors above 500 lib. sterling, yearly Revenue, and the Air of this Colony, is experimentallie found generally to agree well with English Constitutions, and consequently with Ours.  
For Navigation it hath these advantages, not only to be situate along the Navigable parts of Hudsons' River, but lies also fifty miles along the Main Sea, and near the midst of this Province is that knotted Bay for ships within Sandy-Hook, very well known, not to be inferior to any Harbour in America, where ships not only harbour in greatest storms, but there Ride safe with all Winds, and sail in and out thence as well in Winter as Summer. For Fishery the Sea-banks are very well stored with variety of Fishes, not only such as are profitable for Exportation, but such as are fit for Food there; There are Whales, Coad-fish, Colling, and Hake-fish, and large Mackeril, and also many other sorts of small Flate-fish; The Bay, also, and Hudsons' River, are plentifully stored with Sturgeon, and other Scal-fish, Eills, and Shellfish, as Oysters, in abundance.  
This Country is also plentifully, supplied with Lively-springs, Rivulets, Inland-Rivers, and creeks, which fall into the Sea, and Hudsons-River, in which also there is variety of Fresh-fish, and water Fowl.  
There are little hills from Rariton-River, which is about the middle of this Province, that go to the very North-West-bounds of it, in which are abundance of good Mill-Stons to be had, and there is many, both Corn, and Saw-milnes set, and setting up already, also on the other side of these Mountains, there is brave fresh Rivulets, fit for setting of In-Land-Towns, and a great deal of Meadow-ground upon the banks thereof, So that there is abundance of Hay to be had for Fodering of Cattle in the Winter time, and these Meadows shows the Country is not altogether covered with timber.  
It's true, the first difficulty meets People in Planting there, is the cutting down Wood (Tho having some Meadow intermixed already well covered with Hay, is a great ease) yet the trouble is compensed by the advantage, which the timber being cut down, yields, being good Oak, fit for Shipping and Masts; and also Chesmite. Walnut, Poplar, Cdar, Ash, Fir; And also, by the fertility of the Soil, being cleared, which yields a vast increase not only of Indean Corn, which is a very wholesome Food, but of English grain, as Wheat and Barley, whereof it usually yields betwixt the 20. and 30th. fold, and with far less labour (the timber being once removed) then in Britan. And to show the labour of the cutting down the Trees, and clearing the ground, is not so great as some may Imagine; It is known by experience, that two men arriving there in September, or October, may clear as much ground, as usually brings by Harvest following twenty Quarters, that is about 40. Scots Bolls of grain.  
This Country also, produceth good Flax, and Hemp, which they now spin, and Manufacture into Linen Cloth, & the very Barrens there (as they are called) are not like most in Britain, but produceth Grass fit for Grazing Cattle in Summer time; There is also upon Ground (already cleared) store of good English Claver Grass growing; the Country is well stored with wild Deir; Coneys, and wild Fowl of several sorts; As Turkeys, Pigeons, Partridges, Plevers, Quaills, wild Swans, and Geese, Ducks in great plenty; It produceth variety of good and delicious Fruits; as Grapes, Plumes, Mulberries, and also Appricocks, Peaches, Pears, Apples, Quinches, Water Million; which are in England planted in Orchards and Gardens; but grow there with far less labour; and many more Fruits, which come not to perfection in England, are the more natural product of this Country. It is thought Olives would grow well there; and being store of Mulberry Trees, Silkworms would do well there; for they were tried in Virginia, and proved very well, if the laziness of the People, and there being wholly set upon Tobacco, and the Interest of Merchants, who were afraid it might spoil their Silk-Trade from the Straits, had not hindered.  
To show how Fruit-Trees do advance in that Country, it is credibly reported, that about Burlingtoun, in West Jersey, which is Northernly then the greatest part of this Province, from an Apple-tree-Seed in four years, (without grafting) there sprung a tree, that in the fourth year bore such a quaintitie of Apples, as yielded a barrel of Cider.  
There is there also, great store of Horses, Cowes, Hogs, and some sheep, which may be bought at reasonable prices with English, money, or English Commodities, or man's labour; where goods and money are wanting.  
For Minerals, It is thought there are not wanting of several sorts, For there is an Ironwork already set up, where there is good Iron made; And also, there is discovered already abundance of Black-Lead.  
It is exceeding well furnished with safe, convenient Harbours, for shipping, which is of great advantage; and affords already for Exportation, great plenty of Horses, and also Beef, Pork, Pipstaves, Bread, Flower, White, Barley, Rye, Indian Corn, Butter, and Cheese, which they export for Barbadoes, Jamaica, Mevis, and other adjacent Islands; As also to Portugal, Spain, and the canaries, their Whale Oil, and Whale-Fins, Beaver, Mink, Racon, and Martine-skins (which this Country produces) they transport for England.  
The Indian Natives in this Country are but few, comparative to the Neighbouring Colony; And these that are there, are so far from being Formidable, and injurious to the Planters and Inhabitants, that they are really serviceable and advantageous to them, not only in hunting, and taking the Deer, and all other wild Creatures, and catching of Fish, and Fowl fit for food, in their seasons; But in the kill and destroying of Bears, Wolves, Foxes, and other Vermin, whose Skins and Furs they bring the English, and sell them at less price, than the value of the time, that people must spend to take them. Like as, that this Colony may be founded in Justice, and without any thing of Oppression, as all that is already Planted; is is truly Purchased from the Indians, so there is a great deal more of the Province cleared by their consent; and all is intended by paction with them to be obtained; so that whoever Purchase; or Plant under the Proprietors; shall be fred of that encumbrance; and if there were any hazard from the Indians as really there is none; yet this Province could hardly be in any danger; In respect that to the North, upon the Main-Land; from whence the hazard; if any must come; the Province of New-York comes betwixt it and them, and 20. miles and more, above upon Hudsons' River, there is a Fort called New-Albany.  
There were Constitutions of Government made by the Lord Barkley, and Sir George Cartwright, in which such provision was made, both for Liberty of Religion, and Property, that the Province hath been considerably Peopled and many resorted there from the Neighbouring Colonies, so that the Planters are able already to Muster 500 well Armed Men.   

The Concessions and Agreement of the Lord Proprietors of the Province of New-Caesarea, or New-Jersey, to and with all and every the Adventurers, and as such as shall settle or plant, there granted by Lord John Barclay, and Sir George Cartwright the then Lord Proprietors upon their sending their people to Plant, Anno 1664.  
IMprimis, We do consent and agree, that the Governor of the said Province hath power by the advice of his Council to depute one in his place and Authority, in case of death, or removeall, to continue until farther order, unless we have Commissionated one before.  
2. Item, That he hath (likewise) power to make choice of, and take to him six Counsellors at least, or twelve at most, or any even number betwixt six and twelve; with whose consent and advice, or with at least three of the six, or four of a greater number, (all being summonded) he is to Govern according to the Limitations and Instructions following, during Our Pleasure.  
3. Item, That a Chief Secretary or Register, which we have chosen or shall choice, we faillieing that; he shall choice, shall keep, exact entries in fair books of all public affairs; and to avoid Decreets and Law Suitts, shall record and enter all grants of Lands, from the Lords to the Planters, and Conveyances of Lands houses or from man to man, as also all Leases for Land house or house's made or to be made by the Landlord to any tenant, for more than one year, which Conveyance or Lease shall be first acknowledged by the Granter or Leaser, or proved by the each two witnesses, to the Lease or Conveyance before the Governor, or some chief Judge of a Court for the time being, who shall under his hand upon the back side of the said deed or Lease, attest the acknowledgement or Proof as aforesaid; which shall be a warrant for the Register to record the same, which conveyance or Lease so recorded shall be good and effectual, in the Law, notwithstanding any other conveyance, Deed or Lease, for the said Land, house or houses, or any part thereof, although dated before the Conveyance, Deed or Deed, or Lease so recorded as aforesaid. And the said Register, shall do all other thing or things, that we by our Instructions shall direct, and the Governor, Counsel, and assembly shall ordain for the good and wellfaire of the said Province.  
4ly. Item, That the Suerveyour general, that we have chosen or shall choice such faillieing, that the Governor shall choice, shall have power by himself, or deputy to Survey Lay out and bound all such Lands, as shall be granted from the Lords to the Planters; and all other Lands within the said Province, which may concern particular men as he shall be desired to do. And a particular thereof certified to the Register to be recorded as aforesaid. Provided, that if the said Register and Surveyer, shall so mis-behave themselves as that the Governor and Counsellor, Deputy, Governor or Counsellor, the Major part of them, shall find it reasonable, to Suspend their actings in their respective employments; It shall be Lawful for them so to do until further order from us.  
5ly. Item, That the Governor, Counsellors, Assembly Men, Secretary, Surveyer, and all other Officers of Town shall Swear or Subscribe in a book to be provided for that purpose, That they will bear true allegiance to the King of England, his Heirs and Successors. And that they will be faithful to the interest of the Lords Propietors, of the said Province, and their Heirs executors and Assigns and endeavour the peace and wellfair of the said Province, and that they will truly and faithfully discharge their respective trusts in their respective officses, and do equal Justice unto all men according to their best skill, and Judgement; without corruption, favour, or affection. And in the names of all that have Sworn to Subscribe to be entered in a book; And whosoever shall Subscribe and not Swear, and shall violate his promise in that Subscription, shall be liable to that same punishment, that the Persons are or may be that have Sworn and broken their Oaths.  
6ly. Item, That all persons that are, or shall become Subjects to the King of England, and Swear and Subscribe allegiance to the King; and faithfulness to the Lords, shall be admitted to plant and become a Free man in the said Province; and enjoy the Freedoms and Immunities hereafter expressed until some stop or contradiction be made by us the Lords, or else the Governor, Council and Assembly, which shall be in force until the Lords see cause to the contrary. provided, That such stops, shall not any ways prejudice the right or continuance of any person that hath been received before such Stop; or order come from the Lords or General Assembly.  
7ly. Item, That no person as v within the said Province at any time shall be any ways molested, punished, disquieted, or called in question for any Difference in Opinion, or Practise in matters of Religious Concernments, who do not actually disturb the Civil peace of the said Province. But that all and every such person and persons may from time to time, and at all time freely and fully, have and enjoy his and their Judgement and Consciences in matters of Religion throughout all the said Province, They behaving themselves peaceably and quietly and not useing this Liberty to Licentiousness to the civil injury or outward disturbance of others; Any Law, Statute, or Clause contained, or to be contained Usage or Custom of this Realm of England to the contrary thereof, in any wise notwithstanding.  
8ly. Item, That no pretence may be taken by us, our Airs, or Assigns; for or by reason of our right of Patronage and power of Advousone granted by his Majesty's Letters patents, unto his Royal Highness, James Duke of York, and by his said Royal Highness, unto us thereby to infringe the General Clause, of Liberty of Conscience aforementioned. We do hereby grant unto the General Assembly, of the said province power by Act to Constitute such and so many Ministers or Preachers, as they shall think fit, and to establish their Maintenance, giving Liberty besides to any person or persons to keep and Maintain what Ministers or Preachers they please.  
9ly. Item, That the Inhabitants being Free men or chief Agents to others of the province aforesaid, do, as soon as this our Commission shall arryve, by virtue of a Writ, in our names by the Governor to be for the present (until our Seal comes) sealed and Signed; make choice of twelve Deputes or Representatives, from among themselves, who being chosen are to join with the said Governor and Council for the making such Laws, Ordinances and Constitutions as shall be necessary for the present good and welfare of the said Province. But so soon as Parishes, Divisions, Tribes, and other Distinctions are made, that then the Inhabitants or Free holder's of the several and respective Parishes, Tribes, or Dominions and Restrictions aforesaid, (do by Our Write under Our Seal, which we engage shall, and be in due time issued,) annually meet on the first day of January, and choice Freeholders' for every respective Division, Tribe or Parish to be the Deputies or Representatives of the same; which body of Representatives or the major part of them, shall with the Governor or Counsel aforesaid be the General Assembly of the said Province, the Governor, or his Depute being present unless they shall wilfully refuse, In which case, they may appoint themselves, a Precedent during the absence of the Governor, or Depute Governor.  

Which ASSEMBLIES are to have Power,  
1. To appoint their own time of meeting, and to adjourn their Sessions from time to time, to such times and places as they shall think convenient; As also, to as certain the number of their Quorum; Provided, the said number be not less than the 36. part of the whole, in whom (or more) shall be the full power of the General Assembly, viz.  
2ly. To Enact and make all such Laws, Acts, and Constitutions; As shall be necessary for the well Government of the said Province, and them to repeal; Provided, That the same be consonant to Reason, and as near as may be conveniently agreeable to the Laws, and Customs of his Majesty's Kingdom of England; Prvided also, that they be not against the Interest of us the Lords Proprietors, our Airs, and Assigns, or any of these our Concessions; Especially that they be not repugnant to the Article for Liberty of Conscience abovementioned; which Laws, etc. so made shall receive Publication from the Governor and Council (but as the Laws of us, and our General Assemblies) and be in force for the space of one year and no more, unless contradicted by the Lords Proprietors, within which time they shall be presented to us, our Heirs, etc. for our ratification; And being confirmed by us, they shall be in continual force, till expired by their own Limitation, or by Act of Repeal, in like manner to be passed (as aforesaid) and confirmed.  
3ly. By Act as aforesaid, to constitute all Courts, together with the Limits, Powers and Jurisdictions of the same; and also the several Offices, and number of the Officers belonging to each Court, with their respective Salaries, Fees, and Perquisits, their Appellations and Dignities, with the Penalties that shall be due to them, for the breach of their several and respective Duties and Trusts.  
4ly. By Act as aforesaid, to lay equal Taxes and Assessments equally to raise Moneys or Goods upon all Lands, (except us the Lords Proprietors before settling) or Persons within the several precints, hundreds, Parishes, Manors, or whatsoever other Divisions shall hereafter be made, and established in the said Province, as oft as necessity shall require; and in such manner as to them shall seem most equal and easy, for the said Inhabitants in order to the better supporting of the public Charge of the said Government, and for the mutual Safety, Defence and Security of the said Province.  
5ly. By Act as aforesaid, to erect within the said Province such and so many Manors, with their necessary Courts, Jurisdictions, Freedoms and Privileges, as to them shall seem meet and convenient. As also to divide the said Province into Hundreds, Tribes, Parishes, or such other Divisions and Districtions as they shall think fit, and the said Divisions to distinguish by what manner we shall Order or Direct; And in default thereof, by such names as they please; As also within the said Province to create and appoint such and so many Ports, Harbours, Creeks and other places, for the convenient Loading and Unloading of Goods and Merchandise out of Ships, Boats, and other Vessels; and shall be expedient with such Jurisdictions, Privileges and Franchises to each Ports, etc. belonging, as they shall judge most conducing to the general good of the said Plantation or Province.  
6ly. By their enacting to be confirmed as aforesaid, to Erect, Raise and Build within the said province, or any part thereof, such and so many Forts, Fortresses, Castles, Cities, Corporations, Burrows, Towns, Villages, and other places of Strength and Defence, and them or any of them to incorporate with such Charters and Privileges as to them shall seem good, and the Grant made unto us will permit; And the same or any of them to fortify and furnish with such provisions and proportions of Ordnance, Powder, Shot, Armour, and all other Weapons, Ammunition, and habiliments of War, both Offensive and Defensive as shall be thought necessary, and convenient for the Safety and Welfare of the said Province; But they shall not at any time Demolish, Dismantle, or Disfurnish the same without the consent of the Governor and the Major part of the Council of the said Province.  
7ly. By Act as v, to Constitute, Train-bands, and Companies with the number of Soldiers, for the Safety, Strength and defence of the said Province, and of the Forts, Castles, Cities, To Suppress all Munities and Rebellions, to make war, Offensive and Defensive with all Indian Strangers, and Foreigners, as they shall see cause. And to pursue an enemy by Sea, as well as by Land, (if need be) ou● of the Limits and Jurisdictions of the said Province, with the particular consent of the Governor and under his conduct, or of our Commanders in chief or whom he shall appoint.  
8ly. By Act as aforesaid to give unto all Strangers, as to them shall seem meet, a Naturalisation and all such Freedoms and Privileges within the said Province as to his Majesty's Subjects do of right belong, they Swearing or Subseryving as aforesaid, said Stranger so Authorized and Privileged shall be in all respects accounted in the said Province as the King's natural Subjects.  
9ly. Item, By an Act as aforesaid, to prescrive the quantities of Land, which shall be from time to time allotted to every Head, free, or servant, Male or Female; and to make or ordain Rules, for the casting of Lots for Lands, and the laying out of the same; provided, That they do not in their prescriptions exceed the several proportions, which are hereby granted by us, to all persons arriving in the said Province or adventuring thither.  
10ly. The General Assembly by Act, as aforesaid, shall make provision for the Maintenance and support of the Governor; And for the defraying all necessary Charges of the Government; As also, the Constables of the sa●d Province shall collect the Lords Rents, and shall pay the same to the Receiver, that the Lords shall appoint to receive the same, unless the said General Assembly shall prescrive some other way, whereby the Lords may have their Rents duly collected without charge or trouble to them.  
11ly. And Lastly, To Enact, Constitute and Ordain, all such other Laws, Acts, and Constitutions, as shall or may be necessary for the good, property, and setlement of the said Province (excepting what by these presents is excepted,) and conforming to the Limitations herein expressed.   

The Governor with his Council before expressed, is,  
First, To see that all Courts established by the Laws of the General Assembly, and all Ministers and Officers, Civil and Military, do and execute their several Offices and duties respective, according to the Laws in force; and to punish them for swerving from the Laws, or Acting contrary to their Trust, as the nature of their Offence shall require.  
Sccondly, According to the constitutions of the General Assembly, to nominate and commissionate the several Judges, Members and Officers of Courts, whether Magistratical or Ministerial, and all other civil Officers, Coroners, etc. And their Commissions, Powers and Authorities to revoke at pleasure; provided, That they appoint none but Freeholders' in the Province aforesaid, unless the General Assembly consent.  
Thirdly, According to the constitutions of the General Assembly, to appoint Courts and Officers in cases Criminal; And to empower them to inflict penalties upon Offenders against any of the Laws in force in the said Province, as the said's Laws shall ordain, whether by Fine or Imprisonment, Banishment, Corporal punishment, or to the taking away of Member, or of Life itself, if there be cause for it.  
Fourthly, To place Officers and Soldiers for the safety, strength, and defence of the Forts, Castles, Cities, etc. according by the number appointed by the General Assembly, to nominat, place & Commissionat all Military Officers under the dignity of the said Governor, who is Commissionated by Us, over the several Trained Bands, and Companies constituted by the General Assembly as Colonels, Captains, etc. And their Commissiones to revoke at pleasure. The Governor with the advice of his Counsel (unless some present dangers will not permit them to Advise,) To Muster and Train all the Forces within the said Province, to prosecute War, pursue an Enemy, suppress all Rebellions and Mu●…inies, as well by Sea as by Land, and to exercise the whole Militia, as fully as we by the Grant from his Royal Highness can empower him or them to do; provided, that they appoint not Militia Forces, but what are Freeholders' in the said Province, unless the General Assembly shall consent.  
Fifthly, Where they see cause after Condemnation, to reprieve until the cause be presented, with a copy of the whole Trial, proceed and proofs to the Lords, who will accordingly either pardon or command execution of the Sentence on the Offender, who is in the m●an time to be kept in safe Custody till the pleasure of the Lords be known.  
Sixthly, In case of Death, ot other removal of the representative, within the year to issue summons by write to the respective division or divisions, for which he or they were choosen, Commanding the Freeholders' of the same to choose others in their stead.  
Seventhly, To make warrants, and to seal grants of Lands, according to these our Concessions; And the prescriptions by advice of the General Assembly, in such form as shall be at large set down in our Instructions to the Governor in his Commission, and which are hereafter expressed.  
Eightly, To Act and do all things, that may conduce to the Safety, peace, and well Government of the said province, as they shall see sit, so that they be not contrare to the Laws of the said province.   

For the better security of the Province of all the Inhabitants.  
First, They are not to impose, nor suffer to be imposed, any tax, custom, subsidy, talladg assesmant, or any other duty whatsoever upon any colour or pretence, upon the said province, and Inhabitants thereof, other than what shall be imposed by the Authority and consent of the General assembly, and then only in manner as aforesaid.  
Secondly, They are to take care that Land quietly held, planted and possessed seven years, after its being first duly surveyed by the Surveyor or General, or his order, shall not be subject to any review, resurvey, or alteration of bonds, one what pretence soever by any of us, or any Officer or Minister under us.  
Thirdly, They are to take care, that no man, if his cattle stray, or range, or graze on any ground within the said Province not actually appropriate, or set out to particular persons shall be liable to pay an● trespass for the same to us our Heirs, etc. provided, that custom of Commons be not thereby pretended to, nor any person hindered from taking up and appropriating any Lands so grazed upon; And that no person do purposely suffer his cattle to graze on such lands.   

And that the planting of the said Province, may be more speedily Promo●ed.  
First, We do hereby grant unto all persons who have already adventured unto the said province of New Caesarea, of New-Jersey, or shall transport themselves, or Servants before the 1. of January which shall be in the year of our Lord 1665. these following proportions; viz. To every freeman that shall go with the first Governor from the poart where the Embarks (or shall meet him at the rendezvous he appoints) for the setlement of a plantation, there Armed with a good musket, bearing twelve bullets to the pound, with ten pounds of powder, and and twenty pounds of Bullets, with bandeliers and match convenient, and with six months' provision for his own person arriving there, One hundreth and fifty Acres of Land English measure. And for every able Man Servant, that he shall carry wi●h him armed and provided as aforesaid, and arryving there; the like quantity of 150. Acres of land English measure. And who soever shall send servants at that time shall ha●e for every able man servant, he or she shall s●nd so Armed, and provided as aforesaid and arryving there, the like quantity of 150. Acres. And for every weaker servant or slave, male or female, exceeding the age of 14. years, which any one shall send or carry, arryving there 75 Acres of land. And to every Christian Servant, exceeding the age aforesaid after the expiration of their time of service 75. Acres of Land for their own uses.  
2ly, Item, To every Master or Mistress, that go before the first day of January, which shall be in the years of our Lord 1665. One hundreth and twenty acres of Land, and for every able man servant that he or she shall carry, or send Armed, and pro●yded as aforesaid and arryving within the time aforesaid, the like quantity of 120 Acres of and. And for every weaker Servant or slave, male or female, exceeding the age of 14. years, arryving there, 60 acres of Land and to every Christian servant to their own use and behoof 60 acres of Land.  
3ly, Item, To every Freeman or ree-woman that shall arryve in the said Province armed, and provided as a aforesaid within the second year, from the first day of January 1665, to the first day o● January 1666. with an intention to plant 90. acres of Land English measure; and for every able man servant that ●he or she shall carry or send armed and provided as aforesaid, 90 acres of Land of like measure.  
4ly, Item, For every weaker servant or Slave, aged as aforesaid, that shall be so carried, or sent thither within the second year aforesaid, 45 acres of Land of like measure. And to every Christian Servant- that shall arrive th● second year 45, acres of Land of like measure, after the expiration of his or their time or service, for their own use and behoove.  
5ly. Item, To every freeman and free woman armed and provided as aforesaid, That shall go and adventure with an intent to plant within the third year from January 1666, To January 1667, 60 Acres of Land of like measure. And for every able manservant, ●hat he or they shall carry or send over, within the said time, Armed and provided as aforesaid, the like quantity of 60. Acres of Land. And for every weaker Servant or Slave aged, as aforesaid, that he or they shall carry, or send, within the third year, 30. Acres of Land, and to every Christian Servant so carried, or sent, thirty 30. Acres of land, of like measure after the expiration of his or their time of service. All which land and all other that shall be possessed in the said Province, are to be held on the said Terms and Conditions, as is beforementioned; and as hereafter in the following Paragraphs is more at large expressed: Provided always, that the forementioned land, and all other whatsoever that shall be taken up, and so settled in the said Province, shall afterwards from time to time, for the space of 13. years from the date hereof, be held upon the conditions aforesaid, containing one able man servant or two such weaker servants, as aforesaid, on every 100 acres, a Master or Mistress shall possess, besides what was granted for his or her own person. In failyie of which on notification, to the p●es●nt occupant, or his assignies there shall be 3 years given to such for their completing the said number of persons, or for their sale, or other disposure of such part of their Lands as are not so peopled, within which time of three years if any person holding any Lands, shall fail by himself, his agents, executors, and assignies, or some other way to provide such number of persons, unless the General Assembly shall without respect of party, Judge it was impossible, for the party so failing to keep or procure his or her number of servants to to be provided as aforesaid. In such case we the Lords, to have power of disposing of somuch of such lands as shall not be planted with its due number of persons as v, to some other that will plant the same Provided always, that no persons arryving into the said province, with purpose to settle (they being Subjects or naturalised as aforesaid, be denied a grant of such proportions of Land, as at the time of their arryvall, there are due to themselves, or servants, by concession from us, as aforesaid. But have full licence to take up and settle the same in such order and manner, as is granted and prescribed. All Lands (notwithstanding the powers in the Assemblies aforesaid) shall be taken up by warrant from the Governor, and Confirmed by the Governor and Council, under a Seal to be provided for that purpose in such order and method as shall be set down in this declaration, and more at large in the Instructions to the Governor.  

