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 From the Charter of Connecticut, 1<5<)^. 
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GOVERNORS. 
 
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LETTERS 
 
 FROM THE ENGLISH KINGS AND QUEENS 
 
 CHARLES II, JAMES II, WILLIAM AND MARY, 
 ANNE, GEORGE II, &C. 
 
 TO THE 
 
 GOVERNORS OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTI- 
 
 CUT, TOGETHER WITH THE ANSWERS 
 
 THERETO, FROM 1635 TO 1749; 
 
 AND OTHER ORIGINAL, ANCIENT, LITERARY AND CURIOUS DOCU- 
 MENTS, COMPILED FROM FILES AND RECORDS IN THE 
 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE 
 OF CONNECTICUT. 
 
 BY R. R. klNMAN, A. M. 
 
 Secretary of the State of Connecticut, 
 
 -JOHN B. ELDREDGE, PRINTER* 
 "18367 
 
•Hfct 
 
 COPY RIGHT SECURED. 
 
To the American Antiquarian Society at Worces- 
 ter, Mass. 
 
 Gentlemen— Fully believing in the utility of giving to 
 the public the historical facts embraced in this work, they 
 being founded upon such evidence, as prove their authenti- 
 city, I beg leave to dedicate to the American Antiquarian 
 Society the following sheets. It is intended as a text book 
 of the early history of the Colony. 
 
 In affixing the name of your society to this publication, 
 and depositing a volume in your Library, I may be enabled 
 to preserve entire, its title page and one volume of the work, 
 long after the book itself shall be forgotton by the present 
 generation. 
 
 I have the satisfaction, of subscribing myself a devoted 
 friend to your institution. 
 
 Respectfully Yours, 
 
 R. R. HINMAN. 
 
 Hartford. September 15th, 1836. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The Author, or rather Compiler of the following work, 
 publishes it as an act due the State, for the purpose of trans- 
 mitting- to posterity, a correct history of facts and events, 
 which transpired in the early settlement of Connecticut- 
 commencing 1 , even before the falling* of the first tree in the 
 forest, by any white man in the Colony. 
 
 It is a compilation of a correspondence of the Kings and 
 Qeens of England, with the different Governors of the 
 Colony — from the first settlement in Windsor, Hartford and 
 Wethersfield, in 1635, for the term of more than one hun- 
 dred years — embracing letters from the Lords of the Coun- 
 cil of trade and foreign plantations ; a correct^copy of the 
 old patent of Connecticut ; letters from the Hon. the Com- 
 missioners of his Majesties customs in England ; and an- 
 swers by the Governors, &c. Also letters to apprehend 
 Capt. Kidd, as a pirate, and many other interesting, curioug 
 literary communications — among which are twenty-seven 
 questions sent to this Colony by the Lords of the Council of 
 trade in 1679, with the answers of Gov. Leet — which an- 
 swers are probably as correct early history of this Colony as 
 is extant, and will be highly interesting to all readers. In- 
 deed they are a succinct history of the Colony at that period, 
 as to its navigation, productions, shipping, population, state 
 of society, Indian wars, religion, title of lands, trade and man- 
 ufactures, &c. And when we contemplate that these an- 
 swers were written by a Governor of this State, when a 
 Colony, nearly two hundred years since, upon this ground, 
 then occupied by the sturdy trees of the forest, but now 
 covered with stores, banks, public buildings and the splendid 
 private dwellings of the refined population of the City of 
 Hartford— and this, the first publication of most of them, 
 
 1* 
 
Tl PREFACE. 
 
 they cannot fail to be interesting to the most inattentive ob- 
 server of past events. 
 
 The orthography of the original letters and documents is 
 strictly and carefully preserved. 
 
 The signatures of the Kings and Queens are uniformly 
 placed at the commencement of the communications, and 
 not at the close as is usual for other persons ; the large, ele- 
 gant and expensive seals attached to each letter, are yet in a 
 perfect state of preservation. The idea that the delicate 
 hands of Queen Mary and Anne of England have been upon 
 the same sheets, which I have copied for this book, and near- 
 ly two centuries smce, satisfies the mind that these events 
 are indeed ancient, and appears rather as a dream, than a 
 reality. The reader will occasionally observe, that answers 
 to letters from England, are some few of them missing, not 
 having been preserved by the writers as they should have 
 been, not only for the benefit of the Colony at the time, but 
 also for the advantage of future historians and the honor of 
 the country. 
 
 This work is not published by the compiler expecting 
 even a compensation for his labor, but solely to transmit to 
 posterity, the important historical events which it contains, 
 emanating from the pens of the Kings and Queens of Eng- 
 land, aiad the Governors of this Colony, verified by their own 
 signatures and Seals, the last of whom have been gathered 
 to their fathers nearly a century. 
 
 In the year 1730 a letter was sent to this Colony by the 
 Commissioners for trade and plantations, embracing 19 ques- 
 tions, relating to Connecticut, which were answered by Jo- 
 seph Talcott, then Governor of the Colony, under the inspec- 
 tion of his Council or assistants, giving an account of the 
 rivers and land adjoining — the sound, the soil, the climate, 
 the degrees of latitude and longitude of the Colony, the boun- 
 daries, the Constitution and Government, the Courts, trade, 
 the shipping, names of each vessel and Captain, and their 
 tonnage and place where owned ; property received in barter, 
 method used to prevent illegal trade, harbours on the sound, 
 produce of the Colony, copper and other ore mines, the pop- 
 ulation and increase and reasons for it, the number of mili- 
 tia, forts and arms, the number of Indians of all ages and 
 sexes, the five nations of Indians, the French and West- 
 ern Indians, the Spaniards and their strength, the annual 
 revenues from rates and duties, the expenditures in free 
 schools, constituting the different Courts and their jurisdic- 
 tion, and the organization and division of the militia ; which 
 answers compared with those of 1679 shows the improve- 
 
PREFACE. Vll 
 
 ment of the Colony and country for the fifty-one years pre- 
 vious. In 1748 the Board of trade forwarded to the Govern- 
 or of this Colony twenty questions, similar to those before 
 mentioned, which were answered by the Governor in the 
 same manner; which answers compared with those of 1679, 
 and 1730 give to the reader a more perfect history of the 
 Colony from 1635 to 1748, (as to such facts as it contains) 
 than can be found in any other work, because each fact can 
 be relied upon as authentic, having been written at the time, 
 by men of the highest standing and reputation, not only in 
 England, but also in this Colony. Also is found upon the 
 first page of the work a perfect likeness of Charles II, taken 
 by the Messrs. Kellogg, Lithographers of this City, from the 
 Charter of Charles II in this office. Upon the opposite page 
 are found fac-similes of the hand writing of the Kings and 
 Queens, also some of the Gov'rs. of the Colony, \ .,se names 
 are attached to their letters in this book. Also a full list is 
 compiled from the Records of State, of all the Colony and 
 State Officers who have been elected by the people of the 
 Colony and State of Connecticut, from the first settlement in 
 1635, until 1836 inclusive, with the time of holding their 
 several offices. The immense quantity of interesting mat- 
 ter, that has been lying for ages upon the shelves of this of- 
 fice, and annually accumulating, would, if the most interest- 
 ing parts should be selected and published, compose a Libra- 
 ry that would do honor to the State, and place so valuable 
 public documents beyond the reach of fire and accident, 
 while the present and future generations would become la- 
 miliar with the early history of their Ancestors, and the Puri- 
 tan Fathers. Indeed a history of the Revolutionary war, 
 might be gathered from the files and records of this Office, 
 so far as Connecticut was engaged in that bloody struggle 
 for liberty : with which too few of the present age are famil- 
 iar, evidenced upon facts from the records of the State, which 
 would carry verity upon its face on every page. Several 
 Acts and Resolutions of the Legislature of the Colony, with 
 notes by the compiler will be found in this work, to show the 
 object of the letters to which they related, to be the better 
 understood by the reader. 
 
 The labor of collecting the materials and compilation of 
 this work, and copying the numerous documents it contains, 
 has taken much time, and the expense has been considerable. 
 But should it meet a favorable reception and afford instruc- 
 tion to the reader, or amuse him in his leisure hours, it will 
 bean ample compensatian to the compiler. 
 
 Hartford, September 15th, 1836. 
 
Explanation of Abbreviated Words. 
 
 Ye. The. 
 Yt. That. 
 Wt. What. 
 Matie. Majesty. 
 Acor. According. 
 Wth. With. 
 Wch. Which. 
 Yn. Than. 
 Or. Our. 
 Yr. or yor. Your. 
 Vs. Us. 
 
GOVERNORS of the Colony and State of Con- 
 necticut from the first Organization of the 
 Government of the Colony in 1639, to 1836, in- 
 clusive, 
 
 John Haynes 1639, 1641, 3, 5, 7,* 9, 1651, & 3. 
 
 Edward Hopkins 1640, 4, 6, 8, 1650, 2, 4. 
 
 George Wyllys 1642. 
 
 Thomas Welles 1655, 8. 
 
 John Webster 1656. 
 
 John Winthrop 1657, 9, and 1660, to 1675, in- 
 clusive. 
 
 William Leet 1676, to 1682, do. 
 
 Robert Treat 1683, to 1687, do. 
 
 On the 31st day of Oct. 1687, Sir Edmund 
 Andross assumed the Government, and retained 
 it till the 9th day of May 1689, when Gov. Treat 
 
 * Previous to this time, (1647,) the Governors had no sal- 
 ary by law allowed them, but served the people for the pub- 
 lic good. But at this time, the General Court taking the af- 
 fair into consideration, granted the Governour 30 pounds an- 
 nually. A like grant was also made to the Deputy Govern- 
 or for his services the preceding year. These were the first 
 salaries granted to any Civil Officers in the service of the 
 Colony. 
 
 The following is a copy of the Act — 
 
 March 9th, 1647. 
 
 "Whereas by reason of many waighty occations, expen- 
 ces and chardges, are yearly expended by the Governour, it 
 is therefore ordered, that there shall be yearly allowed to that 
 place, £30, and J&30, to the Deputy Governour for the year 
 past." 
 
10 Lieutenant Governors, 
 
 with the former officers, at the urgent request of 
 the people resumed the Government of the Colony. 
 
 Robert Treat 1689 to 1697, inclusive. 
 
 Fitz JohnWinthrop 1698 to 1707, do. 
 
 Gurdon Saltonstall 1708 to 1724, do. 
 
 Joseph Talcott 1725 to 1741, do. 
 
 Jonathan Law 1742 to 1750, do. 
 
 Roger Wolcott 1751 to 1753, do. 
 
 Thomas Fitch 1754 to 1765, do. 
 
 William Pitkin 1766 to 1769, do. 
 
 Jonathan Trumbull 1770 to 1783, do. 
 
 Matthew Griswold 1784 and 5. 
 
 Samuel Huntington 1786 to 1795, do; 
 
 Oliver Wolcott 1796 and 7. 
 
 Jonathan Trumbull 1798 to 1809, do. 
 
 John Treadwell 1810. 
 
 Roger Griswold 1811 and 12.* 
 
 John Cotton Smith 1813 to 1816, do. 
 
 Oliver Wolcott 1817 to 1826, do. 
 
 Gideon Tomlinson 1827 to 1830, do. 
 
 John S. Peters 1831 and 2. 
 
 Henry W. Edwards 1833. 
 
 Samuel A. Foot 1834. 
 
 Henry W. Edwards 1835 and 6. 
 
 Lieutenant Governors of the Colony and State of 
 Connecticut from 1639, to 1836 inclusive. 
 
 Roger Ludlow 1639, 1642, 1648. 
 John Haynes 1640, 4, 6, 1650, 2. 
 George Wyllys 1641. 
 
 * Died October 25, 1812. 
 
Lieutenant Governors, 1 1 
 
 Edward Hopkins 1643, 5, 7, 9, 1651, 3. 
 Thomas Welles 1654, 6, 7, 9. 
 John "Webster 1655. 
 John Winthrop 1658. 
 John Mason 1660 to 1668, inclusive. 
 William Leet 1669 to 1675, do. 
 Robert Treat 1676 to 1682, do. 
 James Bishop 1683 to 1687,* and from 1689 to 
 1691, inclusive. 
 William Jones 1692 to 1697, do. 
 Robert Treat 1698 to 1707, do. 
 Nathan Gold 1708 to 1723, do. 
 Joseph Talcott 1724. 
 Jonathan Law 1725 to 1741, do. 
 Roger W T olcott 1742 to 1750, do. 
 Thomas Fitch 1751 to 1753, do. 
 William Pitkin 1754 to 1765, do. 
 Jonathan Trumbull 1766 to 1769, do. 
 Matthew Griswold 1770 to 1783, do. 
 Samuel Huntington 1784 and 5. 
 Oliver Wolcott 1786 to 1795, do. 
 Jonathan Trumbull 1796 and 7. 
 John Tread well 1798 to 1809, do. 
 Roger Griswold 1810. 
 John C. Smith 1811 and 12. 
 Chauncey Goodrich 1813 to 1815, do. 
 Jonathan Ingersoll 1816 to 1822, do. 
 David Plant 1823 to 1826, do. 
 John S. Peters 1827 to 1830, do. 
 1831 no choice. 
 Thaddeus Betts 1832. 
 Ebenezer Stoddard 1833. 
 Thaddeus Betts 1834. 
 Ebenezer Stoddard 1835 and 6. 
 
 * The interruption in the Government in 1687, 8 and 9, 
 through the interference of Sir Edmund Andross is mention- 
 ed in the list of Governors. 
 
12 Secretaries and Treasurers, 
 
 Secretaries of State of the Colony and State of 
 Connecticut, from 1639 to 1836 inclusive, 
 
 Edward Hopkins 1639. 
 Thomas Wells 1640 to 1647, inclusive. 
 John Cullick 1648 to 1657, do. 
 Daniel Clark 1658 to 1663, do. 
 John Allyn 1664. 
 Daniel Clark 1665 and 6. 
 John Allyn 1667 to 1695, do. 
 Eleazer Kimberly 1696 to 1708, do. 
 Caleb Stanly 1709 to 1711, do. 
 Hezekiah Wyllys 1712 to 1734,* do. 
 George Wyllys 1735 to 1795, do. 
 Samuel Wyllys 1796 to 1809,f 
 Thomas Day 1810 to 1834, do. 
 Royal R. Hinman 1835 and 6. 
 
 Treasurers of the Colony and State of Connects 
 cut, from 1637 to 1836 inclusive, 
 
 Clement Chaplin, Thomas Welles, Joseph Whi- 
 ting, John Talcott, William Pitkin, John Whiting, 
 Nathaniel Stanly, Joseph Talcott, John Law- 
 rence, Jedediah Huntington, Peter Colt, Andrew 
 Kingsbury, Isaac Spencer, Jeremiah Brown. 
 
 * In consequence of the advanced age and indisposition of 
 Hezekiah Wyllys, George Wyllys officiated and signed his 
 official acts as Secretary during the Sessions of the Legisla- 
 ture, in October 1730, Oct. 1732, Oct. 1733, and May and 
 Oct. 1734. 
 
 f The office of Secretary remained in the Wyllys family 
 98 years. 
 
THE PATENT OF CONNECTICUT, 
 
 FROM ROBERT, EARL OF WARWICK. 
 
 To all people unto whom this present writing 
 shall come, Robert, Earl of Warwick, sendeth 
 Greeting in our Lord God everlasting — Know yee, 
 that the said Robert, Earl of Warwick, for divers 
 good causes and considerations, him thereunto mov- 
 ing, hath given, granted, bargained, sold, Enfeoffed, 
 aliened and confirmed, and by these presents doth 
 give, grant, bargain, sell, Enfeoff, alien and confirm 
 unto the Right Honourable Robert Lord Brooke, 
 the Right Honourable Lord Rich, and the Hon- 
 ourable Charles Fines Esqr., Sir Nathaniel Rich 
 Knight, Sir Richard Salstonstall Knight, Richard 
 Knightly Esqr., John Pym Esqr., John Hamden 
 Esqr., John Humphry Esqr., and Herbert Pellam 
 Esqr., their Heirs and assignes and their associ- 
 ates forever: all that part of New England in 
 America, which lyes and extends itself, from a 
 River there called Narragansett River, the space 
 of Forty Leagues upon a streight line, near the 
 sea shore, towards the southwest, west and by 
 south, or west, as the coast lyeth towards Virginia, 
 accounting three English miles to the League, and 
 also all and singular the lands, hereditaments what- 
 soever, lying and being within the lands aforesaid, 
 north and south in Lattitude and breadth, and in 
 length and Longitude of, and within all the breadth 
 aforesaid, throughout the main lands there, from 
 the western oacean to the south sea, and all lands 
 and grounds, place and places, soyle, wood and 
 woods, grounds, havens-, ports, creeks, and rivers, 
 2 
 
14 Patent of Connecticut. 
 
 waters, fishings and hereditaments whatsoever, ly- 
 ing within the said space, and every part and par- 
 cell thereof, and also all islands lying in America 
 aforesaid, in the said seas or either of them, on the 
 western or eastern coasts or parts of the said 
 tracts of land by these presents mentioned, to be 
 given, granted, bargained, sold, Enfeoffed, aliened 
 and confirmed, and also all mines, mineralls, as 
 well royall mines of gold and silver, as other mines 
 and mineralls whatsoever, in the said lands and 
 premises, or any part thereof; and also the seve- 
 rall rivers within the said limits, by what name or 
 names soever called or known, and all jurisdic- 
 tions rights and royalties, liberties, freedoms, im- 
 munities, powers, privileges, franchises, prehem- 
 inences, and comodoties whatsoever, which the 
 said Robert, Earle of Warwick now hath or had, 
 or might use, exercise or enjoy in, or within any 
 part or parcell thereof, excepting and reserving to 
 his Majestie, his heirs and successors the fift part 
 of all gold and silver oare, that shall be found 
 within the said premises, or any part or parcell 
 thereof, to have and to hold, the said part of New 
 England in America, which lyes and extends and 
 is abutted as aforesaid ; and the said severall riv- 
 ers and every part and parcell thereof, and all the 
 said islands, rivers, ports, havens, waters, fishings, 
 mines, mineralls, jurisdictions, powers, franchises, 
 royalties, liberties, privileges, comodities, heredita- 
 ments and promises whatsoever, with the appurte- 
 nances, unto the said William Viscount Say and 
 Seal, Robert Lord Brooke, Robert Lord Rich, 
 Charles Fines, Sir Nathaniel Rich, Sir Richard 
 Salstonstall, Richard Knightly, John Pym, John 
 Hamden, John Humphry and Herbert Pellam, 
 their heirs and assigns, and their associates forev- 
 ermore. In witness whereof the said Robert, 
 
Marquis of Hamilton's Deed. 15 
 
 Earle of Warwick, hath hereunto sett his hand 
 and seal, the nineteenth day of March, in the sev- 
 enth year of the Reigne of our Sovreigne Lord, 
 Charles by the grace of God, King of England, 
 Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the 
 faith &c. Anno. Dom. 1631. 
 
 ROBERT WARWICK, seal 
 
 Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of 
 Walter Williams, Thomas Howson. 
 
 Note. — President Clap describes the extent of the tract 
 conveyed by the above Patent, in the words following : All 
 that part of New England which lies west of Narragansett 
 River, one hundred and twenty miles on the sea coast ; and 
 from thence, in the Latitude and breadth aforesaid to the 
 south sea. This grant extends from Point Judith to New 
 York ; and from thence in a west line to the south sea : and 
 if we include Narragansett River in its whole length, this 
 tract will extend as far north as Worcester, in Massachu- 
 setts. 
 
 A Copy of the Indenture or Deed from the Coun- 
 cil of Plymouth, to James, Marquis of Hamil- 
 ton, for sixty miles square in New England. 
 
 This Indenture, made the two and twentieth 
 day of April, in the eleventh year of the Reigne 
 of our Sovreigne Lord Charles by the grace of 
 God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ire- 
 land, defender of the faith, &c, between the Coun- 
 cill established at Plymouth, in the County of De- 
 von, for the planting, ordering, ruleing and gov- 
 erning of New England in America, of the one 
 
16 Marquis of Hamilton's Deed. 
 
 part, and the Right Houn'oble James, Marquess 
 Hamilton of the other part witnesseth, that where- 
 as our late Sovreigne Lord King James of bless- 
 ed memory, by his Highness Letters Pattents, un- 
 der the great seal of England, bearing date at 
 Westminster the third day of November, in the 
 eighteenth year of His Highness Reigne over the 
 Realm of England, for the considerations in the 
 same Letters Pattents expressed, hath absolutely 
 given, graunted and confirmed, unto the said Coun- 
 cill and their successors forever, all the lands of 
 New England in America, lying and being in 
 breadth from forty degrees of northern Lattitude 
 from the Equinoctial Line, to forty-eight degrees 
 of the said northerly Lattitude, inclusively, and 
 in length of and within all the breadth aforesaid 
 throughout the main land from sea to sea, togeth- 
 er also with all the firm lands, soyles, grounds, ha- 
 vens, ports, rivers, waters, fishings, mines and min- 
 eralls, as well royall mines of gold and silver, as 
 other mines and mineralls, precious stones, quar- 
 ries and all and singular other comodoties, juris- 
 dictions, royalties, priviledges, franchises and pre- 
 heminences, both within the said tract of land up- 
 on the main, and also upon the islands and seas 
 adjoyning, as by the said Letters Pattents amongst 
 divers other things therein contained, more at 
 large it doth and may appear. Now this Inden- 
 ture further witnesseth, that the said Councill in 
 performance of an agreement made by and be- 
 tween themselves, and enacted the third day of 
 February last past before the date of this present, 
 for a competent sum of money, and also for other 
 good causes and considerations them the said 
 Councill hereunto especially moveing, have given, 
 graunted, bargained, sold, Enfeofed and confirm- 
 ed ; and by these presents do give, graunt, bar- 
 
Marquis of Ha?nilton i s Deed. 17 
 
 gaine, sell, Enfeof and confirme unto the said 
 James, Marquess Hamilton, his heirs and assigns, 
 all that part, purparte and portion of main lands 
 of New England aforesaid, scituate, lying and be- 
 ginning at the middle part of the mouthe or en- 
 trance of the River of Connecticutt in New Eng- 
 land, and from thence to proceed along the sea 
 coast, to the Narohigansets River or harbour, there 
 to be accounted about sixty miles, and so up the 
 westerne arme of that river to the head thereof, 
 and into the land northwestward till sixty miles 
 be finished, and so to cross over land southwest- 
 wards to meet with the end of sixty miles to be 
 accounted from the mouthe of Connecticutt up 
 northwest, and also all islands and isletts as well 
 imployed as within five leagues distance from the 
 premises, and abutting upon the same or any part 
 or parcell thereof, not otherwise granted to any 
 by speciall name, all which part and portion of 
 lands and premises shal from henceforth be called 
 by the name of the county of New Cambridge, 
 and also the said Councill for the consideration 
 afores'd, have given, granted, bargained, sold, En- 
 feoffed and confirmed, and by these presents doe 
 give, grant, bargain, sell. Enfeoff and confirm un- 
 to the said James, Marquess Hamilton, his heirs 
 and assignes, all that other parcell or portion of 
 lands, woods and wood grounds lying on the east 
 side of the River of Sagadahock in the easterly 
 part of New England aforesaid, containing and to 
 contain there ten thousand acres, and to be hadd 
 and taken together as conveniently as the same 
 may be towards the head of the s'd river, and 
 next unto the land of Edward Lord Georges there, 
 which from henceforth is to be called by the name 
 of and moreover the said Councill 
 
 for the consideration aforesaid, have given, grant- 
 2* 
 
18 Marquis of Hamilton's Deed. 
 
 ed, bargained, sold, Enfeoffed and confirmed, and 
 by these presents do give, grant, bargain, sell, En- 
 feoff and confirm unto the said James, Marquess 
 Hamilton, his heirs and assignes, together with 
 the said bargained premises, all the firm lands, 
 soyles, grounds, havens, ports, rivers, waters, fish- 
 ings, mines and mineralls, as well royall mines of 
 gold and silver as other mines and mineralls, pre- 
 cious stones, quarries, and all and singular other 
 commodities, jurisdictions, royalties, priviledges, 
 franchises and preheminencies, both within the 
 said tracts of lands upon the main, and also with- 
 in the islands and seas adjoining, saveing, except- 
 ing and reserving out of this present graunt, only 
 the fifth part of the oare of gold and silver due to 
 His Majestie, his heirs and successors, and in and 
 by the said Letters Pattents reserved — to have 
 and to hold all those the said severall parcells of 
 land, and all other the said bargained premises, 
 with their and every of their appurtenances (ex- 
 cept before excepted,) unto the said James, Mar- 
 quess Hamilton, his heirs and assignes, to the only 
 propper use and behoofe of him the said James, 
 Marquess Hamilton, his heirs and assignes forev- 
 er; and to be enjoyed as fully, freely and in as 
 large, ample and beneficiall manner and forme, to 
 all intents and purposes whatsoever, as they the 
 said Councill and their successors by vertue of the 
 said recited Letters Pattents may, might or ought 
 to have, hold and enjoy the same, or any part or 
 parcell thereof. In witness whereof to the one 
 part of this present indenture, remaining in the 
 hands of the said James, Marquess Hamilton, they 
 the said Councill have fixed their common seal, 
 and to the other part of this present indenture, re- 
 maining in the hands of the said Councill, the said 
 Marquess hath sett his hand and seale. Dated 
 
Marquis of Hamilton's Deed. 19 
 
 the day and year first above written, Annoque 
 Domini 1635. 
 
 This is a true and authentick copee of the prin- 
 cipal! indenture above written, under the seal 
 above specified, duely compared and collationed 
 by uss Notaries Publick underscribing, in the pres- 
 ence of the witnesses afternamed, as doth witness 
 our signe and subscription mannal at Hamilton, 
 the 12th May, 1664. 
 
 R. HAMILTON, Notarius Publicus, 
 JA. CARNES, Notarius Publicus. 
 
 J. Hamilton, Witness, 
 
 Jo. Carbarus, Witness, 
 
 Will Hamilton, Witness, 
 
 J. Motherspoon, Witness. 
 
 Note. — From the first settlement of Connecticut by the 
 English in 1635, it does not appear from the records and files 
 in the Secretary's office, that any official correspondence or 
 communications passed between the settlers and the English 
 Government till 1661, but the infant Colony was left to its 
 own slender resources to struggle with innumerable difficul- 
 ties and hardships, incident to the commencement of all 
 new settlements : — This want of attention on the part of the 
 British Government to the new Colony, may be ascribed to 
 the civil dissensions and popular tumults which soon after 
 commenced in England, which resulted in a long and bloody 
 civil war, and eventually in the dethronement and execution 
 of King Charles the First in 1649, which was soon followed 
 by the dissolution of the monarchy, and the elevation of 
 Cromwell to the Protectorship of England, Scotland, Ire- 
 land &c. in 1653. On the death of Cromwell in 1657, he 
 was succeeded by his son Richard, who proved a weak and 
 inefficient man, and resigned the Protectorship in 1659 ; 
 upon which the monarchy was soon restored, and Charles the 
 Second ascended the throne in 1660 ; the Government of 
 England soon became settled and permanent ; and a corres - 
 pondence between them and the Colony commenced, which 
 will be given in Chronological order. 
 
20 The old Constitution. 
 
 A COMPACT or CONSTITUTION of Gov- 
 ernment, entered into and adopted by the Colony 
 of Connecticut, January 14th, 1638.* 
 
 For as much as it has pleased the Almighty God 
 by the wise disposition of his Divine Providence 
 so to order and dispose of Kings, that we the In- 
 habitants of Windsor, Hartford, and Weathers- 
 field,! now cohabiting and dwelling in and upon 
 the River of Connecticutt and the Lands thereunto 
 adjoining, and well knowing when a people gath- 
 ered together, the word of God requires that to 
 maintain the peace and union of such a people, 
 there should be an orderly and decent Government 
 established according to God, to order and dispose 
 of the affairs of the people at all seasons as occa- 
 sion shall require ; do therefore associate and con- 
 joine ourselves to be as one publick Estate or 
 Commonwealth, and do for ourselves and success- 
 ors and such as shall be adjoining to us at any 
 time hereafter, enter into combination and confed- 
 eration together to maintain and preserve the Lib- 
 erty and purity of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, which w r e now profess ; as also the Disci- 
 pline of the Church of Christ, according to the 
 truth of said Gospel as now preached amongst us, 
 as also in civil affaires to be guided and governed 
 according to such Laws, Rules, Orders and De- 
 
 * This date of 1638, is owing to the manner of dating at 
 that time. The first settlers of the Colony commenced the 
 year on the 25th of March, and this was evidently in 1639, 
 for as appears by the Record, the December preceding was 
 1638, and the April following 1639. 
 
 f The three towns, Windsor, Hartford and Wethersfield, 
 composed at that time the Colony of Connecticut. 
 
The old Constitution. 21 
 
 crees as shall be made Ordered and Decreed as 
 followeth : — 
 
 I. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, that 
 there shall be yearly two Assemblys or Courts, 
 the one the second Thursday of April, the other 
 the second Thursday of September following, the 
 first shall be called the Court of Election, wherein 
 shall be yearly chosen from time to time so many 
 Magistrates and other publick officers as shall be 
 found requisite. Whereof one to be chosen Gov- 
 ernour for the year ensuing and untill another be 
 chosen, and no other Magistrate to be chosen for 
 more than one year, provided always there be six 
 chosen beside the Governer, which being chosen 
 and sworn according to an oath, recorded for that 
 purpose, shall have power to administer justice 
 according to the rule there established, and for 
 want thereof according to the rule of the word of 
 God, which choice shall be made by all that are 
 admitted freemen and have taken the oath of fidel- 
 ity and do cohabit within this jurisdiction, having 
 been admitted inhabitants by the major part of the 
 Town wherein they live, or the major part of such 
 as shall be there present. 
 
 II. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, that 
 the Election of the aforesaid Magistrates shall be 
 in this manner: every person present and qualified 
 for chusing, shall bring in to the persons (deputed 
 to receive them) one single paper with the name 
 of him written on it whom he desires to have 
 Governour, and he that hath the greatest number 
 of papers shall be Governour for that year. And 
 the rest of the Magistrates or publick officers to 
 be chosen in this manner, the Secretary for the 
 time being shall first read the names of all that 
 are to be put to choice and then shall severally 
 nominate them distinctly, and every one that 
 
22 The old Constitution. 
 
 would have the person nominated to be chosen, 
 shall bring in one single paper written upon, and 
 he that would not have him chcsen shall bring in 
 a blank, and every one that hath more written pa- 
 pers than blanks, shall be a Magistrate for that 
 year, which papers shall be received and told by 
 one or more that shall be then chosen by the 
 Court and sworn to be faithfull therein. But in 
 case there should be five chosen as aforesaid, be- 
 side the Governour, out of those which are nom- 
 inated, then he or they which have the most writ- 
 ten papers shall be a Magistrate or Magistrates for 
 the ensuing year to make up the aforesaid number. 
 
 III. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, that 
 the Secretary shall not nominate any person, nor 
 shall any person be chosen newly into the Magis- 
 tracy, which was not propounded in some general 
 Court before to be nominated the next Election, 
 and to that end it shall be lawfull for each of the 
 towns aforesaid by their deputies, to nominate any 
 two who they conceive fitter to be put to Elec- 
 tion, and the Court may add so many more as they 
 judge requisite. 
 
 IV. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, that 
 no person to be chosen Governour above once in 
 two years, and that the Governour be always a 
 member of some appointed congregation, and for- 
 merly of the Magistracy within this jurisdiction, 
 and all the Magistrates freemen of this Common- 
 wealth, and that no Magistrate or other publick 
 officer shall execute any part of his or their office 
 before they are severally sworn, which shall be done 
 in the face of the Court if they be present, and in 
 case of absence, by some deputed for that pur- 
 pose. 
 
 V. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, that 
 to the aforesaid Court of Election, the several 
 
The old Constitution. 23 
 
 Towns shall send their deputies, and when the 
 Elections are ended, they may proceed in any 
 publick service as at other Courts, unless the oth- 
 er General Court in September, shall be for ma- 
 king of laws and any other public occasion, which 
 concerns the good of the Commonwealth. 
 
 VI. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, that 
 the Governour shall either by himself or Secreta- 
 ry, send out sumons to the Constables of each 
 town for the calling of these two standing Courts, 
 one month at least, before their several times, and 
 also if the Governour and the greatest part of the 
 Magistrates see cause upon any special occasion 
 to call a General Court, they may give order to 
 the Secretary so to do within fourteen days warn- 
 ing, and if urgent necessity so require, upon a 
 shorter notice, giving sufficient grounds for it to 
 the deputies when they meet, or else be question- 
 ed for the same, and if the Governour and the 
 major part of Magistrates shall either neglect or 
 refuse to call the two General standing Courts or 
 either of them, as also at other times when the 
 occasions of the Commonwealth require, the free- 
 men thereof, or the major part of them shall peti- 
 tion to them so to do, then if it be either denied or 
 neglected, the said freemen or the major part of 
 them, shall have power to give orders to the Con- 
 stables of the several towns to do the same, and 
 so may meet together and chuse to themselves a 
 Moderator, and may proceed to do any act of 
 power which any other General Court may. 
 
 VII. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, 
 
 | that after there are warrants given out for any of 
 [the said General Courts, the Constable or Con- 
 stables of each town shall forthwith give notice 
 distinctly to the inhabitants of the same, in some 
 Public Assembly, or by going or sending from 
 
24 The old Constitution. 
 
 house to house, that at a place and time, by him 
 or them limited and set, they meet and assemble 
 themselves together to elect and chuse certain 
 deputies to be at the General Court then follow- 
 ing, to agitate the affairs of the Comonwealth, 
 which said deputies shall be chosen by all that are 
 admitted inhabitants in the several towns, and 
 have taken the oath of fidelity, provided that none 
 be chosen a deputy for any General Court which 
 is not a freeman of this Comonwealth. There- 
 fore said deputies shall be chosen in manner fol- 
 lowing: every person that is present and qualified 
 as before expressed, shall bring the names of such, 
 written in several papers as they desire to have 
 chosen for that employment, and those three or 
 four, more or less being the number of the papers 
 written for them shall be deputies for that Court, 
 whose names shall be endorsed on the backside of 
 the warrant, and returned into the Court with the 
 Constable or Constables hand unto the same. 
 
 VIII. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, 
 that Windsor, Hartford and Weathersfield, shall 
 have power, each town to send four of their free- 
 men as their deputies to every General Court, and 
 whatsoever other towns shall be hereafter added 
 to the jurisdiction, they shall send so many depu- 
 ties as the Court shall think meet, a reasonable 
 proportion to the number of freemen that are in 
 the said towns, being to be attended therein, which 
 deputies shall have the power of the whole town 
 to give their votes and allowance to all such laws 
 and orders as may be for the publick good, and 
 unto which the said towns are to be bound. 
 
 IX. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, that 
 the deputies thus chosen, shall have power and 
 liberty to appoint a time and a place of meeting 
 together before any General Court, to advise and 
 
 
The old Constitution, 25 
 
 consult of all such things as may concern the good 
 of the publick, as also to examine their own Elec- 
 tions whether according to the order, and if they 
 or the greatest part of them find any Election to 
 be illegal, they may seclude such person present 
 from their meeting, and return the same and their 
 reasons to the Court, and if it prove true the Court 
 may fine the party or parties so intruding, and al- 
 so the Town if they see cause, and give out a 
 warrant to go to a new Election in a legal way, 
 either in part or in whole ; also the said deputies 
 shall have power to fine any that shall be disor- 
 derly at their meetings, or for not coming in due 
 time or place according to appointment, and they 
 may return the said fines into the Court, if it be 
 refused to be paid, and the Treasurer to take no- 
 tice of it and collect or levy the same as he doth 
 other fines. 
 