And that the Lands may be the more regularly laid out, and all persons be better ascertained of their titles and possessions. The Governor and Council, and General Assembly (if any be) are to take care and direct that all Lands be divided by General Lots, none less than Two thousand one hundreth acres, & no more than twenty one thousand acres in each Lot. Excepting Cities, Towns, etc. And near Lots of Township, and that the same be divided into seven parts, one seventh part by Lot to us our Heirs and Assignies, The remander to persons as they shall come to plant is such proportions as is allowed.  
2ly, Item, That the Governor or whom he shall depute, in case of Death or absence, if some one be not before Commissionated by us as v; do give to every person to whom Land is due, a warrant signed and sealed by himself, and the Major part of his Council; and directed to the Surveyor general or his Deputy, Commanding him to Lay out, Limit, and bound Acres of Land (as his due proportion) for such a person in such Alottment, according to the warrant. The Register having first recorded the same, and attested the record upon the warrant; The Surveyor General or his Deputy, shall proceed and certify to the Chief Secretary the name of the person for whom he hath Laid out Land, By virtue of what Authority, and the date of the Authority or warrant, the number of Acres, the bounds, and on what point of the Compass the several Limits thereof Lie which certificate the Register is likeways to enter in a book to be prepared for that purpose, with ane Alphabetical table referring to the book, that so the certificate may be the easier found, and then to fill the certificats, and the same to keep Safely. The certificate being entered, a warrant comprehending all the particulars of Land mentioned in the Certificate aforesaid, is to be signed by him, and his Council, or the Major part of them as aforesaid, they having seen the entry, and direction to the Register, or Chief Secretary, for his preparing a grant of the Land, to the party to whom it was laid out, which grant shall be in the form following, viz.  
The Lords Proprietors of the Province of New-Cesarea or New-Jersey, do hereby grant unto A: B: of the _____ in the Province aforesaid, a Plantation Containing. _____ Acres English Measure bounding (as in the certificate) To be holden to him (or her) his or her Airs and Assigns for ever: Yielding and paying yearly unto the saids Lords proprietors their Airs or Assigns, every five and twenty day of March the English account of _____ Lawful money of England for every of the said Acres: to be holden of the Manner of _____ in free and Common Soccadge. The first payment of which Rent to begin the five and twenty day of March, which shall be in the year of our Lord, one Thousand Six hundreth and seventy, according to the English accounts. Given under the Seal, of the said province the _____ day of _____ In the year of our Lord 1666.  
2ly. To which Instrument the Governor or his Deputy hath hereby full power to put the Seal, of the said Province, and to Subscribe his name; also, the Council, or Major part of them, and subscribe their names, And then the Instrument or grant is to be by the Register recorded in a book of records for that purpose, All which being done according to the Instructions; We hereby declare the same shall be effectual in Law for enjoyment of the said's Plantations, and of all the benefits, and profits of, and in the same (except the half part of mines of gold and Silver paying the rent as aforesaid. Provided, that if any Plantation so granted shall by the space of 3 years be neglected, to be planted, with a Sufficient number of Servants, as is before mentioned: That then it shall and may be Lawful for us, otherways to dispose thereof in whole or in part, this grant notwithstanding.  
2ly. Item, We do also grant convenient Proportions of Land for Highways and Streets, not exceeding one hundreth foot, in breadth Cities, Towns, and Villages, etc. And for Churches, Forts, Wharfes, Keys, Harbours; and for public houses, and to each parish, for the use of their Ministers, two hundreth acres in such as the General Assembly shall appoint.  
4ly. Item, The Governor is to take notice that all such Lands laid out for the uses and purposes aforesaid, in the next proceeding, Articles shall be free and exempt from all Rents, Taxes, and other charges and duties whatsoever payable to us, our Airs and Assigns.  
5ly. Item, That in laying out of Lands for Cities, Towns, Villages, burgh's, or others Hamiletts, The said Land be divided into 7 parts, one seventh part whereof to be Laid out by Lott for us, and the rest to be divided, to such as shall be willing to build thereon they paying after the rate of one penny or half penny per Acre (according to the value of the Land) yearly to us; As for their other Lands aforesaid, which said Lands in Cities, and Towns, etc. is to be assured to each Possessor by the same way; and Instrument as is before mentioned. That all rules relating to the building of each street, or quantity or ground to be allotted to each house within the said respective Cities, burgh's, and Towns, be wholly l●ft by Act as aforesaid to the Wisdom and discretion of the General Assembly.  
6ly. Item, That the Inhabitants of the said Province, have free Passage through or by any Seas, bounds, Creeks, Rivers, &c, in the said Province; through or by, which they must necessarily pass to come from the Main Ocean to any part of the Province aforesaid.  
7ly. Lastly, It shall be lawful for the Representative of the Freeholders', to make any address to the Lords touching the Governor or Council, or any of them, or concerning any grievance whatsoever, or for nigh other thing they shall desire, without the Consent of the Governor, and Council or any of them. Given under our Seal of our said Province the tenth day of January In the year of our Lord, one Thousand six hundreth sixty and four.  


John Barclay,  
G. Cartwright.      

By this Constitution of Government by the Lord Barclay, and Sir George Cartwright, such provision is made both for Liberty of Religion, and Property, that the Province hath been considerably peopled; many resorting thither from the Neighbouring Colonies, beside what have gone from England, and this Kingdom, within this few years, so that the planters are able to muster 600 well Armed Men.  
The Proprietors have framed a new Schem of Government, which is not yet fully concluded on, but it is intended rather to be an enlarging; than an abbreviating of the former, and making more easy, and advantageous for the Inhabitants, the chief parts of it are.  
That the 24. Proprietors' shall choose a Governor, 16. of them has a Conclusive Vote in it, after the death of him now chosen, he shall continue but for 3 years, and be liable to the Censure of the Proprietors, and great Council, and punishable if he transgress, There is a great Council to meet once a year (and sit, if they see meet, for three Months) consisting of the 24. Proprietors, and 28. chosen by the Planters, and Inhabitants, two thirds Conclude, the one half of the Proprietors assenting; and no money can be raised, or Law made, to touch any man's Liberty or Property; but by this Council. There is a Common Council to sit constantly, Consisting of the 24. Proprietors, or their Proxies, and nine chosen out of the Representative of the Planters, in all 33. to be divided into three Commities; 11. to each one for the Public Policy: One for the Treasury and Trade, and one for Plantations.  
To aviod Lording over one another, No Man can purchase above the 24th. part of the Country; And on the other hand, lest any should squander away their Interest, ●nd yet retain the character of the Government, that belongs to Property, and thence be capable to betray it, as not being bound by Interest, there must be a suitable quantity retained, otherwise the Title in the Government extinguishes in him, and passes to another, to be Elected by the Proprietors, that Dominion may follow Property, and the inconveniency of a Beggarly Nobility, and Gentry may be avoided.  
No man can be judged in any cause, either Civil, or Criminal, but by a Jury of his Peers, and to avoyid in that all Caballing, the names of all the County or Neighbourhood, Capable to be Chosen; are to be write in little pieces of Parchment, and the number of the Jury to be taken out by a Child under 10. years of age, And the Proprietors as well as others are to be liable to the like trial, and not under any Exception.  
Liberty in matters of Religion is established in the fullest manner. To be a Planter or Inhabitant, nothing is more required but the acknowledging of One Almighty GOD, and to have a Share in the Government, A simple profession of faith of Jesus Christ, without descending into any other of the differences among Christians, only that Religion may not be a cloak for disturbance, who ever comes into the Magistrature, must declare, they hold not themselves in conscience obliged, for Religion's sake, to make an alteration, or to endeavour to turn out their partners, in the Government, because they differ in Opinion from them, and this is no more than to follow that great Rule, To do as they would be done by.  
These are the Fundamentals, which are not alterable by any Act of the great Council, as other things, by the voices of 2 thirds, but only by an universal agreement; so it is hoped, that this hint will satisfy all sober and understanding people, what Encouragement such a Government may give.  
For Husbandmen that hes a Stock, able to transport themselves and Families, with a few Servants, and to have but a 100 pound Scots, or a 100 Marks more, to carry over in Commodities, they shall have upon their arrival 100 Acres of good ground, measured out to them, or above, not exceeding 500 Acres: And for their encouragement, shall for the first 7. years pay nothing, and then have what they please, not under 100 nor exceeding 500 Acres, confirmed to them, and their heirs for ever, paying half a Crown an Acre, never to be raised upon them: And for the Charge of the first year, they may easily Calculate, carrying over as much Oatmeal, as will serve them Bread, and the fraught will be inconsiderable, and they will get flesh enough in the Country for killing, without charge, and will be able to clear more ground the first winter, then will▪ double serve their Families after the first harvest, so that they will only have to buy with the Commodities they carry over with them, Seed, and Beasts.  
The Charge of transportation, is, for every Man or Woman 5. lib. starling, passage and entertainment, for children under 10. years of age, 50. shilling, and Sucking children nothing, 40. shillings for the tunn of goods, and often under.  
The Voyage is judged less Sea hazard then either to Holland, or London, and if there be any tolerable winds, it is easily made in 6. weeks, There went a ship last harvest to West Jersey, from the Road of Aberden: and they came to Delaware-River-mouth in 8. weeks, though they had great Calms, and of betwixt 30. and 40. Passengers that went out of Aberdeen several women, and children, not above 4. of them had been at Sea before, not one died, nor was sick by the way.  
For Ordinary servants, who are willing to go over, after 4. Years service from the time of there arryvall there, during which time they shall be well entertained in meat and clothing) they shall have set out to each 25. Acres to them and theirs for ever, paying 2. pence an Acre, as much Corn as will sow an Acre, and a Suit of now ; Now, Considering that there is 5. pound Sterling paid for their Passage, this is good terms; and that after the term of their Service is expired, they will gain more in one year there, than they can do in two at home, towards the gaining of a Stock to their land, and it may be easily conceived that they will be well treated by their Masters, since it is their Interest to do so there more than here, for that they would be Considerable Losers, either by their Death, or sickness, being out so great an advance for them, if, by any hard-ship, they shall be disabled to serve out their times.  
All Sorts of Tradesmen may make a brave Livelihood there, such as Carpenters, Shipwrights, Rope-makers, Smiths, Brick-makers, Tailors, Tanners, Cowpers, Mill-wrights, Joiner's; Shoemakers, etc. and any such like, who are willing to go serve the four years, not having to transport themselves, shall in consideration of their Trade, have (after the expiring of their Service) 30. Acres, 2. pence the Acre, as much Corn as well sow 2. Acres, a cow and a Sow: And for the encouragement of any such Trasdmen, who are willing to go over and transport themselves, they shall have the like quantity of Land, at the same rent, and the Proprietors will oblige themselves to find them work for a year, after their arryval, at as good Rates as they can have here, until they furnish themselves with some Stock to make better advantage upon the Place.  
We will not encourage any to go there in expectation of Gold and Silver mines; yea, though there were such in the Country, we should not be curious nor industrous to seek them out: being besides the Toil, and Labour, but occasions envy, and Emulation: Nor yet is their Suggar or Indigo there, or Cotton, nor any store of Tobacco, though it grows there very well. But We consider it not our interest to employ much ground on it; The Riches of this Country Consists in that which is most Substantial and  for the use of men, to wit, Plenty of Corn and Cattle (and they have besides Vines, and Fruits in abundance, as before has been said) so that who dwell here, need not to be obliged to any other Plantation, for any thing  for Life; and all other Plantations are beholden to them for necessaries, without which, their other Curiosities would little avail them: This with the Province of New-York, being the Granary or Storehouse of the West-Indies, without which Barbadoes and the Leewards Islands▪ could not subsist; Yea, New-England is forced to come there every year for Corn, this, with the advantage of Fishery, being considered, will easily induce Sober and industrious People, to prefer a Plantation here to most other places.    

The Duke of Yorks grant of East-New-Jersey, to the twenty four Proprietors.  

THis Indenture made the fourteenth day of March, in the five and thirtieth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord CHARLES the Second, by the Grace of GOD, of ●ngland, Scotland, France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Anno Domini, 1682. between His Royal Highness, the most Illustrious Prince, James Duke of York, and Albany, Earl of Ulster, etc. only Brother to our Sovereign Lord the King, of the one part, And the Right Honourable James Earl of Perth, of the Kingdom of Scotland, the right Honourable John Drummond of Lundin, Scotland Esquire, Robert Barclay of Urie in the Kingdom of Scotland, Esquire, on the other part, etc. Whereas our said Sovereign Lord the King's Majesty, in, and by Letters Patent, under the Great Seal of England, bearing date the twelfth day of March, in the sixteenth year of His said Majesty's Reign, did amongst several other things therein mentioned, Give and Grant unto His Royal Highness James Duke of York, his Heirs and Assignies, all that tract of land adjacent to New-England, in the parts of America, and lying, and being to the Westward of Long-Island, and Manhattas Island, and bounded on the East part by the Main Sea, and part by Hudsons' River, and extendeth Southward to the Main Ocean, as far as Cape May, at the mouth of Delawar Bay; and to the Northward as far as the Northern-most branch of the said Bay, or River of Delawar; Which is one and forty Degrees, and forty Minuts of Latitude; and crosing over thence in a strait line to Hudsons' River, in one and forty Degrees of Latitude; Which said tract of Land was then after to be called by the name of New-Cesaria or New-Jersey, with all the Lands, Islands, Soylls, Rivers, Harbours, Mynnes, Minerals, Quareries, Woods, Marshes, Waters, Lakes, Fishings, Haucking, Hunt, and Fowling, and all other Royalties, Profits, Commodities, and Hereditaments, unto the said premises belonging, and appertaining with their and every of their appertainances. And all his said Majesty's Estate, Right, Title▪ Interest, Benefit, Advantage, Claim, and Demand of, in and to the said Provinces, or any part or parcel thereof, and the Reversion, and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders, together with the yearly, and other Rents, Revenues, and profits of the same; And of every part and parcel thereof. To hold unto his Airs Royal Highness, the said James Duke of York, his Airs, and Assigns for ever: To he Holden of his said Majesty his Airs, and Successors, among other things therein granted as of his Majesty's Manor of East Greenwich, in his Majesty's County of Kent, in free and Common Soccage, and not in Capite, or by Knight Service, under the yearly-rent therein mentioned. And whereas, His Royal Highness, The said James Duke of York, Did theretofore by Several good and Sufficient Conveyances, and assurances under his hand, and Seal duly executed, and daited the Twenty third, and Twenty fourth days of June, in the Sixteen year of his said Majesty's Reign, for the Consideration therein mentioned; Grant, and Convey the said Tract of Land, and Premises before mentioned, to John Lord Barclay, Baron of Stratton, and one of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, And sir George Cartwright of Saltram in the County of Devon, Knight and Baronet, and one of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, and their Heirs, the said Tract of land, and premises particularly before mentioned. And the Reversion and Reversions, Remander and Remanders of the same, to hold unto the said John Lord Barclay, and sir George Cartwright their Heirs and Assignies for ever, under the yearly Rent of twenty Nobles Sterline, payable as the same is therein reserved to be paid. And whereas his said Majesty did by others his Letters Patents, dated the twenty ninth day of June, in the six and twentieth yea● of his said Majesty's Reign, grant and convey unto his said Royal Highness and his Heirs for ever; aswell the said tract of Land, and premises herein before recited, to have been granted, and conveyed by his said Royal Highness, unto the said John Lord, Barclay, and Sir George Cartwright as aforesaid: As all other the Lands and Hereditaments, in, and by the said herein first before recited Letters, Patents, granted, or mentioned to be granted. And whereas His said Royal Highness by his indentures of Lease and release bearing date the _____ days of July, in the six and twenty year of his said Majesty's Reign. Did grant and convey the said tract of Land, and premises to the said Sir George Cartwright, his Airs and Assigns as by the said Indentures, Relation being thereunto had may appear. And whereas, upon a partition made of the said whole and entire premises between the said Sir George Cartwright, And William pen of Worminhurst in the Country of Sussex Esquire, Gavin Lawrie of London Merchant, Nicolas Lucas of Hertford, in the Country of Hertford Malster, & Edward Billing of West-minster, in the Country of Midlesex, Gentleman; In whom the Fee Simple of the said John Lord Barclays undivyded Moieties of all and Singular the premises, by good and sufficient conveyance was then vested. The said William Penn, Gavin Lowrie, Nicolas, Lucas, and Edward Billing, did bargian sell, release, and confirm unto the said Sir George Cartwright his Heirs and Assigns, all that Easterly part share and portions and and all these Easterly parts, shares & portions the said whole and entire Tract of Land, and Premises beforementioned, Extending Eastward, and Northward alongst the Seacoasts, and the said River, called Hudsons' River, from the East-side of a certain place or harbour, lying on the Southrens part of the same tract of Land, and commonly called, or known in a Mape of the said tract of Land by the name of Little Egg harbour, to that part of though said River, called Hudsons-River, which is in forty one degrees of Latitude being the farthermost part of the said Tract of Land, and Premises; which is bounded by the said River, and crosing over from thence in a Strait Line, extending from that part of Hudsons-River, v to the most Northermost branch of the aforementioned River, called Delawar River, And to the most Northerly point and boundary of the said entire Tract of Land and premises, now called the North-partition Point. And from thence (that is to say) from the North partition point. Extending Southward, unto the more Southerly point, by a strait and direct Line, drawn through the said tract of Land from the said North partition point, unto the said South partition point; by the consent and agreement of oh said parties, now called the Line of partition, And by them intended for the dividing and making a partition of the said Easternly part, Share and portion from the Westernly part, Share, and portion of the said tract of Land, and premises; And all and every the Isles, Islands, Rivers, Mynnes, Minerals, Woods, Fishings, Hawkings, hunttings, and Foullings, and all other Royalties, Governments, powers, Forts, Franchises, Harbours, Profits, Commodities, and Hereditaments, whatsoever unto the said Easternly part, Share, and portion, of the said Tract of Land and premises belonging, or in any waves appertaining, with their and every of their appertenances; And all the Estate, Right, Tittle, Interest, Property, Claim, and Demand whatsoever, of them the said William Penn, Gavin Lowrie, Nicolas Lucas, and Edward Billing, and of each and every of them, of, in, to, and out of the said Easternly part, Share, and portion of the said Tract of Land and Premises, and every part, and parcel thereof, And the Reversion, and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders of the same, and every part and parcel of the same; All which said Easternly part, Share, and portion, parts, Share, and portions, was, and were then, and now is, and are by the Consent and agreement of the said parties to the said partition, called and agreed from thenceforth, to be called by the names of East-New-Jersey, and is all that, and only all that part, Share, and portion, and all this parts, shares, and portion of the said Tract of Land and premises, so conveyed by his said Royal Highness, as aforesaid; as lieth extended Eastward from the Eastside of the said Line of partition before mentioned; To hold unto the said Sir George Cartwright, his Heirs and Assigns in severaltie, to the use of him the said Sir George Cartwright, his Heirs and Assigns for ever. Upon which partition so made and such conveyances so executed as aforesaid; He the said Sir George Cartwright became Seized of all that Easternly part of the said premises, now called East-New-Jersey, with the appertenances in Severaltie. And whereas, the said Sir George Cartwright, being by virtue of the said Assurances, and partition aforesaid, sol Seized to him, and his Heirs of the said premises, called East-New-Jersey, by his Last Will and Testament in writing, bearing date on about the first day of December, in the year of Our Lord, one Thousand six hundreth seventy, and eight, Did devise the same, and all his Estate therein, amongst other things, To the Right Honourable Edward Earl of Sandwich, the Right Honourable John Earl of Bath, The Right Honourable Thomas Lord Crew Barron Crew of Steane, The Honourable Bernard Greenvile Esquire brother of the said Earl of Bath, The Honourable Sir Robert Atkins Knight of the Bath, and the Honourable Sir Edward Atkins Knight, one of the Barons of his Majesty's Court of Exchequer, and their Heirs in trust, to sell the same for payment of his Debts and Legacy, as in, and by the said will, relation being thereunto had may appear and shortly after d●ed. And whereas, the said John Earl of Bath, Thomas Lord Crew, Bernad Greenvile, Sir Robert Atkins, and Sir Edward Atkins by Indentures of Lease, bearing date the fifth and sixth days of March, in the 32▪ year of his Majesty's Reign, Conveyed, the said Premises amongst other things, to Thomas Cremer of the Parish of Sanct Andrews Holbern, in the Country of Middle sex Gentleman, and Thomas Peacock of the same Gentleman; As by the said Indentures; Relation being thereunto, had, it may appear. And whereas, the said Earl of Sandwick by his Indentures, bearing date the Twenty day of February last passed, Hath released all his Estate, Interest, and trust in the said Premises, To the said Earl of Bath, Lord Crew, Bernard Greenvile, Sir Robert Atkins, and Sir Edward Atkins, and their Heirs, As by the said Indenture, relation being thereunto had may appear. And whereas, the said Earl of Bath; Lord Crew, Bernard Greenvile, Sir Robert Atkins, and Sir Edward Atkins by the Consent and directions of Dam Elizabeth Cartwright Relict and Executrix of the said sir George Cartwright and the said Thomas Cremer, and Thomas Peacock by the consent and directions of the said Dam Elizabeth Cartwright; Earl of Bath, Lord Crew, Bernard, Greenvile, sir Robert Atkins, and Sir Edward Atkins, Have by Indentures of Lease, and Release bearing date the first and second days of February last passed, Granted and conveyed to the said William Penn, Robert West, Thomas Rudyard, Samuel Groom, Thomas Hart, Richard Mew, Thomas Wilcox of London Goldsmith, Ambrose Rigg, John Haywood, Hugh Hartshorn, Clement Plimisted, and Thomas Cowper, their Heirs and assigns all the said premises, called East-New-Jersey, Together with all Isles, Islands, Rivers, Mines, Minerals, Woods, Fishings, Hawkings, Hunt, Foulling, and all other Royalties, Privileges, Franchess, Forts, Harbours, Profits, Commodities, and Hereditaments whatsoever thereunto belonging; As in, And by the said Indentures, relation being thereunto had may more at large appear. And whereas, the said William Penn, Robert West, etc. Have since conveyed one Moyties of that said tract of Land, called East-New-Jersey, and of all other the Premises to the said James Earl of Perth, John Drummond, Robert Barclay, Robert Gordon, Arent Sonmans, Gavin Lowrie, Edward Billings, James Branie, William Gibson, Thomas Barker, Robert Turner, and Thomas warn, who are hereby become tenants in common of the said Premises called East-New-Jersey, with the said William pen, Robert West, Thomas Rudyard, Samuel Groom, Thomas Hart, Richard Mew, Thomas Wilcox, Ambrose Rigg, John Hay Wood, Hugh Harthorns, Clement Plumsted, and Thomas Cowper. And whereas, the said Thomas Wilcox hath since conveyed all his Share, Estate, and Interest, in the said Premises to the said David Barclay, and his Heirs, And whereas, by the said several recited Letters Patents made by his said Majesty, unto his said Royal Highness, as aforesaid, several powers and Authority are, and were, Given granted unto his said Royal Highness his Heirs and Assigns, to be execut by his said Royal Highness his Heirs or Assigns or by the Deputies, Agents, or Commissioners, of his said Royal Highness his Heirs or Assigns, which are necessary as well for the Planting, Peopleing, and Improving of all and every the respective Lands, Places, and Territories thereby granted, And for the Transporting thither from time to time such of his Majesty's Subjects as should be willing to go, or be Transporting into these parts, or any of them, As for the Defending, Guarding, and keeping of the same. As also, for the well governing of the same, and of all such as are, and shall be inhabiting in the same. And for the making, ordaining, and executing of necessary and convenient Laws and, Constitutions, in order to such Government, and the Punishing and Pardoning Offences, and Offenders, as occasion shall require. And to Nominat, Make, Ordain, Constitut, and Confirm, And also to Revock, Discharge; Change, and Altar, all, and Singular Governors, Officers, and Ministers, which by his said Royal Highness his Heirs or Assigns, shall be from time to time thought fit, and needful to be made ordained, appointed, or used in the saids parts, or places or any of them; And to do all other things needful, useful, and necessary, for the well Governing, keeping, Defending and preserving the said respective places, and Territories and of every of them, and all such as are or shall be Inhabiting there; Now These Presents Witnesseth, That for, and in consideration of a competent sum of Lawful English money, unto his said Royal Highness in hand paid; And for the better Extingushing all such claims and Demands as his said Royal Highness, or his Heirs, may any ways have of, or in the Premises aforesaid, now called East-New-Jersey, or any part of them, And for the further and better settling, and conveying, Assuring and Confirming, of the same, and of every part thereof according to the purport and true meaning of these presents, His said Royal Highness, the said James Duke of York, hath granted, bargained, sold, released, and confirmed; And by these presents, as far as in him lieth, Doth grant, bargain, sell, release, and confirm, unto the said James Earl of Perth, John Drummond, Robert Barclay, etc. their Airs or Assigns. All that part, share, and portion, and all these parts, shars, and portions, of all that entire Tract of Land, and all these entire premises so granted by his said Royal Highness, unto the said John Lord Barclay, and Sir George Cartwright, and their Airs, as in, by, and upon the said partition was, and were Vested in the said Sir George Cartwright, and his Airs, and then agreed to be called by the name of East-New-Jersey; Together with all Islands, Bays, Rivers, Waters, Forts, Mines, Querries, Royalties, Franchises, and Appurtenances whatsoever, to the same belonging, or in any ways appertaining. And all the Estates, Rights, Title, Interest, Reversion, Remainder, Claim, or Demand whatsoever, as well in Law as in Equity of his said Royal Highness James Duke of York, of, in, to, or out, of the same or any part or parcel of the same; As also the free use of Bays, Rivers, and Waters, leading unto or lying between the said Premises, or any of them, in the said parts of East-New-Jersey for Navigation, free Trade, Fishing or otherways; To have, and to hold unto the said Earl of Perth, John Drummond, Esquire, etc. their Airs and Assigns for ever. To the only use and behoove of them, the said Earl of Perth, John Drummond, Esquire, etc. their Airs and Assigns, for ever. Yielding and paying therefore yearly for the said whole entire premises unto his Royal Highness, his Airs and Assigns; the yearly rent of ten Nobles of Lawful English money, at or in the middle Temple-hall of London, at, or upon the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel yearly. And the said James Earl of Perth, John Drummond, etc. do for themselves severally, and for several and respective Airs, Executors, Administrators, and Assigns, Covenant, Promise and Agree to and with his said Royal Highness, his Airs or Assigns to pay or cause to be paid the said Annualrent of Ten Nobles on the days, and times herein before limited for payment thereof. And these presents, farther witness, that for the better enabling the said Earl of Perth, John Drummond, Esquire, etc. their Airs and Assigns to improve and plant the said premises with people, and to exercise all necessary Government there, whereby the said premises may be the better Improved and made more useful to them their Airs and Assigns, and to the King's Majesty, His said Royal Highness, hath likewise Given, Granted, Assigned and Transferred, And doth by these presents, Give, Grant, Assign, and Transfer unto the said Earl of Perth, etc. their Airs and Assigns, Proprietors of the said Province of East-New Jersey, aforesaid for the time being all and every such, and the same Powers Authorities, Jurisdictions, Governments and other matters, and things whatsoever, which by the said Respective before received Letters Patents, or either of them, are or were granted, or intended to be granted to be exercised by his said Royal Highness, his Airs, Assigns, Deputies, Officers, or Agents in, or upon, or in Relation to the said premises hereby confirmed, or intended to be confirmed, and every of them in case the same were now in the actual seizing of his said Royal Highness, to be held, enjoyed, exercised, and executed by them, the said Earl of Perth, John Drummond, etc. their Airs and Assigns, Proprietors of the said Province of East-New-Jersey, for the time, being as fully and amply to all intents, constructions and proposes, as his said Royal Highness or his Airs might, could, or aught, to hold enjoy, use, exercise, or execute the same by force and virtue of the said several & respective before recited Letters Patents, or either of them, or of any thing in them, or either of them contained, or otherways howsoever provided, always, that these presents be entered with the Auditor General of his said Royal Highness within two month's next after the date hereof. In Witness whereof, the parties abovenamed to these presents, Indenturs, Interchangablie, have set their Hands and Seals, day and year first above written,  
JAMES.  
This contains an absolute Grant and Conveyance of the moiety of New-Jersey, called East New Jersey, unto the Right Honourable James Earl of Perth, John Drummond, etc. under the yearly rent of Ten Nobles payable on the Feast of St Michael, in pursuance of a warrant from your Royal Highness, dated the second of March, 1683.  
Geo: Jeffrey. Sealed and Delivered by his Royal Highness in presence of 