 X. It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, that 
 every General Court, except such as thro neglect 
 of the Governor and the greatest part of Magis- 
 trates, the Freemen themselves do call, shall con- 
 sist of the Governor or some one chosen to mod- 
 erate the Court, and four other Magistrates at 
 least, with the major part of the deputies of the 
 several towns legally chosen. And in case the 
 freemen, or the major part of them, through neg- 
 lect or refusal of the Governor, and major part of 
 the Magistrates shall call a Court, it shall consist 
 of the major part of freemen that are present, or 
 their deputies, with a moderator chosen by them, 
 in which said General Court shall consist the su- 
 preme power of the Commonwealth, and they 
 only shall have power to make Laws or repeal 
 them, to grant levies, to admit freemen, dispose of 
 lands undisposed of to several towns or persons, 
 and also shall have power to call either Court or 
 
 3 
 
26 The old Constitution. 
 
 Magistrate or any other person whatsoever into 
 question for any misdemeanor, and may for just 
 causes displace or deal otherwise, according to 
 the nature of the offence ; and also may deal in 
 other matter that concerns the good of this Com- 
 monwealth, except Election of Magistrates, which 
 shall be done by the whole body of freemen ; in 
 which Court the Governor or Moderator shall 
 have power to order the Court to give liberty of 
 speech, and to silence unreasonable and disorder- 
 ly speakings, to put all things to vote, and in case 
 the vote be equal, to give the casting voice. But 
 none of these Courts shall be adjourned or dissol- 
 ved without the consent of the major part of the 
 Court. 
 
 XL It is ordered, sentenced and decreed, that 
 when any General Court upon the occasions of the 
 Commonwealth, have agreed upon any sum or 
 sums of money to be levied upon the several 
 towns within this jurisdiction, that a. committee be 
 chosen to sett out and appoint what shall be the 
 proportion of every town to pay of the said levy, 
 provided the committee be made up of an equal 
 number out of each town. 
 
 14th January 1638, the 11 orders abovesaid are 
 voted. 
 
 The oath of the Governor for the present year. 
 
 I, A. B. being now chosen to be Governor 
 within this Jurisdiction, for the year ensuing and 
 untill a new be chosen, do swear by the great 
 and dreadfull name of the everliving God, to pro- 
 mote the public good and peace of the same ac- 
 cording to the best of my skill, and also will main- 
 tain all lawfull priviledges of this Commonwealth, 
 as also that all wholsome Laws that are or shall 
 
The old Constitution. 27 
 
 be made by lawfull authority here established be 
 duly executed, and will further the execution of 
 justice according to the rule of Gods word, so 
 help me God in the name of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 The oath of a Magistrate for the present year* 
 
 I, N. W. being chosen a Magistrate within this 
 Jurisdiction for the year ensuing, do swear by the 
 great and dreadfull name of the ever living God, 
 to promote the publick good and peace of the 
 same according to the best of my skill, and that I 
 will maintain all the lawfull priviledges thereof, 
 according to my understanding, and also assist in 
 the execution of all such wholsome Laws as are 
 made or shall be made by lawfull authority there 
 established, and will further the execution of jus- 
 tice for the time aforesaid according to the righte- 
 ous rule of God's word, so help me God. 
 
 The oath of a Constable, 
 
 I, A. B. of W. do swear by the great and dread- 
 full name of the everliving God, that for the year 
 ensuing and untill a new be chosen I will faithfully 
 execute the office and place of a ConstaV for 
 . and within the said plantation of W, and the lim- 
 its thereof, and that I will endeavor to preserve 
 the publick peace of the said place and Comon- 
 wealth, and will do my best endeavour to see all 
 watches and wards executed, and to obey and ex- 
 ecute all lawfull commands or warrants that come 
 to me from any Magistrate or Magistrates or 
 Court, so help me God in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
28 Articles of Confederation. 
 
 In accordance with the foregoing articles, the 
 people assembled at Hartford on the second Thurs- 
 day of April 1639, and elected the following offi- 
 cers for the year ensuing, viz : 
 
 John Haynes, Governor — Roger Ludlow, Dep- 
 uty Governor. 
 
 George Wyllys, Edward Hopkins, Thos. Wells, 
 John Webster, William Phelps, Magistrates or 
 Assistants. 
 
 The Representatives of the General Court were 
 John Steele, Mr. Spencer, John Pratt, Edward 
 Stebbins, Mr. Gaylord, Henry Wolcott, Mr. 
 Stoughton, Mr. Ford, Thurston Rayner, George 
 Hubbard, Richard Crabb.* 
 
 ARTICLES of CONFEDERATION betwixt 
 the Plantations under the Government of the 
 Massachusetts, the Plantations under the Gov- 
 ernment of Plymouth, the Plantations under the 
 Government of Connecticut, and the Govern- 
 ment of New Haven, with the Plantations in 
 combination therewith. 
 
 Whereas we all come into these parts of 
 America, with one and the same end and ayme, 
 namely, to advance the Kingdome of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the liberties of the Gos- 
 pel, in purety with peace ; and whereas in our 
 settling by a wise Providence of God we are fur- 
 ther dispersed upon the sea coasts and Rivers, then 
 
 * This was the first Election by the People in Connecticut. 
 
Articles of Confederation. 29 
 
 was first intended, so that we cannot (according 
 to our desire) with convenience communicate in 
 one Government, and Jurisdiction; and whereas 
 we live encompassed with people of severall na- 
 tions, and strange languages, which may hereafter 
 prove injurious to us, and our posterity : and for 
 as much as the natives have formerly committed 
 sundry insolencies and outrages upon several plan- 
 tations of the English, and have of late combined 
 themselves against us ; and seeing by reason of 
 the sad distractions in England, which they have 
 heard of; and by which they know we are hin- 
 dered, both from that humble way of seeking ad- 
 vice, and reaping those comfortable fruits of pro- 
 tection which, at other times, we might well ex- 
 pect ; we therefore doe conceive it our bounden 
 duty, without delay, to enter into a present con- 
 sotiation amongst ourselves, for mutuall help and 
 strength in all our future concernments, that as in 
 nation, and religion, so in other respects, we be, 
 and continue, one, occording to the tenour and 
 true meaning of the ensuing articles. 
 
 1. Wherefore it is fully agreed and concluded 
 by and between the parties, or jurisdictions above 
 named, and they doe joyntly and severally by these 
 presents agree and conclude, that they all be, and 
 henceforth be called by the name of the United 
 Colonies of New England. 
 
 2. The said United Colonies for themselves, 
 and their posterities, doe severally and joyntly 
 and severally hereby enter into a firm and perpet- 
 uall league of friendship and amity, for offence and 
 defence, mutuall advice and succour, upon all just 
 occasions, both for preserving and propagating 
 the truth, and liberties of the Gospel, and for their 
 own mutuall safety and wellfare. 
 
 3. It is further agreed, that the plantations 
 
 3* 
 
30 Articles of Confederation. 
 
 which at present are, or hereafter shall be settled 
 within the limits of the Massachusetts, shall be 
 forever under the government of the Massachu- 
 setts ; and shall have peculiar jurisdiction amongst 
 themselves, as an entire body; and that Plymouth, 
 Connecticut, and New Haven, shall each of them, 
 in all respects, have the like peculiar jurisdiction 
 and government, within their limits. And in re- 
 ference to the plantations which already are set- 
 tled, or shall hereafter be erected and shall settle 
 within any of their limits respectively, provided 
 that no other jurisdiction shall hereafter be taken 
 in, as a distinct head, or member of this confede- 
 ration, nor shall any other, either plantation or ju- 
 risdiction in present being, and not already in com- 
 bination, or under the jurisdiction of any of these 
 confederates, be received by any of them, nor 
 shall any two of these confederates, joyne in one 
 jurisdiction, without consent of the rest, which 
 consent to be interpreted, as in the sixt ensuing 
 articles is expressed. 
 
 4. It is also by these confederates agreed, that 
 the charge of all just wars, whether offensive or 
 defensive, upon what part or member of this con- 
 federation soever they fall, shall both in men, pro- 
 visions, and all other disbursements, be borne by 
 all the parts of this confederation, in different pro- 
 portions, according to their different abilities, in 
 manner following, namely : that the commission- 
 ers for each jurisdiction, from time to time, as 
 there shall be occasion, bring a true account and 
 number of all the males in each plantation, or any 
 way belonging to, or under their severall jurisdic- 
 tions, of what quality, or condition soever they be, 
 from sixteen years old, to three score, being in- 
 habitants there ; and that according to the differ- 
 ent numbers, which from time to time be found in 
 
Articles of Confederation. 31 
 
 each jurisdiction, upon a true, and just account, 
 the service of men, and all charges of the war, be 
 born by the poll: each jurisdiction or plantation, 
 being left to their own just course and custome, of 
 rating themselves and people, according to their 
 different estates, with due respect to their quali- 
 ties and exemptions among themselves, though 
 the confederation take no notice of any such priv- 
 iledge. And that according to the different charge 
 of each jurisdiction, and plantation, the whole ad- 
 vantage of the war (if it please God to so bless 
 their endeavours) whether it be in lands, goods, 
 or persons, shall be proportionably divided among 
 the said confederates. 
 
 5. It is further agreed, that if any of these ju- 
 risdictions, or any plantation, under or in combi- 
 nation with them, be invaded by any enemy 
 whomsoever, upon notice, and request of any 
 three Magistrates of that jurisdiction so invaded : 
 the rest of the confederates, without further no- 
 tice or expostulation, shall forthwith send ayde to 
 the confederate in danger, but in different propor- 
 tion ; namely, the Massachusetts, one hundred men 
 sufficiently armed and provided for such a service 
 and journey ; and each of the rest, five and forty men, 
 so armed and provided, or any lesse number, if 
 lesse be required, according to this proportion. — 
 But if such a confederate may be supplied by 
 their next confederate, not exceeding the number 
 hereby agreed, they may crave help there, and 
 seek no further for the present. The charge to 
 be born, as in the articles is expressed ; and at 
 their return to be victualled and supplied with pow- 
 der and shot (if there be need) for their journey, 
 by that jurisdiction, which employed or sent for 
 them. But none of the jurisdictions to exceed 
 these numbers, till by a meeting of the commis- 
 
32 Articles of Confederation. 
 
 sioners for this confederation, a greater ayde ap- 
 pear necessary. And this proportion to continue, 
 till upon knowledge of the numbers in each juris- 
 diction, which shall be brought to the next meet- 
 ing, some other proportion be ordered. But in 
 any such case of sending men for present ayde, 
 whether before or after such order or alteration, it 
 is agreed, that at the meeting of the commission- 
 ers, for this confederation, the cause of such war 
 or invasion, be duly considered, and if it appear, 
 that the fault lay in the party so invaded, that then, 
 that jurisdiction or plantation, make just satisfac- 
 tion, both to the invaders, whom they have injur- 
 ed, and bear all the charges of the wa- themselves, 
 without requiring any allowance from the rest of 
 the confederates toward the same. 
 
 And further, if any jurisdiction see any danger 
 of an invasion approaching, and there be time for 
 a meeting, that in such case, three Magistrates of 
 that jurisdiction may summon a meeting, at such 
 convenient place, as themselves shall think meet, 
 to consider, and provide against the threatened 
 danger. Provided, when they are met, they may 
 remove to. what place they please, onely while any 
 of these four confederates, have but three Magis- 
 trates in their jurisdiction, a request or summons, 
 from any two of them, shall be accounted of equal 
 force, with the three mentioned in both the clau- 
 ses of this article, till there be an increase of Ma- 
 gistrates there. 
 
 0. It is also agreed, that for the managing and 
 concluding of all affaires proper to, and concern- 
 ing the whole confederation, two commissioners 
 shall be chosen by, and out of the foure jurisdictions, 
 namely : two for the Massachusetts, two for Plym- 
 outh, two for Connecticut, and two for New Ha- 
 ven, being all in church fellowship with us, which 
 
Articles of Confederation. 33 
 
 shall bring full power from their severall generall 
 Courts respectively, to hear, examine, weigh and 
 determine all affaires of war, or peace, leagues, 
 aydes, charges and numbers of men for war, di- 
 vision of spoyles, or whatsoever is gotten by con- 
 quest, receiving of more confederates, or planta- 
 tions into combination with any of these confede- 
 rates, and all things of like nature, which are the 
 proper concomitants, or consequenses of such a 
 confederation, for amity, offence, and defence, not 
 intermedling with the government of any of the 
 jurisdictions, which by the third article, is preser- 
 ved entirely to themselves. But if these eight 
 commissioners, when they meet, shall not all agree, 
 yet it is concluded that any six of the eight agree- 
 ing, shall have power to settle, and determine the 
 businesse in question. But if six doe agree, that 
 then such propositions, with their reasons, so far 
 as they have been debated, be sent, and refered to 
 the foure generall Courts, viz : the Massachusetts, 
 Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven. And if 
 at all the said generall Courts business so referred, 
 be concluded, then to be prosecuted by the con- 
 federates, and all their members. It is further 
 agreed, that these eight commissioners shall meet 
 once every year, besides extraordinary meetings, 
 according to the fifth article, to consider, treat, 
 and conclude of all affaires belonging to this con- 
 federation, which meeting shall ever be the first 
 Thursday in September. And that the next meet- 
 ing after the date of these presents, which shall 
 be accounted the second meeting, shall be at Bos- 
 ton in the Massachusetts, the third at Hartford, 
 the fourth at New Haven, the fifth at Plymouth, 
 the sixth and seventh at Boston ; and then Hart- 
 ford, New Haven, and Plymouth, and so in course 
 successively. If in the mean time, some middle 
 
34 Articles of Confederation. 
 
 place be not found out, and agreed on which may 
 be comodious for all the jurisdictions. 
 
 7. It is further agreed, that at each meeting of 
 the eight commissioners, whether ordinary or ex- 
 traordinary ; they all, or any six of them agreeing 
 as before, may choose their President out of them- 
 selves, whose office and work, shall be to take 
 care, and direct for order, and a comely carrying 
 on of all proceedings in the present meeting. But 
 he shall be invested with no such power or re- 
 spect, as by which he shall hinder the propounding 
 or progresse of any businesse, or any way cast 
 the scales, otherwise then in the precedent article 
 is agreed. 
 
 8. It is also agreed, that the commissioners for 
 this confederation, hereafter at their meetings, 
 whether ordinary or extraordinary, as they may 
 have commission or opportunity, doe endeavour to 
 frame and establish agreements and orders in gen- 
 erall cases of a civil nature, wherein all the plan- 
 tations are interested, for preserving peace amongst 
 themselves, and preventing (as much as may be) 
 all occasions of war, or differences with others, as 
 about the free and speedy passage of justice in 
 each jurisdiction, to all the confederates equally, as 
 to their own, receiving those that remove from 
 one plantation to another without due certificates, 
 how all the jurisdictions may carry it towards the 
 Indians that they neither grow insolent, nor be in- 
 jured without due satisfaction, lest war break in 
 upon the confederates, through such miscarriage. 
 It is also agreed, that if any servant run away from 
 his master, into any other of these confederated 
 jurisdictions, that in such case, upon the certificate 
 of one Magistrate in the jurisdiction, out of which 
 the said servant fled, or upon other due proof, the 
 said servant shall be delivered, either to his mas- 
 
Articles of Confederation. 35 
 
 ter, or any other that pursues, and brings such 
 certificate, or proof. And that upon the escape of 
 any prisoner whatsoever, or fugitive, for any crim- 
 inall cause, whether breaking prison, or getting 
 from the officer, or otherwise escaping, upon the 
 certificate of two Magistrates of the jurisdiction, 
 out of which the escape is made, that he was a 
 prisoner, or such an offender at the time of the 
 escape ; the magistrates, or some of them, of that 
 jurisdiction, where for the present the said prisoner 
 or fugitive abideth, shall forthwith grant such a 
 warrant, as the case will bear, for the apprehend- 
 ing of any such person, and the delivering of him 
 into the hand of the officer, or other person who 
 pursueth him. And if help be required for the 
 safe returning of any offender, it shall be granted 
 unto him that craves the same, he paying the char- 
 ges thereof. 
 
 9. And for that the justest wars may be of 
 dangerous consequence, especially to the smaller 
 plantations, in these united colonyes, it is agreed, 
 that neither the Massachusetts, Plymouth, Con- 
 necticut nor New Haven, nor any of the members 
 of any of them, shall at any time hereafter, begin, 
 undertake or engage themselves, or this confede- 
 ration or any part thereof, in any war whatsoever, 
 (sudden exigents with the necessary consequences 
 thereof excepted, which are also to be modera- 
 ted, as much as the case will permit) without the 
 consent and agreement of the forenamed com- 
 missioners, or at least six of them, as in the sixt 
 article is provided. And that no charge be re- 
 quired of any of the confederates in case of a 
 defensive war, till the said commissioners have 
 met, and approved the justice of the war ; and 
 have agreed upon the sum of money to be levied, 
 which sum is then to be paid by the severall con- 
 
36 Articles of Confederation. 
 
 federates, in proportion, according to the fourth 
 article. 
 
 10. That in extraordinary occasions, when 
 meetings are summoned by three Magistrates of 
 any jurisdiction, or two, as in the fifth article, if 
 any of the commissioners come not, due warning 
 being given, or sent, it is agreed, that four of the 
 commissioners shall have power to direct a war, 
 which cannot be delayed, and to send for due pro- 
 portions of men, out of each jurisdiction, as well 
 as six might doe, if all met, but not lesse than six 
 shall determine the justice of the war, or allow 
 the demands, or bills of charges, or cause any lev- 
 ies to be made for the same. 
 
 It is further agreed, that if any of the confede- 
 rates shall hereafter break any of these present 
 articles, or be any other way injurious to any one 
 of the other jurisdictions, such breach of agree- 
 ment, or injury shall be duly considered, and or- 
 dered by the commissioners for the other jurisdic- 
 tions, that both peace, and this present confedera- 
 tion, may be entirely preserved without violation. 
 
 Lastly, this perpetuall confederation, and the 
 severall articles and agreements thereof, being 
 read and seriously considered, both by the generall 
 Court for the Massachusetts, and by the commis- 
 sioners for Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Ha- 
 ven, were presently and fully allowed and con- 
 firmed by three of the forementioned confederates, 
 namely : the Massachusetts, Connecticut and New 
 Haven ; in testimony whereof, the generall Court 
 ot the Massachusetts, by their Secretary, and the 
 commissioners for Connecticut and New Haven, 
 subscribed them the 19th day of the third month, 
 commonly called May, Anno. Domoni, 1643. 
 
 Only the commissioners from Plymouth, having 
 brought no commission to conclude, desired re- 
 
Colonial Petition to Charles II. 37 
 
 spite to advise with their generall Court, which 
 was granted, and at the second meeting of the 
 commissioners for the confederation,. held at Bos- 
 ton, in September following, the commissioners 
 for the jurisdiction of Plymouth, delivered in an 
 order of their generall Court, dated the 29th of 
 August 1643, by which it appeared that these ar- 
 ticles of confederation were read, approved and 
 confirmed by the said Court, and all their town- 
 ships, and their commissioners authorized to rati- 
 fie them by their subscriptions, which they accor- 
 dingly did the 7th day of September, 1643. 
 
 The foregoing articles were signed in behalf of 
 the Commissioners and the General Court of Mas- 
 sachusetts, by Increase Howell, Secretary. 
 
 The Commissioners for Massachusetts, were 
 John Winthrop, Joseph Dudley, Simon Brad- 
 street, W. Hawthorne, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Tyng. 
 
 For Connecticut, John Haynes, Edward Hop- 
 kins. 
 
 For New Haven, Theophilus Eaton, Thomas 
 Gregson. 
 
 For Plymouth, Edward Winslow, William Col- 
 lier. 
 
 The humble Petition of the General Court at 
 Hartford upon Connecticott in New England, 
 to the High and mighty Prince Charles the sec- 
 ond, humbly sheweth, 
 
 That your Petitioners have not had for many 
 years past, since their possession and inhabiting 
 
 4 
 
38 Colonial Petition to Charles II. 
 
 these western and innland parts of this wilderness, 
 any opportunity, (by reason of the calamities of 
 the late sad times) to look for and obtain such 
 grant by letters pattents, from your excellent Ma- 
 jesty, the Sovreign Lord and King, as might as- 
 sure them of such liberties and priviledges and 
 sufficient power, as might encourage them to go 
 on through all difficulties, hazzards and expences, 
 in so great a work of plantation, in a place so re- 
 moate from the christian world, and a desert so 
 difficultly subdued, and no way improveable for 
 subsistence, but by great cost and hard labour with 
 much patience and cares ; and whereas besides, 
 the great charge that hath been expended by our 
 Fathers, and some of their associates yett survi- 
 ving, about the purchass, building, fortifying and 
 other matters of cultering and improveing to a 
 condition of safety and subsistence in the places 
 of our present abode amonge the Heathen, where- 
 by there is a considerable, and a reall addition to 
 the honnour and enlargements of his Majesties 
 dominion, by the sole disbursments of his Majes- 
 ties subjects here, of their own propper Estates : 
 They have laid out a very great summ for the pur- 
 chassing a Jurisdiction Right, of Mr. George Fen- 
 wick, which they were given to understand was 
 derived from true Royall authority, by Letters 
 Pattents to certain Lords and Gentlemen therein 
 nominated ; a copy whereof was produced before 
 the commissioners of the colonys, and approved 
 by them, as appears by their Records, a coppy 
 whereof is ready to be presented at your Majes- 
 ties command ; though either by fire, at an house, 
 where it had been sometimes kept, or some other 
 accident, is now lost, with which your poor sub- 
 jects were rather willing to have contented them- 
 selves within those afflicting times, then to look for 
 
Colonial Petition to Charles II 39 
 
 power or priviledges from any then their lawfull 
 Prince and Sovreign. 
 
 May it therefore please your most gracious and 
 Excellent Majestie to confer upon your humble 
 Petitioners (who unanimously do implore your 
 Highness favour and Grace therein) those liber- 
 ties, rights, authoritys and priviledges which were 
 granted by the forementioned Letters Pattents, to 
 certain Lords and Gent, so purchased as aforesaid, 
 or which were enjoyed from those Letters Pat- 
 tents, granted to the Massachusetts Plantation by 
 our Fathers, and some of us yett surviveing when 
 there, in our beginnings inhabiting : and upon 
 which those large incouragements, liberties and 
 priviledges, so great a transplantation from our 
 dear England, was undertaken (and supposed to 
 be yett our inheritance, till the running of that 
 western line, the bounded limits of those Letters 
 Pattents did since our removall thence determine 
 our lott to be fallen without the limits of that so 
 bounded authority.) May it please your Majestie 
 graciously to bestow uppon your humble suppli- 
 ants such Royall munificence according to the ten- 
 our of a draft or instrument, which is ready here 
 to be tendered at your Gracious order. 
 
 And whereas besides those many other great 
 disbursments as aforesaid, in prosecution of this 
 wilderness work, your poor Petitioners were forced 
 to maintain a warr against one nation of the Hea- 
 thens that did much interrupt the beginnings of 
 your servants, by many bloody and hostile acts, 
 whereby divers of our dear countrymen were 
 treacherously destroyed, and have also been ever 
 since, and are still at much charge in keeping such 
 a correspondence of peace and amity, with the di- 
 vers sorts of the heathen nations that are round 
 about your plantations, thus far extended into the 
 
40 Colonial Petition to Charles II. 
 
 bowells of the country, besides the maintenance 
 of all publick charges for church and civill affairs, 
 which are very great, in respect of our great pov- 
 erty : May it please your most Excellent Majes- 
 tie, out of your princely bounty to grant our im- 
 munity from customes as may encourage the mer- 
 chants, to supply our necessities, in such comodi- 
 ties as may be wanting here, for which we have 
 neither silver nor gold to pay, but the supply in 
 that kind may inable in due time to search the 
 bowells of the earth for some good minerals, 
 whereof there seem to be fair probabilities, or 
 produce some such other staple comodities, as 
 may in future time opperate to be good effects of 
 y'r Majesties goodness and bounty. If your poor 
 colony may find this Gracious acceptance with 
 your Majestie, as to grant their humble desires, 
 whereby they may be incouraged to goe on care- 
 fully and strenuously in their plantation business, 
 in hope of a comfortable settlement for them- 
 selves, and their posterity, that under your Royall 
 Protection, they may prosper in this desert, they 
 shall, as is their acknowledged duty, ever pray for 
 your great tranquility and perpetuall happiness, 
 and humbly craveing leave they subscribe them- 
 selves, your Majesties Loyall Subjects and Ser- 
 vants. 
 
 The Generall Court of the Colony of Connec- 
 ticott in New England, pr their Order, 
 
 DANIEL CLARK, Secry. 
 
 Dated June 7th, 1G61. 
 
 Note. — At a Session of the General Court in May, it was 
 resolved to petition the King for a Charter under the Royal 
 Signature. They avowed their allegiance to his Majesty 
 Charles the Second, and declared themselves his faithful sub- 
 jects ; and that it was necessary to petition his grace for the 
 continuance of their rights and privileges. The Court re- 
 
Letter to Lord Say and Seal. 41 
 
 solved that five hundred pounds (due the Colony from a Mr. 
 Cullick)* should be appropriated to the prosecution of their 
 address and application for a Charter. Governor Winthrop 
 was appointed Agent to present the petition to his Majesty, 
 and transact all affairs in England relative to it. At the 
 same time a letter was addressed to Lord Say and Seal, rep- 
 resenting the encouragements which they had received from 
 him, with assurances of his patronage and favor. He re- 
 ceived the address from the Colony most favorably, and gave 
 Gov. Winthrop all the assistance in his power. Gov. Win- 
 throp was a man of address, and he arrived in England at a 
 happy time for Connecticut. He had an extraordinary Ring, 
 which had been given his Grand Father by King Charles the 
 first, which he presented to the King. Under these circum- 
 stances the petition of Connecticut was presented, and was 
 received with uncommon grace and favor. Upon the 23d 
 of April 1662, his Majesty granted the Colony his letters 
 pattent, conveying the most ample privileges, under the great 
 seal of England. Trum. Hist. Con. 
 
 Copy of a Letter sent from the Governor and 
 General Court of the Colony of Connecticut, to 
 the Lord Say and Seal. 
 
 Right Honourable — 
 
 The former encouragements that our Fathers 
 and some of their yett surviving associates recei- 
 ved from your Honour, to transplant themselves 
 and families into these inland parts of this vast 
 wilderness, where (as we have been given to un- 
 derstand) your Honnor was, and as we conceive 
 
 * It appears from the Records of the Colony, that the va- 
 rious appropriations made, and taxes imposed, to defray the 
 charges of Gov. Winthrop's agency, and other necessary 
 expences attending it, that the Charter cost the Colony near- 
 ly $6000. 
 
 4 # 
 
42 Letter to Lord Say and Seal. 
 
 and hope are still interested by value of Pattent 
 power, and authority, doth not only perswade us, 
 but assure us of your patronage and favour, in 
 that which may come within your power, wherein 
 our comfort and settlement, and the well being of 
 our posterity, and the whole Colony, both in civill 
 and Ecclesiastick pollicie is so deeply concerned. 
 Honourable Sir, nott long after that some persons 
 of noate, we forbear to recite, had settled upon 
 this River of Connecticott, and some Plantations 
 up the River were possessed, and in some measure 
 improved ; Mr. George Fenwick took possession 
 of Say brook Fort, there resideing for certain or 
 severall years ; at length he was moved for ends 
 best known to himself to returne to England, and 
 thereupon propounded by himself, or agent, the 
 sale of the Fort, with the Housing there, and sev- 
 erall appertenances, together with all the Lands 
 on the River, and so to the Narragansett Bay, with 
 jurisdiction power to this Colony, which was ex- 
 ceedingly opposed by severall amongst us, whom 
 some of us have heard to affirm that such a thing 
 would be very distastfull to your Honour, with the 
 rest of the noble Pattentees, who had very boun- 
 tifull intentions to this Colony nevertheless, tho 
 there was a stopp for the present, yett in some 
 short time, (God removeing some from us by 
 death, that were interested in the hearts and af- 
 fections of severall of those Nobles and Gent, the 
 Pattentees in England) the business of purchass 
 was revived by Mr. Fenwick, and expressions to 
 this purpose given out by him or his agents, or 
 both, that he had power to dispose of the premi- 
 ses, the rest of the Pattentees deserting, it fell into 
 his hands by agreement ; and in case the Towns 
 on the River, refused to comply with such terms 
 as he proposed for the purchassing of the said 
 
Letter to Lord Say and Seal. 43 
 
 Fort &c, itt was frequently reported that he pro- 
 posed either to impose customes on the River, or 
 make sale thereof to the Dutch, our noxious neigh- 
 bours, at last for our peace and settlement and 
 security (as we hoped) we made by our Commit- 
 tee, an agreement with the said Mr. Fenwick, a 
 coppie whereof is ready to be presented unto your 
 Honnour, which cost this River, one thousand six 
 hundred pounds or thereabouts, wherein your 
 Honnour may see the great abuse that we receiv- 
 ed at Mr. Fenwicks hand, receiving a vast sum 
 from a poor people, and we scarcely att all advan- 
 taged thereby ; may we judge our condition worse 
 then if we had contented ourselves with the pat- 
 ronage of the grand Pattentees, for we have not 
 so much as a coppy of a Pattent to secure our 
 standing as a comonwealth, nor to ensure us for 
 the continuance of our rights and priviledges and 
 immunities, which we thought the jurisdiction pow- 
 er and authority which Mr. Fenwick had engaged 
 to us, and we paid for at a dear rate, nor any thing 
 under his hand to engage him and his heirs, to the 
 performance of that which was aimed at and in- 
 tended in our purchase, the lands up the River for 
 a long tract, the Massachusetts Colony doth chal- 
 lenge, and have run the line, which as they say, 
 falls into one of our Towns ; on the other side to- 
 wards Narragansett, we know not how to claime, 
 being destitute of Pattent and a coppie to decide 
 the bounds. Be pleased noble Sr to considder our 
 condition, who have taken upon us this boldness 
 to address his Majestie, our Sovreigne Lord, and 
 to petition his Grace and favour towards us, in 
 granting us the continuance of his protection, and 
 the continuance of those priviledges and immuni- 
 ties, that we have hitherto enjoyed in this remote 
 western part of the world ; and likewise for a 
 
44 Letter to Lord Say and Seal. 
 
 Pattent, whereby we may be encouraged and 
 strengthened in our proceedings. ] tight Honnour- 
 able, our humble request to yourself is, that you 
 would be pleased to countenance our enterprize, 
 and so farr favour us, as to councell and advise our 
 agent who is to Represent this poor Colony, and 
 to act in our behalfe, John Winthrop Esqr., our 
 Honnoured Governour, whom we have commis- 
 sioned and also directed to await your Honnours 
 pleasure, for advise and counsell, both respecting 
 our Petition for the King's Majestie, as also re- 
 specting the case forementioned, that if there be 
 any relief for us, we may not lose such a conside- 
 rable sum of money, and be exposed to further 
 expence for the obtaining a Pattent. If we may 
 find this favour with your Honnour to afford your 
 advice and counsell and hopefulness to bring to pass 
 our desiers, we shall still acknowledge your en- 
 larged bounty and favourable respect to us and 
 ours, and ever pray an inundation of mercies may 
 flow in upon your Lordship from the author and 
 fountain of blessing, with all due respect, we sub- 
 scribe Sr your Lordships Humble Servants. 
 
 The Generall Assembly of the Colony of Con- 
 necticut, pr, their Order, 
 
 DANIEL CLARK, Secry. 
 
 Dated June 7th, 1661. 
 
Order relative to Indian Lands. 45 
 
 The Order and conclusion of his Majesty's Com- 
 missioners relative to Indian Lands in the Nar- 
 vaganset Country. 
 
 Haveing received from some of the principall 
 Sachems of the Narrogansett Indians, a submis- 
 sion, and a surrender of themselves, their subjects 
 and their lands, to the protection, Government and 
 dispose of our dread Sovreign the King of Great 
 Brittain, France and Ireland, as well by their per- 
 sonal acknowledgements and laying down their 
 arms, as at his Majesties feet, and sending his 
 Majesty some presents, as also by giveing us a 
 Deed, dated April 19th, 1644, wherein they and 
 all the other chief Sachems of that country, did 
 then submitt, subject and give over themselves to 
 his late Majesty of blessed memory, and by pre- 
 senting to us severall Petitions and declarations, 
 containing many injuries, which (they say) they 
 have received from severall of his Majesties Eng- 
 lish subjects, against whom they desire justice from 
 us. Wee his Majesties Commissioners have re- 
 ceived them into hia Majesties protection, and do 
 in his Majesties name, order, appoint and com- 
 mand, that the said country from hence forward 
 be called the Kings Province, and that no person 
 of what Colony soever presume to exercise any 
 jurisdiction within this the Kings Province, but 
 such as receive authority from us under our hands 
 and seals, untill his Majesties pleasure be further 
 known : and we also declare that this the Kings 
 Province doth extend to Pawkatuck River west- 
 ward, and a north line drawn to the Massachu- 
 setts from the midst of the mouth thereof. 
 
 And whereas Major Atherton, and others of his 
 Majesties Colony of the Massachusetts, pretend a 
 
46 Order relative to Indian Lands. 
 
 mortgage of a great part of the said country, we 
 order and appoint, that whenever either of the 
 Sachems, known by the name Pessicus or Nene- 
 craft, or any authorized by them, do pay unto any 
 one of the persons laying claime to the same 
 mortgage, the sum of seven hundred thirty-five 
 Fathoms of Peage, the said mortgage shall be void, 
 and whatever is thereupon pretended to by them. 
 And whereas there is also two purchases pre- 
 tended to, of two great tracts of land, by the same 
 Major Atherton, Capt. Hudson and others of his 
 Majesties Colony of Massachusetts, bought of 
 Cachanaquaud, in the Narrogansett country, in 
 the year 1659, in which Deed there is no mention 
 of any consideration, and that it appears the said 
 pretending purchasers know that the said country 
 was submitted to his Majestie, as well by witness- 
 es as by the said submission, being eighteen years 
 ago printed. Wee his Majesties commissioners 
 haveing heared the whole business, do declare the 
 said purchases to be void, and order and com- 
 mand that the purchasers shall quilt, and go off the 
 said pretended purchased land, and shall not keep 
 any cattle of any sort upon the said land by pre- 
 tence of the said purchase, after the feast of St. 
 Michael next ; if within that time, either of the 
 Sachems above named, or any authorized by them, 
 do pay unto any one of the said purchasers the 
 summ of three hundred Fathom of Peage, which 
 is the only sum acknowledged to be received by 
 the said Cachanaquaud — Given under our hands 
 and seals at Petaquamskuck the 20th March, 1C564. 
 
 ROBERT CARR, T~? 
 
 GEORGE CARTWRIGHT, f~f 
 SAMUEL MAVERICK. 
 
A Letter to the Colony of Connecticut. 47 
 
 Our meaning in settling the western bounds to 
 the Kings Province, is not to take any land on the 
 west side of the River mouth called Paucatuck, 
 therefore we declare that the northern line to be 
 drawn to the Massachusetts line shall begin in the 
 midst of the said River, a little above Thomas 
 Shaw's House, as soon as one may ride over the 
 River on horseback at low water. 
 
 Given under our hands at Southerton, March 
 30th, 1665. 
 