Ro: Worden.  
Will: Crofts.  
Jo: Ashtone.     

Sir,  
BY what is above written. I hope you are sufficiently convinced of the justness of the Title of the Proprietors, to what is contained in the Patent granted by the late King of happy Memory, to his Royal Brother James Duke of York, now Our Most Gracious Sovereign: And now conveyed by him as you see, as also that by the constitution of the Government, these who subject themselves thereto may rationally propose comfortable and peaceable life, without any just ground of Fears of any encroachment upon their properties or liberties, even in matters of Opinion when the Proprietors are so far by their own concessions, from exempting themselves from being subject to the Law, that they declare themselves liable thereto, as the meanest Inhabitants are, by one of the fundamental Constitutions; It remains to give you als good ground to believe the above written description of the place, to be consonant to truth, and I shall offer you no other proof of this than what sufficiently convinced myself, that there can hardly be any cheat in the affair, to wit, the perusal of the following Letters from that place: which I have been at great pains to collect for my own satisfaction in the particular. Yea, I have been so much upon my guard that I might not be imposed upon in this, that I have myself seen the principals of many of them, when you consider they come from several hands, at several times from People of Different persuasions, and yet not the least contradiction to be observed, amongst them all; and that the account given therein to the General Advantage of the Country, is homelogat by several Gentlemen and Merchants, in this city, who to myself have Declared, they have been eye witnesses to the truth of the most material Passages in these accounts, narrated to the advantage of the place, I hope you will, find yourself obliged to rest Satisfied therewith.    

An Account of the settled Towns, and most part of the Plantations, or Tract of Land, taken up in the Province of East-New Jersey, beginning at the outermost Southerly parts towards the Sea; So going up Northerly on Hudsons' River to its outmost extent; This was the Condition of the Province Anno 1680. Given under the hand of Captain Nicolas, Sacretary for the Duke in New-York.  
Shrewsbery, A Town in that Province, lies without Sandy-point, and hath the farthest plantation to the Southward; It's Scituate on the side of a River; not far from its entrance, and extends up into the Land; a little distant from the said River, about eight mills, near unto Colonel Morice, his Iron Mill and Plantation.  
There is within its Jurisdiction Colonel Morice his Manor being of _____ thousand Acres, wherein are his Iron Mills, his Manors and divers other buildings, for his Servants and dependants there, together with 60. or 70. Negres about the Mill and Husbandries in that Plantation.  
There are divers out-plantations, accounted to belong to the Jurisdictions of the Town, some in necks of Land by the Sea side, others within Lands, and towards Midletoun bounds, and others on the northside of the River, below Colonel Morice, his Iron mills; The computation of Acres taken up by the Town may be 10000 Acres, and what is taken up by Colonel Morice, and the other Out-plantation 20000. Acres, the number of the Families in Town are so, and of Inhabitants Men Women, and Children 400.  
Midletoun, is nixt 10. or 12. myls over Land, Northward from Colonel Morice Iron Mills, being 9 or 10: Miles up from the entrance of that River, that which is property, the Town may consist of 100: Families, and of Inhabitants 500: and of Acres taken up for the Town 10000: and for the several Out-Plantations 20000.  
This was the second place settled in, till Nichols time, 1664. but there are many considerable Plantations within the Jurisdiction of that Town, viz. Captain John Broun and others that first settled, who removed out of the Town and settled greater plantations abroad Richard Hartshorn hath a Plantation, with considerable Land belonging to it, part within, and part without Sandy Hook, which with a part of Coney Island, and Long Island opposite to it, makes the entrance into the Bay that goes up to Now-York, and also to the Lands of East-New-Jersey; the Town is above 5: miles from the entrance of the Creek or River that goes up to it from the Bay.  
There was a Plantation one the Norths side of the Creek at its entrance first settled by Nicolas Davis, having a large tract of Land belonging to it, of 2. or 3000. Acres, since divided to deverse, besides several Out-plantations, and there is a great Deal of waist Land, and other Improveable betwixt this said Piscattaway, for about 20. miles, There was a court of Sessions held twice or thrice a year, for these two Towns, and their Jurisdictions.  
Thirdly. Piscattaway, Lies next 25. or 26. miles from Midletoun, Irs up Rariton River 5. or 6. miles westward in, and there is about half mile within Land, The entrance into Rariton River is at the bottom of the Southrens bay, and opposite to the Southermost point of Staten Islands the Northwest point of the entrance is called Amboy point, where is a fair tract of Land formerly reserved by the proprietor for his own use.  
There are several Plantations all along on the North side of the River as you go up to the Town, and some on the Southside, among which are considerable belonging to one Thomas Lavernce a baker at New-York, his wife son, about 3000. Acres.  
Up higher on Rariton River near the falls which are about 3. miles over Land, there are several Plantations a good big vassel loaden may go up to; the falls, and so may above it for several miles in the River; At the falls its foordable for horses and other cattle, unless in great Floods when men may go over 〈…〉 boats and Canoes; and horses will swim over, though the River be a good breadth.  
About the falls, there are several tract o●… Lands some upon on side some on the other si●… the River, viz: a place called by the In●…ans Rachahova-Wallaby, Captain John Palmer of Staten Islands, Mr. Thom●… Coddrington, Mr. White; and Company Merchant at New-York, in part settled there on 6. or 7000. Acres.  
M. John Robison, Mr. Samuel, Edsall, and Company of New-York, on 6. or 7000. Acres.  
Captain Palmer, Mr. white Captain Corsen, and Company on 5. or 6000. Acres.  
There is some other Land taken up by Milstoun River, which comes into Rariton River, and is near the middle bounds between the two Province of East and West-Jersey, you pass Milstoun River to go over Land from Piscataway to Meltinsed in Island in Delaware River, which is near Burlingtoun.  
The Town Consists of about 80: Families, and of about 400. Inhabitants, and of Acres about the Town about 10000: and for the out-Plantatations 30000.  
Woodbridge is over Land from Piscattaway about 7. or. 8 miles it lies up a River, the entrance whereof is about 5: or 6: miles to the North of Amboy-Point the side ebbing, and flowing betwixt the Main Land of New-Jersey and Staten Island on the Westside, as it doth on the East-side of the said Island and Long Island.  
On the South side of the entrance into the River or Creek, Mr. Delapairs Surveyour General hath a neat Plantation, and he hath several tracts of Land in the Province: There are other Plantations on the South side of the River, or Creek, within Land and divers on the Northside, lying along the water side, opposite to Staten Island until you come to a Creek or River that divydes their bounds from these of Elezabeth Town, the mouth of it being 8. or 9 miles from Woodbridge.  
There are several Plantations up the Southside of the Creek to the Road that goes along from Woodbridge to the Town, and passeth over that River, it being foordable over the Plantation on the north side, Sailing to Elizabeth Town, It's reckoned from one Town to the other about 15. or 16. miles: over-Land, but it's more by water.  
This Town pretends to have more privileges them any other Town in the province, and hath a Charter of Corporation, It hath a Court house and a prison built on their charge; It consists of about 120 Families, and 600. Inhabitants; The Acres taken up by the Town, may be about 10000 and for the Out-plantations about 20000.  
Elizabeth Town is the first new place that was settled, 1664. by virtue of a patent from Mr Nicolas to Captain John Baker, before the Lord Barclay, and Sir George Cartwrights Tittle was known; This Town lies up 3. miles within a Creek, the entrance whereof is almost opposite to the North-west-end of Staten Islands.  
There are several Out-plantations on the North side of the River, which divides the hounds between this Town and Woodbridge, particularly where the roads pass over, to which place is about 7: or 8: miles.  
There are other plantations at the point or entrance of the Creek on the North side if it, commonly called Governor Cartwrights point, where there is another farm, between the proprietor and him, It's but a narrow passage there over to the Meadows of Staten Island, then on Northward there are other Plantations fronting to the Bay that lies to the North part of Staten Island, beside some other within Land from the Town to New-York bounds.  
There is in this Town a house, orcheards and ferm within the Town in partnership between the Proprietor and Governor, Philip Cartwright it being one of the first house built there, and hath all along been the residence of the Governor, until of late he hath finished his Newhouse.  
The Town is built on both sides of the Creek, and Consists of 150. Families, and of 700. Inhabitants, The Acres taken up by the Town are computed to be 10000 and for the Out-Plantations 30000.  
Newark alias Millfoord, is a Town distant to the Northward over Land from Elizabeth Town about 6: or: 7: miles.  
It lies on a River called Newark River, which emptieth itself into the Bay about 4: or 5: miles down opposite to the Town, on the North side of the River lieth a great tract of Land belonging to Mr. Kings-Land and Captain Sanfoord, the quittrents whereof is purchased.  
There is another great tract of Land taken up higher in the River by Captain Berrie, who hath disposed of a part of it; There are several Plantations settled there; It's said he hath about 10000 Acres there, farther up the water is an Island of about 1000 Acres, belonging to Mr. Christopher Hoogland of Newark, if it be not an Island, it is tied by a very narrow slip of Land to the Continent.  
Above that again is a greater tract of Land above 8. or 9000. Acres, purchased by Lease of the Governor, according to the Concessions, by Captain Jaques Cartelayne, and partners, Who have begun some settlement.  
All these tracts of Land are within the Jurisdiction of Newark.  
In this Town hath been a Court of Session, held between this and Elizabeth Town; It is the most compact Town in the Province, and consists of about 100: Families, and of about 500 Inhabitants; The Acres taken up by the Town may be about 10000: And for the Out-plantations, over and above beside Mr. King's Land, and Captain Sanfoords, 40000: Acres.  
At the bottom of the Bay upon over- prok-Creek-side near Hackinsack River, There is a River settled by several Valleys having a brave mill belonging to it, they have taken up a brave piece of Land, into their plantations, for the which Mr. Nicolas of New-York hath a patent, but gave Leave to their setlement at the request of Governor Cartwright, on promise of as much more in a better place.  
Near unto Snokehill is a brave Plantation on a piece of Land almost an Island containing 1000: or 1200. Acres, belonging to Mr. Penhorn a Merchant at New-York, and one Edward Eickbe, It's well improven and Stocked, Mr. Penhorn paid for his half 500: lib.  
There are other Plantations upon Hackinsak River, which goes a great way up the Country almost North-West, there are other also on the East-side of another Creek or River at Hackinsak River.  
There is a large neck or Tract of Land, for which one Mrs. Sarah Kirk-stead, of New-York hath a Patent, given here by on old Indian Sachem, in recompense for her Interpreting the Indian Language into Dutch, as there was occasion, there are some little Families thereon.  
Between 2: or: 3: miles up there is a great Plantation settled by Captain John Berrie, where he now Lives, there is a good house thereon, and a good quantity of Land cleared and Improved by 20. Negers or more, he hath about 2000 Acres of Land there.  
There is another Plantation adjoining, which belongs to his son in Law, Mr. Michael Smith, who hath about 1500: or 2000: Acres, who by 16: or more Negres, hath improved a good quantity of that Land.  
And there is another Plantation more near to Captain Berrie, belonging to Mr. Baker, who came from the Barbadoss, and bought the Land from Captain Berry, being about 7: or 800: Acres part of which he hath Improved by 7: or 8: Negres.  
On the Westside of the Creek opposite to Captain Berry, there are also other Plantations, but none other more Northerly; up above these Plantations on that side of the neck of Land that is betwein Hudsons-River and it, the neck of Land is in breadth from Captain Berries now Plantations on the Westside where he lives over to his old Plantations, to the East at Hudions-River-side, about 3: miles, which distance, severs to Constables-Hook upward of 10 miles.  
To go back to the South part of Berghenneck that is opposite to Staten Issand, where is but a narrow passage of water, which ebbs and Flows between the said Island and Berghen point, called Constable-Hook.  
There is a considerable Plantation on that side of Constable-Hook, Extending in Land above a mile over from the Bay, on the East-side of the neck that leads to New-York, to that on the west that goes to Hakinsak and Snokehill, the neck running up between both from the South to the North of Hudsons-River to the outmost extent of their bounds.  
There belongs to that Plantation about 12: or 1500: Acres, and it's well stocked and improved; it was Settled first by Samuel Edfall in Colonel nichols time, and by him sold 3: years ago for 600: lib.  
There are other small Plantations along that neck to the East, between it, and a Little village of 20. Families, called by the Indians. _____ of Penelipe, _____ then further one to another cottadge, there are more, where Laurence the Draper lives a Dutchman, there may be 16: or 18 Families, than one to George Umpane, which is over against New-York, where there is about 40. Families, within which, about the meddle of the neck, which is here about 3: miles over stands the Town of Berghen, which gives name to that neck, than again Northward to the water side going up Hudsons-River, there lies out a point of Land, wherein is a Plantation, and a water belonging to a Merchant in New-York.  
Southward there is a small Village about 5: or 6: Families, which is commonly called the Duke's Farm, and hath always paid a small annualrent to the Governor of New-York, who first granted it out for two lives, but leased out now for some years, yet is under the Jurisdiction of New-Jersey for Government; further up is a good Plantation in a neck of Land almost a Island, called Hobuk, It did belong to a Dutch Merchant, who formerly in the Indian war, had his Wife, Children and Servants Murdered by the Indians and his house, cattle, and Stock destroyed by them; It's now settled again, and a mill erected there, by one dwelling at New-York.  
Up Northward along the river side are other Lands near to Mr. William Laurance, which is 6. or 7. miles further opposite thereto, there is a Plantation of Mr. Edsall, and above that Captain Beinfields' Plantation, both without Tenants, this last is almost opposite to the northwest and Manhattas Island on the south part is New-York town, and Fort; there are other small Plantations up the River to Havercham, near the Highlands, between which the River leads up to Lepus and Albany.  
Here are the outmost extent of the Northern bounds of East-Jersey as always computed.  
There was here taken up a great Tract of Land by Governor Philip Cartwright for himself, and another for an Campyne, and Company; It's supposed to be little Improven yet, some Plantations are said to be there, under the Jurisdiction of this Town of Berghen are all the Plantanions on both sides of the Neck, to its outmost extent, as also these at Hakinsak: Here is a Town Court held by Select Men, or Overseers, who use to be 4. or more as they please to choose annually, to try small causes, as in all the rest of the Towns, and two Courts of Sessions in the year, from which if the Cause exceed 20. lib. they may appeal to the Governor, and Council, and Court of Deputies in their Assembly, who meet once a year. The Town is compact and hath been fortified against the Indians; There are not above 70. Families in it. The Acres taken up by the Town, may be about 10000 and for the Out-plantations 50000. and the number of Inbabitants are computed to be 350. but many more abroad. The greatest part of the Inhabitants which are in this Jurisdiction are Dutch, of which somo have settled here, upwards of 40. years ago.  
Patents have been given out by the Governor and Council, for the greatest part of the Land here described, all Lands Patented, are to pay the quitrents, whither improven or not; what is set forth here, relating to New-East-Jersey is only Computation of the Neighbours of that Colony; not declaring every thing to be just as he hath written, but sets it down as a good part to his own knowledge, the rest guessed at, and is to the best of his remembrance particularly about the quantity of Acres and number of Inhabitants,  Acres, Shrewsberry town and Plantation. 30000 Midleton and Plantation. 30000. Piscattaway and out Plantations. 40000. Woodbridge and out Plantations. 30000. Elizabethtown and Plantations. 40000. Newark and out Plantations. 50000. Berghen and out Plantations. 60000.  in all 280000.  
 Acres, Shreusberry Families 080. Midletoun. 100 Woodbridge. 120. Elizabeth. 150. Piscattaway. 080. Newark. 100 Berghen. 070.  in all 700. Families.  
And reckoning 5. to all Families, the old Inhabitants in the several Towns estimate to be 3500. Persons.  
These besides the out Plantations that cannot be so well guessed at, for Families or Persons, as the Towns.  
I desire Sir, you may here stop a little, and consider the Encouragement to be had from the above written Information, which will by any understanding Person be judged of very great import, you come not to a place altogether void of Inhabitants; But on the contrar to a Country, where at your first landing you have houses, which can accommodat you with all necessars whatsoever: If you look back with me to the great trouble these were redacted to, who first went to that place of the World, who were necessitat to carry over with them, Horses, Cows, Sheep, Hogs, etc. Yea, all sorts of provisions, you will certainly acknowledge that it is a very easy business now, in comparison of what it was then, when so soon as you come to land, you have houses to afford you good and comfortable accommodation, till you make provision for one of your own; when you have some way accommodat yourself with Lodging, you may from all hands provide yourself with Horses, Cows, Sheep, Hogs, etc. all sorts of Poultry, all sorts of Seed for sowing, this consideration does in my apprehension, make the Design far more easy, then would appear at first to any who would be necessitat to lay before his eyes great difficulties to be rancountered, when come from Ships, lodging is wanting upon the shore, no other Victuals are in readiness but what is brought along from the place they came from, none of these other accommodations to be furnished, but what is brought a great way off: Sir, you will be obliged to say we have even upon this one consideration, a great advantage of our Countrymen lately settled at Port-Royal in Carolina, to mention nothing else in this place.  
But now let us return to the perusal of several Letters from that place, and I desire you to mark narrowly if you observe the least contradiction in any matterial point, contained in any of them, or if you do not find the above written Description quadrat in the least particular with the said Letters.  