 ROBERT CARR, 
 GEORGE CARTWRIGHT, 
 SAMUEL MAVERICK. 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, to the Gov- 
 ernor and Council of the Colony of Connecti- 
 cut 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved wee greet you well, 
 having according to the resolution wee declared 
 to Mr. John Winthrop, at the time when wee re- 
 newed your Charter, now sent these persons of 
 knowne abilityes and affection to us, that is to say 
 ColFn Richard Nicolls, Sir Robert Carr Knt. 
 George Cart.wright Esqr., and Samuel Maveiicke 
 Esqr., our commissioners to visitt those our seve- 
 rall Colonies and Plantations in New England, to 
 the end that wee may be the better informed of 
 the state and wellfare of our good subjects, whose 
 prosperity is very deare to us, wee can make no 
 question, but that they shall finde that reception 
 from you, which may testify your respect to us, 
 
48 A Letter to the Colony of Connecticut, 
 
 from whome they are sent for your good, wee 
 need not tell you how carefull wee are of your 
 liberties and priviledges, whether Ecclesiasticall or 
 civill, which wee will not suffer to be violated in 
 the least degree : And that they may not bee, is 
 the principal! businesse of our sayd commission- 
 ers, as likewise to take care that the bounds and 
 jurisdiction of our severall Colonies there may be 
 clearly agreed upon, that every one may enjoye 
 what of right belongs unto them without strife or 
 contention ; and especially that the natives of that 
 countrey, who are willing to live peaceably and 
 neighbourly with our English subjects, may re- 
 ceive such justice and civill treatment from them, 
 as may make them the more in love with their 
 Religion and manners ; soe not doubting of your 
 full compliance and submission to our desire, wee 
 bid you farewell. Given at our Court, at White 
 Hall, the 23d day of April, 1684, in the 16th year 
 of our Reigne. 
 
 By his Majesties Command, 
 
 HENRY BENNITE. 
 
 To ye Governour and Council! of Conecticutt 
 in New England. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, our Governour 
 and Councill of our Colony of Conecticutt, in New 
 England. 
 
Commissions, tyc. 49 
 
 The Commission of Col. Richard Nicolls, Sir 
 Robert Carr, George Cartright and Samuel 
 Maverick, Esqrs.from King Charles 2d. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Charles the second, by the Grace of God, King 
 of England, Scotland and France and Ireland, de- 
 fender of the faythe &c. to all to whome these 
 presents shall come Greeting — Whereas we have 
 rec'd severall addresses from our subjects of sev- 
 erall coloneys of New England, all full of duty 
 and affection, and expressions of loyalty and alle- 
 giance to us, with their humble desire that we 
 would renew their several charters, and receive 
 them into our favourable oppinion and protection ; 
 and severall of our coloneys there. And other 
 our loveing subjects have likewise complayned, 
 differences and disputes arisen upon the limits and 
 bounds of theire severall charters and jurisdic- 
 tions, whereby unneighbourly and unbrotherly con- 
 tentions have and may arise, to the damage and 
 discreditt of the English interests ; and thatt all 
 our good subjects, residing there, and being plant- 
 ers, is within the severall coloney's do not enjoy 
 the liberty and priviledges granted to them by our 
 severall charters ; upon confidence and assurance 
 of which, they transported themselves and their 
 estates into those partes, and we having received 
 some addresses from the great men and natives of 
 those countreys, in which they complayne of 
 breach of fayth and acts of violence and injustice, 
 which they have been forced to undergoe from our 
 subjects, whereby not onely our government is 
 traduced, but the reputation and credit of christian 
 religion brought into prejudice and reproach with 
 the Gentiles and inhabitance of those countreys, 
 
 5 
 
50 Commissions) fyc. 
 
 who know not God, the reduction of whom, to the 
 true knowledge and feare of God, is the most wor- 
 thy and glorious end of all those Plantations, upon 
 all which motives, and as an evidence and manifes- 
 tation of our fatherly affection towards all our 
 subjects in those severall coloneys of New Eng- 
 land, (that is to say) of the Massachusetts, Con- 
 necticut^ New Plimouth, Road Island and the 
 Providence Plantations, and all other Plantations 
 within that tract of land, known under the appela- 
 tion of New England, and to the end we may be 
 truely informed of the state and condition of our 
 good subjects there, that soe w r e may the better 
 know how to contribute to the farther improve- 
 ment of their happynesse and prosperity ; know 
 yee therefore, that we reposeing speciall trust and 
 confidence in the fidelitie, wisedome and circum- 
 spection of or trusty and well beloved Colonell 
 Richard Nicolis, Sir Robert Carr, Knight, George 
 Cartright Esquire and Samuell Mavericke, of cr 
 special grace certayn knowledge and mere mo- 
 tion, have made, ordayned, constituted and ap- 
 poynted and by these presents doe make, ordayne, 
 constitute and appoynt the sayd Colonell Richard 
 NiGolls, Sir Robert Carr, Knight, George Cart- 
 wright and Samuel Maverick, our commissioners, 
 and doe hereby give and grant unto them, or any 
 three or two of them, or of the survivors of them 
 (of whom we will the sayd Colonell Richard 
 Nicolis dureing his life shall be allwayes one) and 
 upon equall division of opinions to have the cast- 
 ing and decisive voyce, in our name to vissitt all 
 and every the severall colonyes aforesayd and ail- 
 so all power and authority to heare and receive 
 and to examine and determine all complaynts, ap- 
 peals in all causes and matters, as well miletary as 
 criminall and civill, and proceed in all things for 
 
Lord Chancellors Letter to the Governor, 51 
 
 the providing for and setleing the appeals and 
 equity of the said countrey, according to their 
 good and sound discressions, and to such instruc- 
 tions as they or the survivours of them have, or 
 shall from time to time receive from us, in that be- 
 halfe, and from time to time as they shall finde ex- 
 pedient, to certify us or our privy councill of theire 
 actings or proceedings, touching the premises and 
 for the doeing thereof any other matter or thing 
 relating thereunto, these presents or the enrolement 
 thereof, shall be unto them, and every of them a 
 sufficient warrant and discharge in that behalfe. — 
 In witnesse whereof we have caused these our 
 letters to be made pattents. 
 
 Given at our Court, at White Hall the 26th day 
 of Aprill 1664, and in the sixteenth year of our 
 Raigne. 
 
 BARKER. 
 
 The Lord Chancellors Letter to the Governour. 
 
 Good Mr. Governour, 
 
 You remember that I told you at parting, that 
 his Majesty would shortly send Commissioners, 
 which his great effection to his subjects there, hath 
 induced him to doe, that he may receive a full ac- 
 count and information of the true state and condi- 
 tion of his severall colonies, and thereby know 
 what further to contribute of his grace and good- 
 nesse, for the encrease of your prosperity. I 
 know you will give that reception and wellcom to 
 the Commissioners, as is due to the quality they 
 
52 Duke Hamilton's Petition to the King, fyc. 
 
 come to you in, and take such order for their de- 
 cent accomodation and treatment, whilst they stay 
 in your colony, as may give a good example to 
 the rest, which they are likewise to vissitt, in or- 
 der, and may manifest your duty and affection to 
 his Majesty, from whome they are sent. I have 
 passed my word to them, that they shall finde all 
 the assistance you can give them, by your civili- 
 ties, information and advice. I wish all happi- 
 nesse to your colony, and am good Mr. Winthrop 
 your affectionate servant, 
 
 CLARENDON, C. 
 
 Worcester House, 28th April, 1664. 
 
 For my good friend, the Governour of his Ma- 
 jesties Colony of Connecticutt, in New England. 
 
 Copy of William, Duke Hamilton's Petition to 
 the King, and his Majesties reference of the 
 same to Col. Nichols fyc. Jiis Majesties Com- 
 missioners. 
 
 To the Kings most Excellent Majestie — 
 
 The Humble Petition of William Duke Hamil- 
 ton, and Anne Dutchess of Hamilton, sheweth, 
 
 That whereas in the eleventh year of the Reigne 
 of your Royall Father of ever blessed memory, 
 the councill established at Plymouth in the county 
 of Devon, for planting, ordering and governing of 
 New England in America (according to the power 
 given them in the eighteenth year of the Reigne 
 of the late King James, by his Letters Pattents, 
 bearing date the 3d day of November) did for a 
 
Duke Hamilton's Petition to the King, fyc. 53 
 
 competent summ of money and other valluable 
 considerations, bargain and sell unto the Petition- 
 ers Father, by the name of James Marquess Ham- 
 ilton, his heirs and assignees, all that part and por- 
 tion of the main lands in New England, lying and 
 beginning at the middle part of the mouth of the 
 River Coverticu* to proceed along the sea coast, to 
 be accounted about 60 miles, and so up to the west- 
 ward arm of the River into the land northwest- 
 ward till 60 miles be finished, and so to cross 
 southwestward till 60 miles, all which part and 
 portion of lands were to be called by the name of 
 the county of New Cambridge, with severall oth- 
 er lands and priviledges, as by the said Deed of 
 Feoffment doth more fully appear, a copy whereof 
 is hereunto annexed — since which time and by 
 reason of the late unhappy warr severall persons 
 have possessed themselves of the best and most 
 considerable parts of the said lands, without any 
 acknowledgement of your Petitioners Right. 
 
 Your Petitioners therefore most humbly pray, 
 that your Majestie will be graciously pleased to 
 recomend the premises to your Majesties Com- 
 missioners for New England, and that care may 
 be taken that your Petitioners may be restored to 
 their just right, and that nothing be don to their 
 prejudice. 
 
 At the Court at White Hall the 6th May 1664, 
 
 His Majesty is graciously pleased to referr this 
 
 Petition to the Commissioners now imployed by 
 
 his Majesty to settle the affaires of New England, 
 
 who are to examine the obligations thereof, and 
 
 i upon due consideration had, to preserve and re- 
 
 I store to the Petitioners their just right and inter- 
 
 i est, or otherwise to report their opinions to his 
 
 * Connecticut. 
 
 5* 
 
54 Report concerning Bounds, fyc. 
 
 Majestie, who will then declare his farther pleas- 
 ure for the Honnourable Petitioners justification. 
 
 HENRY BENNIT. 
 
 The Report or determination of his Majesties 
 Commissioners concerning the Bounds of his 
 Royal Highness the Duke of York's Patent and 
 the Patent of the Colony of Connecticut. 
 
 By vertue of his Majesties commissien we have 
 heard the differences about the bounds of the pa- 
 tents, granted to his Royall Highnesse the Duke 
 of Yorke and his Majesties Colony of Conecti- 
 cutt ; and haveing deliberately considered all the 
 reasons alleadged by Mr. Allyn Senr, Mr. Gold, 
 Mr. Richards and Captaine Winthrop, appoynted 
 by the Assembly, held at Hartford the 13th day 
 of October 1664, to accompany John Winthrop 
 Esqr., (the Governour of his Majesties Colony of 
 Conecticut.) to New Yorke, and by Mr. Howell 
 and Captaine Young of Long Island, why the 
 sayd Long Island be under the Goverment of 
 Connecticutt, which are to long here to be recited, 
 wee doe declare and order, that the southern 
 bqunds of his Majesties Colony of Conecticutt, is 
 the sea, and that Long Island is to under the Gov- 
 erment of his Royall Highness the Duke of Yorke, 
 as is exprest by playn words, in the sayd patents 
 respectively. 
 
 And also by vertue of his Majesties commission, 
 and by the consent of both the Governours, and 
 the gentlemen above named, wee allso order and 
 declare, that the Creeke or River, called Momo- 
 
Report concerning Bounds, fyc. 55 
 
 ronock, which is reputed to be about twelve miles 
 to the east of Chester, and a lyne drawne from 
 the east poynt or side, where the fresh water falls 
 into the salt, at high water marke, north, north- 
 west, to the line of the Massachusets, be the wes- 
 tern bounds of the sayd Colony of Conecticutt, 
 and all plantations lyeing westwards of that 
 creeke and lyne so drawne to be under his Royall 
 highnese Goverment, and all plantations lyeing 
 eastward of that creeke and lyne, to be under the 
 Goverment of Conecticutt. Given under our 
 hands at Forte James in New Yorke on Manhat- 
 ans Island this 30th day of November, 1664. 
 RICHARD NICOLLS, 
 GEORGE CARTWRIGHT, 
 SAMUELL MAVERICK. 
 December 28th, 1664. 
 
 Wee under written, on the behalfe of the Colo- 
 ny of Conecticutt, have assented unto this deter- 
 mination of his Majesties Commissioners in rela- 
 tion to the bounds and limits of his Royall High- 
 ness the Dukes pattent, and the pattent of Conec- 
 ticutt— Nov. 30th, 1664. 
 
 John Winthrop, 
 Mathew Allyn, 
 Nathan Gold, 
 James Richards, 
 J. Winthrop. 
 
56 Charles II Letter to the Colony. 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, to the 
 Governor and Council of the Colony of Con- 
 necticut, with the intelligence of the Declaration 
 of War against France. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well ; 
 in former letters* wee have directed you to put 
 yourselves in the best way of defence you could, 
 against the assaults of the French and Dutch, in 
 those parts, and for the secureing the comeiug of 
 all shippes hither ; towards which you may assure 
 yourselves that wee cooperate from hence, with 
 our accustomed care for the good of our subjects, 
 and because the time offers itself more favourably 
 now then ever, of delivering yourselves from those 
 unquiet neighbours ; wee have thought fitt to writt 
 this unto you, to authoriz you to apply yourselves 
 with all your force and skill, to the reduceing to 
 our obedience all islands and plantations, in those 
 parts belonging to the French or Dutch nation ; 
 and especially that of Cannada, the effecting of 
 which we must leave to your prudence and good 
 conduct, since it is impossible at this distance to 
 instruct you therein. And that our trusty and 
 well beloved Sir Thomas Temple, our Governour 
 of Nova Scotia, may the better correspond with 
 you, and be assisting therein, wee have by our let- 
 ters required him thereunto, herewith sending you 
 our declaration of the warre against France : 
 which you are to publish in the manner you shall 
 thinke fitt, takeing the substance thereof and vary- 
 ing the forme of it, according to what hath been 
 
 * Never received, as stated in a note in the margin of the 
 above letter. 
 
 
Commissioners Letter to the Colony. 57 
 
 used in such cases. And soe we bid you fare- 
 well. 
 
 Given at our Court att White Hall, the 22d day 
 of February, in the 18th year of our Reigne, 
 1665— 6. 
 
 By his Majesties Command, 
 
 Arlington. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour 
 and Council!, of our Colony of Connecticut, in 
 New England. 
 
 A letter from his Majesties Commissioners to the 
 Governor and General Assembly of the Colony 
 of Connecticut, relative to the claim of the Mar- 
 quis of Hamilton, fyc. 
 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 We are very sorry we could not reach Hartford, 
 where we intended to have freely discoursed of 
 these things, which we now make our request, 
 and they are, 
 
 That we may have something in writing, to re- 
 turn to the King concerning the grant of sixty 
 miles square, on the eastern side of Connecticut 
 river, &c. to James Marquess Hamilton, from 
 the councill of Plymouth, in Devon, in the year 
 1635. 
 
 That there may be a place appointed betwixt 
 the two rivers of Pawkatuck and Mohegan, for 
 those Pequot Indians who now live on the eastern 
 side of Pawkatuck river, where they shall con- 
 tinue till March the 1st 1665, and that then, if not 
 
58 Answer to the preceding Letter. 
 
 before, they may be removed to that appointed 
 place, and leave the Kings province free. 
 
 That they may continue a distinct body of 
 themselves not putt under other Sachems, nor their 
 o vn, but under an Indian Governor, appointed by 
 the Court, at least till the King's pleasure be 
 known, they haveing requested this of us, upon 
 good reasons, we mean the whole body of the 
 Pequot Indians, both Robbins company as well 
 as the other. 
 
 And that you would lett us know in what par- 
 ticulars you would have us to be solicitous to his 
 Majestie for the advantage of your colony, and it 
 shall cordially be endeavored by, your assured 
 friends. 
 
 ROBERT CARR, 
 GEORGE CARTWRIGHT, 
 SAMUEL MAVERICK. 
 
 New London, March 25th, 1665. 
 
 For our honnoured friend, the Governor and 
 General Assembly of his Majesties colony of 
 Connecticutt. 
 
 Copy of the answer of the Governor and General 
 Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut, to the 
 Letter of his Majesties Commissioners. 
 
 To the honnourable Sr Robert Carr, Knight, 
 George Cartwright, Esqr. and Samuel Maverick, 
 Esqr. his Majesties Commissioners. 
 
 In answer to Duke Hamilton's Petition, respect- 
 
Answer to the preceding Letter. 59 
 
 ing a grant of land of sixty miles square, on the 
 east side of the river Coverticu. 
 
 1. We are wholly ignorant of any river within 
 the extent of our charter, that is known under 
 such an appellation, and therefore cannot concieve 
 that any part or tract of land under this Govern- 
 ment is concerned in this demand. 
 
 2. Yet upon supposition that it may be con- 
 ceved to intend Connecticutt river, wee humbly 
 conceive that the originall pattent grant from 
 Royall authority, to the Lord Say, and other No- 
 bles and Gentlemen which we purchased at a 
 dear rate, is lately ratified and confirmed by our 
 gracious Sovreign, under the broad Seal of England, 
 (the most absolute and unquestionable security of 
 the English subjects) in which grants the lands 
 forementioned are comprized. The grant to Con- 
 necticutt was precedent to that of Duke Hamil- 
 ton severall years, which gives us to conclude, 
 that propriety of title, will be settled upon priority 
 of Grant. 
 
 3. A Considerable tract of this land which the 
 Duke's Petition refers to, (if as before supposed, 
 it be determined Connecticutt,) was possessed by 
 a people most malignantly spirited against his 
 Majesties English subjects, and at our first settle- 
 ing here, when we were weak and few, they 
 grew very insolent against us, making invasion 
 upon us, murthering many of our people, thereby 
 necessitating us to a hazardous undertakeing, to 
 cast ourselves into the arms of God's Providence, 
 in endeavoring to suppress those bloody heathen, 
 and through benediction we found a good success, 
 and tho that wilderness land would not afford any 
 considerable recompence for the loss of lives and 
 
60 Answer to the preceding Letter. 
 
 great expences, yet our peace, attained by that 
 conquest, did greatly rejoyce us. 
 
 4. We have had peaceable possession this 30 
 years, free from the least claime of any other that 
 ever we heard of, to this day, which perswades 
 us, that if the Dukes Highness had ever reason by 
 vertue of his grant, to make claime, yet that right 
 pretended, is extinct in law many years since. 
 His Majesty our Gracious Sovreign was pleased, 
 of his abundant favour and grace, to his subjects 
 of this colony, so farr to declare his free reception 
 of the reasons forementioned, of our purchase 
 made, and conquest recovered, and likewise by our 
 improvement and labour bestowed upon these 
 lands, as to insert them as motives to that late 
 renewal of our charter. 
 
 We humbly crave that as it hath been his 
 Majesties Royall pleasure to manifest his tender af- 
 fection to, and care of his subjects wellfare in 
 these his colonies of New England, in sending 
 over his honnourable Commissioners to compose 
 and issue those things that might be of ill conse- 
 quence between the severall colonies, so likewise 
 that it be well pleasing to his majesty, that this 
 his colony of Connecticutt might be free from 
 further trouble or inconvenience by this claime 
 that wee understand hath been presented by the 
 Marquis Hamilton. 
 
 And whereas your honnors are pleased so farr 
 to exercise your thoughts about the promotion of 
 the welfare of his Majesties subjects in this his 
 colony, as to vouchsafe us so favorable a tender 
 to be solicitous in our behalf to his Majesty our 
 gracious Sovreigne, in any particulars wherein we 
 may be advantaged, we crave your honnors as- 
 sistance as followeth. 
 
Ansioer to the preceding Letter. 61 
 
 1. That his Majestie would be graciously- 
 pleased to silence the claim of Duke Hamilton, if 
 any be by him pretended or presented, to any 
 tract of land lying or being within the precincts of 
 our charter, (renewed and established to us by 
 our Royall Sovreigne,) and possessed and im- 
 proved by severall poor people, whose progress 
 in ther labours and endeavors for their subsistence 
 (at the best very meane) will be impeded and 
 obstructed through fear of the event of such 
 claimes. 
 
 2. Whereas this colony is at a very low ebb in 
 respect to traffick, and although out of a respect to 
 our relation to the English nation, and that we 
 might be accounted a people under the Sovreignty 
 and protection of his Majestie the King of England, 
 we presumed to put the name or appellation of 
 New London, upon one of our towns, which na- 
 ture hath furnished with a safe and commodious 
 harbour, though but a poor people, and discapa- 
 citated in several respects to promote traffique ; 
 we humbly crave of our gracious Sovreigne, that 
 he would be pleased out of his Princely bounty, to 
 grant it to be a place of free trade for 7, 10, or 
 12 years, as his Royall heart shall encline to 
 conferr, as a boon upon his poor yett loyall sub- 
 jects. 
 
 3. We request of your honnors, — 1. that you 
 will please to represent unto his Majesty, our alle- 
 giance, with our ready acknowledgement of his 
 princely grace, in the late renewall of our charter, 
 — 2. his more abundant grace in re-ratifying our 
 priviledges, both civill and ecclesiastick, in his late 
 gracious letter, sent to us by your honnors, — 3. 
 our ready compliance with his Majesties Royall 
 will and pleasure therein expressed, — 4. our chris- 
 tian moderation to men of different perswasions, — 
 
 6 
 
62 Propositions by Commissioners. 
 
 5. we humbly implore the continuation of the 
 shines of his Royall favour upon our mean begin- 
 nings, that so we may flourish under the benigne 
 aspect of our Lord the King. 
 
 Propositions made to the Governor and General 
 Court of Connecticut, by his Majesties Com- 
 missioners. 
 
 We were commanded principally to recom- 
 mend these things to you from his Majesty. 
 
 1. That all Householders inhabiting this col- 
 ony to take the oath of allegiance, and that the 
 administration of Justice be in his Majesty's 
 name. 
 
 2. That all men of competent estates, and of 
 civell conversation, (though of different judgment,) 
 may be admitted to be freemen, and have liberty 
 to chuse, or be chosen officers, both Military and 
 civill. 
 
 3. That all persons of civill lives, may freely 
 enjoy the liberty of theire consciences, and the 
 worship of God in that way which they thinke 
 best; provided that this liberty tend not to the dis- 
 turbance of the public, nor to the hindrance of the 
 maintenance of ministers regularly chosen, in each 
 respective parish, or township. 
 
 4. That all lawes and expressions in lawes, 
 derogatory to his Majesty, if any such have been 
 
Answer to Propositions. 63 
 
 made, in these late troublesome times may be re- 
 pealed, altered and taken off the fvle. 
 ROBERT CARR, 
 GEORGE CARTWRIGHT, 
 SAMUEL MAVERICK. 
 April 20th, 1665. 
 
 Answers to the foregoing propositions, by the Gov* 
 ernor and General Assembly of the Colony of 
 Connecticut, 
 
 In answer to the foure propositions, directed by 
 yor honors to this Generall Assembly, as his 
 Ma'ties Royall will and pleasure we have here in 
 the following lines sent a transcript of the Assem- 
 blies answer. 
 
 To the first proposal, that all householders in- 
 habiting this colony take the oath of allegiance, 
 and that the administration of justice be in his 
 Ma'ties name, we returne, 
 
 That according to his Ma'ties pleasure exprest 
 in o'r charter, o'r hono'ble Governor formerly 
 hath nominated and appointed meet persons to 
 administer the oath of allegiance, who have ac- 
 cording to their order administered the said oath 
 to several persons already ; and the administra- 
 tion of justice hath been, is, and shall be in his 
 Ma'ties name. 
 
 Secondly. That all men of competent estates 
 and of civill conversation, though of different judg- 
 ments, may be admitted to be freemen, and have 
 liberty to chuse and to be chosen officers, both 
 military and civill. 
 
64 Answer to Propositions. 
 
 Ans. Our order for admission of Freemen, is 
 consonant with that proposition. 
 
 Thirdly. That all persons of civil lives, may 
 freely enjoy the liberty of their consciences, and 
 the worship of God, in that way w'ch they think 
 best ; provided that this liberty, tend not to the 
 disturbance of the publique, nor ye hindrance of 
 the maintenance of ministers, regularly chosen in 
 each respective parish or town. 
 
 Ans. Wee know not of any one that hathe 
 been troubled by vs for attending his conscience, 
 and it is our care, that ye ministers of the Gospel, 
 employed in the Lords work, be duly main- 
 teyned. 
 
 Ffourth. That all lawes, and expressions in 
 lawes, derogatory to his Ma'tie, if any such have 
 bene, in these late troublesome times, may be re- 
 pealed, altered, and taken of the ffile. 
 
 We returne, we know not of any law or ex- 
 pressions in any law that is derogatory to his 
 M'tie, amongst vs ; but if any such be found, we 
 count it our duty to repeale, alter it, and take it of 
 the ffile, and this we attended, upon the receipt of 
 our Charter. 
 
Letter from Charles II. 65 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, to the Gov- 
 ernor and Council of the Colony of Connecti- 
 cut, expressing Ivs Majesties satisfaction of 
 their kind reception of his Commissioners by 
 the Governor, fyc. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved we greet you well, 
 haveing rece'd soe full and satisfactory an account 
 from our commissioners, both of the good recep- 
 tion you have given them, and allso of your duti- 
 fullness and obedience to us, wee cannot but let 
 you know how much wee are pleased therewith, 
 judging that respect of yours towards our officers 
 to be the true and naturall fruit which demon- 
 strates what fidelity and affection towards us is 
 rooted in your hearts, and allthough your carriage 
 doth of itselfe most justly deserve our prayse and 
 approbation, yet it seems to be sett off with the 
 more lustre by the contrary deportment of the 
 Colony of the Massachusetts, as if by their re- 
 fractorinesse, they had designed to recommend 
 and heighten the meritt of your complyance with 
 our directions for the peaceable and good gover- 
 ment of our subjects in those parts, you may 
 therefore assure yourselves, that wee never shall 
 be unmindful of this your loyall and dutifull be- 
 haviour, but shall on all occasions take notice of it 
 to your advantage, promiseing you our constant 
 protection and Roy all favour, in all things that may 
 concerne your safety, peace and wellfare ; and so 
 wee bid you farewell. 
 
 6* 
 
66 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 Given at our Court at White Hall, the 10th day 
 of Aprill, 1666, in the eighteenth yeare of our 
 Reigne. 
 
 By his Majesties command, 
 
 WILL MORICE. 
 
 To our Trusty and well beloved, the Goyernour 
 and Councill of our Colony of Connecticut^ in 
 New England. 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, recommend- 
 ing a vigorous prosecution of the war with the 
 French and Dutch. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved wee greet you well ; 
 by our letter of the 22d of February last, wee 
 gave you notice how that the French King have- 
 ing declared warre against us and our subjects, 
 wee have been obliged, in our just defence to is- 
 sue out our declaration likewise, a copy of which 
 was therewith sent you, whereby wee did resolve 
 to the utmost of our power to oppose him the sayd 
 French King, in this warre, so unjustly begunn up- 
 on us, thereby willing and requireing you, as wee 
 had likewise done the rest of our Islands, Colo- 
 neys and plantations in the West Indies, after a 
 fitt publication of our sayd declaration, forthwith 
 to apply yourselves by all wayes and means to 
 annoy, infest, dammage and destroye the French 
 as well as Dutch, in those parts, and such of their 
 Colonyes and plantations as lye neare you, to re- 
 
Letter from Charles IL 07 
 
 duce by the most speedy and effectuall wayes you 
 could to our obedience, and more especially, that 
 of the French in Canada, in all which wee en- 
 joyned our Colony of the Massachusetts to joyne 
 and correspond with you, wee doubt not but you 
 have accordingly taken care for, and that in due 
 time we shall receive a good accompt of your 
 diligence and circumspection therein. However, 
 wee have thought not amisse, out of the perticular 
 care wee have for the security and preservation of 
 those our Colonyes and plantations, hereby to 
 quicken you in the sudden execution of what you 
 shall finde fitt to resolve in that matter, that soe 
 the enemy takeing advantage of your remissnesse 
 and delayes, may not prevent you in the oppertu- 
 neties you may have upon them, as wee have rea- 
 son to believe by all meanes they will indeavour 
 to doe ; and considering the more iinediate dan- 
 gers to which the Barbadoes and other the Cari- 
 bee Islands are exposed from the French, and that 
 wee cannot as yet finde fitt to spare them those 
 supplyes from hence, that are necessary, the maine 
 issue of the warre, being in the first place to be 
 provided for, by a vigorous pursuit of those advan- 
 tages it hath pleased God to give us against the 
 body of our enemies strength neare home, wee 
 cannot but in tendernesse to the safety of those 
 our islands and plantations very effectually re- 
 commend it forthwith upon receipt hereof to con- 
 sider with your neighbour Colony Massachusetts, 
 to whome wee have likewise written, on this oc- 
 casion of som fitt number of forces, such as you 
 can best spare, to bee speedily sent to the reliefe 
 and defence of the sayd Caribee Islands, under 
 such able and discreet commanders as you shall 
 finde fitt to choose, which as it will bee seasonable 
 argument of your care and concernment for your 
 
68 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 fellow subjects in those islands, soe shall we con- 
 sider it as a singular expression of your good affec- 
 tion and loyalty to us, and shall not forget to owne 
 it to you for such hereafter as there shall be occa- 
 sion — and soe wee bid you farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court at White Hall, the 28th day 
 of August, 16G6. 
 
 By his Ma'ties command, 
 
 ARLINGTON. 
 
 To our Trusty and well beloved, our Govern- 
 our and Councill of our Colony of Connecticutt, in 
 New England. 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, to the 
 Governor and Council of Massachusetts, com- 
 municating intelligence of the Declaration of 
 War against the States General of the United 
 Provinces: to be communicated to the other Col- 
 onies. 
 
 CnARLES R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well, 
 having found our self obliged for the just vindica- 
 tion of the antient and undoubted rights of our 
 Crown, and for reparation as well of the many 
 affronts and indignities don to our Royal person 
 and dignity, as of the frequent wrongs and inju- 
 ries don to our subjects, by the States Generall of 
 the United Provinces, to declare warr against 
 them, wee have thought good hereby to give you 
 knowledge thereof, willing you forthwith, upon re- 
 
Letter from Charles II. 69 
 
 ceipt hereof, in the usuall manner to cause the 
 said warr to be proclaimed, within that our Colo- 
 ny, according to our declaration, (copies of which 
 wee have directed to be herewith sent you,) and 
 that at the same time, you cause seizure to be made 
 of all shipps, goods and merchandizes, belonging 
 to the said States Generall, or their subjects : And 
 because we have reason to believe from the con- 
 stant evill minde, they have been always known to 
 bear to our forreign Colonies and plantations, and 
 haveing likewise understood that a considerable 
 number of private men of warr are now prepare - 
 ing in Holland and Zealand, to be forthwith sent 
 into the West Indias, to infest and annoy our plan- 
 tations there, wee have thought fitt, out of our 
 princely care and regard to the safety of those re- 
 moate parts of our dominions, and for the secure- 
 ing our good subjects inhabiting there, or trading 
 thither, to recommend it to you, as wee do by 
 these very particularly, forthwith to apply your- 
 selves joyntly to consider of the condition thereof, 
 and by all the speediest, and most effectuall means 
 you can, early to provide for its safety and de- 
 fence, and for the protection and security of such 
 shipps and vessells, as shall be from time to time 
 rideing in the roads and harbours there, from the 
 assaults and attempts of the Dutch, and particu- 
 larly, wee think fitt for to repeat our former or- 
 ders to you, that all such shipps, which shall come 
 thence, be enjoyned to sail in considerable num- 
 bers for their common security, and that then, and 
 ever dureing their stay there, it will be fitt some 
 of the most experienced officers have authority 
 given them to command the rest ; wee have 
 thought fitt hereby to authorize and impower you 
 to do therein, what according to this or any other 
 emergencies shall appear to you to bee most for 
 
70 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 the safety of our Colony, and navigation of our 
 merchants, and further, that in all other matters 
 relating to the jurisdiction of our most dear broth- 
 er the Duke of York, our high Admirall &c, you 
 observe such orders and directions, as you shall 
 from time to time receive from him, whom wee 
 have commissioned to grant Letters of Marque, 
 and gencrall reprisals against the shipps, goods 
 and subjects of the States of the United Provin- 
 ces, conformable to which our will and pleasure 
 is, that you take and seize the shipps, vessells and 
 goods, belonging to the said States, or any their 
 subjects or inhabitants within any their territories, 
 and to bring the same to judgement and condem- 
 nation according to the course of admiralty and 
 laws of nations, and these our Letters that you 
 communicate to the rest of our Colonies your 
 neighbours ; our pleasure being, that with all care, 
 and application possible, they arm themselves 
 against the dangers which threaten them in this 
 conjuncture from such an enemy, and proceed ac- 
 cording to these our directions, and such as they 
 shall receive from our said dear brother, assureing 
 them and all loveing subjects in those parts, that 
 we shall not be wanting on our part, on all occa- 
 sions to help and succour them, to the utmost of 
 our power, and to contribute all possible means for 
 the security and improvement of the trade and 
 commerce. And so we bid you farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court at White Hall, the third day 
 of Aprill, in the twenty-fourth year of our Reigne. 
 By his Majesties command, 
 
 HILINGTON. 
 
 These for our trusty and well beloved, the Gov- 
 ernour and Councill, for our Colony of the Mas- 
 sachusetts ; to be communicated to the other Col- 
 onyes. 
 
Articles of Confederation. 71 
 
 Articles of Confederation between ye Plantations 
 under the Government of the Massachusetts, ye 
 Plantation under the Govr'ment of Neiv Plim- 
 oth, and ye Plantations under the Goverment of 
 Connecticott. 
 
 Whereas wee all came into these parts of Amer- 
 ica, with one and ye same end and aime, viz. to 
 advance ye kingdome of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and to enjoy ye liberties of ye Gospell in purity 
 wth peace, and whereas in our settling by a wise 
 Providence of God, wee are further dispersed up- 
 on ye sea costs and rivers yn was first intended, 
 so yt wee cannot according to our desire wth con- 
 venience comunicate in our government and ju- 
 risdiction ; and whereas we are compassed with 
 people of severall nations and strange languages, 
 which here often may prove injurious -to us and 
 our posterity, and for so much as the natives have 
 formerly comitted sundry insolences and outrages 
 upon severall plantations of ye English, and have 
 severall times combined themselves ag'st us, and 
 seeing by reason of our distance from England 
 (our dear native country,) wee are hindered both 
 from that humble way of seeking advise and reap- 
 ing those comfortable fruits of protection which 
 wee might otherwise well expect. Wee therefore 
 do account it our duty as well as safety, to enter 
 into a confederation for mutuall help and succor 
 in all our future concernments, that as in nation 
 and religion, so in other respects wee bee and con- 
 tinue one according to ye tenure and true mean- 
 ing of ye ensuemg articles. 
 
 1. Wherefore it is agreed and concluded by and 
 between ye parties or jurisdictions above named, 
 and they doe jointly and severally by these pres- 
 
72 Articles of Confederation. 
 
 ents agree and conclude, that they all bee and 
 henceforth be called by the name of the United 
 Colonies of New England. 
 
 2. The said United Colonies for themselves and 
 their posterities doe joyntly and severally hereby 
 enter into a firm© and perpetuall league of friend- 
 ship and amity, mutuall advise and succor upon 
 all just occasions, both for preserving and propo- 
 gating the truth and liberties of the Gospel), and 
 for theire own mutuall safety and wellfare ; provi- 
 ded notwithstanding, that the power of determin- 
 ation of an offensive warr properly so called (so 
 as to engage the Colonies therein) shall be in the 
 severall Generall Courts of the aforementioned 
 confederation. 
 
 3. It is agreed if the plantations which at pres- 
 ent are or hereafter shall be settled within ye lim- 
 its of ye Massachusetts, shall be forever under ye 
 Goverment of ye Massachusetts, and have pecul- 
 iar jurisdiction among themselves as an entire 
 body, and yt Plimoth and Connecticott each of 
 them in all respects have the like peculiar jurisdic- 
 tion and goverment within their limits, according 
 to their respective Letters Pattents from his Ma'tie 
 provided if no other jurisdiction shall hereafter be 
 taken in as a distinct head or member of the conr 
 federation, nor shall any other plantation or juris- 
 diction in present being, and not already in com- 
 bination or under ye jurisdiction of any of those 
 confederates joyned in one juiisdiction without ye 
 consent of ye severall General Courts of the 
 above named confederates. 
 
 4. It is allso agreed yt for the manageing and 
 concluding of all affaires proper to, and concern- 
 ing ye whole confederation, (not excepted ag'st in 
 these articles) two comisioners shall be chosen by 
 and out of each of these three jurisdictions, viz. 
 
Articles of Confederation, 73 
 
 two for ye Massachusetts, two for Plimoth, and 
 two for Connecticott, being all in church fellow- 
 ship with us who shall bring full power from their 
 Generall Courts to heare, examine and weigh and 
 determine the same ; but if those six comissioners 
 when mett shall not all agree, yt is concluded that 
 any five of ye six agreeing shall have power to 
 determine ye case in controversy ; but if five doe 
 not agree, that then such propositions with theire 
 reasons so far as they have been debated, be sent 
 and reserved to ye severall Generall Courts, and 
 if by all ye said Courts there be a concurrance in 
 the matter so referred, then to be accordingly pros- 
 ecuted by all ye confederates, and all their mem- 
 bers. 
 
 5. It is further agreed that the comissioners for 
 ye United Colonies shall meete but once in three 
 years, except in cases extraordinary, which meet- 
 ings shall ever be on ye first Thursday in Septem- 
 ber, and yt ye next meeting after the date of these 
 presents, shall be at Plimouth which shall be ac- 
 counted the first meeting, the second at Boston, 
 ye third at Hartford, ye fourth at Boston, ye fifth 
 at Hartford, and so the meeting will be but once in 
 fifteen years at Plimouth, and double so often in 
 the other Colonies, if the mean time some middle 
 place be not found out and agreed on which may 
 be comodious for all. 
 
 6. It is further agreed, that at each meeting of 
 these six comissioners, whether ordinary or extri- 
 ordinary, they may chuse their President out of 
 themselves, whose office and work shall be to take 
 care and direct for order and comely carrying of 
 all proceedings in the present meeting, but he shall 
 be invested with no such power, by which he may 
 hind'r the propounding or progresse of any busi- 
 
 7 
 
74 Articles of Confederation. 
 
 ness, or any wise cast the scales otherwise then in 
 the present articles is agreed. 
 
 7. It is also agreed yt the comissioners for this 
 confederation hereafter at their meetings, whether 
 ordinary or extraordinary, as they may have com- 
 ission or opportunity, may consult off and propose 
 to the severall Generall Courts to be by them al- 
 lowed, and established, such orders in generall ca- 
 ses of a civill nature wherein all the plantations 
 are interested, for preserving peace among them- 
 selves, and preventing, (as much as may be) all 
 occasions of warr and differences with others, as 
 about the free and speedy passage of justice in 
 each jurisdiction, to all the confederates equally, 
 as to their own, receiving those that remove from 
 one plantation to another, how all the jurisdictions 
 may carry it towards the Indians that they neither 
 grow insolent, nor be injured without due satisfac- 
 tion, lest warr break in upon the confederates 
 through such miscarriage : It is also agreed, that 
 if any servant run away from his master into any 
 other of these confederated jurisdictions, that in 
 such case upon ye certificate of one Magistrate in 
 the jurisdiction out of which ye said servant fled, 
 or upon other due proofe, the said servant shall be 
 delivered either to his master or any other that 
 pursues and brings such certificate or proofe ; and 
 yt upon the escape of any prisoner whatsoever, 
 or fugitive, for any criminall case, whether break- 
 ing prison or getting from ye officer, or otherwise 
 escaping, upon ye certificate of one Magistrate of 
 ye jurisdiction out of w'ch the escape is made, 
 that he was a prisoner or such an offender at the 
 time of ye escape, the Magistrates or some of 
 them of yt jurisdiction where for ye present the 
 said prisoner or fugitive abideth, shall forthwith 
 grant such a warrant as the case will bear, for the 
 
 
Articles of Confederation. 75 
 
 apprehending any such person, and the delivering 
 of him or her into ye hand of ye pursuer, and if 
 help be required, it shall be granted, he paying 
 charges yr of. 
 
 8. It is further agreed, that for the disposeing of 
 the Indian stock for the future, the chiefe of the 
 comissioners in the severall Colonies being annu- 
 ally as formerly, the comissioners of ye Massa- 
 chusetts with such others shal be present, or any 
 three of the comissioners yearly at Boston or else- 
 where as they shall agree, and at the usuall time, 
 they may doe any act for the managing and order- 
 ing of yt affaire as though all the comissioners 
 were present, and what they shall doe herein, they 
 shall keep a true record thereof, and transmitt the 
 account of ye same from time to time, to the tri- 
 ennial meeting of ye comissioners. 
 
 9. It is also by these confederates agreed, that 
 the charge of all just warrs, whether offensive or 
 defensive, upon what part or member of this con- 
 federation soever they fall, shall both in men, pro- 
 visions and all other disbursments, be borne by all 
 the partys of the confederation, in different pro- 
 portions, according to their different abilities, that 
 the rule for proportioning men and raising of mon- 
 eys for the defraying of such charges as may from 
 time to time arise upon any warr, defensive or of- 
 fensive, begun and carryed on according to the ar- 
 ticles of confederation, shall as followeth : — The 
 Massachusetts one hundred, Plymouth thirty, Con- 
 necticot sixty, this rule to continue for fiveteen 
 years next coming, after ye begining of ye meet- 
 ing of the comissioners, to be held at Plimouth in 
 September next ; and then if any one or more of 
 ye confederates shall apprehend ye above said pro- 
 portion to be unequall, ye matter shal be again 
 considered by ye comissioners, and w't they shall 
 
76 Articles of Confederation. 
 
 agree upon, shall be presented to the severaH 
 Generall Courts for their acceptance and confir- 
 mation, (each jurisdiction or plantation being left 
 to their own just course and custome of rateing 
 themselves and people,) and that accr. to ye dif- 
 ferent charge of each jurisdiction and plantation 
 ye whole advantage of the warr, (if it please God 
 to bless their endeavours,) whether it be in lands, 
 goo :1s, or persons, shall be proportionally divided 
 among the said confederates. 
 
 10. It is further agreed, yt if any of these juris- 
 dictions, or any plantation under them be invaded 
 by any enemy whomsoever, upon any notice or 
 request of any three Magistrates of yt jurisdiction 
 so invaded, ye rest of ye confederates without 
 any further meetin or expostulation, shall forth- 
 with send aide to the confederate in danger ; but 
 in different proportions, viz : ye Massachusets one 
 hundred men sufficiently armed and provided for 
 such a service and expedition ; Plimouth thirty 
 men so armed and provided ; and Connecticott 
 sixty men so armed and provided, or any lesse 
 number, if lesse be required, accr. to this propor- 
 tion : but if such confederate in danger may be 
 supplied by the next confederate, not exceeding 
 ye number hereby agreed, they may crave help 
 there, and seek no further for the present, the 
 charge to be borne by the severall Colonyes, accr. 
 to their proportions abovesaid ; and at theire re- 
 turne to be victualled and supplyed w'th powder 
 and shott (if there be need) for their journey yt 
 jurisdiction yt imployed or sent for them, but in 
 any such case of sending men for present aide 
 whether before or after such order or alteration, it 
 is agreed yt at ye meeting of ye comissioners for 
 this consideration, ye cause of such warr or inva- 
 sion be duly considered, and if it appear yt ye 
 
Articles of Confederation. 77 
 
 fault lay in ye party so invaded, yt then yt juris- 
 diction or plantation make just satisfaction both to 
 ye invaders whome they have injured, and beare 
 all ye charges of the warr themselves, without re- 
 quiring any allowance from ye rest of the confed- 
 erates towards the same. 
 
 11. And for yt ye justest war may be of dan- 
 gerous consequence, especially to the smaller plan- 
 tations in these United Colonies : it is agreed yt 
 nether ye Massachusets, Plimouth, nor Connecti- 
 cott, nor any of ye members of any of them, shall 
 at any tyme hereafter begin, undertake or ingage 
 themselves, or this confederation in any war 
 w'soever (suddain exigencies w'th the necessary 
 consequences thereof excepted, which are also to 
 be moderated as much as the case will permitt,) 
 without ye consent of ye severall Generall Courts 
 of ye United Colonyes. 
 
 12. It is also agreed, yt in case of any suddain 
 exigences, or other weighty occasion, requiring ye 
 meeting of the comissioners before the ordinary 
 tyme, the Governor or any three Magistrates of 
 any the confederate jurisdictions, may sumon a 
 meeting of ye comissioners, briefly signifying ye 
 occasion thereof, and ye time and place of ye 
 meeting, which shall be accordingly attended by 
 ye comissioners of all ye confederate jurisdiction ; 
 and when met, they may adjourne to any other 
 tyme or place as they shall see meet. 
 
 13. It is also agreed, for ye settling of vaga- 
 bonds and wandering persons, removing from one 
 Colony to another, to ye dissatisfaction and bur- 
 then of the places, where they come, as dayly 
 experience sheweth us ; for ye future it is order- 
 ed, yt where any person or persons shal be found 
 in any jurisdiction to have had there abode for 
 more yn three months, and not warned out bv ye 
 
 7* 
 
78 Articles of Confederation, 
 
 authority of ye place, and in case of ye neglect 
 of any person so warned, as above'sd to depart, 
 if he be not by ye first opportunity yt the season 
 will permitt, sent away from constable to consta- 
 ble, to ye end he may be returned to ye place of 
 his former abode ; every such person or persons, 
 shall be accounted an inhabitant where they are 
 so found, and by them governed and provided for, 
 as their condition may require ; and in all such 
 cases the charges of the constables to be borne 
 by the Treasurer, where such constables do dwell. 
 
 14. It is agreed, yt if any of ye constables shall 
 hereafter break any of these present articles, or 
 be any other way injurious to any of ye confede- 
 rate jurisdictions, such breach of agreement or in- 
 jury, shal be duly considered ordered by ye com- 
 issioners for ye other jurisdictions, yt both peace 
 and this present confederation may be preserved 
 wth'out violation. 
 
 15. Ffinally, whereas in ye former articles 
 agreed upon May 29, 1643, for the confederation 
 of the United Colonies above named, New Haven 
 is therein mentioned, and was owned as a distinct 
 confederate, and is by these included and consid- 
 ered as one with Connecticott ; ye above'sd union 
 shal be always interpreted as by their own con- 
 cession and not otherwise. 
 
 Now whereas for many years past, upon divers 
 good considerations, there was a confederation 
 agreed upon, by ye antient English Colonies, un- 
 der his Ma'ties authority in New England for mu- 
 tuall help, and defence, as also for ye better main- 
 teyning his Ma'ties interest ag'st any opposition- 
 or intrusion of the barbarous natives and others, 
 as appeareth by articles that were agreed upon, in 
 ye year 1643, and upon record to be seen ; where- 
 by ye said Colonyes have been so united, as hath 
 
Articles of Confederation. 79 
 
 proved very beneficiall to all his Majesties sub- 
 jects in these parts, for their peace and security ; 
 and whereas the severall Generall Courts of ye 
 said Colonyes, have seen cause to renew the said 
 confederation with some necessary alterations and 
 addition to ye s'd articles, as is more fully exprest 
 in ye articles above written : and also whereas ye 
 Generall Court for ye Massachusetts Colony by 
 their comission, dated in Boston Aug'st 30, 1672, 
 have nominated Thomas Danforth Esqr., and 
 Majr. William Hathhorne Esqr. their comissioners, 
 investing them with full power and authority to 
 signe, ratifie and confirme ye above recited arti- 
 cles of confederation ; and in like manner ye 
 Generall Court held at Plimouth June 5, 1672, 
 have nominated Thomas Prence Esqr., and Majr. 
 Josiah Winslow Esqr., investing them with like 
 power, and ye Generall Court of Connecticott 
 Colony, held at Hartford, May 9, and June 26, 
 1672, have in like manner nominated John Win- 
 throp Esqr., and James Richards Esqr., investing 
 them with like power, the above'sd comissioners 
 being assembled at Plimouth, Sept. 5, 1672, have 
 read and examined these above written articles ; 
 doe accr. to their s'd comission, and by virtue 
 thereof, clearly and absolutely ratifie and confirme 
 the same for the re-establishing of a perpetuall 
 confederation between the above named Colo- 
 nyes, as was ye declared intention of the former 
 articles : in confirmation whereof the comission- 
 ers above named, by the authority granted them 
 from their severall Generall Courts, and in their 
 
80 Establishing a Post, fyc. 
 
 name and stead, have hereunto subscribed their 
 
 hands, in Plimouth. 
 
 THOMAS DANFORTH, 
 WM. HATHORNE, 
 THO. PRENCE, 
 JOSIAH WINSLOW, 
 JOHN WINTHROP, 
 JAMES RICHARDS. 
 September 5, 1672. 
 
 A general Court held at Hartford, October 8, 1674. 
 
 This Court being made sensible of the great 
 damage that might accrue to the publique, by a 
 liberty or boldness which some persons may take 
 to themselves (when employed by order of author- 
 ity for the conveyance of letters, post and other 
 important occasions of this colony) by profuse and 
 extravigent spending at the ordinaries and other 
 places on the road upon the countryes account, 
 and also by great delayes on journeys, very pre- 
 judicial! to the colony, which willing to prevent, 
 doe therefore order that the allowance for those 
 persons (who shall be employed on such services) 
 for their wages and expences of themselves and 
 horses, shall be as followeth, from the first of May 
 to the middle of October : — 
 
 From Rye to Hartford, the horse hyer twelve 
 shillings, the man and expences, twenty, all, is one 
 pownd twelve shillings. 
 
 From Greenwich to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 ten shillings sixpence, the man and expences sev- 
 
Establishing a Post, fyc. 81 
 
 enteen shillings, all, one pound seven shillings and 
 sixpence. 
 
 From Standford to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 ten shillings, the man and expences, sixteen shil- 
 lings, all, is one pownd seven shillings. 
 
 From Norwalk to Hartford, the horse hyer nine 
 shillings, the man and expences fifteen, all, is one 
 pownd fower shillings. 
 
 From Fayrefield to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 eight shillings, the man and expences, thirteen 
 shillings sixpence, all, is one pownd one shilling 
 and sixpence. 
 
 From Stratford to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 seven shillings, the man and expences twelve shil- 
 lings, al, is nineteen shillings. 
 
 From Milford to Hartford, horse hyer six shil- 
 lings, the man and expences, ten shillings, all, is 
 sixteen shillings. 
 
 From New Haven to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 five shillings, the man and expences eight shillings 
 sixpence, all, is thirteen shillings sixpence. 
 
 From Wallingford to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 fower shillings, the man and expences six shillings, 
 all, is ten shillings. 
 
 From Branford to Hartford, the horse hyer five 
 shillings, the man and expences, eight shillings, all, 
 is thirteen shillings. 
 
 From Guilford to Hartford, the horse hyer five 
 shillings, the man and expences eight shillings, all, 
 is thirteen shillings. 
 
 From Kenilworth to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 five shillings, the man and expences eight shillings 
 sixpence, all, is thirteen and sixpence. 
 
 From Saybrook to Hartford, the horse hyer five 
 shillings, the man and expences eight shillings six- 
 pence, all, is thirteen shillings and sixpence. 
 
 From Lyme to Hartford, the horse hyer five 
 
82 Establishing a Post, fyc. 
 
 shillings, the man and expences eight shillings six- 
 pence, all, is thirteen shillings sixpence. 
 
 From New London to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 eight shillings, the man and expences eleven shil- 
 lings, all, is nineteen shillings. 
 
 From Stoneington to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 nine shillings, the man and expences thirteen shil- 
 lings sixpence, all, is one pownd two shillings 
 sixpence. 
 
 From Norwich to Hartford, the horse hyer six 
 shillings, the man and expences eight shillings, all, 
 is fourteen shillings. 
 
 From Haddum to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 fower shillings, the man and expences six shillings, 
 all, is ten shillings. 
 
 From Middletown to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 two shillings, the man and expences fower and 
 sixpence, all, is six shillings sixpence. 
 
 From Wethersfield to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 sixpence, the man and expences one shilling, all, 
 is one shilling sixpence. 
 
 From Windsor to Hartford, the horse hyer one 
 shilling, the man and expences one shilling six- 
 pence, all, is two shillings sixpence. 
 
 From Farmington to Hartford, the horse hyer 
 One shilling sixpence, the man and expences two 
 shillings sixpence, all, is fower shillings. 
 
 From Sims bury to Hartford, the horse hyer one 
 shilling sixpence, the man and expences two shil- 
 lings sixpence, all, is fower shillings. 
 
 From Windsor to Springfield, the horse hyer 
 three shillings, the man and expenGes fower shil- 
 lings sixpence, all, is seven shillings sixpence. 
 
 And from the middle of October to the last of 
 April, to be eight pence more than the above for 
 every night they lye out, for oates to the horses, 
 wherein great care is to be had by the ordinary 
 
Preparations to oppose an Invasion. 83 
 
 keepers, that hyered horses are not deprived of 
 their allowance. 
 
 Alsoe the difference in the above said sumes, is 
 to be the stated wages from towne to towne, if 
 they goe not to Hartford, and the like proportion 
 by the mile, to those whoe shall be imployed in 
 this colony where their wages js not stated. 
 
 It is further ordered, that all Posts, their Ferridg 
 shall be on the country account, and that the ordin- 
 ary keepers in the plantations shall provide suit- 
 able accommodations for men and horses, whose 
 allowance for the men by the meale, shall be six- 
 pence, and for the horse at grass, fower pence a 
 night, and oates, fower pence the half peck, and 
 for hay the night, fower pence. 
 
 It is alsoe ordered, that whosoever upon these 
 tearms shall unnecessarily stop, or detayne his 
 journey, forth or back, or shall be necessarily 
 stopped or detayned by authority or other just 
 occasion, such person or persons shall have pen- 
 alty, or receive recom pence extraordinarily, as 
 the authority who sent them shall judg right to be 
 abated or augmented in his wages. 
 
 At a session of the Gerfll Court, held at Hartford, 
 by the Governors speciaH order, August 7, 
 1673. 
 
 Whereas, there is at present a great appearance 
 of danger towards this colony, by the approach of 
 the Dutch, for our own safety and defence, till the 
 Gen'll Court in October next, it is now ordered by 
 this Court that the Committee hereafter named, 
 
84 Preparations to oppose an Invasion. 
 
 viz : — the Governor and assistants, Capt. Benj. 
 Newbery, Mr. Giles Hamlin, Mr. William Wads- 
 worth, Capt. Wm. Curtice, Lieut. Wm. Fowler, 
 Lieut. Tho. Munson, are hereby empowered to 
 act as the Grand Committee of this colony, in es- 
 tablishing and commissionating of military officers, 
 in pressing of men, horses, ships, barques or other 
 vessells, amies, ammunition, provision, carriages 
 or whatever they judg needful for o'r defence, 
 and to manage, order, and dispose of the militia 
 of the colony in the best way and maner they 
 can for o'r safety. The Governor, or in his ab- 
 sence, the Dept. Governor are hereby impowered 
 by their sumons to convene the said Committee, 
 who being assembled, the said Committee, or the 
 major part of them assembled, are informed as 
 afoarsayd. It is ordered by this Court, that the 
 severall and respective troops in this colony, with 
 five hundred dragoones be prepared and fitted for 
 service forthwith, and that all the traine bands in 
 the severall plantations, with their arms and am- 
 munition be ready for service, and the military 
 officers of the severall companies, to see their 
 companies completed as afoarsayd, upon the sev- 
 erall penalties exprest in the military lawes, the 
 dragoones are to be raysed upon the countys as 
 followeth: of Hartford county, one hundred and 
 sixty ; of New Haven county, one hundred and 
 twenty; of Fayrefield, one hundred and twenty; 
 of New London, one hundred. 
 
 It is allso ordered by this Court, that in case of 
 the approach of an enemy in any towne within 
 this colony, the Governer or Dept. Governer and 
 Grand Committee, appoynted by the Court, so 
 many of them as are present, before they departe, 
 shall appoynt such sufficient ayde, to defend any 
 place as shall be assaulted, with such ayde as they 
 
Preparations to oppose an Invasion. 85 
 
 thinke fitt, which is to be in readiness at an 
 hovvers warning, for a march upon the call of the 
 chief officer of any county. 
 
 In case any forces should be sent out of the 
 county of Hartford for the relief of another county, 
 this Court appoynts Benjamen Newbery, Capt. ; 
 Nicholas Olmstead, Lvt. ; John Wadsworth, En- 
 signe. 
 
 For the county of New London and such forces 
 as shall be called out of that county, James Avery 
 is appointed Capt. ; Tho. Tracy, Livetenant ; John 
 Denison, Ensigne. 
 
 For the county of New Haven, Mr. Robert 
 Treat, Capt. ; Tho. Munson, Livetenant ; Sam'll 
 Newton, Ensigne. 
 
 For the county of Fayrefield, Mr. Tho. Fitch, 
 Capt. ; Jehue Burr, Livetenant ; Mathew Sher- 
 wood, Ensigne. 
 
 Capt. John Tallcott is chosen Major for the 
 county of Hartford. 
 
 Capt. Robert Treat is chosen Major for the 
 county of New Haven. 
 
 Capt. Nathan Gold is chosen Major for the 
 county of Fayrefield. 
 
 This Court appoynted Mr. James Richards and 
 Mr. Roswell, forthwith to goe to New York with 
 the letter which this Court hath prepared, and 
 present the same to the Commander-in-chief of 
 the Manhatoes, and to receive their answer, and 
 what their intentions are : and in case Mr. Ros- 
 well should by any providence be hindered attend- 
 ance, Major Robert Treat is to supply the place 
 of Mr. Roswell. 
 
 The letter read in Court, drawn up to be sent 
 
 to the Commander-in-chief of the Dutch fleet, 
 
 rideing in Hudsons river, at New Yorke, this Court 
 
 orders that it be signed by the Secretary, in the 
 
 8 
 
86 Preparations to oppose an Invasion. 
 
 name and by order of the Governor and Genii 
 Assembly.* 
 
 Grand 
 Committee. 
 
 The Grand Committee for the ordering of the 
 Militia, mett at Hartford, August 11, 1073. 
 
 John Winthrop, Esqr. Govr. 
 Wm. Leet, Esqr. Dept. Govr. 
 Mr. Sam'll Willys, 
 Major John Tallcott, 
 Mr. Henry Wolcott, 
 Mr. John Allyn, 
 Mr. Wm. Wadsworth, 
 Capt. Benj. Newbery, 
 Capt. Tho. Munson. 
 
 Whereas, the Genii Court hath ordered that 
 five hundred Dragoones be forthwith raysed, to 
 be ready upon one howers warning to defend any 
 place in this colony, assaulted by an enemie, and 
 have ordered that the forces raysed, shall be under 
 such comanders as they have appoynted; the 
 Grand Committee for the militia, being mett this 
 day, ordered that the constables of the respective 
 plantations, shall forthwith repayre to the cheife 
 commander of theire traine bands and choose so 
 many meet persons as they are appoynted too, 
 
 *On the 30th of July, a small Dutch fleet, under the Com- 
 mand of Commodores Cornelius Evereste and Jacob Benkes, 
 arrived at New York. One John Manning, who commanded 
 the fort and Island there, treacherously delivered them up to 
 the enemy without firing a gun, or attempting the least re- 
 sistance.— Trum. Hist. Con. Vol I. p. 323. 
 
Preparations to oppose an Invasion. 8? 
 
 that they may be in readiness fitted according to 
 this followeing order, upon an howers warning to 
 march under the conduct of theire cheife com- 
 manders hereafter named, to defend any place 
 assaulted as aforesayd. 
 
 The proportion of dragoones for Hartford coun- 
 ty, is one hundred sixty three, under the command 
 of Benj. Newbery, Capt. ; Nicholas Olmstead, 
 Lvt. ; John Wadsworth, Ensigne : — Hartford, 
 forty fower ; Windsor, thirty eight ; Wethersfield, 
 thirty ; Farmington, twenty two ; Midletown, 
 thirteen; Haddum, nine ; Simsbury, seven ; totall, 
 163. 
 
 The proportion of dragoones for New Haven 
 county under the conduct of Major Robt. Treat, 
 Thomas Munson, Lvt. ; Sam'll Newton, Ensigne ; 
 is, New Haven, fifty one ; Milford, thirty ; Paw- 
 gaset, three ; Guilford, nineteen ; Brandford, nine ; 
 Wallingford, eight ; totall, 120. 
 
 The proportion of Fayerefield county, under 
 the conduct of Tho. Fitch, Capt. ; Jehu Burr, 
 Lvt. ; Mathew Sherwood, Ensigne ; is, Fayrefield, 
 thirty eight ; Stratford, thirty three ; Standford, 
 twenty fower ; Greenwich, eight ; Norwalk, 
 seventeen, Rye, being near is excused; totall, 
 120. 
 
 The proportion for New London county, under 
 the conduct of James Avery, Captaine ; Thomas 
 Tracey, Leivtenant; John Denison, Ensigne; is, 
 New London, twenty six ; Stoneington, nineteen ; 
 Lyme, tenn ; Saybrook, seventeen ; Kenilworth, 
 eleven; Norwich, seventeen; totall, 100. 
 
 It is ordered that each dragone be provided 
 with a good sword and belt, and serviceable mus- 
 kett or kirbine, with a shot powch and powder 
 and bullitts, viz : one pownd of powder made into 
 cartiriges fitt for his gunn, and three pownd of 
 
88 Preparations to oppose an Invasion. 
 
 bulletts fitt for their gunns, or pistoll bulletts and 
 a horss to expedite their march. 
 
 It is allso ordered, that the place assaulted, 
 where the forces raysed are sent for to come, 
 are to provide quarter for the soldiers they send 
 for. 
 
 It is also ordered, that the cheife officer in each 
 county, upon any assault made upon them by an 
 enemie, are hereby empowered to call in ayde 
 from the rest of the counties for theire assist- 
 ance. 
 
 It is allso ordered, that the officers, raysed in 
 the counties of New Haven, Fayrefield and New 
 London, doe prepare a halfe pike for each of their 
 dragoones. 
 
 It is allso ordered, the commission officers of 
 the dragoones in each county, are hereby impow- 
 ered to appoynte Sarjants and inferior officers for 
 their respective companies. 
 
 The Committee for the militia, doe hereby ap- 
 poynt Mr. Simeon Woolcott and John Griffin, to 
 be those that shall command the traine band of 
 Simsbury for the present, and untill the Generall 
 Court order otherwise ; or the people there make 
 there choyse. 
 
 It is allso ordered, that the dark of each county 
 is appoynted to send coppyes hereof, forthwith 
 into each town within their respective counties. 
 
 It is allso agreed, that the Committee shall 
 meet every day, about sunn two howers high, till 
 farther order be given. 
 
 A General Caurt held at Hartford, Oct. 9, 1673. 
 
 A certificate from New Haven, Oct. 8, under 
 the selectmens hands, certifying they were fur- 
 nished with powder and bulletts according to 
 lawe. 
 
Letter to Commander of Dutch Fleet. 89 
 
 A certificate from Milford, dated October, 1673, 
 signify ed their Townes being furnished with pow- 
 der and bulletts according to law. 
 
 A certificate from Windsor, October 8,- 1673, 
 certifyed their stock of powder was 300 : bullett 
 700. 
 
 Copy of a Letter to the Commander of the Dutch 
 Fleet at New York. 
 
 Hartford, August 7th, 1673. 
 
 Sr — Although we have heard of yo'r actions 
 at Yorke, yet because the chief trust of those 
 parts did reside in other hands, from whom you 
 have too sudainly supiprzed it, we made it o'r bu- 
 siness to attend what was devolved upon o'rselves 
 that way nextly, yet we understanding you con- 
 tent not yo'rselves with what you have already ta- 
 ken, but demand submission of the people, his 
 Majesty's subjects, seated on Long Island eastward 
 beyond Oister Bay ; and have seised a vessel of 
 Mr. Sillicks, one of o'r people, near one of o'r 
 Harbours; we have therefore sent Mr. James 
 Richards, and Mr^ William Roswell, to know your 
 further intentions ; and we must let you know yt 
 we and o'r confederates, the United Colonies of 
 New England, are by our Royall Soveraign, 
 Charles the second, made keepers of his subjects 
 liberties in these parts, and doe hope to acquit o'r- 
 selves in that trust, through the assistance of Al- 
 mighty God, for the preservation of his Majesty's 
 Colonies in New England — Which is all at the 
 8* 
 
90 Answer to preceding Letter, 
 
 pr'sent represented to you, from the Govern'r and 
 Gen'll Assembly of the Colony of Connecticutt. 
 Signed pr their order pr me, 
 
 JOHN ALLYN, Secretary. 
 
 For the Commander in Cheife of the Dutch 
 Fleet, rideing in Hudsons River at New Yorke. 
 
 Reply of the Dutch Como&ore to the foregoing 
 Letter. 
 
 In Fort WilVm Hendrike,this 24 Aug% Ano. 1673, 
 
 Sr — To answer yo'r letter of the 7th Aug't, 
 which was delivered unto us, we say, that we are 
 sent fourth by the high and mighty Lords, the 
 States Gen'll of the United Netherlands, and his 
 serene highnes the Lord Prince of Orrange, to doe 
 all manner of dammage unto the enemyes of the 
 said high and mighty Lords, both by water and by 
 land, from which cause we being come heere into 
 Hudsons River, have brought the land and Forts 
 within the same und'r o'r obedience, and in regard 
 the villages lying to the eastward of Oyster Bay 
 did belong to this Govem'nt, soe it is that to 
 prevent all inconveniencyes, we have cited the 
 same to give the oath of fidelity, in which if they 
 remaine defective, we are resolved to force them 
 with the armes, likewise allso we shall not be 
 afraid to goe against those that shall seeke to 
 maintaine the said villages in their injustis : con- 
 serning the vessell that is taken by us close by yo'r 
 havens, their is no other consideration but that it 
 
Committee to make laws for Pequot Indians. 91 
 
 was taken from o'r enemyes ; wherefore it ap- 
 pears very strange before us, that we should be ob- 
 jected against conserninge it ; wee doe well be- 
 lieve that those that are set for keepers of his Ma- 
 jesty of Englands subjects will quitt themselves as 
 they ought to doe for ye preservation of the Colo- 
 nyes in New England, however we shall not for 
 that depart from o'r firme resolutions. We con- 
 ceive we have heerwith answered yo'r letter — 
 Thus don in the place as above. 
 
 By ord'r of the Comand'r and Counsell of Warr. 
 N. BAYARD, Secretary. 
 
 At a Court of Election held at Hartford May 
 13th, 1675. — This Court having considered Robin 
 Cassacinamons petition, doe nominate, appoynte 
 and impower the Dept. Governor Maj'r Talcott, 
 and the rest of the assist's here to be a committee 
 in the name of this Court, to draw up a commis- 
 sion for Robin and Herman Garrata for the gov- 
 erning of the Pequot Indians, and to appoynt them 
 some under officers, and to give them some order 
 w'th some penalties annexed for prevention of 
 their haveing or worshiping any falls Gods, profa- 
 nation of the Sabboth, for not attending the Lec- 
 tures of Mr. Fitch amongst them according to his 
 appoyntment, for theft and drunkenness &c, and 
 to impower him in case of difficulty, to repayre 
 to Mr. Thomas Stanton and Lieut. Avery for 
 counsell, advice and assistance, as the difficulty 
 shall require, and to order Robin some small al- 
 lowance for his goverment to be raysed upon his 
 people. 
 
92 Laws for Pequot Indians. 
 
 Whereas in answer to Robbin Casacinnamons 
 petition presented to the Generall Court of Con- 
 ecticott 13th last, an order and appoyntment was 
 by the sayd Court made and recorded to desire 
 and authorize the Dept. Governor, Maj'r John 
 Talcott, with such other of the assistants as could 
 attend, to draw up some lawes and orders for the 
 present well governing of the Pequitt Indians, that 
 were captives to the English Colonyes in generall, 
 and were by their commissioners put under the 
 Government of this Colony, to be both ruled and 
 accomodated by them suitably, these ensueing or- 
 ders and lawes, (were by those appoynted) made 
 and sent unto them, viz : 
 
 1st. That for as much as the sayd Robbin Cau- 
 sacinnamun hath appeared to be faythfull in his 
 trust under the com'rs, and hitherto under this 
 Goverment : It is agayne ordered and appoynt- 
 ed that he be still continued in the place of Chiefe, 
 Deputy or principle officer amongst and over all 
 those Indians, who had beene put under him for- 
 merly, and that Daniel shall be his second or 
 chiefe counsellor, to assist him in well governing 
 of them. 
 
 In like maner shall Herman Garrata be princi- 
 pall officer over those so put under him, and Mom- 
 ohow shall be his second or chief counsellor, and 
 their lawfull commands are duely to be obeyed 
 and observed by all the Indians respectively. — 
 And for their encouragement and support in their 
 faythfull discharge of that duty and trust ; each 
 Indian man, above sixteen years of age, shall 
 yearly pay unto the principall officer to which he 
 belongs the sum of five shillings in currant Indian 
 pay; but Daniel shall have a third part of Rob- 
 bins rate, and Momohow, such part of Harmon 
 Garrattas rate. 
 
Laws for Pequot Indians. 93 
 
 2. That there shall be two constables in each 
 respective place or Township of Indians, where 
 the principle officer dwells, and there to be the 
 place of all the Indians setled residence and habi- 
 tation, unless for some time about their necessary 
 occasions for fishing, planting or hunting, they 
 may be absent and remove their wigwams in the 
 proper season for those occasions : and then re- 
 turn again to dwell in the Town to which they doe 
 belong; such constables are to be chosen by the 
 principall officer and his councill, (consisting of 
 three or fowre of the most sober and discreet men 
 of the Towne, chosen with the approbation of 
 those appoynted by the Court to counsell them,) 
 and being so chosen, a stafe shall be delivered to 
 him as the signe of his office and power, and to 
 give notice to the people to obey and assist him 
 in the execution of his office, whose office it is to 
 attend all the lawfull commands of their respec- 
 tive principalis in prosecution of justice against 
 debtors or delinquents, by disorder or miscarriage, 
 so allso he is to attend the commands or warrants 
 from any of o'r English Magistrates ; he is like- 
 wise required and impowered of himselfe to keep 
 the peace and good order, and prevent the contra- 
 ry in all cases and upon all occasions, so farr as it 
 comes to his knowledge, or can find out. 
 
 Laivs for the said Indians to observe. 
 
 1. That whosoever shall oppose or speake 
 against the onely liveing and true God, the crea- 
 tor and ruler of all things, shall be brought to 
 some English Court to be punished as the nature 
 of the offence may require. 
 
 2. That whosoever shall powaw or use witch- 
 
94 Laws for Pequot Indians, 
 
 craft or any worship to the Devil], or any falls 
 God, shall be so convicted and punished. 
 
 3. That whosoever shall profane the holy Sab- 
 bath day by servill work or play, such as chopping 
 or fetching home of wood, fishing, fowling, hunt- 
 ing <fec, shall pay as a fine tenn shillings, halfe to 
 the cheife officers, and the other halfe to the con- 
 stable and informer, or be sharply whipt for every 
 such offence. 
 