A Letter from Thomas Rudyard Deputy Governor of New-East-Jersey, to a Friend at London, dated at East-Jersey the 30th. of the 3d. Month called May, 1683.  
Dear B. G.  
TO be as particular in my return, were but thy due, yet I cannot promise so much, However I may give thee some general account of the Province, and of our satisfaction with our present Lot, the short time I have experienced this.  
But to give thee also, as thou desires a Character of Pensalvania and West-Jersey; that will be a task I must be excused to undertake, lest I give offence, or at least bring me under censure as partial: Were I not concerned in any of the Provinces I might satisfy thy curiosity: But being chiefly interested in this, I'll be very cautious meddling with my Neighbours more than here, one with another, so I may use my freedom with my Neighbours which they take not ill, but writ that they may take otherways; They lie so near adjacent, that they may be said in a sense, to be but one Country; And what's said for one in General may serve for all: I have been at Burlingtoun, and at Pensilvania, as far as Philadelphia, which lies about 20, miles below Burlingtoun: That journey by Land gave me some view of all the Provinces, and made me now considerably to estimate this of East-Jersey; having some Conveniences esteemed be me, which the others are not so plentifully furnished withal, viz. fresh and salted Meadows, which now are very valuable and no man here will take up a Tract of Land without them; being the support of their flocks in Winter, which other parts must supply be store, and taking more care for English Grass; But know where salt marshes are not; there is no Muskettos, and that manner of Land, the more health, and this was often answered me, when I have been making comparisons; I must tell thee, their Character in Print by all that reads it, here is said to be modest, and much more might have been said in its Commendation. We have one thing more particular to us, which the other want also: which is vast Oysters banks, which is Constant fresh Victuals during the winter to English as well as Indians; of these there are many all along our Coasts from that Sea as high as against New York, whence they come to fetch them, so we are supplied with salt fish at our doors, or within half a tides passage, and fresh Fish in abundance in every little brook, as Perch, Trout, els, etc. which we catch at our doors. Provisions here are very plentiful, and people generally well stocked with Cattle: New-York and Burlingtoun hath hitherto been their Mercat, Few or no Trading-Men being here in this Province, I believe it hath been very unhappily heretofore under an ill managed Government, and most of the people who are such, who have been invited from the adjacent Colonies by that goodness of its Soill, and convenient Situation, at Amboy we are now building some small houses of 30. foot long, and 18. foot breadth, fitting to entertain Workmen, and such who will go and build larger, the stones lie exceeding well and good up that Rariton River a Tides passage, and Oyster-shells upon the point to make lime withal, which will wonderfully accommodat us in building good houses cheap, warm for Winter, cool for Summer, and durable, covering for houses are Shingles, Oak, Chesnut and Cedar, we have plentiful here of all, the last endures a man's age if he live to be old; There is 5. or 6. Saw-mills going up here this Spring, two at work already, which abates the price of boards half in half, and all other timber for building, for although timber coast nothing; yet workmanship by hand was London price, or near upon, or sometimes more, which these Mills abate; we buy Oak and Chesnut boards no cheaper than last year; My habitation with Samuel Groom is at Elizabeth Town, and here we came first, it lies on a fresh small river, with the tide, Ships of 30. or 40. Tuns come before our doors, throughout this Town is good English grass and (bears) a very good burden; we cannot call our habitation solitary, for what with the public employ I have little less company at my house daily then I had in George Yard, although not so many pass by my doors. The people are general a sober professing people, Wise in their Generation, Courteous in their Behaviour, and Respectful to us in Office among them. As for the Temperature of the Air, it is wonderfully situated to the Humours of Mankind, the wind and weather rarely holding in one point, or one kind for ten days together: It is a rare thing for a Vessel to be wind-bound for a week together, the wind seldom holding in a point more than 48. hours, & in a short time we have weet and dry, warm and cold weather, which changes we often desire in England and look for before they come; Yet this Variation creates not cold, nor have we the tenth part of the cold as we have in England; I never had any since I came, and in the midst of Winter, and Frosts could endure it with less  then in England, for generally I go with that same  I use to wear in Summer with you, but warm  hurt not. I bless the LORD, I never had better health nor my Family, my Daughters are very well improved in that respect, and tell me, they would not change their place for George Yard, nor would I; People here are generally settled, where the tide reaches, and althoughs this is good Land and well Timbered and plentifully supplied with Salt-Marish, yet there is much better Land up higher on the River, where they may go up with small boats, where many now are settling, there's extraordinary Land, fresh Meadows overflowed in the Winter time, that produces multitudes of Winter Corns, and it's believed will end are 20, 30, or 50, years flowing without intromission, and not decay; such Land there is at Sops on Hudsons' River, which hath born Winter Corn about 20. years without help, and is as good as at first, and better. William Penn took a view of the Land this last month, when here, and said, he had never seen such before in his life: All the English Merchants, and many of the Dutch have taken, and are desirous to take up Plantations with us. Our Country here called Berghen is almost Dutchmen, at a town called Newark 7. or 8. miles hence is made great quantities of Cider, exceeding any we can have from New-England, or Rood-Island, or Long-Island; I hope to make 20. or 30. Barrels out of our Orchard next year, as they have done who had it before me, for that, it must be as providence ordered: Upon our view and survey of Amboy-point we find extraordinary well situate for a great Town or City, beyond expectation, at low water round about the point are Oysters; There are Oysters of two kinds, small as English, and others two or three morsels, exceeding good for roasting and stewing; The people say our Oysters are good and in season all Summer; The first of the third Month I eat of them at Amboy very good; The point is good lively Land, 10. some places 20. foot above the water mark, About it are several Coves with small Coasts may lay up Vessels as in a deck, besides great Ships of any burden, may all ride before the town Land-loked against all winds: There Rariton-River runs up, or rather down 50 (far larger,) some say 100 mills for small boats. I saw several vines upon the point, which produces, as they say, good grapes in their Season, this Country is very full of them, but being no present mother of profit, few regard them more than to pick them as they lay in their way when they are ripe. We have store of Clamms esteemed much better than Oysters; one Festivals the Indians feast with them, there are Shallops, but in no great plenty. Fish we have great store, as our relation set forth, but they are very good when catcht. (as the proverb is) I have several Barrels by me now, which are good for our Table, and for Sale. I brought a Seanet over with me which may turn to good account. Sea-Nets are good Merchandise here, mine cost me about 4. or 5. lib. and can have 20. lib. for it if I would sell it now; I may writ of many such matters in our Province, which may invite persons here, but so am resolved to conclude, knowing that in probability, there is not an Industrious man, but by GOD'S blessing may not only have a comfortable, but plentiful supply of all things necessary for this life, with the salutation of my true affection to all, etc. I rest thy affectionate friend,  
Tho. Rudyard.   

A Letter from Samuel Groom Surveyour General in East-New-Jersey, dated at East-Jersey, the 11th. of August, 1683.  
Friends, and Fellow-Proprietors.  
SInce my last I have now sounded the Channel from Amboy to Sandy-hook, and finds it to be a broad and bold Channel in no place less than 3. fathom at high water, in ordinary tides 4, 5, or 6, fathom, except in one short place, Rariton River is a good River, and hath a good tide of flood, overpowering the freshes about 30: miles above Amboy, after its flood, the tide hath no force against the Freshes, which comes out of several branches of Rariton, and joins in one, 40. or 50. miles above Amboy, I have spent a considerable time in making discovery, I have not as yet had times to lay out much land for you, only about 17. or 18. thousand Acres in one tract, good upland near Elizabeth Town; I have now seen the tract of Land against (or nigh Amboy point formerly laid out by Vanquillian; it is on the Westside of a Creek called Chingeroces, about eight thousand Acres. And I intent shortly to lay as much or twice as much more to it; but first we must talk with the Natives about that, and other tracts of Land they are not yet paid for; The last day of this month is appointed to treat with several Indians to buy several exceeding good tracts nigh the head of Rariton.  
The tenth of the next Month is also appointed to treat with other Indians, to buy other tracts of choice Meadowing, and Upland that lieth about 12. or thirteen miles up into the Country, which I have seen; and when we have accomplished these two things, we shall he able to lay out for you much land; and when I have been up in the Country towards and at Barnagate, and agreed with the Indians thereabout, for such land as we may see occasion to purchase (presently) in order to a setlement there; for here are many both of New-England, New-York, and some parts of this Province, stands ready to sit down in that part of the Country, not only for the sake of the good Up land and Meadows, which report saith, is much thereabouts; but also for the sake of the Whale Trade, and other fishing trade, which is like to be there shortly. New-England Men, and others were a● tampering with the Indians to have purchased there, before and since we came, but now they are out of hopes of coming in at that door; so now they make their Addresses to us, and would have us to purchase, and let them come in our Tenants, otherways as we may agree. I intent to attempt these things, this fall I have not been much on the South side of Rariton, only upon some upland at several places, and upon the tract of 8. thousand 3. hundreth and 20. Acres of yours aforementioned; and also on the Meadowing that lies on the southside of Rariton above Amboy, a year or two since, purchased of the Indians in the name of Dam Cartwright, though it was never intended for her, nor for any Proprietor, but as it fell out, they quarrelled about disposing and sharing thereof, so it is now without controversy yours: Now know that Rariton River is accommodate on both sides with salt and fresh meadows, salt as far as the salt sea water flows or predominats, and fresh above as the River of Thames. We have about 3000. Acres of meadowing butting on the river, I hope it will never hurt Amboy town, besides report saith, that the upland next adjoining to this meadowing, beginning over against Amboy, and so up 10, or 12, miles to a River that strikes out of Rariton south, and is called South River, is but mean land.  
It may be well if you would agree to take each one a 24th part of Lands as we lay them out whither it be more or less, or else take 500 Acres Lots, and let these Lots be cast when 24. times 500 Acres is laid out, & where we can make greater Lots we may; we have now got up three houses at Amboy, and three more ready to be set up, but workmen are scarce, and many of them base; the best will work but when they can spare time out of their plantations, (if no help comes it will be long are Amboy be built, as London is) housing will bring a Trade to that place, the Indians comes thither to get Fish, Foul, Oysters, Clams, Mussels, etc. (as people go to mercat for things they want) and these Indians brings at Seasons great quantities of skins down Rariton, so by Amboy and to New-York, where they have a continual supplie of things they want.  
Well here is a brave Country, the ground very fruitful, and wonderful inclinable to English grass, as Claver, etc. It Predominats over the more wild grass, very little barren, much dry upland and good meadow, some phenny, swampy land, and small running brooks and rivers throughout all the parts of the Country I have been, and these phenny and swampy Land hears great burdens of grass; in short, the land is four times better than I expected, we must needs be out some money at present to purchase lands of the Indians, but that will be soon got in with profit, as people come to Inhabit and take up Land, and pay as always they have done their part of purchase from the Indians; Here is great talk of the braveries of the place and land, Barnagate I intent to see shortly, after the season is fititng, to go by land and water to it, I intent to go by water in a Sloop, to see how convenient it's by water, and from thence come by Land, so than I shall tell you more; Ye must expect to be at charges for doing these and such other things I purpose shortly to writ to, and demand in all places of the Quitrents, and Arriers, they generally say, they will pay Captain Berry his two or three hundreth pounds behinds in arriers, as is said because his case differs from others a little, I'll (GOD permitting) begin with them first of all about his rent, etc. and either have rend or land, what you writ concerning building and repairing shall be ohserved, I wish I were freely rid of all the goods I have of yours, and my own at 28. per cent. Excepting such as are for the Indian Trade, These part of America, are commodated with English goods; Nevertheless when I pay Workmen and Labourers, I pay them goods rated cent per cent; New-York money, but then I must pay them 2. or 3. silver, and part paction, which I procure with goods as well as I can.  
The houses at Amboy are 30. foot long and 16. foot wide, 10. foot betwixt joint and joint, a double Chimney made with Timber, and clay as the manner of this Country is to build, will in about 50. lib. a house, this pay procured here, for 25. in goods the first coast, I shall make you not return this year, seeing we are about purchasing and surveying all, which will run out money in this place, where Mint are so scarce to be had on such accounts, I must as well as I can turn your goods into money, provision and goods for Indians, I have laid out Amboy into 150. Lots, and have sent home a draught of it,  
your S. G.   

Abstract of a Letter from Gavin Laurie Deputy Governor of East Jersey, to the Proprietors at London, dated from Elizabeth Town the 2. of March, 1684.  
I Took up several days with Country men and others, to view the Ground and Water, at last I pitched upon a place where a Ship of 300. Tun may ride safely within a plank length of the Shoar at low water, and joining thereto is a piece of marish ground, about 12. perch broad, and 20. perch long, and high land on each side like our Keys by London Bridge; this may be easy cut quit round for small Vessels to come to the Key, and lie safe round this Island, I set out Lots, 1. Acre a piece, viz. 4. pole at the Key, and 40. pole backward, from thence along the river, near half a mile I laid out the like lots very pleasant for situation where they can see the ships coming in the Bays of Sandy-Hook; for near 20 miles the Ships may ride alongs by the Town as safe as at London, just at the point by the Town; Rariton-River runs up the Country a great way, there boats of 40 tun may go, and the River, by the Town goes to New-York, Hudsons-River Long Island, Staten Island, and so to New-England; there is no place in all England for Conveniency and pleasant situation; There are 60 Lots upon the River, and 40 backward between these and the River, and these backward have a highway 100 foot broad, where I have laid out a place for a mercat, with cross Streets from the River to the Market where the Town-houses are to be built; when this was done I laid out 400 Acres to be divided in 48 parts, viz. 36 to each Proprietor, and those who have Lots in the Town, I grant them half Lots in this to pay for the Lots in the Town, 20 pound or if a half Lott of 36 Acres 40 pounds; I laid 400 Acres to lie until the Proprietors agree to devyd it as people comes over; There is 16 Lots taken up by the Scotish Proprietors, and 8 Lots by the Proprietors that are here; There are 20 Lots taken up in the Town by other People; I engage all to build a house of 30 foot long, and 18 broad, and 18 foot high to the raising, to be finished within a year, To pay for laying out 40 shil: a Lot, and 4 d per Annum, Quitrent there are several begun already to build, I have laid out between 40 and 50 Acres for the Governors' house. The high way and wharf between the Hooks and the River a 100 foot broad; And to ●eave a raw of trees along upon the River before the houses for shade & shalter exceeding pleasant: I have agreed for two houses of like dimensions, to be built for the Proprietors; and also a house for the Governor of 6 foot long, & 18 foot broad And if the quit rents come in, I intent 3 or 4 houses more for the Proprietors, I can easily let them this work took me up 5 weeks After I had finished this work I set the people to work, Scotish and English, about 50 persons, some preparing, for building, other on clearing ground to get Corn sown, this spring, than came in a Boar privately to Elizabeth Town the 12th. past next morning; I went to New-York to visit the Governor, stayed there two or three days; He was very kind and promised a fair correspondency, so I did not publish my Commission until this day before the Council; They have been kind and courteous: Now is the time to send over people for settling these. There is 30000 Acres of Land in several places belonging to Proprietors formerly taken up by Cartwright, so here is land enough. The Scots and William Dorkwrans people coming now and settling, advance the Province more than it hath been advanced these ten years. Therefore Proprietors send over some Families and Servants; I shall presently set them out Land, and it well presently bring them in considerable profit in a few years here wants; nothing but people; There is not a poor body in all the Province, nor that wants; Here is abundance of Provision, Pork and Beef. At 2 d per pound, Fish and Fowl plenty; Oysters I think would serve all England, Wheat 4. shil. Stir. per. Bushel, Indian Wheat 2. ss. 6. d. per bushel; It is exceeding good food every way, and 2. or 300. fold increass; Cider good and plenty for 1. d. per Quartfield; Good drink that is made of water and Molasses stands in about 2. ss. per. Barrel wholesome like our 8. ss: Beer in England, Good Venision plenty brought, us in at 18. d. the quarter, Eggs at 3. d. per Dozon; all things very plenty, Land very good as ever I see; Wines, Walnuts, Peaches, Strawberries and many other things plenty in the woods; The Proprietors have 150. or 200. Acres 3. miles from the town upon Rariton River, salt Marsh where I intent to let the people of Amboy cut grass for hay to their Cattle in Winter, until we otherways order it, by Lots to them; I reckon there is laid out for the Town Governors' house, and public high ways, near or about 200. Acres, so there rests 1800. Acres, I laid 400. Acres as I said the rest to lie in common until divided; I have put two houses in repair upon the River called the Point, 2. m: from Elizabeth Town, have let one of them with 10. Acres of Pasture ground, and 10. Acres of Woody ground for 7. years at 26: lib. per annum; the man to clear the ten Acres of Woody ground, and make it fit for Pleuching or Pasture; I intent to let the other also with some land, all the houses were like to drop down, all the land lying wothout fence, and an barn quit fallen down, and destroyed, another without any cover; And that other next to the house where I dwell all to pieces, and all the fences and outhouses is down, but repairsd before I came; I am setting up a Ferry-Boat at Perth, for Men and Horses to go and come to Burlingtown, Pensalvania, and New-York; Also I am treating with one to set up a house midway to Burlingtown, to entertain Travelers, and a Ferry-Boat to go to New-York, all which is for promotting Perth, that being the centre; also you should give me power to set out a Line between the Governor of New-York and us; he calls on me for it, because several Plantations on the River are settled, and we know not yet what side they will fall to; I cannot at present mention all particulars, which you must supply by some general clauses or words, for it is not possible for you to understand what is for the good of the Province as I do, that am here; and be not sparing to send over people, it will bring you it again with large profits; for here is a gallant plentiful Country, and good land; I have given you a large account of the little time I have been here; I have none to writ for me; but you must send a Copy of this to Scotland, and with it your further Instructions to be signed, and send me forth; I will be bound till it come, I rest your friend, Sic subscribitur,  
Gavin Laury.   

An Letter from Gavin Laury to a Friend of his at London.  
East-Jersey, March 16. 1684. Loving Friend,  
I Promised to write to thee when GOD brought me to Jersey, but had not time till now, I shall give thee a brief, account of the Country, no fiction but the truth; It is beyond what I expected, It is situate in a good Air, which makes it healthy; and there is great conveniency for travelling from places throw the Province in Boats, from a small Canoa to Vessels of 30, 40, or 50, Tun, and in some places 100; In the Bay coming up to Amboy point, where the Town of Perth is now in building, a Ship of 300. Tun may easily ride closely to the Shoar, within a plank length to the Shoar, and the houses of the Town, and yet the land there, nor other in the Province is not low, Swampy Marish ground but pretty high ground, rising from the water side at Amboy point, the bank of the River is 20. foot, in some places 30, and in some 40. foot high; And yet hath many conveniencies for landing goods, The soil is generally black in some places a foot deep, beareth great burdens of Corn, and Naturally bringeth forth English grass 2. years pleuching, the ground is tender and the ploughing is very easy, the trees grow generally not thick, but some places 10, in some 15, in some 25, or 30. upon an Acre; This I find generally, but in some particular places there is 100 upon an Acre, but that is very rare; The trees are very tale and strait, the general are Oak, Beech, Walnut, Chasnuts, and Accorns lie thick upon the ground for want of eating, Peaches, Vines, Strawberries ●nd many other sorts of Fruits grow commonly in the Woods; There is likeways Gumtree, Cedar, White-Wood, like our Fir-tree, Walnuts, Chestnuts, and others lie tick upon the ground; there is great plenty of Oysters, Fish, Foul, Pork is 2. pennies the pound, Beef, and Venison 1. penny the pound; a whole fat back at 5. or 6. per bushel, Indian Corn for 26 per Bushel, Oats, 20. pennies, and Barley 2. shill: per bushel; We have good brick earth, and stone for building, at Amboy and elsewhere the Country Farm houses are built very cheap, A Carpentar with a man's own Servants builds the house, they have all materials for nothing, except Nails; their Chimneys are of stones, they make their own Ploughs and Carts for the most part, only the Iron work is very dear; The poorer sort set up a house of two or three Rooms themselves after this manner, The walls are of cloven Timber about 8. or 10. Inches broad, like planks set on end to the ground; and the other nailed to the raising which they plaster within; they build a Barn after the same manner, and these cost not above 5. lib. a piece, and then to w●rk they go. 2. or 3. men in one year will clear 50. Acres, in some places 60. and in some more; They sow Corn the first year, and afterwards maintain themselves, and the increase of Corn, Cows, Horses, Hogs and Sheep, comes to the Landlord; several Merchants of New-York, have left their several Plantations there to come to East-Jer-sey; 2. or 3. join together be 12, 15, or 20. Servants and one Overseer, which costs them nothing for the first year, except some Shoes, Stockings and Shirts; I have been to see these Plantations, and find they make a great increase by them, maintains their Families at New-York with all provisions; sell a great deal yearly, and for Servants our English people are far better Husbandmen than the New-England men, the Servants work not so much by a third as they do in England, and I think feed much better, for they have Beef, Pork, Baccon, Pudding, Milk, Butter, and good Beer; and Cider for drink: When they are out of their time, they have land for themselves; and generally turn Farmours for themselves; Servants wages is not under 2: shill: a day besides Victuals; and at Amboy point 2: shill: 6: pen: per day, at Amboy we have one setting up to make Malt, but we want a Brewar, I wish thou would send over some to set up a Brewhouse and a Bakehouse to bake Bread and Biscuit, for a Bisket-maker we must have to vend our meat to the Plantations, send over some Husband Men and Country Fellows that Plough, Sow, Reap, Thresh and look after Cattle; A Carpentar or two, and a Smith for Ploughs and Horse, and a Cowper, which we want very much; If thou will send a dozon of Servants, most of them Country men, I will set thee out a gallant Plantation of 500 or 1000 Acres upon a River side; but thou must send over some goods to stock it withal, I desire thee to encourage some of our Friends, especially the Proprietors to send over some servants to stock some Land, And when they have cleared it, if they have a mind to let it, here are tenants to take it, and if they will sell it, here are also purchasers; there is one man since I came here sold his Plantation for 1500. lib. the whole was 1600. or 1800. Acres, whereof only 120. Acres were cleared, upon which he had a house, Garden and Orchyard, and Barn planted; I know several men who let cleared Land at 6. shil 8. pennies and at 10. shil. the Acre yearlie rend, which is a good encouragement for sending over servants to plant; I writ not this as idle story, but as things realy and truly are; I have sent for servants myself to settle a farm for if the Proprietors will not do so, I see not what they can exect. The Scots have taken a right course, They have sent over many servants, and are likeways sending more; They have likeways sent over many poor Families, and given them a small stock, and these Families some for 7. some for 10 years give the half of their increase to the Landlord, except the milk, which the tennent hath to himself, I have set them out land, and they are at work, I believe they will have 40. Acres cleared this Spring; and this Summer I am to set them out more, so that in a short time they will have a great increass coming in, this will raise the price of the Land here; And is the reason that several from New-York bounds come to me, to take up Land, for they believe now this Province will be improven; And our Land is better than theirs; so that every Proprietors sending over 10. people will be a great advantage to himself, encourage others to take up Land and bring all the division that hath been here to an end, for these men seeing that they shall be balanced are already more compliant than they were, Now I have laid these things before thee, and desire thee to impart them to some of the Proprietors, and other friends that they may consider of the same, I am thy Loving friend; Sic subscribtur,  
Gavin Laury.   