 4. Whosoever shall committ murder or man- 
 slaughter, shall be brought to Hartford goale, and 
 be tryed by the Government according to the En- 
 glish Law, which punisheth by death. 
 
 5. Whosoever shall committ adultery by lying 
 with another mans wife, or to have or keep, her 
 from her husband, shall be imprisoned and tryed 
 and punished with a fyne of forty shillings for ev- 
 ery offence, and so in the case of the adultresse ; 
 the sayd fine to be distributed as before. 
 
 6. Whosoever shall steale, shall restore double 
 to his neighboure for what he hath taken, when 
 convict before their officer and councill, and pay 
 the constable two shillins sixpence for his paynes 
 about executing the law. 
 
 7. Whosoever shall appeare, and prove to be 
 drunk amongst them, shall pay tenn shillings or be 
 whipt as the officers shall see meete, and the fine 
 divided as before in the law about Sabbath break- 
 ing ; in like manner shall it be done to such Indi- 
 ans as doe bring the liquors or strong drinke 
 amongst them. 
 
 8. It is ordered that a ready and comely at- 
 tendance be given to heare the word of God 
 preached by Mr. Fitch, or any other minister sent 
 amongst them. The cheife officers and consta- 
 bles are to gather the people as they may, and if 
 they be refractory and refuse, or doe misbehave 
 
Laws for Pequot Indians. 95 
 
 themselves undecently, such shall be punished 
 with a fine of five shillings, or be corporally pun- 
 ished as the officers shall see most meet. 
 
 9. If the officers shall neglect in any of the 
 premises to doe their duty, they shall receive 
 double punishment, when convict thereof in any 
 of our English Courts. 
 
 10. But whosoever shall either affront the prin- 
 cipal! officer, or refuse to assist the constable in 
 the due execution of his office, shall pay for each 
 affront so given, ten shillings, and for such refusall 
 to assist the constable, five shillings. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Stanton Sen'r, and Lieutenant 
 James Avery, were appoynted and desired to give 
 them advice and help in all cases of difficulty, for 
 the well management of their trust and affayres, 
 to whome they are in all such cases to repayre. 
 
 WM. LEET, Dept. Governor, 
 
 SAMUEL WILLYS, Assist. 
 
 JOHN TALCOTT, Assist. 
 
 JOHN ALLYN, Assist. 
 
 JAMES RICHARDS, Assist. 
 Dated in Hartford, May 31, 1675. 
 
 To Hermon Garrata to cause to be published to 
 the people of his plantation, and the rest under 
 his Goverment. 
 
 The tenn articles were faythfully published to 
 Robin Harmaysun, Monohor, the Naragansett 
 Sunk Squaw* and her councill being present, at a 
 great concourse amongst the Pequitts, the forepart 
 
 * A Queen or Lady of distinction. 
 
96 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 which respects Robins own interest was served 
 and desired by Robin not to be published as yet. 
 pr. JOHN STANTON. 
 Capt. Avery, and Lieutenant Minor being pre- 
 sent as witnesseth their hands. 
 
 JAMES AVERY, 
 THO. MINOR. 
 The 24th January, 1675.* 
 
 A letter from his Majesty, Charles 2d, in relation 
 to the case of William Harriss. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well : — 
 Whereas our subject, William Harriss, planter, in 
 the colony of Rhoad Island, did by his humble 
 Petition presented to us in council!, set forth, that 
 he and twelve others his partners, near forty years 
 since, purchased from certain Indians, a parcell 
 of land, called Patuxett, and peaceably enjoyed 
 the same for severall years, till they were disturb- 
 ed by some of our English subjects of the town 
 of Providence, but that the difference between 
 them, being put to an award, the determination 
 was given in favor of the Petitioners, and they 
 accordingly remained in quiet possession, and 
 held the same for several years, untill it happened 
 that three of the said partners having a mind to 
 breed disturbance, and pretending title to the land 
 in virtue of another purchase, which they made 
 from Indians who had more right, as they alledged, 
 
 *1676, according to the present mode of dating. 
 
Letter from Charles II 97 
 
 then the former, these men impleaded the petition- 
 ers in our Colony of the Massachusetts, but upon 
 a fair tryall by jury, he had a verdict given in his 
 favour, and did accordingly for some years after 
 remain in quiet possession, that after this the said 
 three persons being restless and of unquiett spir- 
 itts did bring on fresh troubles to the petitioners 
 on the same account, so the matter being put to an 
 award, and arbitrators being equally chosen out 
 of the Colony of the Massachusetts, and that of 
 Rhoade Island, for the greater solemnity of the 
 determination, the petitioner and his partners did 
 againe receive a sollemn award in their favour, 
 and they did accordingly remain in quiet posses- 
 sion of the premises for above twenty years after, 
 but about the year 1663, one John Hazzard and 
 two others, who had fled from the Province of 
 Connecticott, coming with pretence that they had 
 made a purchase of the petitioners land, from som 
 Indians who had right to sell, they entered on a 
 great part of the petitioners lands by force, and the 
 petitioner impleaded them at Law, and having ob- 
 tained a verdict and judgement, it yett so happen- 
 ed by means of severall factions and parties which 
 they have made to withstand justice, that they re- 
 sisted ye execution of that judgement, and for 
 pretences only, alledged that our commissioners 
 being then there, did promise them to reheare all 
 the matter in difference, when they returned into 
 the said Colony, which our commissioners never 
 did ; the petitioner hath also further sett forth, that 
 besides all the said mollestations, he had been fre- 
 quently disquieted, sometimes by the pretensions 
 of the Towne of Warwick, sometimes by the 
 Towne of Providence, in the Colony of Rhoade 
 Island, sometimes by two parties of men belong- 
 ing to the Colony of* the Massachusetts, and lastly 
 9 
 
98 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 by a party of men belonging to the Colony of New 
 Plimouth, all of them in severall times pretending 
 purchasses made from different Indians, who had 
 right to sell, whereas the petitioners setts forth, 
 that as he and his partners were the first purchas- 
 sers and tooke care to derive their title from the 
 chief Indians, who were then in actuall possession 
 of the premises, so he remained quiett in his pur- 
 chase, for about seven years after, till the improve- 
 ments made by him and his partners on the prem- 
 ises, more than any foundation of right, tempted 
 others to desire and invade their possession, upon 
 all which representations of troubles, the petition- 
 er having implored our Royall protection, and that 
 we would order the Governours of each of those 
 Colonyes which are bounding with Rhoad Island, 
 and whose inhabitants contribute to this distur- 
 bance to give their ayd and assistance towards the 
 quieting of this matter, and that the Governours 
 might in pursuance of our Royall orders, agree 
 amonge themselves to depute some able, honest, 
 and indifferent persons to hear all difterencies, and 
 to appoint a jury equally chosen out of the respec- 
 tive Colonies, in order to quiett them, in the pos- 
 session of their said lands of Patuxitt, if in justice 
 they appear to have right thereunto, and we hav- 
 ing refered the examination of this matter to our 
 committee of trade and plantations, and they after 
 examination of the matter, having reported to us, 
 that the petitioner and his partners are very fit ob- 
 jects of our Royall care and protection, wee are 
 therefore in compassion to their long and many 
 sufferings, graciously inclined to order them re- 
 dress in the most speedy and effectuall way that 
 can be proposed, and our will and pleasure is, and 
 wee doe hereby command you the Governour of 
 our Colony of Connecticott, to appoint som able, 
 
Letter from Charles II. 99 
 
 honest and indifferent persons to joyn with such 
 others as shall be appointed by the other respect- 
 ive Governours of our said Colonies to whome 
 we shall also send our command in this behalfe, 
 and that you give them full and sufficient authori- 
 ty to cause the differences and troubles arising to 
 the petitioners and his partners concerning the land 
 of Patuxitt to be brought to a fair tryall, and that 
 by a just and indifferent and upright jury to be in 
 like manner appointed, that all may be finally de- 
 termined according to justice and without delay, 
 and of your proceedings herein, to send us an ac- 
 count with all convenient speed, and so wee bid 
 you farewell — Given at our Court at Hampton, 
 the 4th day of August, 1675, in the seven and 
 twentieth year of our Reigne. 
 
 By his Majesties command, 
 
 J. WILLIAMSON. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, John Winthrop, 
 Esqr., Governour of our Colony of Connecticott, 
 and to our Governour or Governours there, for the 
 time being. 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, for the ap- 
 prehension of Nathaniel Bacon, the instigator 
 and head of a Rebellion in Virginia. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, wee greet you well, 
 wee doubt not but you have heard of the disor- 
 ders in our Colonv of Virginia, raised and contin- 
 
100 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 ed by Nathaniell Bacon the younger, who hath 
 made himself the head and leader of a rebellion 
 there, to the great detriment of that Colony, and 
 the danger of others, near adjoyning thereunto, 
 having confidence therefore in your loyalty, and 
 that you abhor such desperate and treasonable ac- 
 tions, and to prevent the contagion of so bad an 
 example in other Colonies upon that tract belong- 
 ing to our Crowne ; wee have thought fitt to sig- 
 nifie our pleasure unto you, and hereby to require 
 that if the said Nathaniel Bacon, or any of his ac- 
 complices in that rebellion, shall for their safety or 
 otherwise, retreat, or resort into that Province of 
 our Colony of New England, under your jurisdic- 
 tion, or any part thereof, you cause him, them, and 
 every of them, to be forthwith seized and secur- 
 ed, and then give immediate notice thereof, to the 
 Governour or Commander in chief in Virginia, to 
 the end such further course may be taken with 
 them as shall be agreeable to law. And wee doe 
 further require you to issue forth proclamation 
 streightly, forbidding all and every the planters or 
 inhabitants of your said Province to joyne with 
 the said rebells, or to afford them any arms, am- 
 munition, provisions, or assistance of any kind 
 whatsoever, but contrarily enjoyning those under 
 your jurisdiction to oppose the said rebells in all 
 things as there shall be occasion — and so wee bid 
 farewell. Given at our Court at White Hall, the 
 3d day of November, 1676, in the eight and twen- 
 tieth year of our Reigne. 
 
 By his Majesties command, 
 
 H. COVENTRY. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour 
 and Councill of the Colony of Connecticut, in 
 New England. 
 
Appointment of Commissioners, fyc. 101 
 
 The appointment of John Allyn and Edward 
 Palmes Commissioners in the case of William, 
 Harriss. 
 
 I, William Leet Esqr., Governor of his Majes- 
 ties Colony of Connecticott in New England, in 
 obedience to, and observance of his Majesties 
 commands, given at Hampton Court, the fourth 
 day of August, the 27th year of his Majesties 
 Iteigne, 1675, do hereby constitute and appoint 
 you, Capt. John Allyn and Major Edward Palmes, 
 to be commissioners to joyn with such other gen- 
 tlemen of the three Colonyes of Massachusetts, 
 New Plimouth and Rhoad Island, as by their re- 
 spective Governours shall be authorized and im- 
 powered by their commissions to joyn with you in 
 obedience to, and observance of his Majesties 
 commands ; giving unto you hereby full and suffi- 
 cient authority to meet with the said commission- 
 ers at Patuxitt or Providence, at or upon the 22d 
 day of August next ensueing the date hereof, 
 where being assembled from all the said four Col- 
 onys, you with them are to joyn in chooseing a 
 President from amonge the said Commissioners, 
 and being so instated into order, you shall act in 
 appointing such officers as may be meet for the 
 keeping up the order authoritie of that his Majes- 
 ties Court, and in impanelling a jury of twelve 
 honest and indifferent men, out of the sixteen sent 
 from the severall Coloneys, equally chosen and ap- 
 pointed for that worke, who being impannelled 
 and sworn, you are then, as members of said 
 Court, to hear all such pleas, allegations, proofs 
 and evidences as shall be produced by William 
 Harriss and his partners conveying the lands in 
 said Patuxitt claimed by them, being as he saith 
 
 9* 
 
102 Appointment of Commissioners, fyc. 
 
 rightfully possessed of them, near forty years 
 since, and quietly enjoyed till about the year 1663, 
 and then disquieted by one John Hazzurd and 
 others, claimers of said lands, whom you are to 
 hear also, with their severall pleas, allegations, 
 proofs and evidences, with all impartiallity, that so 
 there may be a determination of those differences 
 according to justice, and that your proceedings 
 therein may be the more effectual], you are hereby 
 authorized joyntly or severally to administer oaths, 
 and to issue out summons to require persons to 
 attend you as Gommissionated to the hearing of 
 this case, and all his Majesties subjects are requir- 
 ed to yield obedience therein, as they will answer 
 the contrary, and you with the rest commissiona- 
 ted as aforesaid, being assembled together, have 
 power to adjourn the Court from time to time, 
 and place to place, as shall by the Court be judg- 
 ed most meet for a speedy and just determination 
 of the case, and such determination being made, 
 you are to render an account thereof, to me, that I 
 may return the same to his Majestie, according to 
 his command, with all convenient speed. In tes- 
 timony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my hand 
 and seal, in Hartford, on Connecticott, in New 
 England, this sixteenth day of August, in the nine 
 and twentieth year of his Majesties Reign, 1677. 
 
Letter from Charles II. 103 
 
 A Letter from Charles 2d, concerning Lands in 
 the Narraganset Country. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, wee greet you well. 
 Whereas in pursuance of an order of our privie 
 Councell of the 4th of December last, directing 
 our well beloved subjects, William Stoughton and 
 Peter Bulkley, agents for the corporation of the 
 Massachusetts Bay, in New England, to show by 
 what authority or title Simon Bradstreet, Deputy 
 Governour, and other inhabitants of that Colony, 
 had by a printed paper called an advertisement, 
 dated at Boston the 30th of July last, laid claim 
 to the lands of Narragansett, and Niantic coun- 
 treys called the Kings Province, they the said 
 agents did declare, that the Government of the 
 Massachusetts is not at all concerned in this claim, 
 but only some inhabitants, who had purchassed 
 those lands from the Indian Sachems : and where- 
 as our well beloved subjects, Randall Holden and 
 John Green, Deputies of the town of Warwick, 
 in the Colony of Rhoad Island, have certified our 
 said Privy Council!, (of their certain knowledge as 
 having inhabited that country for above forty years) 
 that never any legall purchase had been made 
 thereof from the Indians, by the Massachusetts or 
 any others, and there being likewise produced an 
 act of the voluntary submission of the chief Sach- 
 em and the rest of the Princes, with the whole 
 people of the Narragansetts, unto the Government 
 of our late Royall Father of blessed memory, to- 
 gether with two declarations made by our com- 
 missioners, on the 20th of March, 1664, and 8th of 
 April, 1665, whereby it appears that they had then 
 
104 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 received from some of the principall Sachems of 
 the Narragansett Indians, a surrender of them- 
 selves, their subjects and their lands to our Gov- 
 ernment and dispose, not only by their personall 
 acknowledgments and sending us presents, but by 
 putting into the hands of our said commissioners 
 the Deed aforementioned, of the 19th of April, 
 1044, and that as for the pretended purchasses 
 made by Major Atherton, and others of the Mas- 
 sachusetts Colony, our said commissioners did then 
 declare the said purchasses to be void, ordering 
 the purchassers to leave the use and possession of 
 those lands, and that the Magestrates of Rhoad Is- 
 land exercise the authority of Justices of the Peace 
 in the Narragansett country, by them called Kings 
 Province, and doe whatever they should think fitt 
 for the peace and safety thereof, untill our further 
 pleasure should be known, we having taken the 
 premises into our Royall consideration, have 
 thought fitt hereby strictly to will and require you 
 to take care that all things relating to the said 
 Narragansett country, or the Kings Province, be 
 left in the same condition as now they are, or have 
 lately been in, as to the possession and government 
 thereof, and absolute and immediate sovreignty, 
 as well as the particular propriety of all that coun- 
 try, appearing by the surrender of the Sachims, 
 to be vested in us, our further pleasure is, that you 
 doe forthwith signifie to all persons within your 
 government, who pretend any right or title to the 
 soyle or government of the said lands, that they 
 do with all speed, and by the first convenience, 
 send over hither persons sufficiently impowered 
 and instructed, to make their right and title ap- 
 pear to us, and that upon default thereof, w r e will 
 proceed to give such order for the government and 
 settlement of the said Province, as we shall judge 
 
Letter from Charles II. 105 
 
 to be most consistent with justice, and the good 
 of such of our subjects, who already do inhabit, 
 or shall desire to make any further improvement 
 within the said improvement. And whereas we 
 have been also humbly informed by our well be- 
 loved subject John Crown Gent, that his Father 
 William Crown, had sustained a great loss by our 
 surrendring Nova Scotia unto the French, of part 
 of which country he was proprietor, and therefore 
 praying us to grant unto him the lands of Mount 
 Hope, in New England, in compensation thereof, 
 and we having referred the consideration of that 
 his humble suit, to the Lords of the committee of 
 our Privy Councill for foreign plantations, and 
 having received their opinion upon that matter, 
 that it opperates to them that the said land did be- 
 long to Sachem Phillip, and his adherents, and 
 was conquered by our subjects of New England 
 in the late warr against the Indians, not without 
 great charge and bloodshed ; we have thought fitt 
 hereby to signifie the same to you, together with 
 our pleasure, that you forthwith certifie unto us, 
 what right or title, any of our Colonies there, may 
 pretend unto the said country, and also the true ex- 
 tent, value and propriety of the said lands of 
 Mount Hope, with the grounds and evidences of 
 their respective claimes, if any shall be made, that 
 we may thereupon be enabled to give such further 
 direction and order, as may suit with our Royall 
 justice and bounty, and we cannot upon this oc- 
 casion but take notice to you, that we have not 
 hitherto received from you or any other of the said 
 Colonies, the least intimation, much less account, 
 of the conquest, claime, or disposall of the said 
 country, not doubting but for the future, you will 
 be more carefull to advertise us, or our Privy 
 Councill of matters of this kinde, and which do 
 
106 Letter from Lords of the Privy Council. 
 
 any way relate to prerogative and authority — and 
 so we bid you farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court, at White Wall, the 12th 
 day of February, 1678-9, in the one and thirtieth 
 year of our Reigne. 
 
 By his Majesties command. 
 
 SUNDERLAND. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour 
 and Magistrates of Connecticutt colony, in New 
 England, now and for the time being. 
 
 A letter from the Lords of the Privy Council!, 
 concerning John Wampus, alias, White, an 
 Indian. 
 
 After our hearty commendations, Whereas, 
 John Wampus, alias, White, has by Petition hum- 
 bly represented unto his Majestie, that he is by 
 marriage of Ann, the daughter of Romonock, late 
 Sachim of Aspaluck and Sasquanaugh, upon the 
 death of the said Sachim, become sole proprietor 
 of those tracts of land, where the town of Fair- 
 field, in the colony of Connecticott is built, that 
 the petitioners said father-in-law, did, about nine- 
 teen years since, deliver up the possession of the 
 said lands to the petitioner, who sometime after 
 sold part thereof unto Captain Denison, Amos 
 Richardson and others of Connecticutt colony, 
 for the summ of three hundred and fifty pounds, 
 or thereabouts ; and that by the evill practices of 
 Major Nathan Gould, and other inhabitants of 
 Fairfield, he is not only kept out of his just rights, 
 
Letter from Lords of the Privy Council. 107 
 
 but was also imprisoned by them, in May last, 
 when he went to demand possession of his estate, 
 withall complaining of the great hardships and 
 miseries he and other native Indians are subject 
 unto, by the laws of that colony. His Majesty 
 takeing into his gracious consideration the miser- 
 able condition ot the Petitioner, and declaring his 
 Royall pleasure, that not only the Petitioner, but 
 all such indians of New England, as are his sub- 
 jects, and submitt peaceably and quietly to his 
 Majesties government, shall likewise participate 
 of his Royall protection ; wee do by his Majes- 
 ties express commands, signifie the same unto you, 
 requiring you to doe the Petitioner such justice 
 as his case may deserve, and for the future to 
 proceed in such manner, as his Majesties subjects 
 may not be forced to undertake so long and dan- 
 gerous voyages for obtaining justice, which his 
 Majestic expects shall be speedily and impartially 
 administered unto them upon the place — and so 
 not doubting of your ready complyance herein, 
 we bid you heartily farewell. 
 
 From the Councill chamber in White Hall, the 
 2Sthday of March, 1679. 
 
 Your loving Friends. 
 
 CLARENDON, 
 
 AILESBURY, 
 
 JOHN NICHOLAS, 
 
 ANGLESEY, 
 
 J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 
 FANCOUBERY, 
 
 J. ERNLE. 
 
 To our loving friends, the Governour and Ma- 
 gistrates of his Majesties colony of Connecticott, 
 in New England. 
 
108 Letter from Lords of Council of Trade, 
 
 A letter from the Lords of the Council of Trade 
 and Foreign Plantations, requiring informa- 
 tion on various subjects. 
 
 After our very hearty commendations unto you, 
 his Majestie having been graciously pleased to 
 comitt to a select number of his Privy Council], 
 whereof wee are, the care and management of 
 things relating to his foreign plantations, and it 
 being necessary that all Governours and Com- 
 manders-in-chief do return us a frequent account 
 of the state and condition of their respective gov- 
 ernments, wee do now think fitt to reccommend 
 unto you several! heads of inquiry, concerning his 
 Majesties corporation of Connecticott, whereunto 
 we expect your speedy and pellicular answer ; 
 and that wc may be able to carry on our obser- 
 vations and knowledge, and be still in a capacitie 
 to give his Majestie a true representation off af- 
 fairs and occurrences therein, wee pray and re- 
 quire you to transmit unto us, a clear and full 
 account of the present state of the said colony, 
 and so from time to time, of what shall happen 
 in relation to his Majesties service, upon the dis- 
 tinct heads aforesaid, and generally of all things 
 which you, in your discretion shall judge neces- 
 sary for our full information, and for the better 
 discharge of the trust reposed in us ; and so not 
 
Meeting of Commissioners, tyc, 109 
 
 doubting of your care in the performance hereof* 
 
 wee bid you heartily farewell. 
 
 From the Councill chamber at White Hall, this 
 
 first day of August, 1679. 
 
 Your very loving Friends, 
 HILINGTON, 
 WM. BLATHWAIT, 
 ESSEX, 
 
 FAUCONBERG, 
 H. COVENTRY, 
 J. ERNLE. 
 
 To the Governour of his Majesties corporation 
 of Connecticott, in New England. 
 
 Meeting of the Commissioners of the United 
 Colonies. 
 
 At a meeting of the Commissioners of the Uni- 
 ted Colonies in Boston, August 25, 1679, 
 
 Right Hon'ble : — 
 
 In observance of o'r duty and allegiance to his 
 dread Ma'tie o'r Gracious Soveraigne, and obe- 
 dience to his commands, by his letters directed 
 severalty to the Governors of his Ma'ties United 
 Colony s in New England, given at his Roy ail 
 Court in White Hall, Feb'y 12, 1678-9, perceiving 
 by mutuall advice that his Ma'ties letters afore- 
 said, to each of these colonys, are of the same 
 importe containing like commands of an accot. of 
 the contents of the lands of Mount Hope and 
 
 10 
 
110 Meeting of Commissioners, <$-c. 
 
 Narriganset, &c. which in the late warrs with the 
 barbarous natives, o'r neighbours were taken out 
 of their hands, we crave leave to give your honor 
 this followeing acco't as for the immediate and 
 more apparent occasion of the sayd warr with 
 the natives, the progresse and consequences there- 
 of, the printed narrative which we herewith remit 
 to your honor, although the labour of a private 
 hand, yet for the substance thereof doth truly set 
 forth the same, nevertheless we have, (as we ap- 
 prehend) just ground not only to feare, but without 
 breach of charity, to conclude that those malicious 
 designess of the Jesuits, (those grand enemies to 
 his Ma'ties crown, as well as to the Protestant 
 religion by us possessed,) have had their influence 
 in the contrivement thereof, and of the certainty 
 hereof, we have been credibly informed by both 
 Indians and English, at home and abroad. 
 
 And as for those lands of Mount Hope, although 
 Philip, with the Indians over whom he was Sach- 
 em, possessed the same, yet they are not so 
 properly to be called conquered lands, but such 
 whose Indian clayme therein and title thereto is 
 now forfeited into the hands of the English of said 
 colony by his breach of covenant with them, and 
 we thus apprehend for these reasons. 
 
 1. In that those lands are indubitably within the 
 limits and bounds of his Ma'ties colony of New 
 Plymouth contained within the express limits of 
 his Royall Charter to them granted, and are 
 within the bownds of an English town of that 
 colony, planted by them nere forty yeares since, 
 called Seaconck and Swansey. 
 
 2. Philip, Sachem and all those Indians under 
 him were orderly subjects to his Ma'ties Govern- 
 ment, there settled by authority of said Charter, 
 as by sundry instruments under the hands and 
 
Meeting of Commissioners, fyc. Ill 
 
 seals of said Philip, and by his chief men, may 
 fully be made to appear. 
 
 3. The necessity as well as justice of said war 
 on the part of the English, for the preservation of 
 the lives and estates of his Ma'ties good subjects 
 there settled, the printed narative abovementioned, 
 doth fully declare, and we have no reason to 
 doubt will be to satisfaction. 
 
 As for the contents or value of said lands, called 
 Mount Hope, they have formerly been estimated 
 at seven thousand acres, but upon a late survay 
 doe appeare to be of less quantity, and for value 
 its advanced the more considerable by reason of 
 its scituation near the sea, and so may be some 
 accommodation to the colony for a place of trade, 
 otherwise the improvement and benefit thereof, 
 would be very inconsiderable ; and an invaluable 
 sum towards New Plimouth parte of disbursments 
 which in the whole hath been more then one 
 hundred thousand pownds. As for that proposal 
 made in behalf of Mr. William Crowne, we may 
 truely inform your Honor, that neither his former 
 losses which were rather imaginary then reall, 
 nor his present demands seem such to us, as 
 should highly deserve of his Ma'tie, being rather 
 a burthen and disservice to such places where he 
 hath been than otherwise, and perticularly to one 
 of our plantations setled before the unhappy warr, 
 where himself as well as others had good accom- 
 modations freely granted him, but very unhappy 
 disquiets attended that plantation dureing his resi- 
 dence there. 
 
 As for those lands of Narragancet, they are in- 
 cluded in his Ma'ties Charter granted to Connecti- 
 cut^ and so regularly under the Government 
 thereof, and before the war began were peaceably 
 settled with inhabitants in severale paarts thereof 
 
112 Meeting of Commissioners, $c. 
 
 In right of purchass from the indians, and were 
 likely to have been a flouerishing plantation under 
 the countenance of his Matties government there 
 settled by his Gracious Letters Pattents to that 
 colony under the broad seal, and by his perticuler 
 commands to other of the colonys, severally re- 
 quiring their assistance of them, but since the war 
 those parts are disturbed by sundry who doe in- 
 trude themselves upon them by countenance of the 
 Government of Rhode Island as they alledg, and 
 are an ungoverned people utterly uncapable to 
 advance his Ma'ties interest or the peace and hap- 
 piness of their neighbours, as for the acts of his 
 Ma'ties Commissioners 1664-5, we hope that none 
 of their conclusions were intended to contradict 
 his Ma'ties Charter, granted to his good subjects 
 here, especially considering the absence of Coll. 
 Niccols, when such conclusions were drawn up 
 by others of them, without whose concurrence 
 their acts as theire own Commission exhibited, 
 declared to us were invalid, we humbly crave 
 leave to propose that it will be most difficult, if 
 not impossible for the several clay mors of right 
 in that country now resident in those colonys to 
 defend theire interest in England before his Ma'- 
 tie and Honowrable Councill, the whole estate of 
 many of them being not able to transport them 
 over seas, or supply the management of an easy 
 defence at such distance whence they must inev- 
 itably sink under the burthen of the loss of all, if 
 his Ma'tie be not pleased in his Royall wisdom, 
 to order some other expedient to an issue ; the 
 English of these colonys having by his Ma'ties 
 good leave under security of his Letters Pattents 
 removed themselves into this remoat wildernesse 
 neer fifty years now past, they have confidence 
 that the malice of their adversaries by their pri- 
 
Meeting of Commissioners, tyc. 113 
 
 vate insinuations and unjust reproaches shall not 
 now prevayle to disturb them in theire so orderly 
 setlement. 
 
 We humbly offer to your Honours hands, these 
 briefe intimations which we humbly intreat your 
 Honours favour and candor so far to communicate 
 and lay before his Majestie, as in your wisdom you 
 may judge a service to his Ma'ties interest and 
 benefit to his good subjects here, a more full and 
 perticuler answer to his Ma'ties commands as the 
 colonys may be severally concerned, we shall 
 refer to their Gen'll Courts to present ; Hon'ble 
 Sir we take leave to subscribe o'r selves your 
 most humble servants the Commissioners of the 
 United colonys in New England, viz. the Matta- 
 chusets, Plimouth and Conecticutt, by the speciale 
 order of their respective Governors and Councills 
 of his Ma'ties colonys. 
 
 T. D.— J. D.— J. W.— T. H.— J. A.— J. R. 
 
 Boston, in New England, ) 
 August 25, 1679. \ 
 
 To the Right Hon'ble, the Earle of Sunderland, 
 one of his Majesties principall Secret'rys of State, 
 to be comunicated to his Ma'tie, these humbly 
 present. 
 
 In answer to his Ma'ties letter to the Governor 
 and Magistrates of the severall colonys, a letter 
 was drawn up and directed to the honourable the 
 Earle of Sunderland one of his Ma'ties principle 
 Secretarys of State to be communicated to his 
 Ma'tie. 
 
 Allowed in money to Capt. John Hull, for cat- 
 tle eaten by the confederate army in the Narra- 
 gancett in proposition from the severall colonys, 
 twenty five pownds. 
 10* • 
 
114 Address to Charles II. 
 
 To Capt. John Hull, and Wm. Crofts for ditto, 
 in money twenty five pownds, from the several! 
 colonys. 
 
 Appeared the Reverend Mr. John Eliott and 
 made a motion refering to the re-printing the 
 Bible. 
 
 Some demands of Mr. Smith and Mr. Sandford 
 are refered to the next meeting of the Com'rs. 
 
 Agreed upon the day and yeare above written 
 by the Commissioners of the United Colonys. 
 THO. DANFORTH, Press'd. 
 J. DUDLEY, 
 JOSIAH WINSLOW, 
 THO. HINCHLEY, 
 JOHN ALLYN, 
 JAMES RICHARDS. 
 
 Copy of an Address to his Majesty Charles the 2d. 
 
 To the Kings most Excellent Majestie. 
 
 The most humble addresse of his truely loyal I 
 subjects and supplyants the Governor and Generall 
 Assembly of his Ma'ties Colony of Connecticut, 
 in New England holden at Hartford, October 9, 
 1679. 
 
 Dread Soveraigne — 
 
 Such and soe great have been your Ma'ties 
 princely favoure towards us, especially in the gra- 
 ceous charter that your Ma'tie (from* your owne 
 free motion and most ample grace) hath beene 
 pleased to grant unto us, your poor yet loyall sub- 
 
Address to Charles II. 115 
 
 jects, in this your Colony, by which we are made 
 very sencible of your Royall care concerning our 
 Civill and Religious Liberties, as allso of the great 
 and singular benefits that we have enjoyed by that 
 eminent protection, all which hath greatly encour- 
 aged and strongly moved us in conscience of duty, 
 humbly and heartily to offer up o'r most sincere 
 acknowledgments of your Ma'tis great goodness 
 towards us in those forementioned Charter Bownds 
 and priviledgses, which hath been no small engage- 
 ment and encouragement to us in the defence of 
 those parts, neither can we choose but reflect upon 
 ourselves that in so many Halcion dayes of great 
 immunities under your Gracious shadow we have 
 not with bended knees testifyed o'r utmost thank- 
 fullness for such Royall favoure, but such have 
 been the overtures by the Death of o'r former Gov- 
 ernour Winthrop and of late by the breaking forth 
 of the war with the Barbarous heathen which 
 hitherto retarded us but that we have now a hope- 
 full issue through the help of Almighty God, and 
 the benefit of your Royall countenance, for al- 
 though as to o'r Estates we are much impoverish- 
 ed thereby, yet through Gods mercy, he hath given 
 us o'r Enemy for a prey, whilst many of o'r neigh- 
 bours round about us, have been made a desola- 
 tion, and under God we must acknowledge o'r- 
 selves Debtor to your Ma'tie the greatness of your 
 name and power with the aspect thereof towards 
 us, being a Terror to o'r heathen adversaries, yet 
 these troubles have been some hindrance to that 
 o'r duty of acknowedging o'r thankfulness, but now 
 being by your Ma'ties Letters dated at White 
 Hall Feb'y 12, 1678-9 commanded to appear be- 
 fore your Ma'tie by o'r agents to make good o'r 
 claym to the soyle and Government of the Narra- 
 gancett Country, what can we say before so Gra- 
 
116 Address to Charles II. 
 
 cious a King, but to beg that we may be admitted 
 humbly to prostrate o'rselves at y'r Ma'ties feet 
 with earnest beseeching your princely Grace in 
 the full enjoyment of all the limits mentioned in 
 o'r sayd Charter, and the priviledges thereof w'ch 
 have by your Royall selfe been granted to us o'r 
 Heirs and successors ; and that o'r messenger Mr. 
 Wm. Harris (who is impowered by us according 
 to your Majesties order aforesaid,) may find fa- 
 voure with your Ma'ties and who can informe fully 
 the expences w r e have been at in the last Indian 
 Warr, both as to money and loss of men as allso 
 the advantages obtayned hath formerly been cer- 
 tifyed to the Right Hon'ble Earle Sunderland, by 
 the Com'rs of Massachusetts, New Plimouth and 
 this Colony from Boston, August last. Great s'r 
 so great have been the assurances we have receiv- 
 ed of your princely favours to this your poore Col- 
 ony, by your Gracious Letters, divers times sent us, 
 that we cannot but be greatly encouraged to hope 
 for a continuance of your Royall favoure unto us, 
 and we shall as in duty we are bound apply o'r- 
 selves constantly to the Throne of Grace, for your 
 Ma'ties long life and happy Reign over all your 
 kingdoms and territoris to the honor of the great 
 God and the good of his church. 
 
 So beging your Majesties pardon, we subscribe 
 o'rselves your Ma'ties true and loyall subjects, the 
 Gov'r and Generall Assembly of your Ma'ties 
 Colony of Conecticutt. 
 
 WM. LEET, Gov'r, 
 
 In their names and pr their order, 
 
 JOHN ALLYN, Sec'ry. 
 
Letter from Charles II. 117 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, relating to 
 trade and navigation. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, wee greet you well, 
 whereas by an act of Parliament of this our 
 Realme, made in the 25th year of our Reigne, 
 certain rates, duties and impositions are imposed 
 upon certain comodities of the groth, production 
 and manufacture of our plantations in Asia, Afri- 
 ca or America, that shall be shipped or laden on 
 board any shipp or vessell, for which bond shall 
 not be first given to bring the same to our King- 
 dome of England, Dominion of Wales or Town 
 of Berwick upon Tweed, which rates, duties and 
 impositions are to be levyed and collected under 
 such penalties, both to the officers and upon the 
 goods, as for non payment of, or defrauding us of 
 our customes in England ; the collection whereof 
 is by the said act to be ordered and managed by 
 our commissioners of our customes in England, 
 under the authority and direction of our Lord High 
 Treasurer of England, or commissioners of our 
 Treasury for the time being. 
 