A Letter from Gavin Laury to the Scots Proprietors of the same date.  
KNowing you do expect from us an account of this Country, we have for your encouragement, and for the encouragement of all our Country Men who may be inclinable to come into this Country, given you this brief and true account of it, according as we have seen and are credibly informed, for having seen little, yet save the Winter Season, we must writ what is to be seen in Summer, upon Information which we have just ground to believe to be true, because what we have seen already in it (notwithstanding of all that we heard of it before we came) surpass our expectation in many things; the Air in this Country is very wholesome, and though it alter suddenly sometimes being one day hot and another cold, yet people are not so subject to catch cold, or be distempered by it as in our Country of England; the land lies for the most part pretty high, but on the River and Creek sides are many Meadows which lie low, of which the Country people gets their Hay, whereby their stocks are maintained in the Winter Season, Provisions here are pentifull and cheap; There is Beef, Pork, Venision, Mutton, Foul and Fish, abundance to be had at easy rates, and for drink they have good Beer, and Cider, and these that are desirous may have Wine of several sorts, and other kinds of strong Liquor, so that we see little wanting here that a man can desire; and we are here sure that a sober and industrious People might make this a rich Country, and enrich themselves in it, especially poor people who are hard put to it to gain bread at home; notwithstanding of the excessive Labour, for we see that people here want nothing, & yet there labour is very saml; they work not so hard by one half as the Husband men or Fermors in our Country; and many of these who have settled here upwards of sixteen years, have lived upon the product of the Land; They cleared the first two years after they came (and cleared none since) which produced not only Corn to maintain their own Families, but to sell every year, and the increase of their Bestial whereof they have good store of several Sorts, Cows, Oxen, Horses, Sheep, and Swine, yields them other provisions and to sell; besides, yet there be some more Industrious among them who have continued clearing and Improving Land, and these have got Estates, and would not sell their Plantations for several hundred pounds, we have late up a little way on the Rariton River, but could not go so far as we intended being prevented by Rainy weather, but so far as we went was very rich land, and yet that above it is said to be richer, a great deal of it is naturally clear of wood; And which is not so, is easily cleared, the trees being but small and a good distance from one another, so that the Land yet untaken up so far as we can understand, is easier to clear then that which is taken up; the Towns that are already seated, being seated in woodiest places, the Merchants in New-York both Dutch and English have many of them taken up Land and settled Plantations in this Country, and several from that Colony are desiring to come and take up land among us, though they might have land in their own Colony without paying Quittrents; The wood here is not so hard to clear as many think, they do not pull it up by the Roots, but them about a foot or more from the ground; and one man may cut down many in a day, four of our men the first day they began, cut down seventy the best Trees they could find fit for building; there are not many of great Trees, but strait and tale, and there be of many sorts, Oak, Walnut, Chesnut, Cedar, Poplar, Gumtrees, Sirs, Pines, Birth and Beech, and other sorts which we remember not at present; there are many good Orchards of Fruit trees, and they make abundance of good Cider, especially at one Town called Newwark, which is esteemed at New-York and other places where it is sold, beyond any that comes from New-England; there are Peaches, and Vines grow wild about the River sides, which in Season bears good Fruit, and Grapes, and there are Strawberries over all the Woods and many other kind of goods and Fruits, and at Amboy point and several other places there is abundance of brave Oysters: There will be many houses built there quickly, for many have taken up lots and all that have taken are obliged to built within a year; there is good encouragement for Tradesmen to come over, such as Carpentars', Massons and Brick-layers, for they build not only of Wood, but also of Stone and Brick, yet most of Country Houses are built of Wood, only Trees split and se● up in end on the Ground, and Cover to their Houses are mostly Shingles made of Oak, Chesnut and Cedar wood, which makes a very neat Covering, yet there are some Houses covered after the Dutch manner with pantikles; the Towns are all settled upon Rivers, where Vessels of 30, or 40, Tuns may come up to their doors, and the out plantations generally upon some Brooks or Rivulets which are as plenty here as in our own Country, and curious clear water, and in many places are good Spring walls; but in the Towns every man for the most part have a well diggd by his own hand: Among all the towns that are Settled here, there is none lieth so convenient for trade as New-Perth, for Ships of great burden may come up closely to the houses, and may come up any time in the Winter; There came a Ship of 300. tuns in there this winter, in the hardest frost we had, and lay hard by the town, so near that she was tied to a tree: The Land here; brings forth most sorts of English grain, and great increase, Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats and others sorts of grain, such as Indian Corn, which is very good and wholesome kind of Grain; and also Buck-Wheat, and those Corns are to be had at easy rates, either for money or for goods, and those that have not m●…ney or goods may have abundance for their work.   
We shall now answer so far as we are capable, your Quarries sent over to us.  

To the first, we cannot positively answer to give an account of the whole length and breadth of the Province, But we are informed that it is a great deal broader than ye expected, for these that have traveled from the extent of our bounds on Hudsons-River strait over to the Delawar-River, say it is 100 miles or upwards; we shall know that certainly after a while, for the Line betwixt us and New-York is to be run strait over to Delaware-River, about 3. weeks hence, and after that the Line betwixt us and West-Jersey, After which we shall be able to give a true account of the bounds of that Province.  
2ly. When the bounds is so exactly laid out we can the easier guess at the Number of Acres, and by that time may be able to give an account what number of Acres is already taken up, but there is no fear of want of Land.  
3ly. The quantity of Meadow ground we cannot determine, having traveled as yet but little in the Province, but the way we have traveled, there is meadow abundance, both on the water sides and on the up Land.  
4ly. There is also other good ground in some places great quantities free of wood, which is fit either for Corn or Grass, and the ground all over brings forth good English grass naturaly after it is ploughed.  
5ly. There are also Commons upon the Country, but what quantity we cannot tell, there is little kept in them save wild horses, which the people take up when they have occasion; There is also Land fit for pasturage for Sheep, and there is their Sheep in the Country; but what number the ablest planters have we know not, but some we see have good flocks.  
6ly. An exact Map of the Country is not yet drawn nor can you quickly expect it, for it will taken up a great deal of time, charge and pains to do it.  
7ly. There are also hills up in the Country, but how much ground they take up we know not, they are said to be stony and covered with wood, and beyond them is said to be excellent land.  
8ly. To the Eight we cannot answer as yet.  
9ly, There be People of several sorts of Religion, but few very Zealous; The People being mostly New-England men, do mostly incline to their way, and in every Town there is a meeting house where they worship publicly every Week; They have no public Law in the Country for maintaining public Teachers; but the Towns that have them makes way within themselves to maintain them; We know none that hath a settled Preacher that follows no other Employment, save one Town Newwark.  
10ly. The method of building their houses is mentioned already.  
11ly. There are not many Out Plantations that are not within the bounds of some Town; Yet there be some, and these are the richest, what number are there we know not, some have great quantities of Land and abundance cleared.  
12ly. The richest Planters have not above 8. or 10. Servants, they will have some of them 1 Dozon of Cowes, yea some 20. or 30. 8. or 10. Oxen, horse more than they know themselves, for they keep breading Meres, and keep no more horses at home than they have occasion to work; The rest they let run in the woo● both Winter and Summer, and take them as they have occasion to use them; Swine they have in great flocks in the wood, and Sheep in flocks also, but they let them not run in the woods for fear of being destroyed by wolves; Their profit arises from the Improvement of their Land, and Increase of their Bestial.  
13ly. There will be in most of the Towns already settled at least 100 Houses, but they are not built so regular as the Towns in our Country, so that we cannot compear them with any Town we know in Scotland; every house in the Town hath a Lott of 4. Acres lying to it; so that every one building upon his own Lott makes the town Irregular and scattered; There streets are laid out too large, and the Sheep in the Towns are mostly mantained in them; They are so large that they need not trouble to pave them.  
14ly. Betwixt Sandy-Hook, and Little Egg harbour lies 2. Towns Midletoun and Shrewsbery, there is no Land taken up that way but what is in the bounds of these two Towns; what kind of land it is, we know not, having never traveled that way, Bornogate or Burning-Holl is said to be a very good place for fishing, and there is some desiring to take up land there, who inform us that it is good Land, and abundance of Meadow lying to it.  
15ly. There are no Fishermen that follows only that trade, save some that salt Whales upon the Coasts, and other Fishes, there is abundance to be had every where through the Country in all the Rivers, and the People commonly fish with sives or long nets, and will catch with a sieve 1. sometimes 2. barrels a day, of good fish, which they salt up mostly for their own use, and to sell to others.  
16ly. There is no Ships belonging to this Province particularly, or built here, save one which Samuel Groom built here the last Summer, which stands yet in the Stocks (a stop being put to it by his death;) there is conveniency enough to build Ships, the Ships in this part trade mostly to the West-Indian Islands, and some to New found-Land, where the Provisions of this Country vends.  
17ly. There is land here in several places, after it is cleared and brought into a farm set out for Rent●, as in out Country at 5.8. and 10. shil. per Acre. According to the goodness and situation of the said Land, and those that will be at charge to clear land may get tenants to take upon these terms; But whither it will turn to good account or not because little experienced as yet with the Charge of clearing of Land. I will not positiuly inform.  
18ly. There is several places of the Country fit for mills, and several both Corn and Saw mills already set up, and good encouragement to set up more.  
19ly. The Acres are here reckoned according to the English Account; There is 16 foot goes to the Rude, and 20. Rude long and 8. Rude broad, makes an Acre; One English butt of Wheat which is 8 English Gallons or Scots Quarts, commonly sows an Acres 2. bushels of Barlay also an Acre, and 2. bushels of Oats an Acre, and half Acre; English peck which is 4. English quarts or Scots Shopens, of Indian Corn plants one Acre.  
20. There are but few Indian-Natives, in this Country; Their strength is inconsiderable, they live in the Woods, and have small towns in some places far up in the Country; They plant a little Indian Corn, shoots Dear, and other wild Beasts and Fowls for their food; They have Kings among themselves to Govern them; for Religion, they have none at all, they do not refuse to sell Land at occasion.  
The prices of Grain and other Provisions here at present,  
Indian Corn, 2. ss. 6. d. the Bushel, Wheat 4 shill: Rye, 3. shill: Oats, 1. ss. 8. d. the Bushel, Beef, 1 d. Pork 2. d. Venison 1 d. Mutton 3 d. the pound, this English Measure and Weight; But mark these things being valued in this Country money, there is a fifth part difference betwixt it and Sterling money, So that Wheat being valued here at 4. ss. the Bushel, is but 3 ss. 3. d. Sterling, and so of the rest proportionally.  
Here you have an Account of things as far as we are capable to give you at present, with which we hope you will be satisfied, while further opportunity and better experience give us occasion to writ more; And so we rest your Friends and will wishers to all our Country Men.  
Sic subscribitur, 

David Barclay.  
Arthur Forbes.  
Gavin Laurie.   Elizabeth Town in East-Jersey, the 29. of the first month called March, 1684.  
This I have heard read, do also subscrive to the truth there is, and so rests, G. L.  
For the Scots Proprietors of East-Jersey.   


A Letter, from George Mackenzie Merchant in Edinburgh, to Mr. George Alexander Advocate there.  
Elizabeth-Town Sept. 1. 1684. Mr. Alexander,  
I Doubt not but you expect here a particular account of the province of New-Jersey, but that I thought needless, The person David Barclay whom this comes alongst with, being more able to give you that satisfaction, as whose interest oblidgeth him to a more narrow observation of its natural advantages, and whose place being one of the Council, gives a larger liberty and occasion to inspect the concerns of this Province; But in general its a healthful, pleasant fruitful Country, in many places of a most Luxurious Soil, rewarding the labour of the Countryman sufficiently, it's well watered with many fair and pleasant Rivers and Creeks, stored with several sorts of fish, and most of the Rivulets convenient for mills, whereof there are several both for sowing of wood and grinding of Corn. They raise great store of Hogs & Cattle; and fowls they have in abundance; The Country for ten or fifteen miles up from the River and Sea is generally plain; farther up Mountains, besides the Towns mentioned in the public paper since Governor Lawries arrival, there is laid out at Amboy-point 1000 Acres for the City of Perth divided into 96. Lots, 9 Acres to a Lott, the Remainders is for the streets, Mercat place, Governors' house, and other public conveniencies. How large the Country is, is a question hard to resolve, and how much bought by the Proprietors (if any) David Bar●lay can satisfy you, The inhabitants are English, with a few Scots, French, and Dutch of sufficient number, to defend themselves against any prejudice may be offered them by the Inhabitants. That fancy of a Common Improvement will not take, but whoever expects profile from their Interests here, must Improve them a part, I have sold some of your Gloves a● 2 shil: and 6 pen: 3 shil: 4: pen. a pair, being what I c●uld get for ●hem; the money five and a half part less than Inglish, and shall make an account thereof at meeting, Present my service to all Friends.  
I am Your very humble Servant, Sic scribitur, George Mackenzie   

A Double of a Letter from New-Perth, da●ed the 1 of the seventh Month, 1684. From john Reid, who was Gardner to the Lord Advocate, to a Friend at Edinburgh.  
seeing it hath pl●sead God to bring me and mine safe unto this part, I took upon myself as obliged to writ something according to my promise of this Country; indeed I must sa● its a brave place, but I have nor had time to take such observations as I w●uld, being so engaged to attend my other business; Here is no outward want, especially of provisions, and if people were industruos they might have  also within themselves; by the report ●f all, it's the best of all ●he Neighbouring Colonies, it is very wholesome, pleasant, and a fertill-land, there are also some barren land, viz. whit Sandy land, full of Pin trees, it lies betwixt South-River, and Barngate on Neverssink, (albiet there be also much good land in that precinct) yet it's a good place for raising a stock of cattle, providing they have large room to run in, for cattle finds g●od food there in winter, when none is in the best land, and therefore do the inhabitants provide little hay in winter. The soil of the country is generally a red marvel earth, with a surface of black mould (nor doth it appear that realy it is to their eyes; who cannot penetrate beyond the surface) full fraughted with grass, pleasant herbs, and flowers, and in many places little or no wood, but most places full of large timber, as walnut, especially oak, there be some places here and there in the Woods, they call swamps, whick is low Ground, amidst or betwixt rising ground full of bushes, which holds water in winter, though most of them be dry in summer, but these being cleared, and some of them that needs being drained, are the richest land; here are great conveniencies of Bay, Sounds, Rivers, Creeks, Brooks, and Springs, all over the Province; but one of the best things is the large quantities of brave Meadows, both fault and fresh, which makes the people here able to supply their Neighbours as they do, throw the abundance of their cattle. I know one Planter who hath a hundred of cattle, not above three years settled, and no wonder for some of the grass is als high as my head; Its pity to see so much good land as I have been over in this province lying waist, and greater pity to see so much good and convenient land taken, and not improven.  
As soon as any of the land here comes to be cultivated, it overruns with small Claver-grass, by the pasturage and dunging of cattle, and so supplants the natural grass and herbs, notwithstanding of their quick and strong growth, Fruit trees also prosper well here; Newark made about a thousand barrel of cider last year (a barrel is 8 Scots gallons) this is like that of Woodbridge; who made 500 barrels of pork in one year, before the law was made against the swins trespasses.  
Here they sow most Indian corn, and Wheat, some Rye, Barley, Oats, Indian corn the first year that they break up or plough, the second they sow Whea●, because the spontaneous growth of the weeds is done away by howing the Indean corn, as we do cabboge; here is one planter makes account, That he hath about three thousand bushels of wheat reaped this year; I suppose he hath above a hundred acres of it, but I do not make these instances as so many precedents.  
I know nothing wanting here, except that good Tradesmen, and good Husbandmen, and Labourers are scarce; a Labourer may have a bushel of Corn per day, when he is a little acquainted with the work of the country, but Tradesmen much more, Smiths, Carpenters, Masons, Weavers, Tailors, Shoemakers, are very acceptable; any who comes let them bring some , and their proper tools with them, as used in England, and provide butter, biscuit, wine, and especially beer and ale, for their Sea, besides the ships allowance, and they need not fear when they come here, albiet they have no more, yet they will be the better if they have something, either in money or Scots linen, and stuffs to buy a little provision at first, to set them up a house, and buy a cow or two; and though a man be rich, I would not advise him ro bring many servants, at least not to keep many at first, until he see about him, and know what he is doing.  
I Cannot tell what goods are best to bring, David Barclay can tell better; But he who brings money, may expect 15. d. For the English; shil: some may bring a Little of the best Wheat for a change of seed, and some barley, and Oats, for the same use; also a Little Scots field Pisa, there being none such here, bring also some great clower seed.  
There are great store of Guarding herbs here, I have not had time to inquire unto them all, nether to send some of the many pleasant (though to me unknown plants of this Country, to James Sutherland Physic Gardiner at Edinburgh, but tell him, I will not forget him, when opportunities offers.  
I had forgot to writ of Ambo., or New-Perth, therefore I add, that it is one of the best places in America, by the report of all Travellers, for a town of trade; for my part, I never saw any so conveniently seated; this with my love, and my Wifs to all friends, and acquaintances,  
I Rest thy friend, John Reid.   

David Mudies Letter to his Wife.  
New-Perth. the 12. December. 16●4. My heart,  
I Hope this shall find you and your Children in Good-health, and I wish in as much satisfaction as I and our Children are here, far beyond my expectation, and others my wellwishers, who are with you, my last to you was upon my arrival here, dated the 8th of November, and at that time I could give you but a small account of my Judgement anent it, it would take a great deal of time to inform you of every thing, as it truly is; But to be short, I have traveled through a part of it, and it is far larger than ever I heard it reported in Scotland: I dare say, above a third more ground, and there is abundance of brave Rivers through ●t all, ● better then ever I did see in any place, brave Meadows al●●●st all the River sides: and lands above the Meadow ground, abundance of Fresh water Brooks, and Springs, plenty of Fishes in all the Rivers, in the Summer time, and that very good Fishes such as they preserve for Victual in the W●nter, and in very few days they use to take more than they make us● of in Winter; as for wild Meat there is of all sorts; Cows, sheep and Oxen as large as in England, and abundantly cheap, considering their goodness, Corns and all Sorts of Fruit in great abundance, and no less than they are called in Scotland. Mo●●y within this three years is become pretty plentiful, Servants dear and scarce, I have taken up sex Acres of Land in New-Perth, which pleases me exceeding well, in regard it is good Land, and f●●●●r building of a City, and Persons of Good Fortune a●e come from New-York, and other places in th● Country, and are very busy building; and I a●● begun to build a house, and have near digged the ground, which is very hard, it being under a great part of it Ochre, which is hard to dig, and the least deepness is eight foot: I have my two wright's Squaring of Timber for it, and I resolve to have it a good Handsome House, six Rooms off a floor, with a Study, two stories high above the Sellers, and the Garret above; And I doubt nor if the Frost bide away, but I shall have the Sellers finished, and the gests laid above it, against the letter end of this month; for the Land that lies to the house, I resolve to fence in two Acres of it for an Orchard. and an Yard, and to have hat done before the middle of February, and to have it planted with fruit trees; for I find a man in three years will have more Fruit in such in Orchard than he knows how to make use of.  
And about the middle of February, according as the Wether is, I resolved to go out where I have tak●n up my Land, which is upon a River, called the South-River, which is an exceeding pleasant River, and place, there goes only with me ●here Mr David Violent. I can go from New-●erth ●o it in a Boat, in two hours and a half, let the wind blow as it will, and come ba●k again in as much time; I wish I had as many Servants here as I could make use of. Any man that is ●rugal, and hath 300. lib. Sterling in Stock, to come over here, and bring over 7. or 8. g●od Servants with him, I could assure him in 3. years' time he should make a stock better than 1000 if not 1500. lib. if he bestow his money right in Scotland, and take advice to bring all things here which is necessary for him to have in this Country. I am uncertain of the time I will be at Home, but I resolve you shall come over with me again, and ye will both think and say, when ye see the Country, that ye wish it had been done twenty years ago. I thought it not fit to trouble my friends and relations; since I could not write short Lettèrs to them, but any of them that desires to know the condition of this Country, ye may show them this Letter, since there is no secret in it, you will find by William Burnet's Letter, that he desires some of his Sons to come over, and John Geddis writs for some of his Brethren; the which Letters cause deliver them carefully, and get an answer that if they be to come over, ye may speak for their passage timely; he tells some of them are good wright's; which is all at present, but keep a good heart to yourself, and take care of your Children, and I hope to see you with more Comfort than we parted, and I am your ever loving Husband while I breath,  
David Mudie.   

James Johnston of spotswood's Letter to his Brother, John Johnston Drougest in Edinburgh.  
East-Jersey the 12th. of December, 1684. Loving Brother,  
I Have taken up a part of my Land, 9 miles from Amboy, and 4. miles from Piscataway, and as far from the nearest part of Rariton, on a Brook side, where there are exceeding great plains without any Timber, there is excellent Gunning for Dear and Turkeys, of which there is great plenty, and easily shot. But I resolve to see a place called Bernagate, which is 60. or 70. miles from this, on the Southermost place of the Province, where there is a good River and Harbour, the best Fishing and Gunning in any place in America 30. or 40. miles from any Plantation. The Indians here are nothing to be feared, the Place being as peaceable as any where else; I had occasion to travel through Long-Island. and Stallen Island, and for many miles found as many towns and plantations in the way, as in any so much Land in Louthean, there are no Bears nor Ravenous Beasts but Wolves, which are nothing to be feared, neither are the Country People afraid to be among them all night, in so much as I ofttimes going wrong, and lying out all night, and hearing their yells about me, and telling that I was afraid of them, the Country People laughed at it; neither are the Snakes any thing to be noticed, for nothing can come near them, but they give warning with the rattling of their tail, so that People may either kill them, or go by them as they please. Oxen are so well taught that they go sometimes in a Plough, or Cart, without Horse, or without a Gade-man; Horses and  are as cheap as in Scotland, considering their goodness and the difference of the Money; All sorts of Scots goods sells well here, ye will be advised with the next Occasion, what goods sells best in this place. I have great reason to thank GOD, that I am in a place which abundantly answers any thing I expected; The Air is healthful, and the Soil fruitful; the Indian Corn yields commonly 2. or 3. hundred fold, Oats 20. fold, as I am informed; the Indian Corn is an excellent grain, I have eat it and likes it very well in Pottage and Bread; there are several reasonable good towns in this Province, most of them hath more than eighty Families; there is no poor persons here, but all are half idle in respect of what they work with you. Flax twice heckled, sold at 9 d. per pound, Wool is very cheap, only work is dear; the Liquor we most use is Cider; we have great store of Fruit. In many places untaken up there are many plains and not a tree; I have never since last parting had any sickness to keep me from one Diet, for which I render thanks to GOD. The Indians here make it their trade to kill Venision, and sell it to us: for a small matter, I will have my Family served with Flesh all Winter; one of their Sashiams, (which is their King) came to the Governor when I came first here, desiring he might be suffered to trade amongst us, and not to be beat out of our houses, when they were drunk, but only that we might bind them, and permit them to cut timber, and some such things: At New-Perth, we have a good Stationer's Shop of Books, the land is not where difficult to clear, albeit trees be 100 foot long and 3. or 4. foot over; I would hearty wish and persuade any to come over that intends to live well, plentifuily and pleasantly: Neither is there any Tradesman or Servant that could come wrong to this place, and I could wish my best friends no better but in the same place with me; the old Inhabitants are a most careless and infrugall People, their profession are most part Protestants, few Quakers, some Anabaptists, it is most desired there may be some Ministers sent us over, they would have considerable Benefices, and good Estates; and since it would be a matter of great Piety, I hope ye will be instrumental to advise some over to us, the place is abundantly healthful, as any else; there are a great difference betwixt the people here, who are Strong and Vigorous, and the people more Southerly in Mariland, we have great store of Venision which is sometimes as fat as Pork; one good Buck is sold at 5. shil. and by the Indian at 2. shil. Oats are sold at 18. pence the Bushel; all sorts of Fish is here exceeding plentiful, the poorest Persons ea●s no Meat that is Salt, except Pork; in Summer, they live much on Milk. I would no more value the Sea coming through if I had occasion, than ye would riding of of 20. miles; let me be remembered to all friends, to Patrick Fortune who most carefuly dissuaded me from this Voyage; which I do not repent, but would as carefully persuade others, who study their own good; what I most earnestly desire of you, for the encouragement of this Plantation, is, you would be Instrumental to send us over some Ministers, who I dare engage shall afterwards ever be thankful, and I oblige to be your ever affectionate Broher,  
James Johnston.   

Amboy; or New-Perth in America, 9 of November, 1684. Dear Brother.  
HAving accidently met with the Bearer, had not time to give you any particular account of this Country, only assure you, that it is beyond (not only) all our expectations, but all that ever you have heard spoken of it, we (praised be GOD) all of us arrived safely without the loss of any on● Pa●●●ger; scarcely any of them was ever sick, only we had much troubles coming from Mariland by land, our Skipper having for his own advantadge put in first at the Capes of Virginia; but we have had a brave Prospect of the Country, and all the way as well as in this place where now we are, we found plenty of Corn, and all Kind's of Fruit, with Fish, Venision and wild Fowls, in such abundance, that a Deer may be had for 2. shilling Country money, and Turkeys for 6. pence, which will be at least as big as any 2. Turkeys in Scotland, and are realy Turkeys only blacker than tame Turkeys that you have seen; I shall give you full satisfaction with the next occasion, pray you fail not to writ to me, when you meet with any, otherways you disoblidge him who is ever yours,  
D. M'kgregor.  
Writen to his Brother Munivard, in Scotland.   