 And whereas our commissioners of our cus- 
 tomes, have in pursuance of such direction, ap- 
 pointed Edward Randolph Esqr., for collecting the 
 said duties arising and growing due to us, by ver- 
 tue of the said act, and have impowered him to 
 make and depute such deputies or under officers as 
 may be further necessary, wee will and require 
 you that you give all due encouragement and as- 
 sistance to the said Edward Randolph, in the ex- 
 ecution of his duty and place, and to such persons 
 as shall from time to time, be by him appointed to 
 
118 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 the said offices, and that you do strictly command 
 all other officers and persons whatsoever, civill or 
 military, within your government to be aiding and 
 assisting to them therein ; you are moreover, to 
 take effectnall care that all former laws relating 
 to the trade of our plantations, be duly observed 
 and executed, and particularly the act for encour- 
 ageing and encreasing of shipping and navigation, 
 made in the 12th year of our Reigne, the act for 
 encouragement of trade, made in the 15th year of 
 our Reigne, and the act for better regulating to 
 the plantation trade made in the 22 and 23 years 
 of our Reigne, and also our proclamation of the 
 24 November, in the 27 year of our Reigne, for 
 enforceing the said laws ; and you are once a year 
 to return to our said commissioners of our cus- 
 tomes, a list of all such shipps or vessells as shall 
 lade within your government, any of the enume- 
 rated plantation comodities, as is provided by the 
 aforementioned act of the 22 and 23 years of our 
 Reigne, as also a list of all the bonds taken by 
 you, together with such other matters as they shall 
 desire from you. And you are from time to time, 
 to correspond with our commissioners of our cus- 
 tomes, and to inform them what you conceive fur- 
 ther necessary for our service in the premises. — 
 Given at our Court at White Hall, twelfth day of 
 November, in the one and twentieth year of our 
 Reign. By his Majesties command. 
 
 ESSEX, 
 
 L. HYDE, 
 
 J. ERNLE. 
 
 ED. DERING, 
 
 S. GIDELPHIS. 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour, 
 for the time being, of our Colony of Connecticott, 
 New England, 
 
Deposition of Francis Branson. 119 
 
 A copy of the Deposition of Francis Branson. 
 
 Francis Branson, commander of the ship Anne 
 and Hester, aged 30 years or thereabouts, in the 
 behalf of his Majestie testifieth, that William 
 Kelso, Chirurgeon, and John Bowland, mate of the 
 said ship, being aboard, in the great cabbin at sea, 
 the 16th day of April last, 1680, amongst other 
 discourses that then passed between them, the 
 said William Kelso in hearing of this Deponent, 
 did declare in the great cabbin, that he was the 
 Chirurgeon General!, in the late rebellion in Scott- 
 land, and that after the Duke of Monmouth had 
 been there and qualified them, Kelso cutt of his 
 hair and wore a Perriwigg, and made his escape 
 into the north of Ireland, and from thence trans- 
 ported himself to Dublin, and was there some 
 small time, and from thence he made his escape 
 to Bristol, and there he stayed a while, and after 
 went up to London. He then at the same time 
 did declare, that he knew those persons that 
 murdered the Arch Bishop of St. Andrews, and 
 that they had made their escape disguised, and 
 could not be found ; that there were six of them 
 that sett upon him, when he was in his coach, 
 going over a plain 3 miles from a village, that 
 they hauled him out of his coach and told him 
 that he had betrayed them, and therefore nothing 
 should satisfie them but his blood. His Daughter 
 being in the coach with him, opened her bosome, 
 and desired them to spare her father and kill 
 her, but they fell upon him with their pistolls, first 
 pistolling him, and then hewed him in pieces 
 with their swores ; all which words w r ere spoken 
 by the said Kelso, when we were coming from 
 England, being then bound for the Isle of May. 
 
120 Letter to Commissioners of Customs, 
 
 Sworn to in Court, the 4th January 1680, in 
 Boston, in New England. That this is a true 
 coppie taken and compared with the original, 4th 
 January 1680. 
 
 Attest 
 
 EDWARD RAWSON, Secr'y. 
 
 Copy of a Letter sent by the Governor fyc. of the 
 Colony of Connecticut, to the Commissioners of 
 his Majesties Customs. 
 
 Much Honoured — 
 
 Yours of May 24th came to our hand January 
 following with the inclosed from his Majestie, with 
 the Statutes, box of Seals and book of rates, &c. 
 the contents whereof were of much satisfaction 
 unto us, viz : to be informed and directed how we 
 might serve his Majestie preventive to frauds in 
 customs and dutys, that being part of our allegi- 
 ance and duty incumbant, unto which we appre- 
 hend ourselves sufficiently impowered by his Ma- 
 jesties gracious Charter, granted to this Colony, 
 and wee have the greater happiness by your early 
 care, thus to suggest to us before w r e arrived at 
 any capacitie so to defraud, for though we may not 
 boast of our own goodness, yet pennury hath 
 hitherto obstructed, for after above forty years 
 sweating and toyle in this wilderness, to enlarge 
 his Majesties dominions, at our own cost and ad- 
 venture, we have neither had leisure or ability to 
 lanch out in any considerable trade at sea, having 
 only a few small vessellsto carry our corne,hoggs 
 
Letter to Commissioners of Custoins. 121 
 
 and horses unto our neighbours of York and Bos- 
 ton, to exchange for some cloaths and utensills 
 wherewithall to worke and subdue this country ; 
 likewise some of those comodities are carried to 
 the Barbadoes, and those Islands, to bring in some 
 sugar and rum to refresh the spirits of such as la- 
 bour in the extream heat and cold, so to serve his 
 Majesties inlargement of Dominions, and gett a 
 poor living to themselves meanwhile, the sub- 
 stance whereof we suppose Mr. Randolph can 
 informe, who having lately taken an interview of 
 our parts and Colony, unto whom we have shew- 
 ed civility according to our capacitie, and offered 
 any furtherance in so good a designe to prevent 
 fraud towards our Sovreign in trade and naviga- 
 tion, we have also appointed customers or collec- 
 tors in our severall counties, to take speciall care 
 that these acts of navigation and trade be duly ob- 
 served and kept, and have commissioned them ac- 
 cordingly, they are the most aptest persons w 7 e 
 could pitch upon, for that affaire, this work is yett 
 novell and unknown to them, through want of ex- 
 perience in such occasions, but we have no cause 
 to doubt of their fidelitie and care in the due at- 
 tendance of the work and trust reposed in them, 
 and we shall be ready to grant Mr. Randolph such 
 necessary aid and assistance as shall be requisite, 
 if he also shall see cause to take any cognizance 
 of these affaires in our colony, if yourselves or 
 any Lords of the Privy Councill or Treasury will 
 concern themselves to further light, in this or any 
 thing proper to our Loyalty, we shall thankfully 
 accept the same, and do our duty therein, praying 
 always for the long life and happy Reigne of his 
 Majestic and wellfare of yourselves, and all Pro- 
 11 
 
122 Letter to Commissioners of Customs, 
 
 testant professors, as our own, who are your Hon- 
 ours very humble servants.* 
 
 WILLIAM LEETE, Govt, 
 JOHN TALCOTT, 
 JOHN ALLYN. 
 Hartford, January 24th, 1680. 
 
 Note. — This, according to the modern mode of dating, 
 was 1681. 
 
 These for the Honourable the Comissioners of 
 his Majesties Customes, at the Custome House in 
 London. 
 
 * "The Acts of trade and navigation were exceedingly 
 grievous to the Colonies. They viewed them as utterly in- 
 consistent with their chartered rights. This made them ex- 
 tremely unwilling to submit to them. Massachusetts never 
 would finally submit ; but as it was matter of great and con- 
 tinual complaint against the Colonies, and as his Majesty in- 
 sisted on the respective Governors taking the oath respect- 
 ing trade and navigation, it was judged expedient, that Gov- 
 ernor Leet should take it, in the presence of the Assembly. 
 It was accordingly administered to him at the Session in 
 May, 1680."— Trum. Hist. Con. Vol. 1, p 356. 
 
 "At a Generall Court of Election held at Hartford May 
 13, 1680, according to his Ma'ties command, the Governur 
 did in the presence of the Court, take the oath respecting 
 the act of navigation and trade, appoynted by his Ma'tie, it 
 being administered to him by Mr. Sam'l Willys, Maj'r John 
 Tallcott, Capt. John Allyn, and fower others of the Coun- 
 cill of the Colony, May 14, 1680." 
 
Letter from Coirirs on Trade ; fyc. 123 
 
 A Letter from the Lords Commissioners of his 
 Majes. Customs, relating to Trade and Navi- 
 gation, 4' c - 
 
 Sr, herein we enclose a letter from his Majestie, 
 in relation to his customes, arising by vertue of 
 one act of Parliament, made in the 25th year of 
 his Majesties Reigne, entitled an act for better 
 secureing the plantation trade, and also in rela- 
 tion to the other laws which concern the planta- 
 tion trade, and for your information in these 
 matters, a book of rates is herewith transmitted 
 to you, wherein the said laws are contained, viz. 
 the act of navigation, the act for the encourage- 
 ment of trade, the act for better regulating the 
 plantation trade, and the act for better securing 
 the plantation trade, together with some copies of 
 his Majesties Proclamations of the 24 November, 
 in the 27th year of his majesties Reigne, prohibit- 
 ing the importation of the commodities of Europe 
 into any of his majesties Plantations in Asia, Afri- 
 ca or America, which were not laden in England, 
 and for putting all other laws relating to the plan- 
 tation trade, in effectual execution, for due per- 
 formance whereof you will please to give order 
 and take care, and whereas several shipps have 
 gone from his majesties plantations to Scotland, 
 Ireland and other places beyond the seas, and there 
 discharged their loading of tobacco, sugar and 
 other the commodities, enumerated in the afore- 
 said act of the 25, of the King, without first com- 
 ing to England, Wales or Berwick and paying 
 his Majesties duties there for the same, according 
 to the said laws, for prevention thereof for the 
 future, wee desire you will please that according 
 to the aforementioned act for regulating the plan- 
 
124 Letter from Com'rs on Trade ■, fyc. 
 
 tation trade, we may receive from you at least 
 once a year, a list of all such ships or vessels, as 
 shall lade within your Government, any of the 
 enumerated comodities, according to the enclosed 
 forme, endorsed (No. 1,) and that you do not per- 
 mitt any shipp or vessell to load any of the said 
 goods in your colony, unless* she first give bond to 
 carry the same to England, Wales or Berwick, 
 or pay the duties appointed by the aforesaid act 
 of the 25, of the King, and also give bond to carry 
 them to England, Wales or Berwick or to some 
 other of his Majesties plantations, for that you are 
 to know, that the payment of the said duties doth 
 not give liberty to go to any Port or place other 
 than to England, Wales or Berwick, or to some 
 other of his Majesties plantations, and they are 
 not thereby privileged to goe to Ireland, Scotland 
 or any foreign country, and for the better discov- 
 ery of false certificates of ships having given bond 
 in England and unloaden there, we desire you will 
 use your utmost care in causing strict examina- 
 tion to be made of all certificates, both of ships 
 having given such bond, and also of their having 
 discharged their loading in England, and that you 
 admit of no certificates of any ships having given 
 bond, nor of any ships having discharged their 
 loading in England, Wales or Berwick, but such 
 as shall come to you under the hands and seals of 
 the customer or patent collector and comptroller 
 or their deputies, and the hand of the commis- 
 sion collector or his deputy or two of them, of the 
 port where they gave bond or unladed respect- 
 ively, and we herewith transmitt to you one of 
 each of the impressions of the seales as we rec'd 
 them, both from the respective customers and 
 comptrollers, both in the port of London and the 
 out Ports. And we desire that as it is the practice 
 
Letter from Corners on Trade, fyc. 125 
 
 in other plantations, all certificates, both of ships 
 having given bond, and of their having discharged 
 their respective loadings may be registered in 
 your navall office, or some other publick office'in 
 your colony, and you may please further observe, 
 that you are not to permitt any shipp to take in 
 any of the enumerated goods in your colony, but 
 such as have given bond in England, Wales or 
 Berwick, or to yourself, or to the Governor of 
 some other of his Majesties colonies, and where 
 a certificate shall be brought to you, of any ships 
 having given bond with the Governour of any 
 other colony or ships, having unloaden any of the 
 said commodities in any other colony, you are nott 
 to admitt thereof, unless it be under the hand and 
 seal of such Governour respectively, and as to the 
 bonds to be taken by you, wee here inclose to 
 you the form of a bond to be entered into by mas- 
 ters of ships that enter for England, Wales or 
 Berwick, only, (No. 2,) and the form of a bond to 
 be entered into by the masters of ships that enter 
 for England, Wales or Berwick, or some other of 
 his Majesties plantations, before they have liberty 
 to lade any of the said goods, (No. 3,) both which 
 bonds are to be with one sufficient surety ; and 
 the blank in which bonds for the summ is to be 
 filled up according to the direction in the act of 
 navigation, with the sum of one thousand pounds, 
 if the ship be of less burthen than one hundred 
 tonn, and of two thousand pounds if the ship be of 
 a greater burthen, and because the life and effi- 
 cacy of such bonds depend principally upon the 
 sufficiency of the securities, we desire that you 
 will take effectual care that the sureties in all 
 such bonds, be persons of sufficiency and value, 
 and inhabitants within your Government ; and in 
 all cases where bond hath been given to you, if 
 11* 
 
126 Letter from Comrs on Trade, <fyc r 
 
 you can discover and make proofe, that any such 
 ship or vessell hath discharged her loading, con- 
 trary to her bond, or that a convenient time hath 
 passed in expectation of the returne of a certifi- 
 cate of her unladeing according to the condition 
 of her bond, and that no such certificate is return- 
 ed, wee desire you will cause the bond to be pros- 
 secuted, wee doubt not but you will give all 
 encouragement to Mr. Randolph, appointed by 
 his Majestie to receive his customes in your col- 
 ony, and likewise to his deputies, — we are Sr your 
 very humble servants, 
 
 STOWIMS, 
 CHELHEYNE, 
 HILLINGTERY. 
 Custom House, London, 
 
 24 May, 1680. 
 
 To the Governour for the time being, of Con- 
 necticott colony, New England.' 
 
Entry and Clearance of Vessels. 127 
 
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128 Letter to Lords of the Council, fyc. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from the Governor and Council 
 of the Colony of Connecticut, to the Rt. Hon- 
 orable, the Lords of the Council of trade, rela- 
 tive to the Narraganset Country. 
 
 Right Honnourable — 
 
 We request your consideration of our pleas of 
 right to the Government and soyle of the Narra- 
 gansett lands. 
 
 1. Our Pattent, dated 23d Aprill, in the four- 
 teenth year of his Majesties Reigne, doth circum- 
 scribe those lands, and makes them Connecticuts, 
 which Pattent is precedent to Rhoad Island. 
 
 2. That the bounds of our charter, as to the 
 eastern limits, was not newly devised, but was so 
 described in a grant made formerly to some Lords 
 and Gent, bearing date Anno. Dom. 1631, which 
 at a dear rate was purchased by the Colony of 
 Connecticut, which grant, though so purchassed 
 we were unwilling to rely upon, it wanting a Roy- 
 all stamp, and therefore soon after his Majesties 
 happy restoration to his Crown and dignity, this 
 Colony did request and impower the Hon. John 
 Winthrop Esqr., our then Governour, to undertake 
 a voyage for England, and to present our humble 
 address to his Majesty and procure a charter for 
 this Colony, which through assistance of Almigh- 
 ty God, and the abundant grace of our Lord the 
 King, (whom God preserve) he was successfull 
 therein. 
 
 3. That Pawcatuck River, which Rhoad Island 
 procured his Majestie to call Narragensett River 
 in their charter, lyeth about six miles within the 
 Pequot country, that was conquered by us above 
 forty years agoe, which his Majestie is pleased to 
 
Letter to Lords of the Council, fyc. 129 
 
 take notice of, as a ground for the grant of our 
 charter, in part of which lands we have been for- 
 ced to settle some of our friend Indians, who were 
 helpfull to us in the vvarr when the Narragansetts 
 were our enemies, and the Rhoad Islanders no 
 good friends, that it should be taken from them 
 for Rhoad Island, to possess and govern will be to 
 them intollerable. 
 
 4. After a charter was procured and sent over 
 to us, the Honnourable John Winthrop his agency 
 was expired, and therefore any agreement Rhoad 
 Island may pretend they made with Governour 
 Winthrop, doth not binde the Colony. 
 
 5. Connecticot have dealt plainly, and have 
 antiquity of their side before either donation of the 
 Indians to his Majestie, and before Rhoad Islands 
 charter grant. 
 
 6. Connecticut hath been long and lately in 
 possession of great parts of those Narraganset 
 lands, which according to his Majesties Letter of 
 February 12th, 1097, (we humbly conceive) ought 
 so to continue untill his Majesties decision and 
 pleasure be further known, notwithstanding which, 
 the Government of Rhoad Island have been con- 
 tending with us, incroached upon our rights, and 
 given us great mollestation. 
 
 7. In the late Indian warr, Rhoad Island Gov- 
 ernment neglected to grant assistance to defend 
 the people planted in the Narraganset country, or 
 to recover the lands out of the hands of the na- 
 tives, our enemies, who strongly fortifyed them- 
 selves there, and ruled as Lords both of soyle and 
 Government, till they were recovered out of their 
 hands by this Colony, and our allies, yea when in 
 the sharpest of the winter, our souldiers had a cru- 
 el fight with the enemy, beat them out of their 
 works and burnt them with fire, and retreated to 
 
130 Questions and Answers. 
 
 Rhoad Island for recruit w'th our wounded men ; 
 we were forced to pay dearly for what reliefe they 
 had there, and our souldiers when they were so 
 well that they could be removed into our Colony 
 for care, (they haveing not money to pay) their 
 late Governour Cranson, took indentures of our 
 souldiers to serve him for years for what they had 
 had, before he lettthem pass, and yet againe they 
 give us trouble, and would re-assume a Govern- 
 ment there, which how they manage we hope you 
 will have from other hands, sundry other such 
 things with sufficient proofs we had sent over, but 
 they are all lost with our agent, we request your 
 favorable construction hereof, and you will there- 
 by oblige your most humble servants, the Govern- 
 our and Councill of Connecticutt. 
 
 WILLIAM LEET, Govern'ur. 
 Hartford, Julv 15th, 1680. 
 
 Heads of inquiry, containing 27 queries, sent from 
 the fionourahle the Lords of the Councill of 
 Trade and Foreign Plantations, to the Govern- 
 our of his Majesties Colony of Connecticutt, in 
 New England. 
 
 1. What Councills, Assemblies and Courts of 
 Judicature are within your Corporation, and of. 
 what nature and kinde ? 
 
 2. What Courts of Judicature relating to the 
 Admiralty ? 
 
 3. Where the Legislative and Executive pow- 
 ers of the Government are seated ? 
 
Questions an d Answers. 131 
 
 4. What Statutes, Laws and Ordinances, are 
 now made and in force 1 
 
 5. What number of Horse or Foot are within 
 your Government, whether they be trained bands 
 or standing Forces, how they are armed, divided 
 and exercised ? 
 
 6. What Castles and Forts are within your 
 Corporation, and how situated and fortified ; as 
 also what stores and provisions they are furnished 
 withall? 
 
 7. What number of Privateers or Pyrates do 
 frequent your Coast, and what their burthens are, 
 the number of their men and gunns, and the names 
 of the Commanders? 
 
 8. What is the strength of your bordering 
 neighbours, whether Indians or of any other na- 
 tion, by sea and land, and what is the state and 
 condition of their trade and commerce ? 
 
 9. What correspondence do you keep with 
 your neighbours 1 
 
 10. What are the Boundaries, Longitude, Lat- 
 itude and contents of Land within your Govern- 
 ment, and what number of acres Pattented, set- 
 tled, or unsettled, and how much is manureable 
 Land? 
 
 11. What are the principall Towns and pla- 
 ces of trade, and what manner of buildings are 
 most used in your Corporation, as to the strength 
 and largeness of them ? 
 
 12. How many Parishes, Precincts, or divis- 
 ions are within your Government ? 
 
 13. What Rivers, Harbours and Roads are 
 within your Corporation, and of what depths and 
 soundings they are ? 
 
 14. What comodities are there of the produc- 
 tion, groth and manufacture of your Government, 
 and of what value yearly, either exported or con- 
 
132 Questions and Answers. 
 
 sumed upon the value, and what materials are 
 there already growing, or may be produced for 
 shipping, as also what are the comodities imported, 
 and of value yearly ? 
 
 15. Whether salt petre is or may be produced 
 within your corporation, and if so, in what quan- 
 tity, and at what rates it may be delivered in 
 England ? 
 
 16. What number of merchants and planters, 
 English or foreigners, servants and slaves, and 
 how many of them are men able to bear arms ? 
 
 17. What number of English, Scotch, Irish 
 or foreigners have (for these 7 yeares last past, 
 or for any other space of time) come yearly to 
 plant and inhabit within your corporation ; and 
 also what blacks and slaves have been brought in, 
 within the said time, and at what rates ? 
 
 18. What number of whites, blacks or mulat- 
 tos have been born and christened for these seven 
 years last past, or any other space of time, for as 
 many years as you are able to state an acount of ? 
 
 19. What number of marriages for seven 
 years last past, or any other time, for as many 
 years as you are able to state an account of? 
 
 20. What number of people have yearly dyed 
 within your Government, for seven years past, or 
 any other time, for as many years as you are able 
 to state an account of? 
 
 21. What estimate can you make, touching 
 the estates of the severall degrees of merchants 
 and planters within your corporation ; and how 
 you may compute the wealth of the corporation 
 in generall ? 
 
 22. What number of ships, sloops or other 
 vessells do trade yearly to and from your Govern- 
 ment, and of what built and burthen, and whether 
 there be any belonging to the country ? 
 
Questions and Answers-. 138 
 
 23. What obstructions do you find to the in> 
 provement of the trade and navigation of your 
 Corporation ? 
 
 24. What advantages and improvements do 
 you observe that may be gained by your trade 
 and navigation ? 
 
 25. What Rates and Duties are charged and 
 payable upon any goods exported out of your 
 Government, whether of your own groth or man- 
 ufacture, or otherwise, as also upon goods import- 
 ed ; and likewise what other Revenue doth or may 
 arise within your Corporation, and how the same 
 are applyed &c. ? 
 
 26. What Perswasion in Religious matters is 
 most prevalent, and among the varieties which you 
 are to express, what proportion in number and 
 quallity of people the one holds to the other ? 
 
 27. What course is taken for the instructing 
 of the People in the Christian Religion : how ma- 
 ny Churches and Ministers are there within your 
 Government, and how many are yett wanting for 
 the accommodation of your Corporation; what 
 provision is there made for their maintenance, as 
 also for relieving poor decayed and impotent per- 
 sons, and whether you have any beggars and idle 
 vagabonds ? 
 
 By command of the Right Honnourable, the 
 Lords of his Majesties most Honnourable Privy 
 Councill, appointed a Committee for Trade and 
 Forreign Plantations. 
 
 WILLIAM BLATHWAYT. 
 
 12 
 
134 Questions and Answers. 
 
 Answers made to the queries aforegoing, and sent 
 to the Right Honnourable the Lords of his Ma- 
 jesties most Honnourable Privy Councill, ap- 
 pointed a Committee of Trade and Plantations. 
 
 1. We have yearly two General Courts, ac- 
 cording as they are stated in his Majesties gracious 
 charter, granted to this Colony. We have two 
 Courts of Assistants, which consist of the Gover- 
 nor and six Assistants, which are for the tryall of 
 cappitall offences, and for the hearing of all ap- 
 peals, with a jury. 
 
 Our Colony is divided into four Counties, and 
 in each County there are two County Courts an- 
 nually, consisting of Magistrates, with a Jury, to 
 heare and determine all actions of debts, slander, 
 and of the case, and Criminall matters of lesser 
 nature, as there is any special occasion ; the Gov- 
 ernour calls his Assistants who are his Councill, to 
 meet and consider of such matters as fall in, in the 
 interval! of the Courts, and to order and deter- 
 mine the same. 
 
 2. We have little traffique abroad, and small 
 occasion for such a Court and so have not consid- 
 ered or stated any such Court at present distinct 
 from the rest, but it is left with the Court of As- 
 sistants. 
 
 3. The Legislature is only in the General Court, 
 and the Executive in those Courts appointed as 
 before. 
 
 4. We have herewith sent you one of our 
 Law Books, wherein are what Laws were in force 
 when we printed them, since which, some few or- 
 ders have been made, but are not yet printed, and 
 so have not sent them : your Lordships may please 
 to take notice, that in our preface to our Laws, 
 
Questions and Answers* 135 
 
 we say we have been carefull not to make any re- 
 pugnant to the Stattute Laws of England, so farr 
 as we understand them, professing ourselves al- 
 wavs ready and willing to receive light for emen- 
 dation or alteration, as we may have opportunity, 
 what we then said is our present purpose, and shall 
 be our practice as -occasion requires.* 
 
 * Until the year 1672 the laws of the Colony had been 
 kept in manuscript, and were promulgated by sending cop- 
 ies of them to the several towns in this Colony. At the 
 Session of the General Court in October 16/2, it was order- 
 ed that the laws of the Coiony should be printed : the Book 
 consisted of about seventy-five Folio pages, printed, and 
 about the same number of blank pages. The laws that were 
 passed after the printing of the book, were inserted in wri- 
 ting in the blank pages till the book was filled up. The 
 Generall Court enacted that every family in the Colony 
 should purchase one of the books. 
 
 Here follows a copy of the Act. 
 
 "At a General Court held at Hartford, October 10, 1672 : 
 
 It is ordered by this Court, that our laws shall be printed 
 as soon as may be conveniently, the copy of them being 
 viewed and approved by this Court. 
 
 It is also ordered that every family in the several planta- 
 tions in this Colony, shall purchase one of our Law Books to 
 keep for their use, and the constables of the several planta- 
 tions are to see that this order be duly attended, and that the 
 books are paid for as they are delivered, either in silver or 
 wheat ; those that pay in silver, to pay twelve pence a book ; 
 and those that pay in wheat, to pay a peck and half a book, 
 and those that have not those things to pay, are to pay two 
 shillings in pease for a book ; pease at three shillings pr 
 bushel, all to be delivered at the County townes in each 
 County." 
 
 It appears that this order was not at first as strictly com- 
 plied with as was intended, for the printer made loud com- 
 plaints that he did not receive punctual payment for the 
 books, and at length petitioned the General Court for redress 
 of grievances; whereupon at their session at Hartford, Oc- 
 tober 1674, the following order was passed. 
 
 "October 8th, 1674. — The printer complayneing that he 
 is not payed for the law books by the severall constables of 
 
136 Questions and Answers, 
 
 5. For the present, we have but one Troop 
 setled, which consists of about sixty Horss, yet we 
 are upon raising three Troops more, one in each 
 County, of about 40 Horss in each Troop, our other 
 forces are Trained Bands, there is a Major in each 
 County, who commands the Militia of that, under 
 the Governour for the time being, who is the Gen- 
 eral of all the Forces within our Colony, the 
 whole amounts to 2507 ; the names of our seve- 
 ral Counties are : 
 
 Hartford County, where are about 835 Trained 
 Souldiers — New Haven County, where are about 
 623 Trained Souldiers — New London County, 
 where are about 509 Trained Souldiers — Fair- 
 field County, where are about 540 Trained Soul- 
 diers — Total 2507 men. 
 
 Our Hossmen are armed with Pistols and Car- 
 bines, the Foot Souldiers, with Muskett and Pike, 
 for the present, in our late wars with the Indians, 
 we found Dragoons to be the most useful], and 
 therefore improved about 300 of them in the ser- 
 vice to good success* 
 
 6. We have one small Fort within our Colo- 
 ny, which is at the mouth of Connecticott River, 
 at a place called Saybrook, and our stores of Pro- 
 sundry of the plantations, the Court orders that whatsoever 
 constable shall neglect to bring- in the pay, due for the law 
 books their towne hath or ought to receive, according to for- 
 mer order to the County Towne of their County, and deliver 
 the same to the persons appoynted in the sayd Countyes to 
 receive the same, one month after publication hereof, shalf 
 forfeit twenty shillings, and so. twenty shillings a month till 
 he hath accomplished the same. The Treasurer, upon com- 
 playnt made of the breach of this order, is to grant warrant 
 to levy the penalty for the use of the printer ; the persons 
 appoynted to receive the pay for the printer in the County 
 Townes, are for Hartford, the printer himself, for New Ha- 
 ven, Mr. John Hudson, for Fayrefield, Mr. John Burr, fos 
 New London* Mr. Joshua RavmonaV* 
 
Questions and Answers. 137 
 
 vision are but slender, we having Towns about it 
 that can convey Provisions to it upon all occa- 
 sions — other good Harbours we have, and one es- 
 pecially, at a Town called New London, former- 
 ly called Pequott, near which the English of Con- 
 necticott obtained a memorable victory over the 
 Pequotts, the first and most fatall blow the Indi- 
 ans rec'd from the English in New England, till 
 the late warr in 1675 and 1676. The Harbour 
 lyeth about a league up the River, where the Town 
 is : ships of great burthen may come up to Town 
 and lye secure in any winds, where is great need 
 of Fortification, but we want estate to make For- 
 tification, and purchase artillery for it, and we 
 should thankfully acknowledge the favour of any 
 benefactors that would contribute towards the do- 
 ing of something towards the good work. 
 
 7. It is rare that ever there comes any here on 
 those dangerous coasts, only about two years agoe 
 there came a French Captain called Lamoine, 
 with three shipps, one of which wintered at New 
 London, and in the spring went of to sea. 
 
 8. As for our Indian neighbours in this Colo- 
 ny, we compute them to be about 500 fighting 
 men, as for our neighbours of York, Massachu- 
 setts and Plimouth, we suppose they are to an- 
 swer to the same questions, and know better what 
 their strength, and the number of the natives is 
 amongst them ; as to the French, we are strangers 
 to them, and know nothing of their strength or 
 comerce. Our chief trade for procureing of cloa- 
 thing, is by sending what Provisions we raise to 
 Boston, where we buy goods with it to cloath us, 
 the trade with the Indians in this Colony is worth 
 nothing, for by reason of warrs they have with 
 other remote Indians, they gett little Peltry. 
 
 9. We have neighbourly correspondence with 
 
 12* 
 
138 Questions and Answers. 
 
 New Plimoutb, and the Massachusetts, and since 
 Sr Edmund Andross is come to York, our corres- 
 pondence with him, is not like what it was with his 
 predecessor in that Government ; as for Rhoad 
 Island, we have not so good correspondence with 
 them as we desire. 
 
 10. Our Boundaries are expressed in our 
 Charter. As to the number of acres settled, or 
 unsettled, or how much is manureable, we cannot 
 guess, the country being a mountainous country, 
 full of rocks, swamps, hills, and most that is fit for 
 plantations is taken up, what remains must be sub- 
 dued, and gained out' of the fire, as it were, by 
 hard blows and for small recompence. 
 
 11. Our principall Towns are Hartford, upon 
 Connecticott River, New London, upon Pequott 
 River, New Haven and Fairfield, by the sea side, 
 in which towns is managed the principall trade of 
 the Colony ; our buildings are generally of wood, 
 some there are of stone and brick, many of them 
 of good strength and comliness for a wilderness', 
 both those of wood, stone and brick. 
 
 12. We have twenty-six small Towns* al- 
 ready setled in our Colony, and in one of them 
 we have two Churches. 
 
 13. Between the Narragansett River, our last 
 Bounds, and Momoronack Rivolett, our Western 
 Bounds, are those Rivers following : The River 
 of Connecticott, at the entrance of which there 
 is but about 10 or 12 foot at high water, vessels of 
 50 or GO tunns, sometimes 80 tunns will goe up 60 
 miles in that River, to the Town of Hartford, but 
 by reason of flatts and falls, they cannot goe above 
 6 miles beyond Hartford — New London or Pe- 
 quott River, where a ship of 500 tunns may go up 
 
 * Rye and Bedford were included in this number. 
 
Questions and Answers. 139 
 
 to the Town, and come so near the shoar, that they 
 may toss a biskitt on shoar, and vessells of about 
 30 tons may pass up about twelve miles above 
 New London, near to a Town called Norwich — ■ 
 at New Haven and Fairfield, ships of three hun- 
 dred tonns or bigger, may come into the Har- 
 bours — at Guilford, Milford, Norwalk, Stratford 
 and Rye, vessells of about 30 or 40 tonns may 
 come in, and they are pretty good Tide Harbours. 
 
 14. The commodities of the country are wheat, 
 peas, rye, barly, Indian corn, and pork, beef, wool, 
 hemp, flax, cyder, perry, and tarr, deal boards, 
 pipe staves, horses ; but to say the yearly value of 
 what is exported, or spent upon the place, we can- 
 not. The most is transported to Boston, and there 
 bartered for cloathing, som small quantities direct- 
 ly sent to Barbadoes, Jamacia and the Carribbe 
 Islands, and there bartered for sugar, cotton wool 
 and rumm, and som money; and now and then 
 rarely some vessells are loaden with staves, pease, 
 pork and flower, to Madera and Ffyal, and then 
 barter their comoditys for wine ; we have no need 
 of Virginia trade, most people planting so much 
 tobacco as they spend, our wheat having been 
 much blasted, and our peas spoiled with worms 
 for sundry years past, our trade is much abated. 
 For the materials for sniping, here is good timber, 
 of oak, pine and spruce for masts, oak boards and 
 pine boards, tar, pitch and hemp. The value of 
 the comoditys imported yearly, we cannot com- 
 pute, but possible it is 8000 or 9000 pounds. 
 
 15. We have no Salt Peter raised in our Colo- 
 ny, neither do we know how to raise it, or wheth- 
 er here be the materials that will make it. 
 
 16. In our Colony there are about 20 petty 
 merchants, som trade only to Boston, som to Bos- 
 ton and the Indias, others to Boston and New 
 
140 Questions and Answers. 
 
 York, others to Boston, the Indias and Newfound- 
 land. As for Forreigne Merchants, a few, and 
 very few seldom trade hither ; as to the number 
 of Planters, they are included in our train bands, 
 all from 16 to 60, being to bear arms. There are 
 but a few Servants amongst us, and less Slaves, 
 not above 30 as we judge in the Colony. 
 
 17. For English, Scotch and Irish, there are 
 so few come in, that we cannot give a certain ac- 
 count, some years comes none, sometimes a fami- 
 ly or two in a year, and for Blacks, there comes 
 sometimes 3 or 4 in a year from Barbadoes, and 
 they are sold usually at the rate of £22 a piece, 
 sometimes more, and sometimes less, according as 
 men can agree w T ith the masters of vessells or 
 Merchants that bring them hither. 
 
 18. We can give no account of the perfect 
 number of either, born, but few Blacks, and but 
 two Blacks christened, as we know of. 
 
 19. We can give no perfect account of it. 
 
 20. This we cannot give account of, but as to 
 the increase, take it as folio weth : 
 
 In the year, 1671, our number of men was 2050. 
 In the year 1676, our number was 2303. 
 In the year 1677, our number was 2365. 
 In the year 1678, our number was 2490. 
 In the year 1679, our number was 2507. 
 
 21. As to the Estates of the Merchants, we 
 can make no guess of them, but for the Estates of 
 the Corporation in general, it doth amount to about 
 £110,788. Houses are so chargable to main- 
 tain, that they are not valued in the above men- 
 tioned sum. 
 
 22. It is rare any vessels come to trade with 
 us, but what come from Massachusetts Colony or 
 New York ; but sundry of their vessels do come 
 and transport our provision for our Merchants to 
 
Questions and Answers. 141 
 
 Boston, the account of our own vessels followeth : 
 
 In Stamford 1 Pink, 80 ton, and 1 Sloop, 10 
 tonns. 
 
 In Stratford 1 Sloop, 12 tonns. 
 
 In Milford 1 Pink, 80 ton, 1 Bark, 12 ton, 1 
 Ketch, 50 tons. 
 
 In New Haven 1 Pink, 60 ton, 1 Sloop, 30 ton, 
 1 Ketch, 24 tonns, and 1 Sloop 12 tonus, and 1 
 Sloop 8 tons. 
 
 In Brandford 1 Barque, 30 tonns. 
 
 In Kinnelworth 2 Sloops, one 18, one 14 tonns. 
 
 In Saybrook 2 small Sloops. 
 
 In Middletown 1 Ship, 70 tonns. 
 
 In Hartford 1 Ship, 90 tonns. 
 
 In Lyme 1 Ketch, 70 tonns. 
 
 In New London 2 Ships, 1 70 tonns, 1 90 tonns, 
 3 Ketches about 50 tonns a piece, 2 Sloops, 15 
 tonns a piece. 
 
 In Stonington 1 Sloop, 10 tonns. 
 
 23. The want of men of Estates to venture 
 abroad, and of money at home, for the manage- 
 ment of trade and labour, being so with us. 
 
 24. • If so be that Hartford, New London, New 
 Haven and Fairfield, might be made free Ports for 
 20 or 15 years, it would be a means to bring trade 
 there, and much increase the navigation, trade and 
 wealth of this poor colony. 
 
 25. We take no duties of goods exported out 
 of our Government, nor of any goods imported, 
 except on wine and liquors, which is inconsider- 
 able, and improved towards the maintenance of 
 free schools. 
 
 26. Our people in this colony, are some strict 
 Congregationall men, others, more large Congre- 
 gational men, and some moderate Presbiterians : 
 and take the Congregationall men of both sorts, 
 they are the greatest part of people in the colony ; 
 
142 Questions and Answers. 
 
 there are 4 or 6 sevenths day men, and about so 
 many more quakers. 
 
 27. Great care is taken for the instruction of 
 the people, in the Christian Religion, by ministers 
 Chattechising of them, and preaching to them 
 twice every Sabbath day, and sometimes on Lec- 
 ture days, and so by masters of families, instruct- 
 ing and chattechising their children and servants, 
 being required so to do by law. In our corpora- 
 tion are 26 towns as aforesaid, and there is 21 
 Churches in them. There is in every town in' 
 our colony a setled minister, except it be in two 
 towns new begun, and they are looking out for a'* 
 minister to settle amongst them. For the main- 
 tenance of the ministers, it is raised upon the peo- 
 ple by way of rate, and it is in some places, £100 
 per annum, some 90. some 80, but in no place 
 less than 50 pounds per annum, as we know of, 
 and so the proportion raised, is according as the 
 occasion of the minister calls for it, and the peo- 
 ples ability will allow. For the poor it is ordered 
 that they be relieved by the towns where they 
 live, every town providing for their own poor, and 
 so for impotent persons, there is seldom any wants 
 relief, because labour is dear, viz. 2s and some- 
 times 2s 6d a day, for day labourers, and provis- 
 ions cheap, viz. wheat 4s per bushell, Winchester 
 measure, pease 3s per bushell, indian corne 2s 6d 
 per bushell, pork 3d per pound, beeif 2 l-2d per 
 pound, butter 6d. Beggars and vagabond persons 
 are not suffered, but when discovered bound out 
 to service, yett sometimes a vagabond person will x 
 pass up and down the country, and abuse the peo- 
 ple with fals news, cheat and steal, but when they 
 
Questions and Answers. 143 
 
 are discovered they are punished according to 
 their offence. 
 
 WILLIAM LEET, Governour. 
 Pr. order, John Allyn, Sec'ry. 
 Hartford, July 15th, 1G80. 
 
 These for Mr. Blathwayte, Esq. at the Phintation 
 office at White Hall, ]jr. him to be delivered to 
 the Right Hon'ble, the Lords of his Ma' ties most 
 Hon'ble Privy Councill. 
 
 Right Hon'ble — 
 
 Your letter of the 1st day of August 1679, we 
 'have received, and it is greatefully accepted pr. 
 us, that such hon'ble personages as yourselves are 
 pleased to take notice of us, your honours poor 
 countrymen, in so remote a part of this wilderness, 
 and that you are so studious to promoate the 
 publique good, we have returned a brief answer 
 to those questions your honors have been pleased 
 to require an answer of us, which with all plainess 
 and truth, charitableness be acceptable to your 
 hands, you may farther please to understand, that 
 we are but a poor people, we have lost and spent 
 much of o'r estates in the last Indian war o'r ex- 
 pences w'th o'r loss cannot be estimated less than 
 £30,000, and no other advantage gayned by it 
 than the riddance of some of o'r bad neighbours ; 
 in o'r answers you will understand o'r way of live- 
 ing, for the most part, we labour in tilling the 
 ground, and by that time a yeares travels and 
 labour hath gathered some small parcell of pro- 
 vision, it is transported to the market at Boston, 
 and halfe a crown will not buy so much goods of 
 any sort as 18 pence will in England ; besides for 
 
144 Questions and Answers, 
 
 sundry years past the holy providence of God hath 
 smitten us year after year, with blastings and 
 mildues, whereby we have lost the great part of 
 our wheat every yeare, and these 3 or 4 last 
 years, there is a worme breads in o'r pease which 
 doth much damnify them, so that we are like, 
 (by reason of o'r losses at home and the heighten- 
 ed price of goods from abroad) to remaine a poor 
 but loyall people, and we humbly request your 
 honours to represent us to his sacred Ma'tie and 
 if by your Lordships mediation his Ma'tie be 
 pleased to cast any rayes of his favour upon us, 
 and grant unto us that New London, or some 
 other of our Ports might be made free Ports for. 
 20 or 15, or 10 yeares, it would be a great means 
 to move men of estates to trade and settle there, 
 it would bring trade hither, so that the wealth of 
 this his Ma'ties colony would be encreased and 
 his Ma'tie in. the conclusion receive no damage 
 thereby ; Right hon'ble we request your pardon 
 for o'r boldness herein, and desire that we may 
 enjoy your favours, and that you would graciousjy 
 be pleased so to tenderness as that we may be 
 upheld under your honours shaddow in the full 
 injoyment of all those priviledges and immunities 
 his Ma'tie hath been pleased to grant unto us, and 
 for your honour, we shall ever pray and remayne 
 your honours most obedient and dutifull servants, 
 the Govr. and Councill of Connecticott. 
 
 WM. LEET, Govr. 
 Hartford, July 15, 1680. 
 
Order from Lords of the Council, 145 
 
 An order of the Lords of the Privy Council, for 
 apprehending William Kelso, 
 
 Att the Court at White Hall, ) 
 
 this 22d day of March, 1681. \ 
 
 By the Right Honnourable, the Lords 
 
 of his Majesties Privy Councill— 
 
 Upon reading this day, at the board, the annexed 
 copy of a deposition of Francis Branson, com- 
 mander of the ship Anne and Hester, setting forth 
 that one William Kelso, Chirrurgeon of the said 
 ship, did in his way hence to New England, con- 
 fesse, (in the presence and hearing of the deponent) 
 that he was Chirurgeon General], in the late re- 
 bellion in Scotland, and likewise give out suspi- 
 cions words, as if he had likewise been concerned 
 in the horrid and barbarous murder of the late 
 Arch Bishop of St. Andrews. It was this day 
 ordered by their Lordships in Councill, that the 
 Right Honnourable Secretary Jenkins, (upon pe- 
 rusall of the said deposition,) prepare letters for 
 his Majesties Royall signature, requiring and 
 commanding the Governours or Commanders-in- 
 Chief of his Majesties severall colonys, in New 
 England, forthwith to cause the said William 
 Kelso to be apprehended, and sent over hither in 
 safe custody by the first shipps, in order to his 
 being proceeded against for the said crimes .ac- 
 cording to law. 
 
 PH : LLOYD. 
 
 13 
 
146 * Letter from Charles II. 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, to the Gov- 
 ernor and Council! of the Province of Connec- 
 ticut, in relation to the Province of New Hamp- 
 shire, fyc. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well : — 
 Whereas we have thought fitt to take the Govern- 
 ment of our province of New Hampshire, into our 
 immediate care, and have for the better protec- 
 tion of the inhabitants thereof, constituted and 
 appointed our trusty and well beloved Edward 
 Cranfield, Esqr. our Lieut. Governour and Com- 
 mander-in-Chief of that Province, with especiall 
 directions among other things to be ayding and 
 assisting to the best of his powers, and with the 
 forces under his command, unto our loveing sub- 
 jects of the neighbouring colonies within our 
 dominions of New England, and perticularly to 
 our colony of Connecticutt, in case of any insur- 
 rection or rebellion, or if any attempt or invasion 
 of any of our enemies, whereby our subjects may 
 be annoyed or disturbed in the quiet and peace- 
 able enjoyment of their properties and estates, we 
 are therefore pleased hereby to signifie the same 
 unto you, as an effect of our gracious disposition 
 for the security and benefitt of our colony under 
 your Government, and to lett you understand that 
 we doe in the same manner expect and require 
 that a mutual assistance be readily given by you, 
 and our said colony of Connecticott, unto the said 
 Edward Cranfield, and our good subjects inhabit- 
 ing within the Government wherewith he is in- 
 trusted, if the like invasion or attempt shall at 
 any time be made upon them by any people or 
 
Letter from Charles II. 147 
 
 nation whatsoever, whether Indians or others, and 
 that you afford them on such occasion, such num- 
 ber of forces, and other aid, as the condition of 
 our colony under your direction shall permitt, 
 which we will esteeme an acceptable service unto 
 uss, as it will much conduce to the common 
 safety and preservation of all our subjects afore- 
 said, and so we bid you farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court at Windsor, the 5th day of 
 June, 1682, in the four and thirtieth year of our 
 Reigne. 
 
 By his Majesties Command, 
 
 L: JENKINS. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour 
 and Councill of our colony of Connecticott, in 
 New England, now and for the time being. 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, with orders 
 to apprehend William Kelso. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well : 
 
 You will see by an affidavit whereupon an order 
 of Councill hath been made, (copies of both which 
 are herewith sent you) one William Kelso, Chir- 
 urgeon of the ship Anne and Hester, did in his 
 voyage to New England, confesse that he had been 
 Chirurgeon Generall to the forces engaged in the 
 late rebellion in Scotland, having also given out 
 suspicious words as if he had been concerned in 
 that horrid and barbarous murder of the late 
 
148 Letter from Charles IL 
 
 Arch Bishop of St. Andrews, which we hold our- 
 self by the laws of God and man to prossecute 
 upon all those that shall be found guilty thereof: 
 we do therefore require and command you forth- 
 with to cause dilligent search to be made through- 
 out all your Government for the said William 
 Kelso, and being found, to cause him to be appre- 
 hended, and sent over thither in safe custody, by 
 the first shipps bound from thence to England, in 
 order to his being proceeded against for the said 
 crimes according to law : Hereof you are not to 
 faile as you tender our displeasure ; and so we bid 
 you farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court, at White Ball, the 30th day 
 of September, 1682, in the four and thirtieth year 
 of our Reigne. 
 
 By his Majesties Command, 
 
 L. JENKINS. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour 
 and Councill of our colony of Connecticott, in 
 New England. 
 
 Letter from his Majesty Charles 2d, relative to 
 Privateers and Pirates. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, wee greet you well : — 
 Whereas we are informed of great disorders and 
 depredations, daily committed, to the prejudice of 
 our allyes, contrary to treaty between us, and a 
 good correspondence that ought to be maintained 
 
Letter from Charles II. 149 
 
 between Christian Princes and States. And we 
 haveing already given strict order in our Island of 
 Jamaica, against such illegall proceedings, by 
 passing a law for restraining and punishing Pri- 
 vateers and Pyrates ; our will and pleasure is, 
 that you take care that such a law, (a copie where- 
 with is sent you) be passed within our colony, 
 under your Government, which you are to certifie 
 unto us by the first opportunity. And so we bid 
 you heartily farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court at New Markett, the 8th 
 day of March, 1683. 
 
 Bv his Majesties command. 
 
 L. JENKINS. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, our Governour 
 and company of our colony of Connecticott, in 
 New England, in America. 
 
 An act for the restraining and punishing Priva- 
 teers and Pyrates. 
 
 Whereas nothing can more contribute to his 
 sacred honnour, than that such articles as are con- 
 cluded and agreed on, in all treaties of peace, 
 should by all his Majesties subjects, according to 
 their duty, be most inviolably preserved and kept, 
 in and over all his Majesties dominions and terri- 
 tories ; and whereas not only against such treaties 
 of peace, made by his Majesty with his allies, but 
 also contrary to his Majesties Royall Proclamation, 
 severall of his subjects have and do continually 
 go oft' from this colony into foreign Princes ser- 
 vices, and sail under their commissions, contrary 
 to their duty and good allegiance, and by fair 
 meanes cannot be restrained from so doing. 
 13* 
 
150 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 Be it therefore enacted by and 
 
 it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, 
 that from and after publication hereof, it shall be 
 fellony for any person, which now doth, or within 
 four years last past, heretofore hath, or hereafter 
 shall inhabitt or belong to this colony, to serve in 
 America, in a hostile manner, under any foreign 
 Prince, State or Potentate, or any imployed under 
 any of them, against any other foreign Prince, 
 State or Potentate, in amity with his Majesty, 
 without special lycense for so doing, under the 
 hand and seal of the Governour or Commander- 
 in-chief of this colony, for the time being, and that 
 all and every offender or offenders, contrary to 
 the true intent of this act, being thereof duly con- 
 victed in any of his Majesties Courts of Judicature 
 within this colony : To which Court authority is 
 hereby given to hear and determine the same, as 
 in other cases of fellony, shall suffer pains of death 
 without the benefitt of the clergy : Provided nev- 
 ertheless, that this act, nor any thing therein con- 
 tained, shall extend to any person or persons, 
 which now are, or have been in the service orim- 
 ployment of any forreign Prince, State or Poten- 
 tate whatsoever, that shall return to this Colony 
 and leave and desert such service and employment 
 before the first day of January next ensuing, ren- 
 dering themselves to the Governour or Comman- 
 der in Chief for the time being, and giveing him 
 such security as he shall appoint for their future 
 good behaviour ; and also that they shall not de- 
 part this Colony without the Governours leave. 
 
 And for the better and more speedy execution 
 of Justice upon such, who having comitted Trea- 
 sons, Piracies, Fellonies and other offences upon 
 the sea, shall be apprehended in, or brought Pris- 
 oners to this Colony; be it further enacted, by the 
 
Letter from Charles II. 151 
 
 authority aforesaid, that all Treasons, Fellonies, 
 Piracies, Robberies, Murthers or confederacies 
 comitted, or that shall hereafter be comitted upon 
 the Sea, or in any Haven, Creek or Bay, shall be 
 inquired, tryed, heard, determined and judged with- 
 in this Colony, in such like forme, as if such of- 
 fence had been comitted in and upon the land ; and 
 to that end and purpose comissions shall be had 
 under the Kings great Seal of this Colony, direct- 
 ed to the Judge or Judges of the Admiralty of this 
 Colony for the time being, and to such other sub- 
 stantiail persons, as by his Majesties Governour or 
 Commander in Chief of this Colony for the time 
 being, shall be named or appointed, which said 
 commissioners or such quorum of them, as by such 
 commission shall be thereunto authorized, shall 
 have full power to do all things in and about the 
 inquiry, hearing, determining, adjudging and pun- 
 ishing of any of the crimes and offences aforesaid, 
 as any comissioners to be appointed under the 
 great Seal of England, by vertue of a Statute 
 v made in the twenty eighth year of the Reign of 
 King Henry 8th, are impowered to do and exe- 
 cute within the Kingdom of England ; and that 
 the said offenders which are, or shall be appre- 
 hended in, or brought prisoners to this Colony, 
 shall be lyable to such order, process, judgments 
 and executions, by vertue of such comission to be 
 grounded upon this act, as might be awarded or 
 given against them, if they were proceeded against 
 within the Realm of England, by vertue of any 
 comission, grounded upon the said Stattute. And 
 all tryalls hereafter had against criminall or crim- 
 inals before any Judge or Judges, by vertue of 
 such comission or authority at any time hereto- 
 fore granted, and all proceedings thereupon are 
 hereby ratified, confirmed and adjudged lawfull, 
 
1 52 Letter from Charles II. 
 
 and all such Judges, with all and every the inferi- 
 our officers that have acted thereby, are hereby 
 indemnified to all intents and purposes whatsoev- 
 er, and in case they or any of them shall at any 
 time hereafter be sued, vexed, molested or troub- 
 len for any such their proceedings as aforesaid, he 
 or they so sued, vexed or molested, shall plead the 
 general issue, and give this act in evidence. Any 
 Law, Statute or custome or usage to the contrary 
 in any wise notwithstanding. 
 
 And be it further enacted by the authority afore- 
 said, that all and every person or persons that 
 shall any way knowingly, entertain, harbour, con- 
 ceal, trade or hold any correspondence by letter or 
 otherwise, with any person or persons, that shall 
 be "deemed or adjudged to be Privateers, Pirates 
 or other offenders within the construction of this 
 act, and that shall not readily endeavour, to the 
 best of his or their power to apprehend or cause 
 to be apprehended such offender or offenders, shall 
 be liable to be prosecuted as accessaries or con- 
 federates, and to suffer such pains and penalties 
 as in such case by law is provided. And for the 
 better and more effectuall execution of this act, 
 Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that all comission officers in their seve rail precincts 
 within this Colony, are hereby required and im- 
 powered, upon his or their knowledge, or notice 
 given, that any Privateers, Pirates or other per- 
 sons suspected to be upon any unlawfull designe, 
 are in any place within their respective precincts, 
 to raise and levy such a number of well armed 
 men, as he or they shall think needfull for the sei- 
 zing upon, binding and carrying to Goal, all and 
 every such person or persons ; and in case of any 
 resistance or refusall to yield obedience to his Ma- 
 jesties authority, it shall be lawfull to kill or de- 
 
Commission to Edward Cranfield and others. 153 
 
 stroy such person or persons, and all and every 
 person or persons, that shall oppose or resist by 
 stnkeing or fireing upon any of the comanded 
 parties, shall be deemed, taken and adjudged as 
 fellons without benefitt of the Clergy ; and every 
 such officer that shall omitt or neglect his duty 
 therein, shall forfeit fifty pounds currant money of 
 this Colony for every such offence, to be recover- 
 ed in any of his Majesties Courts of Record with- 
 in this Colony, by bill, plaint or information, where- 
 in no Essoigne, wager of Law or protection shall 
 be allowed, one moiety thereof to be to our Sov- 
 reigne Lord the King, his heirs and successors for 
 and towards the support of the government of this 
 Colony, and the contingent charges thereof; and 
 the other moiety to the informer, and all and eve- 
 ry person or persons that, upon orders given him 
 or them, shall refuse to repair immediately, with 
 his or their arms well fixed, and ammunition, to 
 such place or places as shall be appointed by the 
 said officer, and not readily obey his comands in 
 the execution of the premises, shall be liable to 
 such fine or corporall punishment as by a Regi- 
 mentall Court Marshall, shall be thought fitt. 
 
 His Majesties Commission to Edward Cranfield 
 and others, for examining the several claims and 
 titles to the Narraganset country. 
 
 Charles R. 
 
 Charles the second by the Grace of God, King 
 of England, Scottland, France and Ireland, defen- 
 
154 Commission to Edward Or airfield and others. 
 
 der of the faith &c. To our trusty and well be- 
 loved Edward Cranfield Esqr, our Lieut. Govern- 
 our and Commander in Chief of New Hampshire, 
 and to William Stoughton, Joseph Dudley, Ed- 
 ward Randolph, Samuel Shrimpton, John Fitz 
 Winthrop, Edward Palmes, John Pynchon Junior, 
 and Nathaniel Saltonstall Esqrs, Greeting. — 
 Whereas for the quieting of all disputes that have 
 arisen concerning the right of propriety to the 
 Jurisdiction and soyle of a certain tract of land 
 within our Dominion of New England, called the 
 Kings Province, or Narraganset country, we have 
 thought fitt to cause strict enquiry to be made into 
 the severall titles and pretensions which are claim- 
 ed or challenged thereunto ; know ye therefore 
 that we reposeing cspeciall trust and confidence 
 in the prudence, fidelity, and circumspection of 
 you the said Edward Cranfield, William Stough- 
 ton, Joseph Dudley, Edward Randolph, Samuel 
 Shrimpton, John Fitz Winthrop, Edward Palmes, 
 John Pinchon, Nathaniel Saltonstall, have assign- 
 ed, ordained, constituted and appointed, and do by 
 these presents, assign, ordain, constitute and ap- 
 point you the said Edward Cranfield, William 
 Stoughton, Joseph Dudley, Edward Randolph, 
 Samuel Shrimpton, John Fitz Winthrop, Edward 
 Palmes, John Pinchon Junior, and Nathaniel Sal- 
 tonstall, to be our Commissioners for examining 
 and enquiring into the respective claims and titles, 
 as well of our self, as of all persons or corpora- 
 tions whatsoever, to the immediate Jurisdiction, 
 Government or propriety of the soyle of, or with- 
 in our Province, commonly called the Kings Prov- 
 ince, or Narraganset country, authorizing and im- 
 poweringyou, or any three of you, (whereof Ed- 
 ward Cranfield or Edward Randolph aforesaid, 
 shall be of the Quorum,) to examine and enquire 
 
Warrant for William Kelso. 155 
 
 into the severall titles abovementioned, and to sum- 
 mon and call before you any person or persons, 
 and to search Records as you shall find requisite 
 for your information in this behalf, as also to take 
 examinations upon oath, (which the Governours 
 or Magistrates under whose respective Jurisdic- 
 tion you shall meet, are hereby required and direct- 
 ed to administer unto such person or persons, 
 whom you shall so think fitt to call before you) for 
 clearing of truth in the cases abovementioned ; 
 and your proceedings herein, with your opinions 
 upon the matters that shall be examined by you, 
 you are to state and report unto us with all conve- 
 nient speed, to the end we may upon a finall de- 
 termination in our Privy Councill, cause impartiall 
 justice to be don and executed where it shall ap- 
 pear to belong. And so we bid you farewell — 
 From our Court at White Hall, the seventh day 
 of Aprill, in the five and thirtieth year of our 
 Reigne. By his Majesties command. 
 
 SUNDERLAND. 
 Aprill 7th, 1683. ■ 
 
 A Warrant for the apprehension of William Kelso. 
 
 To Hartford Constables — 
 
 Whereas his Majestie Charles the 2d of Eng- 
 land, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defend- 
 er of the fayth &c, by his Royall Letters, dated 
 the 30th of September 1682, hath commanded 
 that forthwith, search be made after one Wm. 
 Kelso, whoe of late hath been chirurgeon of the 
 
156 Warrant for William Kelso, 
 
 ship Ann and Hester, whoe is suspected to be 
 guilty of being concerned in the late Rebellion in 
 Scotland, and of the death of the Arch Bishop of 
 St. Andrews, and that the sayd Wm. Kelso be 
 apprehended and sent over to England by the 
 first ship bound thither. 
 
 These are therefore, in his Maj'ties name to will 
 and require you forthwith upon sight hereof, to 
 make dilligent search for the sayd Wm. Kelso, 
 throughout your liberties, and on board any ships 
 or vessells in your Harbour, and if you can find 
 him, you are to seize him and in safe custody to 
 convey him to the common Goale in Hartford, 
 there to be secured, till he may be disposed of ac- 
 cording to his Ma'ties pleasure in his said Letters 
 expressed ; hereof you are not to fayle at your 
 perill. 
 
 JOHN ALLYN, Secretary. 
 
 Hartford, June 15th, 1683. 
 
 According to this Warrant, we have made 
 search throughout the liberties of this Towne of 
 Hartford, for the sayd Wm. Kelso above mention- 
 ed, and cannot find nor hear of him. June 19th, 
 1683. 
 
 By JOHN SHEPARD, 
 JOHN PRATT, 
 Constables of Hartford. 
 
Letter from Duke Hamilton. 157 
 
 Edward Randolph's Letter of Attorney from Will- 
 iam Duke Hamilton, fyc. 
 
 Know all men by these presents, that wee Will- 
 iam, Duke of Hamilton, and Ann, Dutchess of 
 Hamilton, and James, Earle of Aran, Son and 
 Heir to the said William and Ann, and Grand- 
 Child to James, Marquess of Hamilton, all of the 
 Kingdome of Scotland, have and hereby do joint- 
 ly and severally constitute and appoint Edward 
 Randolph of Boston, New England, Esqr, our law- 
 full Attorney for uss, and in our names and use to 
 ask, and demand and sue for all Lands and Is- 
 lands, Houses and tenements lying and being in 
 the Colony and Plantation of New England ; with 
 full power to sue for and recover all Right, Title 
 and Interest that wee or any of uss have, or may 
 have to the said Lands, Islands, Houses and tene- 
 ments. And wee do further impower our said 
 Attorney to act in, and manage all matters rela- 
 ting to the recovery and quiet enjoyment of the 
 said Lands and premises. And wee do further 
 impower our said Attorney to make and consti- 
 tute one or more Attorney or Attorneys, and at 
 pleasure to revoake any or all of them; giving 
 and granting to our said Attorney, and his substi- 
 tute or substitutes, full power and authority, to do 
 and conclude all other acts and things needfull to 
 be don, in and about the Premises, in as full and 
 as ample manner as if we, or any of us were per- 
 sonally present, ratifieing and confirming all and 
 whatsoever our said Attorney shall doe or cause to 
 be don in and about the premises, by vertue of 
 these presents. In witness whereof, we the said 
 William, Ann and James, have hereunto sett our 
 14 
 
158 Report of Commissioners, 
 
 hands and Seals, at Hamilton, in Scotland, the six- 
 teen, and London the 30, days of July, 1683. 
 
 HAMILTON, f~f 
 HAMILTON, T~? 
 
 ARAN. 
 
 #~# 
 
 In the presence of 
 Ja. Hamilton, 
 Da. Crauford/ 
 
 Witnesses to the Duke and Dutchess Signing. 
 And in presence of 
 
 Robert Meldvinn, 
 
 William Hamilton, 
 Witnesses to the Earle of Aran, Signing and 
 Sealing. 
 
 The Report of his Majesties Commissioners to 
 King, concerning the Duke Hamilton's claim. 
 
 As a further addition to our report, we humbly 
 offer that since the close of your Majesties Com- 
 ission, Mr. Edward Randolph ariving and signify- 
 ing his power in behalf of his Grace the Duke of 
 Hamilton, to make claime to the Kings Province 
 or Narragansett country, wee have again convee- 
 ned and summoned so many of the proprietors as 
 could in so short a time assemble, and in their 
 presence and hearing have read a copy of the 
 Dukes Deed, and heard Mr. Randolphs pleas and 
 
Reply to Duke Hamilton's Petition. 159 
 
 improvements thereon and finde it takes in some 
 part of the said Province or Narraganset country, 
 and have also received the answer and defence of 
 said proprietors, which we herewith humbly 
 transmitt and submitt to your Majesties consider- 
 ation, and have also ordered copies of the Dukes 
 deed and proprietors pleas to be sent to the colony 
 of Connecticut, to the end they may have opper- 
 tunity by the first conveyance to make their an- 
 swer and defence before your Majestic 
 
 EDWARD CRANFIELD. 
 November 19th, 1683. 
 
 The reply made by the Governor and Council of 
 the Colony of Connecticut to Duke Hamilton's 
 Petition* 
 
 That it appears not whether the coppie pre- 
 sented, be drawn from a deed ratified by the 
 great Councill of Plymouth, according to the di- 
 rection of their Charter, or whether from a rough 
 draught never sealed, the date being but a short 
 time before the dissolution of the Councill. But 
 if the Dukes deed were authentick, the ends aim- 
 ed at, and propounded in the Kings Charter to 
 the Councill, and the consideration upon which all 
 their grants were founded, viz. propagating the 
 Gospel], and planting colonies to the inlargement 
 of his Majesties empire, have not been pursued 
 by the Duke, neither hath he made any purchase 
 from the natives, nor ever taken possession, or 
 made any legal claime, or notification of his pre- 
 tentions. 
 
260 Death of Charles II, fyc, 
 
 That we suppose the Lord say and Brooksr 
 deed or Pattent, from the Councill of Plymouth, 
 bears date, Anno 1631, (or preceeds the Dukes,) 
 and includes great part of what is claimed by the 
 Duke. 
 
 That the Dukes pretentions being not known, 
 his Majestys subjects to the inlargement of his 
 empire, have purchased the natives right, and se- 
 curity of his Majesties Letters Patients to Connec- 
 ticut^ and incouragement of his Gracious Letters- 
 to the Colony, the Country hath been planted, 
 and with great expence improved, and that his 
 Majesties subjects have been engaged in and un- 
 dergone a chargable and bloody warr, to secure 
 their right and expell the Heathen, the Duke the 
 mean while giving no aid nor any ways con- 
 cerned. 
 
 That the Dukes title, if his deed had been good, 
 failes by the Statute of Limitation, 21, Jac. 16, he 
 not pursueing his title in twenty years. 
 
 December, 1683. 
 
 A Letter from the Right Hon. the Lords of the 
 Privy Council, with information of the death 
 of King Charles 2d, 6pc. 
 
 After our hearty commendations : — It haveing 
 pleased Almighty God, this day to take to his 
 mercy, out of this troublesome life, our late Sove- 
 reigne Lord, King Charles of most blessed mem- 
 ory, and thereupon his late Majesties only brother 
 and heir King James the second, being here pro- 
 claimed, wee have thought fitt hereby to. signifie 
 
Death of Charles II, fyc. 161 
 
 the same unto you, with directions that with the 
 assistance of the Councill, and other the principall 
 officers and inhabitants of Connecticott, you pro- 
 claime his most sacred Majestie according to the 
 forms here inclosed, with the solemnities and cer- 
 emonies requisite on the like occasions, and we 
 do further transmitt unto you, his Majesties most 
 Gracious Proclamation, signifying his Majesties 
 pleasure that all men being in office of Govern- 
 ment at the desease of the late King, his Majesties 
 most dear, and most intirely beloved brother, 
 shall so continue as duering his late Majesties life, 
 untill his Majesties pleasure be further known ; 
 which we do in like manner will and require you 
 forthwith to cause to be proclaimed and published 
 in the chief place or places within your Jurisdic- 
 tion, and so not doubting of your ready comply- 
 ance herein, wee bid you heartily farewell. 
 
 From the Councill Chamber in White Hall, the 
 sixth day of February, 1684. 
 
 Your verv loving friends, 
 M. CANT, DARTMOUTH, 
 
 GUILFORD, J. ERNLE, 
 
 PETERBOROW, HALLIFAX, C. P. S. 
 CERAVEN, BEAUFORT, 
 
 AILESBURY, HUNTINGDON, 
 
 MIDDLETON, J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 
 ROCHESTER, L. JENKINS, 
 
 CHESTERFIELD, JOHN NICHOLAS, 
 CLARENDON. 
 
 To our very loveing friends, the Governour of 
 his Majesties Colony of Connecticott, in New 
 England, in America, pr William Lord. 
 
 14* 
 
iG2 Letter from Sir Lionel Jenkins. 
 
 A Letter from Sir Lionel Jenkins, one of his Ma- 
 jesties Secretaries of State. 
 
 White Hall, March 25th, 1684. 
 
 Sir — His Majesty having thought fitt to issue 
 out his Royall Proclamation, forbidding his sub- 
 jects to enter into the service of Forreign Princes 
 and States, and other prohibitions and directions 
 therein contained, relating to the newtrality that 
 he thinks fit to be observed by his subjects, in this 
 time of hostility between his neighbour Princes ; 
 I am commanded by his Majestie to send you the 
 enclosed copy, and to signifie his pleasure that it 
 be duly and speedily published within his Majes- 
 ties Colony under your Government, and that you 
 take care that it be punctually observed and exe- 
 cuted ; whereof his Majesty will expect from you 
 an account which I shall desire you to trans mitt 
 to me with the first conveniency. 
 
 So I remain Sir, your very Humble Servant, 
 
 L. JENKINS. 
 
 To the Governour of his Majesties Colony of 
 Connecticut, in New England, in America. 
 
Lists of the Colony. 103 
 
 A Generall Court in Hartford, the second Thurs- 
 day of September, being 9th day, 1652. 
 
 The Estates and persons of the severall Townes, 
 presented to this Court, were as followeth : — 
 Hartford, £19,733 19s. 
 
 Windsor, 14,093 00 
 
 Wethersfield, 11,499 00 
 
 Farmington, 5,164 00 
 
 50,489 19 
 
 Saybrook, £3,630 00s. 
 
 Stratford, 7,040 19 
 
 Fayrfield, 8,850 15 
 
 19,521 14 
 50,489 10 
 
 Total, £70,011 13s. 
 
 A Generall Court held at Hartford, October 9th. 
 1684. 
 
 The Persons and Lists of the Estates of the 
 Colony. 
 
 Number of Taxable Persons. 
 
 250 Hartford, £16,730 00s. 
 
 65 Stonington, 5,451 00 
 
 43 Kenilworth, 2,386 00 
 
 120 Stratford, 7,892 00 
 
 184 Fayrfield, 10,302 00 
 
 61 Wallingford, 2,967 00 
 
 97 Stanford, 4,855 00 
 
164 Address to James II. 
 
 88 
 
 Norwake, 
 
 £5,145 00s. 
 
 62 
 
 Woodbury, 
 
 2,580 00 
 
 96 
 
 Farmington, 
 
 6,315 00 
 
 204 
 
 Wethersfield, 
 
 12,715 00 
 
 240 
 
 Windsor, 
 
 14,045 00 
 
 86 
 
 Saybrook, 
 
 5,125 00 
 
 268 
 
 New Haven,* 
 
 13,127 00 
 
 96 
 
 Guilford, 
 
 6,208 00 
 
 50 
 
 Branford, 
 
 2,911 00 
 
 53 
 
 Lyme, 
 
 3,563 00 
 
 50 
 
 Greenwich, 
 
 2,364 00 
 
 130 
 
 Midleton, 
 
 5,279 00 
 
 150 
 
 Milford, 
 
 9,205 00 
 
 115 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 6,265 00 
 
 43 
 
 Haddum, 
 
 Total, 
 
 1,828 00 
 
 551 
 
 £147,258 00 or 
 
 
 
 $490,860, 
 
 Copy of an Address to his Majesty, James the 
 second. 
 
 To the most high and mighty Prince, James the 
 second, by the Grace of God, of England, Scot- 
 land, France and Ireland, Defender of the Fayth, 
 Supreme Lord of the Plantation and Colony of 
 Conecticut in New England, and all other your 
 Ma'ties Territories and Dominions. 
 
 The humble address of your Ma'ties Governo'r 
 
 * New Haven and the towns which follow, were a sepa- 
 rate and distinct Colony until 1664, when they became uni- 
 ted with the Colony of Connecticut. 
 
Address to James II. 165 
 
 and Councill of your Colony of Conecticut in 
 New England, Humbly sheweth : 
 
 That your Ma'ties most Loyall, and dutifull sub- 
 jects haveing received from the Right Hon'ble 
 Lords a Letter dated at White Hall, sixth day of 
 February, 1684, signifying the death of o'r late 
 Sovraigne Charles the second of blessed memory, 
 which we doe heartily condole, as allso an order 
 for the proclamation of your Royall Ma'tie, King 
 of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defen- 
 der of the Fayth &c, which we have readily and 
 heartily attended and proclaymed this day in a 
 solemne manner in the head towns of our Colony, 
 with acclamations of joy and affection, followed 
 with o'r prayers to Almighty God, (by whom 
 Kings Reigne,) to bless your Ma'tie with long life 
 and a happy Reigne, for the Glory of God, and 
 the good of all your Ma'ties subjects. 
 