Patrick Falkconers Letter to Maurice Trent.  
Elizabeth Town in East-Jersey, the 28th. of October, 1684. Sir,  
MY last was dated the 22. Current, from Philadelphia, at which time I could give you but a small account of the Country; and as yet it's but a small account, I can give by reason that I have had but a little time here as yet; I have traveled on Foot more than a 100 miles in East and West Jersey, and Pensilvania; I have also Traveled in Maryland, I cannot but say it is a good Country, but it's possessed with a Debauched, Idle, Leasie People, all that they Labour for is only as much Bread as serves them for one Season, and als much Tobacco as may furnish them with , I believe it is the worst improved country in the world; for the Indian wheat is that they trust to, and if that fail them they may expect to starve. I find Pensilvania and the two Jerseyes are the places which set themselves out most for Planting of Corn; As for the Jersies I need not insist in commending of them, for David Barclay and Arthur Forbes who had a longer stay here than I have had, will give you a more all account; for I intent to write no more than I am able to make good. I may say, that it is a pleasant Country, I did never see more pleasant Meadows, and Grass, than I have seen in both the Jersies, I have seen plains of good Hay consisting of about 30. Acres of ground, hardly one Tree to be seen upon the whole spot. And there are several places so; I can say, it's a well watered Country, and good waters, and if they were desirous, they might have very good Quarry here both for Stone of any sort, and Limestone likewise; but so long as Timber is so plenty, they will not be at the pains to seek after Stone; there are some houses in the Country built with stone, but very few. Having fallen in here, the end of the year, I cannot be capable to give an account what may be the product of the Country, but I hear that all sorts of Grain hath very good Increase, I see the Country abounds with Apples, Quinches, Peatches, Walnuts, and Chasnuts, and Strawberries in great abundance, wild-Wine-Grapes are plentiful, wildfowl of all sorts, a great number of Deer, Turckie-Fowls-wild, in great abundance and very big, I have seen these things in great plenty: I hope ye will excuse me, because I am not capable to give an ampler account of the Country, for I have not been two days in one place, I will tell you this is a good Country, for men who resolves to be Laborious; any who comes here they must resolve to work hard for the first two or three years, till they get a little Ground cleared, for this must be looked on as a wood-Countrey, though I must confess the woods are not so thick as people expects; and there are several places in the Country where there is little or no Wood; People are generally curious to have their Land near Navigable Rivers, but when they are better acquaint, they will find that the farther back the better is the Land, there are abundance of Fish and Oysters here, this is not a Country for idle people but such as will be at pains, they need not doubt but to get Bread here in plenty, so I wish it be the Lords will that we may have a happy meeting again, his will be done, I wish you may be protected by the Lord, this from,  
Your affectionate Friend, and humble, Servants Patrick Falconer.   

Abstract of a Letter writ by Peter Watson (who went over a Servant with David Barclay, in the year 1683.) to John Watson Messenger in Selkirk.  
New-Perth,, the 20th of. August, 1684. Cusing,  
I Can never write to you before now, because I was never rightly settled, and am not yet fully settled, but I am from among the rest of the Servants, one James Reid and I and our Families are together, set out to a Farm on Amboy; we are to have some Land laid out to us, and we are Stocked with two Mares, four Cows, two Sows, two Oxen; my Wise and I and the Child Richard are very well in health, and hath been so ever since we came out of Scotland: Now as for this Country, it is a very good Country; indeed poor men such as myself, may live better here then in Scotland if they will but work, a man can have Corn and Cattle or any other Goods for his work, and he can sell these good to some hands for money, it is not for a man that hath a Family to come bound four years, but young men, who have no trouble, they will do better to come and serve four years here then to serve in Scotland, for they are not so hard wrought as in Scotland, and when the four years are out, they can gain abundance to work to other men; or if they desire to settle upon Land of their own, they can have it reasonably Cheap, the hardest work that is here, is clearing of the Ground, and felling of Trees, and the like; the first year is the worst, till they be accustomed with the work of the Country, my Neighbour and I did clear from the middle of February till the midst of May, five Acres of Land, and have it planted with Indian Corn, and Indian Beans, and Tobacco for our own smoking; a man who lives here needs go not where to buy any things, here he can have Corn and Cattle, and every thing that is  for man's use, if he be Industrious, only the thing that is dearest here, is Clothing, for there are but few Sheep to this Country, but there are store of all other Beasts, such as Horse; and Cows, and Hogs, there is here good Fishing, good hunting of Deer; and other kind of wild Beasts; The Country is very healthy as I have seen yet, it is cold in the Winter like unto Scotland; But fra once the Summer breaks up, it is hotter than it is in Scotland; There are here very good Religious People, they go under the name of Independants, but are must like to the Prisbyterians, only they will not receive every one to their Society, we have great need of Good and Faithful Ministers; And I wish to God, that there would come some over here, they can live as well, and have as much as in Scotland, and more than many gets; we have none within all this Province of East-Jersey, except one who is Preacher in Newwark; there were one or two Preachers more in the Province; but they are dead; And now the people they meet together every Sabbath day, and Reads and Prays, and sings Psalms in their Meeting-houses: this Country is very well settled with People, most part of the first Settlers came out of New-England, very kind and loving people, kinder than in Scotland or England. And for the Indian Natives, they are not troublesome any way to any of us, if we do them no harm, but are a very kind and loving people; the men does nothing but hunts, and the women they plant Corn, and works at home; they come and trades among the Christians with Skins or Venison, or Corn; or Pork; And in the Summer time, they and their Wives come down the Rivers, in their Cannoas', which they make themselves of a piece of a great tree, like a little Boat, and there they Fish and take Oysters. This Country is a very pleasant Country with Rivers and Creiks to fish in; Only it is full of Wood, such as Oak and Walnut-tree, Chesnut, Poplar, and Cedar; The only thing we want here is good People; I wish that all the poor Friends I or my Wife hath were here: As for my Brother, if he have a mind to come. Brother if you have but as much in the World as would transport you hither and your Family, I would desire you earnestly to come, and bring my Sister with you; if you have as much as will transport you, sell all and come, though you had not a penny after your passage were paid, you need not fear if you have a mind to work; I was as little brought up with work as any man, yet blessed be GOD, I can work now as my Neighbours, and lives very contentedly with my Wife better than ever we did in Scotland; show my Mother in Law tha● my Wife and I would be very well pleased, if she would come over, there are as old Women as she com●… here out of old England; there was one came alongst with us elder than she, if she will come, she shall live with her Daughter and me, as easy, and as well as ever she did live in Scotland; and I do know that was well enough; my Wife and I are well at present, as you could wish, GOD be blessed; I can say no more, but my love to my Brother, and his wife, and all Friends,  
I rest your loving Cusin, Peter Watson.   

A Letter write by John Campbel to John Dobie.  
New-Perth, 8th of November, 1684. B. John,  
I Wrote a line from Philadelphia to you, as we were coming hither, your Cusin James Dobbie the bearer is in such haste, that I cannot write what I would say; but is short, we are come here to a good wholesome Country, in which with little industry a man may have a comfortable life; there is good Wheat and Oats growing here, and Indian Corn, which our Servants likes very well; There is Fish and Fowl abundance, and of Cows and Horse; they labour with Horse and Oxen; There is Deer through all the Country, and Turkeys which some of our Servants has killed a part of already; There is Pertrages and Quails very rife, that my wife yesterday morning saw about 20. of them walking before the door like Chickens. I shall say no more till I see farther, for I am with others going to the Country on Monday to see for the Country lots; for I have taken up the Towns already, and cut down the trees of two Acres of ground with six men in three days, My service to all Friends, I am  
Your most assured Friend, John Campbel.   

A Letter from Thomas Fullerton Brother to the Laird of Kinnaber, to his Brother in Law Doctor Gordon in Montross.  
Elizabeth-Town, 4. January, 1685. Dear Brother,  
BY my last about a Month since I dated from Amboy, you understand that we came to Sandy-Hook, 18. weeks after we sailed from Montrofe, we were 9 weeks at Sea from Killebeg in Ireland, we had many cross winds, what other accidents we met with by the way were worth the telling, but not the writing; blessed be God we all kept our healths very well, only one Boy fell over board; what you expect, and I design by this, is a brief, but true account, of the Country. The first land we discovered was About the middle of Long-Island, it appeared at first like trees, growing out of the Sea, Towards night we Anchored in Sandy-Hooke; The land is low and level, that is the reason we were within 8. or 10. mile thereof, before we saw it; the country appears all over Woodie; I landed on a sandie-bank and closely by the flood march, where grew Bays, sassafax and several pretty shrubs I knew not; The Woods consists of several kinds of Oaks, Chesnut, Hickacy, Walnut, Poplar, and Beetch, Cedars grow on swamps, and barrens Sirs and Pines only on barrens; The ground generally is 2. or 3. inches deep of black dung as it were, below that is reedish mould, what you heard of the product of the Indian Corn, viz. 100 or 200. fold, of 20 or 30 fold, Inglish wheat, of the abundance of dears and wild horse, and several turkeys and of the great plenty of fishes are all true; There is very much Cider here. In 12. or 14. years you may make 100 barrels from your own planting, the best flesh's of all kinds ever I did see are here, though this in respect of what you have heard, be generally tautollogie; yet I found myself obliged to writ it, because I am witness to the truth thereof, without Hyperbole.  
Notwithstanding of all this, it's very troublesome expensive to settle a plantation here, and when it is done, I cannot promise you a man will grow very rich; but he needs want nothing, and it is not every one will agree with the solitude of the Woods, these who can, and resolve to lead an countty life, cannot do better than come hither; a merchant who will come over and set up store in the country, for a year will make cent per cent; of several commodities with which I do allow none to be acquainted but commerads. I wish I had some money of my stock so employed, and sent safely here, Johnstouns of spoiswood, and I have taken up upon a river, 6, or 8. miles in Amboy, your Brother Thomas and Robert, are here also, servants are not easily entertained here, I designed to have shot als many squirles as would have furred a coa● for you, but I am otherwise taken up; I have omitted to tell you that the weather here is constantly clear, the sun rises and sets free of clouds; I have obseved none to have the cough in this country though I have frequently line in the woods; abundance of fire is an excellent counter charm. Now brother as to your own coming over, it will be time to invite you, when I have a good house, and entertainment to treat you with unbought; for you must not feel any of the inconveniencies I have met with; we are all well, I pray God, this may find you also; present my service to all friends, Male or Female; this letter will serve that, present my service to my Grandmother; upon Christmas I drank her good-health in Rhumb Madera, and Fial Wine; If I can be frugal, I may be soon rich here; by my next I hope to ensure 60, or 70. lib: to the person, for we want a minister, this from,  
Your Affectionate Brotner Tho: Fullertoun.   

A Letter from the same hand to the Laird of Brotherstoun in the Mairns, of the same date.  
Kind Comerad,  
YOu were pleased so kindly to concern yourself with my welfare when I was by you (and I find that absence augments true friendship) that I am obliged to acquaint you with my present fortune, which I hope shall be far better than what I could expect, by so much stock in Scotland. This place is not altogether bowrish; for at New-York you may have railing and Gallanting enough, the inhabitants are generally great spenders. Dear Brothertoun writ to me, and give me an account of affairs, for I assure you, neither Governor nor Council will meddle with yours to me, nor mine to you; by my next I will writ to Cl●nie, and John Johnstoun; in the mean time present my service to them, I am in haste to end writing, though ever being,  
Your Obliged Commerad and humble servant, Tho: Fullertoun   

Abstract of a Letter from Robert Hardie, Merchant in Aberdeen, to his Son John Hardy Merchant there, dated from Elizabeth-Town, the 8. of December, 1684.  
Loving Son,  
I Have writ two Letters already to you at our arrival, an other showing the death of your Brother William, and something of the country; but knows not if they be come to your hands, and now having this occasion, know that I am in good health, and your Brother Alexander, praised be God, know that I intent to reside here, and should wish that I had all my childring with me, but your conveniency cannot permit, neither am I able to transport them as yet; however I desire you to acquaint your sister Elspeth that I desire her to come over if possible, with her first conveniency; I in●end before her coming to have a new house in New-Perth, and a Plantation near by it; if I had got an good account of that Little cargo I sent over; I would have lived upon it here, als well as upon 100 lib. Sterling in Scotland; But I have got an bad account of it; how ever, I hope to Provide for you all with what is left, if the Lord bless; Show my brother and brothers in law, that if they would come over with each of them two Servants, they could have good Land here, at one easy rate, they might live better than their masters; and with less trouble, if they took but half the pains; They take in Scotland; for the Land is an brave and plentiful Land; Show Andrew and David Hardies that if they can but pay their Passage and come to me, I shall make them to live in better condition than ever formerly; I doubt not but some of our neighbours will come over, to bring Servants here, who will give you an true account how, I and others can live here; believ● me, this is an brave Land, and any who will be Industrous, may live very comfortably here; He who comes first will have the best choice, and most profitable as for idle-men who will neither work nor trade, need never come here, for there are none idle here, I wish you all a blising from God, and so rests,  
Your affiectionat father Robert Hardie.   

A Letter from James Johnston of Spotswood, to his brother John Johnston, dated the 13. of February, 1685. from Piscatta way, in East-New-Jersey.  
Dear Brother,  
THese are to remember my kindest affection to you, my Mother, and all friends, we have kept our healths hither to exceeding well, Have endured an short hut very cold witner, now the Wether hath been for some time bygone exceeding good, was an Bear-seed season with you; I have been throw several or most places of this Country, of late; But am not yet resolved where my first Husbandry shall be; the Land is exceeding good, which is yet to take up, much better than what is inhabited; only not so convenient; the difficulty of clearing many places is no ways considerable; I find Land where Several hundred Plughes may be presently set a work, I take all pains I can to be conveniently settled, and the Governor refuses us nothing we desire; I stand in need of 40. pound, value of good, and some Servants; hoping to have Corn for them, and others who come over; I could wish yourself were here, we could live competently and quietly; but I doubt how affairs may premit; I wish any Land I had were sold, that you might he furthered; present my love and service to my Mother▪ and Sister whom I hope to see here; I wish you would send over some Ministers, one or more to us I am,  
Your affectionate and ever, mindful Brother, James Johnston.   
NOw Sir, does not the perusal of their Letters, oblige you to believe there is no deceit in the above written description of the place, seeing you find the same Homollogat by so many different persons; the Hollograph of most of them have been perused by many persons in this City, and are to be seen by any inquisitive thereanent at Captain Hamiltouns Lodging at the Sign of the Ship, for their more satisfaction of the truth thereof.  
But though you appear to be convinced, that East-Jersey is in itself a very desirable place, and consequently upon several considerations a very proper seat for a Colony; From this yet I have ground to conjecture from some tacit hints and insinuations in yours, that because West-Jersey, Pensilvania, and in a special manner Carolina, are more southerly, therefore you think there is some ground to believe they may have the advantage of the Soil, seeing you oblige me to tell you freely my opinion in this affair, I will be plain with you; the two first lying, the one upon the one side of the River of Delawar, the other upon the other side thereof, may have in themselves other advantages; but I cannot be so blind, when I notice the Map, as not to discover too palpable an inconveniency to be passed over; wherewith both the said Countries are much straitened; too wit. the Town of Newcastle lying upon the mouth of the River, which doth so absolutely command the River, that whosoever is master thereof, may if they please, lay what imposition they think fit upon both the said Countries; seeing if any difference should fall betwixt the Town of Newcastle, and the Possessors, or Inhabitants of these two Provinces, they may make themselves very quickly Masters of them, by imposing what conditions they think fit upon them; seeing no. Ship can either conveniently go up or down the said River of Delawar, but by allowance of any Fort, built upon the said Town of Newcastle: Whatever opinion others may have of this as a matter of no great import, I have these sentiments of the apparent inconveniencies thereof, as after perceiving it never to be any more so much concerned, as to make farther inquiry after these places seeing in my apprehension, no advantage to be proposed there could compense that so visible conveniency.  
As for Carolina, I confess it is nothing strange that any person who hath read Ogibies' description thereof in his America and wilson's in his Treatise thereanent; Judge it in a manner a Terrestiral Paradise, but notwithstanding of all this, err you pass any judgement upon my choising rather East-Jersey, than Carolina for the seat of a Colony from this, allow me to give my Reasons why I do prefer the one to the other.  
We lie here in 56. Degrees of Northern Latitude, Jersey in 41. Carolina in 31. it is very obvious to any understanding person, that our removal to 41.  more probably contributive for our health, then to 31, being ten degrees hotter; and consequently more dangerous, what ever opinion others may have of this, I judge it a matter of no small consequence, health being very much preferable to all other things whatsoever.  
But further, our access to East-Jersey is very patent, no apparent obstruction in the way, whereas the coast of Carolina is the most dangerous in all America, there being a bank of sand lying all along the same for 200. Leagues and upwards, so that the entry to any part thereof is altogether hazardous, we have too sad a proof of the truth of this, by the Shipwreck of the James of Air, upon that bank this last Harvest, in which were lost upwards of 60. people.  
Experience also teacheth that the Climate of Jersey, is far move suitable to our Constitutions, then that of Carolina; You find in all the Letters come from Jersey, this one particular specially marked, That it is a very healthful Air; no complaints of sickness there, whereas in the few Letters from our Country men settled in Carolina; You have an account of the death of the greatest part who went hence to that place.  
There is one further consideration obliging me altogether, to close my Ears and Eyes against Carolina; whatever specious pretences may fly abroad in favours thereof, and be received by such who are not concerned, to inquire further, then to hear-say, and that is the consideration of the model of their Government, than which nothing can be more discouraging to any having the sense of a rational Man, or Spirit of a Gentleman. The Offices of Honour and Trust, such, as Chancellor, Thesaurer, Admiral, Secretary, etc. are all Heretably annexed to the Proprietors; by the constitution of their Government, so that let a Gentleman deserve never so well, however eminent his parts may be, he must in the first place purchase a property, err he can attain to any of these places of Trust, or Honour; whereas if you have so much Money as to make this purchase, you may then come to these preferments though you were the arrentest Block head in nature! Money here makes you capable of Preferment, which neither Virtue, Merit, nor parts can do! Can there be a greater discouragement to any person of Spirit or Honour, than to go subject himself to a Government where he sees himself debarred of any Trust or Preferment, how ever deserving he may be? unless he hath money in a manner to buy it with. Both in this Kingdom and our Neighbour Nations, we see mean Persons have by their Parts and Merit raised themselves to places of the highest Preferments in the Kingdoms, and have discharged that Trust conferred upon them with Honour and Applause; So that when I have this consideration before my Eyes, I must conclude any who subjects themselves to that model of Government, are either ignorant of the Constitutions thereof, or of very mean Spirits, to settle themselves in a place where Virtue nor Merit can neither raise them, nor their Posterity!  
Let me add another Ground of my dissatisfaction with the Model of that Government, and you may judge whether the same be reasonable or not; There are eight Proprietors by their Constitutions, it appears clear to me, that they are so many Sovereigns, seeing by one express Article of their Fundamental Constitutions, it is declared, That the Proprietors are no waves subject to Law, in so far as to be censured by any Judicatur there; So that be their Actings never so Illegal, or unjust; if any these eight Proprietors should commit Murders, or Rapes, or any other Act of Oppression, they cannot be challenged upon account thereof in any Judicatory in Carolina.  
These being so matterial Objections, I need not add the apparent hazard of being next Neighbour to the Spainard, whose interest it is to ruin any settling at Port Royal; how little probability there is, that any going at first from this can be of sufficient strength to defend themselves against their designs, that in case of any assault from that airth; their nixt and only neighbour, Charles-toun, could not give that help, which were requisite in such an exigent, either against the Spainards' their nixt neighbours, at St. Augustine's Fort, or the Natives, if they should become quarrelsome Neighbours; But from the complext consideration of all together, I must divest myself of my reason, or I judge Carolina a proper seat to settle myself in.  
But though you be obliged to grant, that East-Jersey, may be the most desirable spot of ground upon the continent of America for such a design, upon the above written considerations; yet I do apprehend you may incline to think that Tobago, St. Luce, St. Vincent, or some of these Islands were yet more proper as affording at first view greater ground of expecting suitable returns to the apparent expense & hazards of such a undertaking; witness the great riches of Barbadoes, by the  of a Trade, from that place all Europe over.  
In answer to this, I must confess, Sir, that there may be greater improvements of such Islands as to trade, when they do come to that length of improvement, as to produce Suggars, Cotton, Indigo, etc. But let me also tell you, there is a certain prospect of far greater & more imminent hazards in settling there, then in East-Jersey. It is certainly obvious to the meanest capacities what hardships these must be obliged to lay their count to meet with who would enterprise such a design, not only from the wants thy might be exposed to throw lake of  supplies, wherewith they cannot expect the conveniency of being furnished. but from other hazards and difficulties. It is not small stock could set such a desing on foot, neither can it be expected that such who would engaged in such undertaking from this place could in many years attain to that strength, which were necessarily requisite for defending themselves even against the Piracy of a Buccanier or two, far less against the invasions or assaults of foreign States and Princes.  
As for my own part I must confess, I am not very anxious of great Riches, as the result of this undertaking, but to carry my Wife and Children with me; I am bound the best I can to look to their Accommodation; when I land in East-Jersey there are Lodgings, and all other necessars to be had for money, till by our own industry in Labouring the Ground, we provide for ourselves, which could not be expected in one of these Islands; If I have a Country no worse than the South of France, with these Conveniencies above narrated, I desire no richer Soil; though greater expectations might be had of the result of such a design of settling in one of these Islands, as to Profit and Gain, when once come the length of a good Trade.  
But besides this, our Country People which will be the strength of any Colony, to go from this place, knows very well how to labour the Ground, for producing all sorts of Grains, after what fashion, to breed abundance of all sorts of Bestial, in both which, will the great riches of Jersey consist; But it cannot he expected, that they know how to improve these Islands, for Suggar, Cotton, Indigo, etc. and this being altogether out of their road, we should thus be altogether deprived of the assistance we may rationally expect from them, by proposing to settle in a place where the Nigro Slaves could do more service, and be far more useful than the most laborious▪ and judicious of our Country People.  
As for the ordinar Objection against settling in Jersey, upon account of the inconveniencies may arise from having a Governor of Principles alleged inconsistent with the standing of any Society; upon this one head mentioning no other, that a man who professes, he judges it unlawful to draw his sword to defend himself against a Native, if he were coming to cut his throat, can never be so careful in providing such certain and speedy remedies for preventing any hazard that way, as are absolutely requisite for the security of these who settle there, both against any Designs of the Natives or Foreign Invasions. This is very easily answered, that there being several very substantial Citizens of London concerned in this Plantation, who are not of this Principle, who have laid out considerable sums on this Design, as I am obliged to know by the account I have from one of them, with whom I have some correspondence; who tells me, he himself hath laid out 1800. pound; It cannot rationally be supposed that they will be so unconcerned, as not to follow such measures as may secure what interest they have there; Methods are already laid down, which I know will satisfy you in this particular, that as to defence against any such inconveniencies; East Jersey will be as effectually secured as any of the Neighbouring Plantations.  
As for any other Apprehensions you or others may have upon this head, I shall only say, what ever Mr. Barclays Principles may be, he is a Gentleman known to be abundantly qualified to advance the interest of that Colony, else the Trust thereof had not been devolved upon him by the Proprietors, who are Men more knowing in their own Affairs, then to have made an escape in so matterial a point; they are Men abundantly sharp-sighted to remark his Actions, and accordingly as they find them for the interest of the place, to continue him in that Trust or not; And you may be assured, he understands himself so well, as to behave himself in that station so as becometh a Gentleman, concerned in his own Credit and Interest, seeing upon the least malversation, he is als well ●vable to censure of the Law, as the meanest Inhabitant. Which consideration abundantly secures any reasonable Man against the Apprehensions of any inconveniency from his being Governor, though his inclinations prompted him to act upon a selfish design, to the prejudice of the general interest of that Province, I persuade myself, he is more a Gentleman, than ever to be guilty of any thing that is base, or unbecoming a Gentleman.  
It is now more than time to bid you farewel, having nothing further to add, hoping from what is here said, you will rest satisfied, that in prosecuting this design, I do act upon solid foundations, let the result be what it will; I hope you are convinced I have not proceeded indeliberatly therein; I am not so foolish as to propose no difficulties to myself to be rancountered, notwithstanding all the encouragements above written, I am too well acquainted with all the Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, & English undertake of this nature, and their staits and difficulties they have been trysted with in prosecuting thereof, to think I have any ground to expect to be altogether exemed from all the inconveniencies they met with; as to this I cast myself altogether upon the divine Providence, being convinced, I am in my duty; if you please to take a share, it would be not a little encouraging to me, you see that we have some Gentlemen of our Country settled already there; so that I am hopeful we may have there a very agreeable society if your affairs cannot allow, your good wishes are expected by,  
Sir, Yours, etc. G. S.   

Sir, Since the conclusion above written, several other Letters are come to my hand which I had not formerly seen, most of them of a later date; I resolved to add them to the rest for your further Confirmation.  

A Letter for Mr. Robert Paterson Principal of Marishal College, in the City of New Aberdeen, in Scotland.  
Woodbridge, in East-Jersey, in America, March the 7th. 1685. Sir,  
I Hope you have heard of our Voyage and safe Arrival here, I thought it my duty to present my dutiful respects to you and all Friends at Aberdeen, and to acquaint you of mine own and all their welfares who came over the last year,, all which intends to settle in the Country, except _____ who has spent all his means already foolishly on drink, and is returning home for more; you have David Barclay and Arthur Forbes to inform you of this Country; when I have seen it through all the Seasons of the year as they did, I shall then give you my opinion, if you be desirous; only in short, what I have seen I may write, that it pleases me better than Virginia, Maryland, Pensilvania, or West-Jersey, that it is pleasant to mine eyes, and I find it healthful to my body; I am not troubled here (blessed be GOD) with defl●ctions, head-aikes, and coughs, as at Edinburgh; that the land is furnished with all conveniencies ●f Nature, such as Wood, Grass, M●adow, and abundance of fresh Water Springs, Brooks and Rivers, and plenty of Deer, Turkeys, Geess and Dukes; many tender Herbs, Fruits, and Trees grow naturally here that will not grow in Scotland at all; these things are so notoriously known, that it is superfluity to write them, and no  person will deny them, or speak ill of the land: There is about a duzon of 14. houses in New-Perth, and the half of those built since we came, several others are building presently, and many others have taken Lots to build; Mr. Mudie is building a stone house, and has an Horse Mill ready to set up; Governor Rudyeard intends another Stone house this Summer; The Governors' house, and the public Court-house are abvilding; It is the best situate for a City of any yet I have seen, or for aught I can learn of any yet known in America. There is great encouragement here for all kind of Tradesmen; I intent myself to follow mostly Planting and Fishing; Let this remember me to all my Friends, Relations, Comorads and Acquaintances at Aberdeen; I could not write to them all, being busied about mine own setlement, and it is now far, spent in the year, so that I do not expect to do much this year, neither could I settle sooner, by reason that my bed-cloaths are not yet come from Maryland; and the land I intent to settle on is not yet purchased from the Indians. I entreat to hear from you on all occasions, and what remarkable News abroad or at home, and how the Civilists place is disposed of; my service to yourself and bedfellow, I am,  
Sir, Your most affectionate and humble Servant, Charles Gordon.   

For Mr. Andrew Irvine Merchant, at his Shop, in the East end of the Luckenbooths, in Edinburgh, in Scotland.  
Amboy in the Province of East-New: Jersey, in America, March, the 5th. 1685. Dear Andrew,  
I Suppose ye have heard of our voyage from my Brother, and Governor Barclay; I shall only in short tell you that notwithstanding the loss of our masts, we were only 8. weeks betwixt land and land, and entered the Capes of Virginia the same day 9 weeks we parted from Aberdeen. We sailed up Chessapeck bay to the head of Bohemia-River in 2. slowpes, from thence we came to Elizabeth-Town, partly by Land and partly by Water, the storm being the tail of a Hurricane, was not universal, for we heard of no Ships which met with it but ourselves; nor the Montrose Ship did not meet with it. There is encouragement for several trades here, in the first place Planting, for Wheat, Indian Corn; Beef, Pork, etc. give all ready money in York, and the Neighbour Colonies; Wheat 4. shillings the bushel, Indian Corn 2. ss. or half a crown, Pork and Beef, etc. to be had at an ordinary easy rate. And in the second place there may be Fishing; For the Inhabitants aver they swim so thick in the Creeks and Rivers, at certain seasons of the year, that they have hailed them out of the waters with their very hand. In the third place for one to have a Malt-house, a brew house, and a bakehouse, to make Malt, brew beer, and bake biskeet for Barbadoes and the Neighbour Colonies, providing he have a ship of his own, and skill to manage his business, would certainly be a good trad. Lastly for one to buy up the product of the Country, such as all kinds of grains, Beef, Pork, etc. and export them to Barbadoes, and import Rumm and Malasses, would certainly be a good trade; as likewise change keeping would be a good trad in Amboy, for the highest design of the old Buckskine Planters (I am just now drinking to one of them; our Country man who was sent away by Cromvel to New-England, a slave from Dumbar, Living now in Woodbridge, Like a Scots Laird, wishes his Country men and Native Soil very well, though he never intends to see it. Pardon this Parenthesis) is to acquit a piece of money to drink in the change house. This Country, and particularly this Town (showeth it to be the best situated for a city of any there known in America) is but yet in infancy (it not being above 48. years at most since ever there was a Planter in the Province; & that occasioned by their changing so many Masters) yet there are several thousands of People already, and not want of good company, and if ye please bad too, as in any place of the world; neither are we altogether destitut of Books and Clergy, for George Keith, (who arrived three weeks since with others, they were all winter in Borbadoes) hath brought Mathematics, and Benjamin Clark a Library of Books, to sell; so that you may see New Perth gins to be founded upon Clergy. Show my Cusins, George-Burnet, and Richard Maitland, that I hope they will not laugh more at me, for saying, ●n Edinburgh, I would line my house with Cedar-wood, for all houses here are covered with Cedar; and one just now built in Perth, altogether of Cedar-Wood, it is reckoned a wood of no value here, except for its lastiness. I intent to follow Planting myself, and if I had but the small Stock here I have in Scotland, with some more servants, I would not go home to Aberdeen for a Regency, as was proffered me; neither do I intent it however, hoping, to get my own safe over; we are not troubled here leading our pits, mucking our Land, and Ploughing 3. times; one Ploving with 4. or 6. Oxen at first breaking up; and with 2. horse only thereafter, suffices for all; you may judge whither, that be easier Husbandry than in Scotland; But I know you are no good Husbandman. But which of the foresaid trades you will choice, if you will come here you self is more than I can divine, or will advise you to; I have told you how things are, and in Gods-Name take your own choice, as I have done. I shall tell you what I would do, were I in your place, if it shall fall out you do come, I would get some trusty Comorads, Merchants to join with me, and set up a trade in Perth, for I think a man's own trade fits him best; if you have 5000. Marks it is enough, 4. in goods and one in money, Let none come here destitute of money, it is of great request here, and gets chape Pennyworths, and 25. per cent of advantage by it; but I do not advise you, for if you should meet with such trouble and disopoyntments as we have done by being put by our Post, you would perhaps be discouraged, & give me the blame; all our baggadg is not yet come from Maryland, and I want yet my bed , and the Land I intent to settle on is not yet purchased from the Indians; for after I have viewed all the Province such of it as is yet habitable, I have chosen the South branch of Rariton-River for conveniency of Fishing, Fowling, and Meadow, but all the best Land lies back from the Rivers and the Sea Costs; the further back the better it is, which necessitates me to go a mile back. In brief what you heard of the country is all true, so I need not spin out long Descriptions of it; no  and indifferent Person will speak ill of the Land, it is both pleasant and wholesome, and industrous People, after some few years Labour, may lead a pleasant, easy Life, and want for nothing; And I am of opinion, may grow rich too, if they take pains for it, and follow Merchandising, and some are actavally grown rich since they came here, who had nothing before; if any shall miscredit what I have said, I shall not think myself baffled for that; but let them live in their opinion and I will live in mine. And if they please they may do with me as I did with John Skeens Wife, cast my Letters in mine own teeth, and when they come upon the place, I shall make good what I say, face to face, as she did to me, and if they come not themselves, they need not trouble themselves whither it be true or false. The goods fit for this Country are all kind of household Plenishing, without which and a years provision in victuals, let none come hither; if they would wish not to be preyed on by the old Planters. All course  such as hodden-grayes, and Playding, course Stockings and Linen, no fine things, for an infant Country, except for a man's own use; course Bedding and Blankets; Governor Barclay can give you full information as to this point. The Inconveninencies we have met with are, great trouble and charges for want of our baggage; there is likewise trouble and charges in the first setlement, in carting out ones goods to the woods; fencing is the chief Difficulty, and if the●e be many great trees the logs most be drawn off with oxen and the branches burned, the trees are falled equal to a man's thigh height, but the roots are no impediments, where is much brush the roots most be plucked up with grubbing howes; any man may learn Husbandries here, who was not acquaint with it in Scotland, (Tobacco would grow here as well as in Maryland, but it is best for European grains; I do not intent, to write more Letters to Edinburgh with this occasion; being busied about mine own setlement, therefore I entreat you will remember me to all my friends, Relations, Comarads, and Acquaintances at Edinburgh; and show them of my wellfair that I had not my health so well this 7. years bygone, as now (Blessed be God) and that I am not troubled here with coughs, and head aikes as in Edinburgh, which is likewise a great motive for me, to stay in this Country. I entreat to hear from them all, you will not readily miss occasions from London every Month, to some place in America; And there is ordinarily occasions hither from the Neighbour Colonies; I have received Letters from the Bissets, and my Brother, from Mr. Alexander since we came; I entreat to hear particularly from the Professor of Divinity, and Mathematics, Doctor Pitcairn, Mr. George Burnet, Richard Maitland, Mr. George Alexander, and any others who shall ask for me, wishing you and all your concerns well,  
I continue, Dear Cusin, Your most affectionate Cusin, and humble Servant, Charles Gordon.   

P stscript by the foresaid hand.  
If any pleases to tell me what their scruples are, I shall endeavour to answer them, if Servants knew what a Country this is for them, and that they may live like little Lairds here; I think they would not be so Shey as they are to come, and during their service they are better used then in any place in America I have seen; you may know my Subscription by the sign I gave you of my Pistoles misserving in the Boat, or at least when you tell your Mother, you may mind on me, for you will miss some pints of wine you spent with me, (that Fridays night, you convoyed me aboard) on the Shore, and in the Ship. If there were a Cabal of Merchants here to export the product of the Country to Barbadoes, and the West-Indies, and to Import Rumm, Malasses, Suggar and Cotton, etc. it would do a great deal of good to this Country. I entreat to know what remarkable Revolutions has happened either abroad or at home since I came away. Any Merchants who settles here must take Lots in the Town, and build houses. Mr. David Mudie is building a stone house, and hath already an Horse-mill ready to set up presently in New-Perth. Adieu.   

For Mr. James Mudie Merchant in Montrose.  
New-Perth, the 9th of March, 1685. Sir,  
MY Love ever being remembered to yourself, Lady and Children, these are earnestly entreating you to let my Wife have any little thing she stands in need of until it shall please the Lord I return; and I shall pay you very thankfully; I have left Thomas Parson, and resolves to trade this Summer in the Country, and to come home with your Uncle the nixt Spring. I wish you were here and your whole Family, for I doubt not but the Country would please you well; For there is abundance of much better Land here then ever Arbikie was, and an Earldom to be bought far below in price the vallow, of what such petty Lairdshipps as Arbikie is sold for in Scotland; without purging of the Lands of any encumbrances; For I hope to win as much money this year, as will buy a better Lairdship than Arbikie; and if ye resolve not to come over, I resolve to buy Land before I come from this, and title it Arbikie. But I shall be sorry to take away your title, for if I do, it will be your own fault; and for your better incouradgement I know you love a Gun and a Dog, and here ye will have use for both, For Wild Geese, Turkeys, Ducks, and Drake, Partridge, Cunies, Doves and innumerable more kind of Fowls which I know not their names, are here to be seen every hour of the day, in flocks above Thousands in Number; And for your Skieft which you use to Fish with; bring here with you, or one like her, for I assure you of good employment, and yet ye may catch more Fish in an hour here, than any Fisher in Montrose in two, excepting Podloes at the shore head.  
Sir, take this as no jest from me, for what is here written is a real truth; but ye may think, it is not my dictating, but the writer and I have set it together the best way we can; But yet not so full as I would have had it; Present my Love to your Sister, Uncle, and all Friends, and I am,  
Sir, Your very loving Friend and Cusin, James Mudie.   

A Letter from David Mudie, Merchant in Montrose: For James Mudie of Courthill in Scotland.  
New-Perth, the 9th. of March, 1685. Loving Brother,  
I Writ you a line upon my arrival here, and by my last to my Wife, of the date the 12. December, I desired her to let you see it, which I hope she has done if it be come to her hands; I do now understand this Country, better than I did at that time, and the longer I travel in it I like it the better; for a frugal man with a small fortune may very soon raise a good Estate, which I wrote formerly to my Wife, in relation to the Country; I find it most certain and much better than I wrote; this Winter hath been exceeding hard and sharp, the like not seen by those who have lived 20. or 30. years in it, which hath hindered me of a great deal of work; yet I have cleared three Acres of Ground to be an Orchard and a Garden, which lies close to the house which I am a building, which is all of Stone work, with Cellars under the Ground, six Rooms off a floor, two Stories high, beside the Garret; and I have two Massons daily working at it since the first of February; three wright's working at an Horse mill, which will be clear against the later end of this Month: And I am told that the Mill will be worth 100 lib. a year, but I am sure she will be better than 50. of clear Money, for every Scotsboll of Wheat or Indian Corn pays here for grinding of it 2. shill: Stir: this house and mill stands me a great deal of Money, but there is none such in this Country, nor ever was. I resolve to go out to the Country to the Land which I have taken up, which is upon a place called the South River, which is 2 hours going from my own house by water; I mind to settle some of my Servants there against the middle of this Month; I am provided with six course Horse, Oxen and Swine sufficiently in number, for any Plantation for the first year; the Land I have settled on, in my Judgement is extroardinary good; If any Friend or Acquaintance hath any inclination to come over here, I can assure them if they be Frugal men, and have but 300. lib. Stir: Stock, they may live better than a Gentleman with us of 40. Chalders of Victual: I cannot now resolve to come home till this time twelve Month, since Thomas Parson hath so much disappointed me, as I have written to my wife; but against that time, if the LORD preserve me in health, I will come home then; present my service to Arbikie, and to my Sisters, and to all our Friends; which will save me a trouble to give them a Line, my love to your wife, and children, I am,  
Your Loving Brother, David Mudie.  
Let Arbikie, my Sisters, and the rest of my Friends, see this Letter.   

Abstract of a Letter from Robert Fullerron, Brother to the Laird of Kinnaber, to his Brothers and Sisters, from Amboy, the 6. of November, 1684.  
Dear Brothers and Sisters,  
By the Mercies of the Most High, we are safe arryved, after a long Demur by contrary winds, we encountered very happily at first with Long Island, and the next day came to an Anchor in New Jersey; The Passengers did all very well, though we had some very rough gusts, and were very throng in so small a vesshel, being 130. Souls, besides Sea men, of these 27. were women, 6. or 7. children only; one man whom I hired in your house, called William Clark standing carelessly upon the Forcastle tumbled over boards, and drowned though we put out our boat and endeavoured in vain to save him. This Country pleaseth us very well, and appears to be nothing short of our expectation; We were yesterday ranging about viewing our Land, where●●u shall have account by the next; 〈◊〉 Land in general is good, and a●ree●●●th the account you have heard; t●● I ●ees are not hang so invincible as I did imagine, being neither so thick nor so great as we thought. The first plant which I touched was wild Bays, which row in abundance here, the fruits are gery excellent, such sorts as I have seen, uhles the best I believe in the world, some I have seen of a pound weight; Cattle in general are abundantly plentiful, especially Horse and Oxen, the greatness and fatness of the Oxen will Countervail the Difference of the price, being about 5. lib. sterling. The Country is not altogether leavell, as some other Countries here, but hath easy risings, and Valleys; my new experience cannot give you such an account as you may afterwards expect; but in general the Country may satisfy any rational ingenuous mind; yet I find there be Novices who knows no happiness save home, with a glass of Wine, and Comorads in a change House; though there be no want here of more noble devertisments as hunting wild Beasts, wild Horses, and Deer; yesterday I did see several droves of Deer, and wild Horses, as I did ride up in the Country. The Land which we were viewing is a large plain, under the blue hills, watered with two or three little Rivers about 8. or 9 miles from New-Perth, four from Rariton-River Northward; the land downwards is all taken up by the Quitrenters of Piscatway, Woodbridge, or Elizabeth Town; there shall be nothing of care wanting in your affairs, and I do expect the like from you; I hope my Grand Mother is in health, wish her from me long life, and good health, and assure her, she wronged the Country in her opinion; present my love to all my Friends, I am,  
Your affectionate Brother, Robert Fullertown.   

A Letter from John Forbes Brother to the Laird of Barnla. Directed to Mr. James Elphingston of Logie writer to His Majesty's Signet, in Edinburgh, in Scotland.  
From Amboy-point, alias New-Perth, in the Province of East-New Jersey, in America, March 18. 1685. Honoured Sir,  
I having the occasion of this Bearer Mr. Drummond, brother to John Drummond the Factor in Edinburgh, and who came Passenger with me to this place from Scotland; I could not omit my duty in acquainting you by this line, of our safe arrival into America; though being by the Divine Hand of Providence miraculously preserved from the cruelty of the tempestuous Ocean, occasioned by a mighty storm of wind, (which happened upon the 12. day of September last) and which blew so tempestuously, that in short, it carried first away our Bolspret, and afterwards our whole three Masts, Flagstaff, and all by the board, before the Sailors were able to get them cut; it likewise took away the awning above our quarter-deck, and left not so much as an yard of a rope above our heads, all which was done in the space of half an hour; We lay thus distressed like a pitiful Wrack all that night (we having lost our Masts about 12. of the clock in the day) and two days thereafter at the mercy of the Waves, (which being like mountains occasioned by the great storm of wind,) without hopes of recovery, being then above 200. leagues from this land of America, tossing to and fro, expecting that each wave should overwhelm us; Yet at last it pleased GOD to turn the storm into a calm; and having preserved all our lower Yairds, we made all haste and made Jury Masts of them; with the help whereof, (though very unsufficient ones, to dryve forward the bulk of so great a Vessel) and of GOD'S miraculous Mercy and Providence; Who immediately after we had put our ship in any mean posture for plying out her Voyage, was pleased to send us such a fair and moderate gale of wind, as brought us in sight of the Capes of Virginia, within 15. days after or there abouts, having never ceased for the whole time, till it brought us thither in safety; So we came within the Capes, and sailed up that great Navigable Bay, called Chessapeik bay, up through all Virginia up to Maryland, where we landed at the place where our ship was bound to take in her Tobacco, for her homeward Loadning. But being this Disabled, and not being able to ply out her Voyage to this place (where she ought to have landed us, we was necessitat to travel from thence by Land to this place, being upwards of 200. English miles, and having left our Goods behind us, which was thereafter to come about in a Sloup) we was necessitat to stay all Winter in this New and young City, where we had but very bad Commodation for Lodging, though we knew of no want of Victuals of all sorts for money, though at a considerable dear rate; This hindered us long from our falling to work about our husbandries, which was a great loss of time to us. However when our sloop came about, (which did not hold the half of our goods; So that every man yet wants the half of his goods. But are daily expecting them by the same Sloup which we fraghted thither back again. I went out to the Woods to the land we had pitched upon, with several others of our Counteey men, such as Tho: Gordon, and Mr. Chat: his Brother, Brothers to the Laird of Straloch, Kinnabers two Sons, Robert and Mr. Thomas Fullertons, James Johnston of Spotswood, and John Barclay the Governors' Brother, with some others; where we have all pitched near by one another, upon an piece of excellent land as we suppose; Whereof I judge I have not the worst, (if not the absolute best piece of land in all that Tract, for we had it all at our own choising and not by lots, this land lies not on a Navigable River, but about 5. or 6. miles from Rariton river, which is Navigable up the nearest place to our Plantations; For the best places of the Rivers are already inhabited by the old Planters of this Country who have been here some 16. or 18. years ago. There are many places upon Navigable Rivers yet untaken, and some very near this place also, which is intended to be the Metropolis of this Province; But it is generally sandy barren land, and the best land is compute by all to be in the woods, back some several miles from the Navigable Rivers; So that we rather choose land for profitablness, then for Conveniences of Towns, and pleasure allennarly. For there is abundance both of good and barren land in this Province; So that a man may choose some for pleasure, and some for profit and Conveniency, for I intent to take up about 4. or 500 Acres where I have now settled; which is on a very pleasant place and good land, and whereof I have with two hands (not having had time to get many Servants away with me, having come away upon so short advertisement, and whereof I lost one at Maryland by sickness; so that now I have but two, and a Woman for dressing our Victuals and , till I get more sent me this year) already cleared, or at least will clear; and have in Corn this year about 8, or 10, Acres of ground; though it was pretty thick of stately tale Timber, and that since the 26. of January, at which time, I went to the Woods. I have 1000 Acres to take up at this time out of the first Division of 10000 Acres ordained to be laid out to every Proprietor; I having bought a 10. part, whereof my Brother is half sharer. I have also taken up 400. Acres of excellent fine land on Rariton River, about 20. miles above Amboy, whereon I design to set Servants, that I expect over this ensuing Summer; and so to divide our said parcels, and improve them for a year or two to the best advantage, and then to sell them off. If I design to come home, which we can do at good profit. Now for a general description of this Country, it is a fine place for those who have a good stock, to lay out upon a stock of  of all sorts, which do greatly multiply here in a short time, and are sold at great rates, and may soon increase a stock greatly; or it is a good Country for an Industrious Frugal Man, that designs to follow Husbandries closely; providing he bring but some little stock to stock a Plantation withal; or it is very good for Tradesmen, as good Carpenters, smith's, Tailors, etc. who will get large wages a day. But it is not a Country for idle sluggish People; or those who cannot some times put too their hands, and encourage their Servants. It is a place that produces many fine Fruits, and Physic Herbs; The Woods are stored with wild Deers, Coneys, Woulves, Boars, Racouns, some Bavers, and several other Beasts, which have fine Furs. There is also abundance of Fowls, and Fish, and Water Fowl for the kill. The Timber are mostly Oak of all sorts, Walnut, Chesnut, whereof there are great abundance where I have planted, though they bescarce so big as these that comes to Scotland, yet large as pleasant. Strawberries grow very thick upon the ground amongst the Trees; so that some places of the Woods are in Summer as it were covered with a red cloth. As I am certainly informed, Fruit Trees advance at a great rate in this place, for a Man may have an Orchard within a few years after the Planting, that may yield him a great quantity of Cydar, which is the chiefest of their drink in this Province, even amongst the meanest of the Planters; So that this Country if well improved, may make a fine place; for Nature has been defficient in nothing to it, either for pleasure or fruitfulness of the Soil; So that a man being once settled two or three years in it, and having Corn, Cattle, and all things necessary for the use of man within himself. And the trouble and hardship of his first settling by his hand; He may live as Comfortably here as in any place of the World; Providing he could dispense with the want of his Friends and Relations, and the satisfaction of their Company, which is the loss I most regrate in this place; And thus having given yond a short description of the place, I cannot but in the next place, much regrate my misfortune, in not seeing you, and taking your advice before I came to this place; But my Resolution was so sudden, by the encouragement I received from the Chief Governor, and some of the Proprietors at Aberdeen; and having come in only to see my Sister with my Brother; and by the many Gentlemen that were going along in the ship, that I was induced to go along without so much as taking my leave of any of my Friends, save only these that were then in Town; So that I came of resolution only to see the place, and to settle only if I found conveniency. And having thus abruptly come away, when I came here, I designed not to return till I took some trial of the Country, that at my return I might be the more able to give an true account thereof. I am not as yet of any determined resolution as to my staying for altogether as yet; but I resolved to stay this year, till I see what the ground produces; and to see how my endeavours take effect; and GOD willing, be that time, I may in some measure be resolved what to do, for then the greatest hardship will be over my head; and by that time I will have up an pretty good house, which is near already framed; whereas hitherto I have dwelled for the most part here in a Wigwam, (as we call them here) accounting all our hardship in the beginning but short, in expectation of good success in the end. But however I may be resolved hereafter, I intent GOD willing, life and health serving to come home a start within this year or two, and see all my Friends; and apollogize the best manner I can, for my abrupt departure. Now having thus in some measure discharged a part of my dutiful respects towards you by this line, in letting you know of my welfare and present condition; Earnestly desiring ye will favour me with a return by the first occasion; wherein I shall be glade to hear of your welfare, of your kind Ladies and Children (To whom and others my nearest Friends and Relations, and Comarads, I desire the favour to be Kindly remembered, begging pardon for this trouble, and your patience to peruse this, when your leisure can permit; and afterwards to communicate it to my Uncle, Calderhall and his Lady, or to my Cusins Harry Lockhart, or George Ersken, if they call for it; I not having time at present to write to them at length, as I have in haste done to you; I shall forbear to give you further trouble at present; entreating you to remember me kindly to your Worthy and Obliging Lady, and fine Children, and shall only subscrive myself, as I sincerely am, and shall continue,  
Sir, Your most affectionate Cusin, and obliged Servant, while John Forbes.   

A Letter from Thomas Fullertoun, to his Brother the Laird of Kinnaber, dated from his new possession, in the plains of new Caesaria; January 7. 1685.  
Dear Brother,  
YOu have above a transcript, containing the principal Contents of an abrupt Letter, sent you three or four days after our arrival; since that time we have possessed ourselves in the above mentioned plain 11. miles from New-Perth, four from Rariton Northward; And 12. from Elizabeth-Town; we have the honour to be the first Inland planters in this part of America, for the former Settlement have been by the River-sides, which are all possessed by the Quitrenters; the which I would have grudged at, had I not found the goodness of the Land, upwards will countervaill the trouble of transportation to the water; As to the number and nature of these Quitrenters, they are about 2. or 300. Families, some civil and Discreet, others rude and Malcontent with the late Purchassers. and need some thing of austerity to make them Complaisant; We have at present sharp frosts, and a good deal of Snow, three days of vitrefying frost, this winter, had not its match for cold these 16. years by gone, as the Inhabitants do inform us. Against this extreme we have a good Defence of Fire, and felling of Trees, and might live warm enough, were we not forced to travel for recruit of Provisions. I reckon the winter to consist only of nights, for the Sun's appearance by day moderateth the cold, and melts the Frost; I do not find the cold here to cause obstructions or coughs; the Air is ever transsparent; we have singular good stomaches, which if it continue as they say, it will require a fertile Country when peopled; the water or temper of the Air keeps men's bellies moderately looss; I cannot find it  to give any particular account of this Country with its product, because ye have had already many, and some very ingenuous of this nature; besides I have not yet proof of all the seasons of the year; we have the Deer to walk the round nightly about our Lodge; this morning I shot a large Hart, and followed his bloody tract in the snow, above two miles before he died; I believe the fatest Deer in the world are here; we have made choice of your land next adjacent to mine, and have placed your Servants there, where they will settle if we find convenient, when the snow is away; this is all at present from,  
Your affectionate Brother, Robert Fullertoun.   

Another Letter from the same hand, dated the 10. of March 1685.  
Dear Brother,  
BEfore the dispatch of the above-written, of the date of this Instant, so that they may both go together; the Winter is now past, and we are providing ground for the seed, the Fields being bare, we can better distinguish where is good land; we have chosen our chief Plantation and yours two miles further up in the Country, closely under the blue Mountains, where you may reckon you have an Estate of 40. Chalders of Victual, with no more Wood thereon then yourself would desire and it might yield no less yearly presently, if it were all plenished after a little pains to root out the brush; that which wanteth Wood is open plain with short bushes, which we cut at the roots with a how; I wish the adjacent bounds were purchased, and possessed by our friends, who have any design this way; for it is excellent land, the mould in the Province is General, is either like that I possessed at the Northwater, or more marly or clay; but all of it hath 3, 4, or five inches of black rotten mould uppermost, I have not much more to trouble you with, but my respects and love to all Friends; if my Uncle or any other Friends send their Sons here, let them advert to this Maxim, A Gentleman that is not to work himself, must be well provided with a Stock, and this must be more or less, as he designs his Estate; I question not your care in my affairs; neither need you question in your concerns, the care of,  
Your affectionate Brother, Robert Fullertoun.   

Abstract of a Letter from Charles Gordon, (Brother to the Laird of Straloch,) to Doctor John Gordon, Doctor of Medicine at Montrose; dated at Woodbridge, in East-Jersey, 7. of March, 1685.  
Dear Brother,  
I Design 100 pound Sterling for goods and servants, if Tradesmen and Servants knew they were better used here then in any Neighbouring Colony, and that after their time is expired, they may gain a stock by their work, and live like some of your Lairds before they die; they would not so much scrouple to come hither. There are a number of queries proposed by our Brother Thomas to the Fullertouns, which I remember you desired me to answer, the most material of them are answered, by this and my former Letters; I shall therefore superseded any long description of it, till I see it throw all the seasons of the year; in short, I see it pleasant, and furnished with all conveniencies of Nature, such as woods, grass, meadow; plenty of Fresh Springs, Creeks, and Rivers; I find it wholesome, for I am not (blessed be God) troubled here with Defluction, headakes, and coughs as at Edinburgh, which is a great inducement for me or any valitudinary man to stay in this Country: People come from Barbadoes, to York, and hither for their health's sake; if you design to come hither yourself, you may come as a Planter, or a Merchant, but as a Doctor of Medicine I cannot advise you; for I can hear of no diseases here to cure but some Agues, and some cutted legs and fingers; and there are no want of Empirics for these already; I confess you could do more than any yet in America, being versed both in Chirurgery, pharmacy; for here are abundance of curious Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees; and no doubt Mediciniall ones for making of drogs; but there is little or no Employment this way; your Servants are settled on a pleasant plain beside the Fullertouns on a brook, called The Vine or Cedar Brooks; from a swamp of Cedars, from whence it Springs, and the multiplicity of Vines which grow upon it; all your friends and Country men here are in good health, blessed be GOD; This hath been the hardest Winter that was almost since ever there were English here. The sound betwixt Jersey and Staten-Island was frozen in January, that carts and horse went upon it; betwixt Martinmas and Christmas flying shours of snow with clear moderate frosts; in January deep snow and most bitter frosts, which ever I found, but did no ways affect people's bodies; the Air being ordinar clear and serene; about the 20. of January, the snow went off insensibly; and about 3. weeks in February, it was almost like Summer in Scotland; the end of February and beginning of March for the most part rain and wind; Acquaint me the value of sweet-sent-Gumm, which flows from the wood-Gum-trees of Sassafras, Sassapatella, and such other things as the Country naturally produceth; Be pleased to send me some Medicines for Agues, and accidental cuts, or sores, in case myself or Servants be overtaken with them; I hope with the blessing of GOD, here to make a liulihood for myself; I entreat to hear what remarkable news, and revolutions are either at home with you, or abroad, and so continues,  
Your most affectionate brother, and humble Servant, Charles Gordon.   

A Letter from Thomas Gordon Brother to the Laird of Straloch. For Mr. George Alexander Advocate, in Edinburgh.  
From the Cedar-Brook of East-New-Jersey in America, the 16. February, 1685. Dear Mr. George,  
THis is the fifth time I have written to you since I came to America, some of which I am confident have come safe to your hands; so that I need not now resume them, for in them I gave you a full account of our danger by Sea, and travels by Land; and therefore I shall now proceed and begin where I left last, upon the eighteen day of November I and my Servants came here to the Woods, and 8. days thereafter my Wife and Children came also; I put up a Wigwam in 24. hours, which served us till we put up a better house, which I made 24. foot long, and 15. foot wide, containing a Hall and Citchen both in one, and a Chamber and a Study, which we put up pretty well (with Pallisadoes on the sides, and Shingles on the roof) against Yuill, on which day we entered home to it, and have been ever since, and still am clearing ground, & making fencing; So that I hope to have as much ground, cleared, fenced, ploughed, and planted with Indian Corn in the beginning of May, (which is the best time for planting it) as will maintain my Family the next year, if it please GOD to prosper it; Robert Fullertoun and I are to join for a Plough this Spring, consisting of 4. Oxen and two Horse, but if the Ground were once broken up, two Oxen and two Horse, or 4. Oxen alone, will serve; so that the next spring I intent (GOD willing) to have a Plough of my own alone; I intent to build a better House and larger, and to make a Kitchen of this I am in; which I will hardly get done this Summer, because I resolve to build upon my lot at New-Perth; I am settled here in a very pleasant place, upon the side of a brave plain (almost free of woods) and near the water side, so that I might yoke a Plough where I please, were it not for want of Hay to maintain the Cattle which I hope to get helped the next year, for I have several pieces of Meadow near me. The first Snow we had was about the midst of November, & went twice away again, and about the end of the Month it came on, and continued with very great Frost and knee deep Snow till towards the end of January; And then the Snow dissolved pleasantly and calmly with the heat and influence of the Sun, and now I judge it as warm here as it will be with you in May, and much more pleasant, for we are not by far so much troubled with winds here as ye are in Scotland; the winter was general very pleasant and calm, although sometimes very vehement frost; I have spoken with several old Inhabitants here, who assure me they had not seen so hard a winter as this has been these 16 years bygone; and truly if I never see much worse I shall be very well pleased with this Country; we have great abundance of Deer, Turkeys, etc. here about us; and as for the wild Beasts, and Natives (whereof I was greatly afraid before I came here) I find no danger, trouble, inconveniency thereby at all; there are abundance of all sorts of Cattle in this Country to be had at very reasonable rates, I can buy a good Cow for 4 lib. star a good Ox for 5. lib. star. and a good Horse for 5, or 6. lib. star a Hogg for 20. ss. star. a Bushel of Wheat for 4. ss. star. of Rye 3. ss. 6. d. star. of Indian Corn for 2. ss. 6. d. star. There are 8. of us settled here within half a mile, or a mile of another, and about ten miles from the Town of New-Perth, or Amboy-point, so that I can go and come in a day either on foot or horseback. viz. Robert and Thomas Fullertouns, James Johnstoun of Spotswood, John Forbes, John Barclay, Doctor John Gordon his Servants, Andrew Alexander, and myself; this is the most of what I can say of this Country at present, for I intent to write nothing but what I either see or know to be certainly true, and for my part I am very well pleased with this retired Country life; and I love this Country very well as yet; although I hear of some of our Country men who are not, neither can it be expected, that any Country in the World will please the different humours of all Persons; blessed be GOD, myself and Wife and Children and servants have been and are still in good health which GOD continue; be pleased to communicate this to both yours, and my Friends and Acquaintances, because I have not leisure to writ at great length to every one; and let these remember me to all others that give themselves the trouble to inquire for,  
Your most humble and and obliged Servant, Thomas Gordon.   

A Letter from David Mudie of the date of the former, to Mr. Alexander Gairns, one of the Ministers at Edinburgh.  
Sir,  
I Did write to you a line upon my arrival here, and my last the 12. of December, directed to John Graham, I desired him to let you see his letter, and my wives, which would inform you as fully as I had written to you; since that time I have traveled throw the Country, and informed myself of the conditions thereof, which still does the better please me; the winter hath been exceeding hard, and sharp, which hath much hindered me of work; yet I have cleared three acres of ground, to be an Orchard and a Guarding, which lies at the back of my house, which I am building of stone, sex good rooms off a Floor, Sellers all under the ground, two stories high, and garrets, at which I have had Massons since the first of February; and I hope will have it fully Finished this Summer; I have also built an horse-mill, the house is 32. foot wide, 40. foot long, the great wheel 30 foot Diameter, which I will have fully finished against the letter end of this Month; it is told me, she may be worth 100 pound Sterling a year; I am sure she will be better than 50. clear money, this from,  
Sir, Your humble and obedient Servant, David Mudie.   

A Letter from Thomas Fullertoun, Brother to the Laird of Kinnaber, to John Johnstoun Drogust, in Edinburgh, dated the 9 of March, 1685. from East-Jersey.  
Loving Commorad,  
YOur Brother and I did write to you about three Months ago, wherein we told you, that we were 9 weeks at sea, after we parted from Killebegs in Ireland, we were all very well; at Sea only we had more Stomaches than meat, to prevent which, if you or any other Commorad come this way, it will be prudence to fortify themselves with good Cheese, Butter, Biscuit, Caks, and Brandie; I believe you are cloyed with descriptions of the Country; And therefore this in brief, the reports you hear of it are generally true, some it may be are Hyperbolic in magnifying its Goodness, but as many are detractive from what it really deserves; There is abundance of good Land for the improving; Abundance of Swine and Cattle for the raising, Deers for killing, houses for the building: But some expect all these without pains. Your brother and I and our Servants have had good Venison broth once a day, all this winter; to be short, if a man please to live a Country Life to labour Land, plant Orchards, and such like; I believe he cannot come to a place that will better answer his expectations, and when he hath a mind to be merry he will get a Punsh-house, and very good fellows. I hope in a little time I shall want nothing but the company of the pretty Girls, to all whom, who retain any remembrance of me, Let my service be remembered, & to all friends; I long exceedingly to hear from you, but more to see you; we had many difficulties as our entrance, and in our first endeavours; But when you come, I hope they shall be prevented by,  
Your affectionate Commorad, Thomas Fullertoun.   

A Letter from James Johnstoun of Spotswood, to Alexander Henderson writer in Edinburgh; dated the 9 of March, 1685. from his Plantation at the blue Hills in East-Jersey in America.  
Kind Commorad,  
THese are to present my best wishes to you, and all Acquaintances, if any enjoyment could make up the want of your Company, I should not complain here; what else can contribute to profit or pleasure, being here to be had; neither is there any thing here to discourage us; Quakers are not numerous; Wolves are so far from troubling men, that if a man shall lay a Glove upon a Carcase, or their prey, they will yell, but not come nigh it: You cannot come nigh a rattle-Snake, but they will rattle with their tail: whereby a man is advertised either to kill them, or go by them; they frequently charm Squirrels, or other little Beasts of the tops of the Trees unto their mouth, and that without touching them with their teeth; which if they did, they would poison themselves. There is a Flee by the salt Marshes most troublesome in Summer, but is not in the up-lands; I am mightily well satisfied with my coming over, neither do I think I could live again in Scotland. In the Summer there is plenty of Fruits, Peaches, Walnuts, Chestnuts, Strawberries, and another berry like Currans; Vines as good as any where. I and all who have come over, have kept our health very well; our food hath for the most part been Venison; we got from the Indians which I like exceeding well. The Indian Corn, Indian Beans, and Pease, are pleasant Grains; we have very good fishing; present my service to all Friends, and believe me to be ever,  
Sir, Your obliged Servant, James Johnstoun.   

Sir,  
I Nothing question but by the perusal of the above written Letters, you are abundantly satisfied, that East-Jersey as to all things  will accommodat our present design; But if some (Malevolent Persons) who because they have not the courage nor resolute to adventure upon such an undertaking themselves, do cavil at the design in others, may insinuat that the greatest part of these Letters being written by Gentlemen; it may be presumed; interest may oblige them to represent things otherwise then they are, to the advantage of the place. This is easily answered, that there are several persons in this Town, who have been upon the place, who have perused all their Letters, and declare they find nothing contained therein, that they can contradict; But as for a further proof thereof, I have thought fit to conclude with a letter from a Masson, sent over as a Servant, by Captain Hamiltoun, he being a plain Countryman, it is not very probable he can have any design; I had the Letters from his said Master; as followeth,   

A Letter from James Cockburn Masson, Servitor in East-Jersey in America, to Captain Hamiltoun, at the Ship-tavern in Edinburgh, dated the 12. of March, 1685. to his Uncle James Broun, Shoemaker in Kelso.  
UNcle these few Lines do testify that I am well and in good health, blessed be GOD for it, desiring to hear the like from you, for I am very well in this land of America; We lake neither wild nor tame to eat; the most part of our drink is Rumm, Cider, and Beer; such as have these to sell, drives a very good Trade. I am working at my work daily, in good weather, and have very good encouragement among the old Planters; if my Sister Katharin incline to come over, she may have good service here and Francie also; it is better to be bound some few years than come free except they have a good stock; it is dear living here the first year or two: The Indians are a harmless People and very kind to us, they are not a harry People as was said to us in Scotland; a Shoemaker would live very well here, if he bring any store of Leather with him, the Shoes are five or six shillings a pair; there is nothing discourages us more than want of Ministers here; but now they have agreed about their Stipends, there is one to be placed in New-Perth, Piscattaway, Woodbridge, and Elizabeth Town, they have a mind to bring them from Scotland; Uncle I hope you will let me know of your welfare; and how the Town is repaired again, and so I rest your Nephew until death, John Cockburn   

Another from the same hand to George Fae Masson in Kelso, from New-Perth in America, the 20. of March, 1685.  
Cusin,  
THese are to show you that I am in good health blessed be GOD for it, wishing to hear the like from you; We had a long Voyage, but we came very well to our Harbour in this place of America, within a stone-cast of my Masters Lott; it is upon the very Harbour; this Town is situate betwixt two great Rivers, the one called Rariton, the other Hudsons; It is a very pleasant Country and good for all Tradesmen; You was angry with me for coming away, but I repent nothing of it myself, for I have abundance of Employment; I am at the building of a great stone house in New-Perth, with another Scots-man. They build most with Timber, but are beginning to build with stone; there is as good stone in this Country as in Scotland, if they were at the pains to find it out; there are not many of our Trade in this Province; Any who hath a mind to come here will get good wages, these who have a mind to come here will do far better than in Scotland. I have no more desire to my Native-Countrey than I had never been in it; they had better be bound some years with a good Master, then come over frree, for it is dear living at first here. The Natives of this land are a harmless People, they do wrong no to no man, they are very kind to us: tell my sister if she please to come over, she may have good service here; Remember me to all Friends, and Comorads in Kelso, and so I rest your Cusing, while I live,  
John Cockburn.   

A Brief ADVERTISEMENT, Concerning East-New-Jersey, in AMERICA  
THat whereas it hath upon solid grounds been by very Judicious Men, judged as well the advantage of the Nation in general, as of the particular Undertakers, to have an Interest in some of the America Plantation; and that in Order to the Promoting this Design: There went in July last, 1684. a Vessel from Leith, with 160. Passengers, or thereby; another from Montross with 130. to East-New-Jersey, in which two Vessels were some Gentlemen and Merchants, of very good Repute; the account of their safe Arrival in eight weeks after their parting from Aberdeen, and their several Opinions of that Country, all agreeing anent the Fertility, pleasantness, and Wholesomeness thereof, as being stored with all things  for the comfortable Accommodation and Life of Man, being compared with former Relations of that Country, and both confirmed as Truth, by several Gentlemen Merchants at present in Edinburgh, who have been there: The consideration of this, as of the reasonable constitution of the Government; the Model whereof hath been fully perused, and found satisfactory, hath engaged many to pitch upon this Province of East-New-Jers●●, as the most proper s●●t for a Colony of this Nation; The same being a Climate agreeable to our Constitutions, and a place fit for Trade; and of great Security, being as it were, the Centre of the English Plantations, and a place affording in plenty, all desirable Accommodations.   
And seeing the Approbation of these in Authority is absolutely requisite, for countenancing and encouraging such a Design, without which, it cannot be expected, that any such Attempt can be made effectual; Mr. George Scot of Pitlochie, resolving to settle his Family in that place, hath procured the following Pass,  
By the Right Honourable Earl of Perth, Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, etc.  
These are Permitting, and allowing Mr. George Scot of Pitlochie, with his Lady, Children, and Family; and such other Persons as he shall engage to pass from this Kingdom, either by Sea or Land, to any of His Majesty's Foreign Plantations, providing such persons to be transported by him, be not declared Traitors, Rebels, Fugitives; and that without any Let, Impediment, or Molestation, from any person whatsoever; they always behaving themselves peaceably, and according to Law.  
Given at Edinburgh the first of January, 1685. PERTH, Cancel.  
For all Magistrates, Officers, and Soldiers within the Kingdom of Scotland, whom these do or may concern.  
By the perusual of the foresaid Pass, it will appear that such who intent to be concerned with the said Mr. George Scot, in prosecuting this Design, are hereby included as well as himself, they being qualified according to the contents thereof,  
And for his further encouragement, the Lords of His Majesty's Privy Council have been pleased by an Act, to condescend, That such as are under Bond, to compear before them when called, shall have up their said respective Bonds, upon their going with him, Whereby they are secured from the Apprehension of any Process to be in their absence, intented against them upon that head,  
Whereas there are several people in this Kingdom, who upon account of their not going that length, in conformity required of them, by the Law do live very uneasy; Who beside the other agreeable Accommodations of that place may there freely enjoy their own principles, without hazard or the least trouble; seeing there are Ministers of their own persuasion going along with the said Mr. George Scot, who by the fundamental Constitutions of that Country, are allowed the free Exercise of their Ministry, such as Mr Archibald Riddel brother to sir John Riddel of Riddel, Mr. Thomas Paterson late Minister of Borthwick, and several other Ministers. It is hereby signified to all who desire this Voyage, That the Henry and Francis of Newcastle, a Ship of 350. Tun, and 20. great Guns; Richard Hutton Master, is freighted for the Transportation of these Families, and will take in Passengers and Goods at Leith, and Passangers at Montross, and Aberdeen, and Kirkwa in Orkney, and set sail thence for East-New-Jersey, against the 20. day of July, GOD willing. It being resolved by these concerned in the frieght of the Vessel, to Accommodate such Passengers as may conveniently done, without crowding themselves, and their Families; the inconveniencies of which they are fully resolved to avoid; as what is certainly very troublesome in such a Voyage. Su●h therefore who desires to go Passangers in this Vessel, may apply in time; between and the 12. of May, to Mr. George Scot of Pitlochie, at his Lodging in bailie Robisons land, and at John Johnstoun Drogist at the sign of the Unicorn in Edinburgh, to Mr. John Gordon● Colinston Doctor of Physic, at his ●●dging in Montross; to James Armour younger Merchant in Glasgow; To Heugh Broun, or James Nisbet Merchant in Irvine; To Bail●ie Boyd in Kilmarnock; To baily M● kenen; or Ralph Holland Merchant in Air; To baily Burt in Stirling; To baily James Gordon in Kirkcudbright; William Corbet Apothecary in Dumfries; Hery Elphingston Collector of His Majesty's Customs●s. in Aberdeen; whereby th●● may have their passage secured upon Rea●onabl● Conditions in the said Vessel; And accounts of the Propositions to be made to them, in Order to the promoting effectually of that design, seeing after the number condescended upon, as to be carried without Crowd in the said Ship; there will be no more admitted there; and so such as incline to go the Voyage, may loss their passage in the said Vessel, delaying to secure their place in time.   
FINIS.