 Humbly beseeching your most excellent Ma'tie 
 to grant the benigne shines of your favour to this 
 your poore Colony of Conecticutt, in the contin- 
 uance of the liberties and properties granted to us 
 by o'r late Soveraigne Charles the second, of bles- 
 sed memorie, and that we may be encouraged in 
 our small beginings, and live under your Royall 
 shadow, a quiet and peaceable life, in all Godly- 
 ness and honesty, who are your Ma'ties Loyall, 
 dutifull and obedient subjects, the Governo'r and 
 Councill of your Ma'ties Colony of Conecticutt. 
 ROBERT TREAT, Gov'r. 
 By order of the Councill, 
 
 JOHN ALLYN, Secret'ry, 
 
 Hartford, Connecticutt, Aprill 22d, 1685, 
 
166 Address to James II. 
 
 Hon'ble Sr — 
 
 The Right Hon'ble Lords of the Councills Let- 
 ter of the 6th of February past, we received by 
 our Governo'r upon the 19th day of this month, 
 who thereupon repayred to this place, and called 
 his Councill forthwith, who according to their Hon- 
 o'rs direction, ordered that his Ma'tie, James the 
 second be proclaymed King of England, Scotland, 
 France and Ireland, which was accordingly atten- 
 ded, and order is taken that his Ma'tie be in like 
 manner proclaymed in the other country towns of 
 this Colony forthwith. Sr, we take this opportu- 
 nely to return our hearty thankes to the Right 
 Hon'ble Lords, for their respect and favour to us 
 in granting us their orders and direction in the 
 afoars'd great affayre, requesting their Honours 
 good affection may be continued to us ; we re- 
 quest you would be pleased to informe their Lord- 
 ships of our ready complyance, allso that you 
 would so far favour us as to present the inclosed 
 address to o'r Soveraigne Lord, King James the 
 second, and represent us to his Ma'tie, his most 
 Loyall and dutifull subjects. 
 
 Honourable Sr, we are your Hono'rs most af- 
 fectionate Frierids and Humble Servants, the 
 Gov'r and Councill of the Colony of Connecti- 
 cutt. 
 
 ROBERT TREAT, Gov'r. 
 Pr order of the Councill, 
 
 JOHN ALLYN Sec'ry. 
 
 Hartford, April 22d, 1685. 
 
 For the Hon'ble Sr Lyonell Jenkins — at White 
 Hall, Humbly presented. 
 
Letter from James II. 167 
 
 A Letter from King James 2d, relating to an Im- 
 position on Sugar and Tobacco, and concerning 
 the Duke of Monmouth, and Earll of Argyle. 
 
 James R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, wee greet you well, 
 as we cannot doubt of the ready and dutifull assu- 
 rance and expressions of Loyalty and obedience 
 from our good subjects under your Government, 
 since our accession to the Crown, so we shall at 
 all times extend our Royall care and Protection 
 to them in the preservation of their rights, and in 
 the defence and security of their persons and Es- 
 tates, which we think fitt that you signifie unto the 
 inhabitants of our Colony, whereof you are Gov- 
 ernour. As also that upon the meeting of our 
 Parliament they have for the repairs of our navy, 
 and for providing stores for our navy, and ord- 
 nance and other important occasions chearfully 
 and unanimously given and granted unto us an 
 ayde and assistance to be raised and levied upon 
 all Tobacco and Sugar to be imported into this 
 our Kingdome, according to such rates, and duer- 
 ing such time, and in such manner and form as by 
 the said act herewith sent you is more particular- 
 ly set forth, which imposition, as it is not laid on 
 the Planter or Merchant, but only on the Retailer, 
 consumptioner or Shopkeeper, we are well assur- 
 ed will not be inconvenient or burthensome to our 
 subjects in America. But that on the contrary it 
 will be of great benefitt, credit and advantage to 
 them, by the enabling us the better to defend and 
 protect the navigation of this Kingdom, and the 
 trade of our Plantations, which cannot butt be of 
 
I €8 Letter from James II. 
 
 great satisfaction and security to the inhabitants of 
 that our Colony. 
 
 We have likewise thought fitt to acquaint you 
 for the information of our subjects, under your 
 Government, that the peace and quiett of our 
 Kingdom of Scottland has received some disturb- 
 ance from the Traiterous practices and rebellion 
 of the late Earle of Argyle, by his landing in the 
 west Highlands, with men and arms, but that it 
 has pleased God to deliver that Traitor, and his 
 rebellious followers into our hands, so that upon 
 seizing his ships and arms and materialls of warr, 
 and defeating the multitude he had gathered to- 
 gether ; he is now secured in our Castle of Edin- 
 burgh in order to his execution, whereby the 
 peace of that Kingdom is perfectly re-establisht, 
 and our forces there, ready and at leisure to 
 receive and obey such orders as our service shall 
 require elsewhere. 
 
 Wee are likewise pleased to inform you, that 
 the late Duke of Monmouth, since attainted of 
 Treason is in the same Traiterous and rebellious 
 manner landed in the western parts of this king- 
 dom, and with a number of men of the lowest de- 
 gree, and many of them unarmed, has given 
 disquiet to those parts, but by the care we have 
 taken in sending thither a sufficient number of our 
 standing forces, of horse, foot, and Dragoons, who 
 are now in pursuit of him, we are expecting to 
 hear of the totall defeat of that traitor and his 
 accomplices, and we being at the same time per- 
 fectly assured of the constant and undoubted fidel- 
 ity of the Nobility and Gentry, as well as of the 
 militia of this kingdom, and having for the better 
 confirmation of the peace and tranquility of our 
 dominions, ordered such other new levys of horse, 
 foot, and dragoons, as will be requisite. We can- 
 
Address to James IL 269 
 
 *iot faile by the blessing of God, of a happy issue 
 and success in our affairs. All which we have 
 thought fitt to intimate unto you for the prevent- 
 ing any false rumours or reports, which might be 
 spread amongst our subjects at that distance, by 
 the malicious and traiterous insinuations of ill men, 
 and so we bid you farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court, at White Hall, the 26th day 
 of June, 1685, in the first year of our Reigne. 
 By his Majesties Command, 
 
 SUNDERLAND, 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour 
 of our colony of Connecticott, in New England, 
 in America. 
 
 Copy of an Address to his Majesty James II. 
 
 To the most high and mighty Prince James the 
 second, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, 
 King defender of the Faythe, &c. — 
 
 The humble petition and addresse of your Loy- 
 all subjects the Governor and company of your 
 Ma'ties colony of Connecticut, humbly sheweth— 
 
 That whereas we are informed that there is a 
 Quowarranto emitted against this your Ma'ties 
 colony of Connecticut^ not yet come to our sight, 
 we have taken this opportunity to prostrate our- 
 selves upon our bended knees at your Ma'ties feet, 
 most humbly beging your Ma'tie out of your 
 great compassion and princely Grace, freely to 
 pardon and remit all such mistakes or faylures in 
 15 
 
170 Address to James II. 
 
 our management of that power and trust of Gov- 
 ernment comitted to us, (which, on the first inti- 
 mation we are ready to reforme,) in and by his 
 late Ma'tie of blessed memory, Charles the second, 
 by his Royall Grant to us, bearing date Aprill 
 twenty third, in the fourteenth year of his Reigne, 
 and graciously continued by your Ma'ties Procla- 
 mation, have proceeded rather from want of a 
 right understanding in law then otherwise. And 
 that your Ma'tie would Graciously be pleased to 
 continue this your Ma'ties colony, happy in the 
 full and free injoyment of our liberties and prop- 
 erties as formerly ; and by your Royall com- 
 mand recall the writ of Quowaranto foremen- 
 tioned. 
 
 For may it please your Ma'tie though we are a 
 poore, yet a Loyall people, very unwilling to do 
 any thing which may be unpleasant to our Sove- 
 raigne, for we are resolved through assistance of 
 Allmighty God, to approve ourselves your Ma'ties 
 dutifull subjects, as we have been to your Ma'ties 
 Royall predecessors, which (if we mistake not) to 
 our comendation was asserted by our late Sove- 
 raigne your Ma'ties most dear brother. 
 
 Dread Soveraigne,we humbly beg and earnest- 
 ly beseech your Ma'tie to continue us an intire 
 Province or Government within our known 
 bounds and colony limits, which we conceive will 
 be most for the profit and health of your Ma'ties 
 subjects here inhabiting, and the contrary no doubt 
 will be very prejudicial! to them, which may 
 easily be evinced by good reason, and therefore 
 hope to obteyne your Maties favour and protec- 
 tion therein. 
 
 Great Sr, we desire and humbly pray your 
 Ma'ties favour, that we may still be confirmed in, 
 
Letter from Ri : Normansell. 171 
 
 and enjoy our Christian Liberties without any 
 interruption from any other. 
 
 Most Gracious Sovraigne, we beseech your 
 Ma'tie we may find grace in your sight and receive 
 a gracious answer to this our humble addresse, 
 that we may experiance that in the light of the 
 Kings countenance is life, and his favour is as the 
 cloud of the latter reigne, and we shall not cease to 
 pray the God of heaven, who is the King of Kings, 
 to save, bless and prosper your Ma'tie. 
 
 We are your Ma'ties Loyall and dutifull sub- 
 jects, the Governor and Company of your colony 
 of Conecticutt. 
 
 J. A., S. 
 
 A Letter from the Hon. Ri : Normansell, with 
 a writ of Quo-Warranto. 
 
 London, October the 26th, 1686. 
 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 This day was delivered to my hands (as I am 
 secondary to the Sheriffs of London,) a Writ of 
 Quo-Warranto, issueing out of the Crown office 
 of the Court of Kings Bench, at Westminster, 
 against you, the Governour and Company of the 
 English Colony of Connecticutt, in New England, 
 in America, requiring your appearance before his 
 Majestie, wheresoever he shall then be in England, 
 in eight days of the purification of the blessed 
 virgin Mary, to answer unto our Lord the King, 
 by what warrant you claime to have and use 
 divers liberties, priviledges and franchises, within 
 
172 Demand of Charter of Connecticut. 
 
 the said Colony (viz.) in the Parish of St. Micha- 
 ell, Cornhill London, of which you are impeacht. 
 And that you may not be ignorant of any part of 
 the contents of the said writt, I have enclosed, 
 sent you a true copee of the same, (in his Majes- 
 ties name,) requireing your appearance to it, in 
 default whereof the liberties, priviledges and fran- 
 chises you claime, and now enjoy, will be forfeit- 
 ed to the King, and your Charter made void — of 
 this Gent, please to take notice. From your Hum- 
 ble Servant, (unknown) 
 
 RI : NORMANSELL. 
 
 These to the Governour and Company of the 
 English Colony of Connecticutt, in New England ^ 
 in America. 
 
 At a meeting of the Generall Court held at Hart- 
 ford, 1687. 
 
 Sundry of the Court desired that the Patent or 
 Charter might be brought into the Court* the Sec- 
 retary sent tor it and informed the Governo'r and 
 Court that he had the Charter and shewed it to 
 the Court, and the Gov'r bid him put it into the 
 Box again and lay it on the Table and leave the 
 Key in the Box, which he did forthwith.* 
 
 * Although not particularly mentioned,, this appears to 
 have been the time when the Charter of Connecticut was 
 seized, conveyed away and secreted. Sir Edmund Andross 
 and suit, guarded by a body of regular troops having arrived 
 in Hartford, Sir Edmund peremptorily demanded the surren- 
 der of the Charter to him. The Governor of the Colony* 
 
%y ; * m 
 
 
 TffiflE ©SAI&S'M&l <:),a,iu' 
 
"Demand of Charter of Connecticut. 173 
 
 October 31, 16S7. 
 His Excellency 'Sir Edmund Andross, Knt, 
 Capt. Gene rail and Govn'r of his Majesties Ter- 
 ritorie and Dominions in New England, by order 
 from his Ma'tie James the second, King of Eng- 
 land, Scotland, France and Ireland, the 31 of Oc- 
 tober, 1687, took into his own hands the Govern- 
 ment of this Colony of Connecticott, it being by 
 his Ma'tie annexed to the Massachusetts and other 
 Colonys under his Excellencies Government. — 
 Finis. 
 
 fearing- if he surrendered it, one less liberal would be given 
 the Colony, or rather none at all, which caused much de- 
 bate and kept in suspense until evening, and lighting of can- 
 dles. At a concerted signal, the lights were instantly extin- 
 guished, and Capt. William Wadsworth of Hartford, a bold 
 and daring man, (whose posterity reside in this city) in- 
 stantly seized the Charter, carried off and secreted it in the 
 hollow of a large Oak Tree, in front of the dwelling house of 
 the Hon Samuel Wyllys in this city. And though about 
 159 years has expired since this event, the Charter Oak, as 
 it has ever since been called, is yet standing and in a flour- 
 ishing condition, and is often visited, by strangers and travel- 
 ers as having been the safe receptacle of the old Charter. — 
 The premises are now owned and occupied by a Mr. Ste- 
 phen Bulkley, who loving his leisure, more than to gratify the 
 curiosity of strangers, forbids their trespasses upon his lands 
 to view the ancient Oak. After the Charter was safe, the 
 candles were immediately re-lighted, but the Charter was 
 not to be found. Sir Edmund assumed the administration of 
 the Government of the Colony, which he continued to ad- 
 minister for nearly two years in an oppressive manner, until 
 the accession to the English Throne of William and Mary, 
 in 1688, and the seizure and confinement of Sir Edmund 
 and his Council by the people of Boston, which changed the 
 complexion of affairs in the Colony. And upon the 9th 
 day of May, 1689, Gov. Treat and the former Magistrates, 
 resumed the Government of the Colony under the Charter^ 
 which had securely remained in the tree until this time, 
 with no other injury than a very little discoloration — which is 
 now in this office nearly as perfect as when first sent to the 
 Colony, in 1662 — a copy of which is hereunto annexed. 
 15* 
 
174 Charter of 1662. 
 
 The Charter of the ancient Colony of Connecticut, 
 
 Charles the second, by the grace of GOD, King 
 of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defen- 
 der of the faith, &c. To all to whom these pres- 
 ents shall come, Greeting. 
 
 Whereas by the several navigations, discove- 
 ries and successful plantations of divers of our 
 loving subjects of this our realm of England, sev- 
 eral lands, islands, places, colonies and plantations 
 have been obtained and settled in that part of the 
 continent of America, called New England, and 
 thereby the trade and commerce there, hath been 
 of late years, much increased: And whereas we 
 have been informed by the humble petition of our 
 trusty and well beloved John Winthrop, John Ma- 
 son, Samuel Wyllys, Henry Clarke, Matthew Ai- 
 lyn, John Tapping, Nathan Gold, Richard Treat, 
 Richard Lord, Henry Wolcott, John Talcott, Dan- 
 iel Clarke, John Ogden, Thomas Wells, Obadiah 
 Bruen, John Clarke, Anthony Hawkins, John 
 Deming, and Matthew Camfield, being persons 
 principally interested in our colony or plantation 
 of Connecticut, in New England, that the same 
 colony, or the greatest part thereof was purchased 
 and obtained for great and valuable considerations, 
 and some other part thereof gained by conquest, 
 and with much difficulty, and at the only endeav- 
 ours, expence, and charges of them and their asso- 
 ates, and those under whom they claim, subdued 
 and improved, and thereby become a considerable 
 enlargement and addition of our dominions and 
 interest there. 
 
 Now Know ye, That in consideration thereof, 
 and in regard, the said colony is remote from oth- 
 er the English plantations in the places aforesaid, 
 
Charter of 1662. 175 
 
 and to the end the affairs and business which shall 
 from time to time happen to arise concerning the 
 same, may be duly ordered and managed, we have 
 thought fit, and at the humble petition of the per- 
 sons aforesaid, and are graciously pleased to cre- 
 ate and make them a body politic and corporate, 
 with the powers and privileges herein after men- 
 tioned ; and accordingly our will and pleasure is, 
 and of our especial grace, certain knowledge, and 
 mere motion, we have ordained, constituted and 
 declared, and by these presents, for us, our heirs 
 and successors, do ordain, constitute and declare, 
 that they the said John Winthrop, John Mason, 
 Samuel Wyllys, Henry Clarke, Matthew Allyn, 
 John Tapping, Nathan Gold, Richard Treat, Rich- 
 ard Lord, Henry Wolcott, John Talcott, Daniel 
 Clarke, John Ogden, Thomas Wells, Obadiah Bru- 
 en, John Clarke, Anthony Hawkins, John Deming, 
 and Matthew Camfield, and all such others as now 
 are, or hereafter shall be admitted and made free 
 of the company and society of our colony of Con- 
 necticut, in America, shall from time to time, and 
 for ever hereafter, be one body corporate and po- 
 litic, in fact and name, by the name of Governour 
 and company of the English colony of Connecti- 
 cut in New England, in America ; and that by 
 the same name, they and their successors shall and 
 may have perpetual succession, and shall and may 
 be persons able and capable in the law, to plead 
 and be impleaded, to answer and to be answered 
 unto, to defend and be defended in all and singu- 
 lar suits, causes, quarrels, matters, actions and 
 things, of what kind or nature soever ; and also 
 to have, take, possess,acquire, and purchase lands, 
 tenements, or hereditaments, or any goods, or chat- 
 tels, and the same to lease, grant, demise, alien, 
 bargain, sell, and dispose of, as other our liege 
 
176 Charter of 1662. 
 
 people of this ourrealm of England, or any oth- 
 er corporation or body politic within the same may 
 lawfully do. 
 
 And further, That the said Governour and com- 
 pany, and their successors, shall and may forever 
 hereafter have a common seal, to serve and use 
 for all causes, matters, things, and affairs whatso- 
 ever, of them and their successors, and the same 
 seal, to alter, change, break, and make new from 
 time to time, at their wills and pleasures, as they 
 shall think fit. 
 
 And further, We will and ordain, and by these 
 presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do de- 
 clare and appoint, That for the better ordering 
 and managing of the affairs and business of the 
 said company and their successors, there shall be 
 one Governour, one Deputy-Governour, and twelve 
 Assistants, to be from time to time constituted, 
 elected and chosen out of the freemen of the said 
 company for the time being, in such manner and 
 form as hereafter in these presents is expressed, 
 which said officers shall apply themselves to take 
 care for the best disposing and ordering of the 
 general business and affairs of and concerning the 
 land and hereditaments herein after mentioned to 
 be granted, and the plantation thereof, and the 
 government of the people thereof: And for the 
 better execution of our royal pleasure herein, we 
 do for us, our heirs, and successors, assign, name, 
 constitute and appoint the aforesaid John Win- 
 throp to be the first and present Governour of the 
 said company, and the said John Mason, to be the 
 Deputy-Governour, and the said Samuel Wyllys, 
 Matthew Allyn, Nathan Gold, Henry Clarke, 
 Richard Treat, John Ogden, John Tapping, John 
 Talcott, Thomas Wells, Henry Wolcott, Richard 
 Lord and Daniel Clarke, to be the twelve present 
 
Charter of 1662 177 
 
 Assistants of the said company, to continue in the 
 said several offices respectively, until the second 
 Thursday, which shall be in the month of October 
 now next coming. 
 
 And further, We will, and by these presents for 
 us, our heirs, and successors, do ordain and grant, 
 That the Governour of the said company for the 
 time being, or in his absence by occasion of sick- 
 ness, or otherwise by his leave or permission, the 
 Deputy-Governour for the time being, shall and 
 may from time to time upon all occasions, give or- 
 der for the assembling of the said company, and 
 calling them together to consult and advise of the 
 business and affairs of the said company, and that 
 for ever hereafter, twice in e*ery year, That is to 
 say, on. every second Thursday in October, and 
 on every 2d Thursday in May, or oftener in case it 
 shall be requisite ; the assistants, and freemen of 
 the said company, or such of them (not exceed- 
 ing two persons from each place, town or city) 
 who shall be from time to time thereunto elected 
 or deputed by the major part of the freemen of the 
 respective towns, cities, and places for which they 
 shall be elected or deputed, shall have a general 
 meeting, or assembly, then and there to consult 
 and advise in and about the affairs and business of 
 the said company : and that the Governour, or in 
 his absence the Deputy-Governour of the said 
 company for the time being, and such of the as- 
 sistants and freemen of the said company as shall 
 be so elected or deputed, and be present at such 
 meeting or assembly, or the greatest number of 
 them, whereof the Governour or Deputy-Govern- 
 our, and six of the. assistants, at least to be seven, 
 shall be called the general assembly, and shall 
 have full power and authority to alter and change 
 their days and times of meeting, or general assem* 
 
178 Charter of 1662. 
 
 blies, for electing the governour, deputy-govern- 
 our, and assistants, or other officers, or any other 
 courts, assemblies or meetings, and to choose, 
 nominate and appoint such and so many other 
 persons as they shall think fit, and shall be willing 
 to accept the same, to be free of the said company, 
 and body politic, and them into the same to admit ; 
 and to elect and constitute such officers as they 
 shall think fit and requisite for the ordering, man- 
 aging and disposing of the affairs of the said gov- 
 ernour and company and their successors. 
 
 And we do hereby for us, our heirs and success- 
 ors, establish and ordain, That once in a year for 
 ever hereafter, namely, the said second Thursday 
 of May, the governaur, deputy-governour, and as- 
 sistants of the said company, and other officers of 
 the said company, or such of them as the said 
 general assembly shall think fit, shall be in the 
 said general court and assembly to be held from 
 that day or time, newly chosen for the year ensu- 
 ing, by such greater part of the said company for 
 the time being, then and there present ; and if the 
 governour, deputy-governour, and assistants by 
 these presents appointed, or such as hereafter be 
 newly chosen into their rooms, or any of them, or 
 any other the officers to be appointed for the said 
 company shall die, or be removed from his or 
 their several offices or places before the said gen- 
 eral day of election, whom we do hereby declare 
 for any misdemeanor or default, to be removable 
 by the governour, assistants, and company, or 
 such greater part of them in any of the said pub- 
 lic courts to be assembled, as is aforesaid, that 
 then and in every such case, it shall and may be 
 lawful to and for the governour, deputy-governour, 
 and assistants, and company aforesaid, or such 
 greater part of them so to be assembled, as is 
 
Charter of 1662. 179 
 
 aforesaid, in any of their assemblies, to proceed to 
 a new election of one or more of their company, 
 in the room or place, rooms or places of such 
 governour, deputy-governour, assistant, or other 
 officer or officers so dying or removed, according 
 to their discretions, and immediately upon and 
 after such election or elections made of such Gov- 
 ernour, deputy-governour, assistant or assistants, 
 or any other officer of the said company, in man- 
 ner and form aforesaid, the authority, office and 
 power before given to the former governour, 
 deputy-governour, or other officer and officers so 
 removed, in whose stead and place new shall be 
 chosen, shall as to him and them, and every of 
 them respectively cease and determine. 
 
 Provided also, And our will and pleasure is, 
 That as well such as are by these presents ap- 
 pointed to be the present governour, deputy-gov- 
 ernour, and assistants of the said company, as 
 those that shall succeed them, and all other offi- 
 cers to be appointed and chosen, as aforesaid, 
 shall, before they undertake the execution of their 
 said offices and places respectively, take their 
 several and respective corporal oaths for the due 
 and faithful performance of their duties in their 
 several offices and places, before such person or 
 persons as are by these presents hereafter ap- 
 pointed to take and receive the same ; That is to 
 say, The said John Winthrop, who is herein be- 
 fore nominated and appointed the present gov- 
 ernour of the said company, shall take the said 
 oath before one or more of the masters of our 
 court of chancery for the time being, unto which 
 master of chancery, we do by these presents give 
 full power and authority to administer the said 
 oath to the said John Winthrop accordingly : and 
 the said John Mason, who is herein before nom- 
 
180 Charter of 1662. 
 
 inated and appointed the present deputy govern* 
 our of the said company, shall take the said oath 
 before the said John Winthrop, or any two of the 
 assistants of the said company, unto whom we do 
 by these presents give full power and authority to 
 administer the said oath to the said John Mason 
 accordingly: and the said Samuel Wyllys, Henry 
 Clarke, Matthew Allyn, John Tapping, Nathan 
 Gold, Richard Treat, Richard Lord, Henry Wol- 
 cott, John Talcott, Daniel Clarke, John Ogden, 
 and Thomas Wells, who are herein before nom- 
 inated and appointed the present assistants of the 
 said company, shall take the oath before the said 
 John Winthrop, and John Mason, or one of them, 
 to whom we do hereby give full power and au- 
 thority to administer the same accordingly. And 
 our further will and pleasure is, That all and 
 every governour, or deputy-governour to be elect- 
 ed and chosen by virtue of these presents, shall 
 take the said oath before two or more of the as- 
 sistants of the said company for the time being, 
 unto whom we do by these presents give full 
 power and authority to give and administer the 
 said oath accordingly ; and the said assistants, 
 and every of them, and all and every other officer 
 or officers to be hereafter chosen from time to 
 time, to take the said oath before the governour, 
 or deputy-governour for the time being, unto 
 which governour or deputy-governour, we do by 
 these presents give full power and authority to 
 administer the same accordingly. 
 
 And further, Of our more ample grace, certain 
 knowledge, and mere motion,, we have given and 
 granted, and by these presents for us, our heirs 
 and successors, do give and grant unto the said 
 governour and company of the English colony of 
 Connecticut, in New England, in America, and to 
 
Charter of 1662. 18i 
 
 •every inhabitant there, and to every person and 
 persons trading thither, and to every such person 
 and persons as are or shall be free of the said 
 colony, full power and authority from time to 
 time, and at all times hereafter, to take ship, trans- 
 port and carry away for and towards the planta- 
 tion and defence of the said colony, such of our 
 loving subjects and strangers, as shall or will wil- 
 lingly accompany them in, and to their said colony 
 and plantation, except such person and persons, 
 as are or shall be therein restrained by us, our 
 heirs and successors ; and also to ship and trans- 
 port all, and all manner of goods, chattels, mer- 
 chandizes, and other things whatsoever that are 
 or shall be useful or necessary for the inhabitants 
 of the said colony, and may lawfully be transport- 
 ed thither: Nevertheless, not to be discharged of 
 payment to us, our heirs and successors, of the 
 duties, customs and subsidies which are or ought 
 to be paid or payable for the same. 
 
 And further, Our will and pleasure is, and we 
 do for us, our heirs and successors, ordain, declare, 
 and grant unto the said governour and company, 
 and their successors, that all, and every the sub- 
 jects of us, our heirs, or successors, which shall 
 go to inhabit within the said colony, and every of 
 their children, which shall happen to be born there, 
 or on the seas in going thither, or returning from 
 thence, shall have and enjoy all liberties and im- 
 munities of free and natural subjects within any 
 of the dominions of us, our heirs or successors, 
 to all intents, constructions and purposes whatso- 
 ever, as if they and every of them were born 
 within the realm of England ; and we do author- 
 ize and impower the governour, or in his absence 
 the deputy-governour for the time being, to ap- 
 point two or more of the said assistants at any of 
 16 
 
182 Charter of 1662. 
 
 their courts or assemblies to be held as aforesaid, 
 to have power and authority to administer the 
 oath of supremacy and obedience to all and every 
 person and persons which shall at any time or 
 times hereafter go or pass into the said colony of 
 Connecticut, unto which said assistants so to be 
 appointed as aforesaid, we do by these presents 
 give full power and authority to administer the 
 said oath accordingly. 
 
 And we do further, of our special grace, certain 
 knowledge, and mere motion, give and grant 
 unto the said governour and company of the 
 English colony of Connecticut, in New England, 
 in America, and their successors, that it shall and 
 may be lawful to and for the governour, or 
 deputy-governour, and such of the assistants of the 
 said company- for the time being as shall be as- 
 sembled in any of the general courts aforesaid, or 
 in any courts to be especially summoned or as- 
 sembled for that purpose, or the greater part of 
 them, whereof the governour, or deputy-govern- 
 our, and six of the assistants to be always seven, 
 to erect and make such judicatories, for the hear- 
 ing and determining of all actions, causes, matters 
 and things happening within the said colony or 
 plantation, and which shall be in dispute, and de- 
 pending there, as they shall think fit, and conven- 
 ient, and also from time to time to make, ordain 
 and establish all manner of wholesome, and 
 reasonable laws, statutes, ordinances, directions 
 and instructions, not contrary to the laws of this 
 realm of England, as well for settling the forms 
 and ceremonies of government, and magistracy, 
 fit and necessary for the said plantation, and the 
 inhabitants there, as for naming and stiling all 
 sorts of officers, both superior and inferior, which 
 they shall find needful for the government and 
 
Charter of 1662. 183 
 
 plantation of the said colony, and the distinguish- 
 ing and setting forth of the several duties, powers 
 and limits of every such office and place, and the 
 forms of such oaths not being contrary to the laws 
 and statutes of this our realm of England, to be 
 administered for the execution of the said several 
 offices and places as also for the disposing and 
 ordering of the election of such of the said officers 
 as are to be annually chosen, and of such others 
 as shall succeed in case of death or removal, and 
 administering the said oath to the new elected 
 officers, and granting necessary commissions, and 
 for imposition of lawful fines, mulcts, imprison- 
 ment or other punishment upon offenders and 
 delinquents according to the course of other cor- 
 porations within this our kingdom of England, and 
 the same laws, fines, mulcts and executions, to 
 alter, change, revoke, annul, release, or pardon 
 under their common seal, as by the said general 
 assembly, or the major part of them shall be 
 thought fit, and for the directing, ruling and dis- 
 posing of all other matters and things, whereby 
 our said people inhabitants there, may be so reli- 
 giously, peaceably and civilly governed, as their 
 good life and orderly conversation may win and 
 invite the natives of the country to the knowledge 
 and obedience of the only true GOD, and the 
 Saviour of mankind and the Christian faith, which 
 in our royal intentions, and the adventurers free 
 possession, is the only and principal end of this 
 plantation; willing, commanding and requiring, 
 and by these presents for us, our heirs and suc- 
 cessors, ordaining and appointing, that all such 
 laws, statutes and ordinances, instructions, impo- 
 sitions and directions as shall be so made by the 
 governour, deputy-governour, and assistants as 
 aforesaid, and published in writing under their 
 
184 Charter of 1662. 
 
 common seal, shall carefully and duly be observed,, 
 kept, performed, and put in execution, according 
 to the true intent and meaning of the same, and 
 these our letters patents, or the duplicate, or ex- 
 emplification thereof, shall be to all and every such 
 officers, superiors and inferiors from time to time, 
 for the putting of the same orders, laws, statutes,, 
 ordinances, instructions and directions in due exe- 
 cution, against us, our heirs and successors, a suf- 
 ficient warrant and discharge^ 
 
 And we do further for us, our heirs and succes- 
 sors, give and grant unto the said governour and 
 company, and their successors, by these presents,, 
 that it shall and may be lawful to, and for the chief 
 commanders, governours and officers of the said 
 company for the time being, who shall be resident 
 in the parts of New England hereafter mention- 
 ed, and others inhabiting there, by their leave, ad- 
 mittance, appointment,, or direction, from time to 
 time, and at all times hereafter, for their special 
 defence and safety, to assemble, martial-array, and 
 put in warlike posture the inhabitants of the said 
 colony, and to commissionate, impower, and au- 
 thorize such person or persons as they shall think 
 fit, to lead and conduct the said inhabitants, and to 
 encounter, expulse, repel and resist by force of 
 arms, as well by sea as by land, and also to kill,, 
 slay, and destroy by all fitting ways, enterprizes, 
 and means whatsoever, all and every such person 
 or persons as shall at any time hereafter attempt 
 or enterprize the destruction, invasion, detriment, 
 or annoyance of the said inhabitants or plantation^ 
 and to use and exercise the law martial in such 
 cases only as occasion shall require ; and to take 
 or surprize by all ways and means whatsoever, all 
 and every such person and persons, with their 
 ships, armour,. ammunition and other goods of such 
 
Charter of 1662. 185 
 
 as shall in such hostile manner invade or attempt 
 the defeating of the said plantation, or the hurt of 
 the said company and inhabitants, and upon just 
 causes to invade and destroy the natives, or other 
 enemies of the said colony. 
 
 Nevertheless, Our will and pleasure is, and we 
 do hereby declare unto all christian kings, princes, 
 and states, That if any persons which shall here- 
 after be of the said company or plantation, or any 
 other by appointment of the said governour and 
 company for the time being, shall at any time or 
 times hereafter rob or spoil by sea or by land, and 
 do any hurt, violence, or unlawful hostility to any 
 of the subjects of us, our heirs or successors, or 
 any of the subjects of any prince or state being 
 then in league with us, our heirs or successors, up- 
 on complaint of such injury done to any such 
 prince or state, or their subjects, we, our heirs and 
 successors will make open proclamation within 
 any parts of our realm of England fit for that 
 purpose, that the person or persons committing 
 any such robbery or spoil, shall within the time 
 limited by such proclamation, make full restitution 
 or satisfaction of all such injuries done or commit- 
 ted, so as the said prince, or others so complain- 
 ing may be fully satisfied and contented ; and if 
 the said person or persons who shall commit any 
 such robbery or spoil shall not make satisfaction 
 accordingly, within such time so to be limited, that 
 then it shall and may be lawful for us, our heirs 
 and successors, to put such person or persons out 
 of our allegiance and protection ; and that it shall 
 and may be lawful and free for all princes or oth- 
 ers to prosecute with hostility such offenders, and 
 every of them, their, and every of their procur- 
 ors, aiders, abettors and counsellors in that behalf. 
 
 Provided also, And our express will and pleas- 
 16* 
 
186 Charier of 1662. 
 
 ure is, and we do by these presents for us, our 
 heirs, and successors, ordain and appoint, That 
 these presents shall not in any manner hinder any 
 of our loving subjects whatsoever to use and exer- 
 cise the trade of fishing upon the coast of New 
 England, in America, but they and every or any 
 of them shall have full and free power and liberty 
 to continue, and use the said trade of fishing upon 
 the said coast, in any of the seas thereunto adjoin- 
 ing, or any arms of the seas, or salt water rivers 
 where they have been accustomed to fish, and to 
 build and set up on the waste land belonging to 
 the said colony of Connecticut, such wharves, 
 stages, and work-houses as shall be necessary for 
 the salting, drying and keeping of their fish to be 
 taken, or gotten upon that coast, any thing in these 
 presents contained to the contrary notwithstand- 
 ing. 
 
 And know ye further, That we, of our abun- 
 dant grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, 
 have given, granted, and confirmed, and by these 
 presents for us, our heirs and successors, do give, 
 grant and confirm unto the said governour and 
 company, and their successors, all that part of our 
 dominions in New England in America, bounded 
 on the east by Narraganset River, commonly call- 
 ed Narraganset Bay, where the said river falleth 
 into the sea ; and on the north by the line of the 
 Massachusetts plantation ; and on the south by the 
 sea ; and in longitude as the line of the Massachu- 
 setts colony, running from east to west, that is to 
 say, from the said Narraganset Bay on the east, 
 to the south sea on the west part, with the islands 
 thereunto adjoining, together with all firm lands, 
 soils, grounds, havens, ports, rivers, waters, fish- 
 ings, mines, minerals, precious stones, quarries, 
 and all and singular other commodities, jurisdic- 
 
Charter of 1662. 187 
 
 tions, royalties, privileges, franchises, pre-eminen- 
 ces and hereditaments whatsoever, within the said 
 tract, bounds, lands and islands aforesaid, or to 
 them or any of them belonging. 
 
 To have and to hold the same unto the said 
 governour and company, their successors and as- 
 signs for ever, upon trust, and for the use and ben- 
 efit of themselves and their associates, freemen of 
 the said colony, their heirs and assigns, to be hol- 
 den of us, our heirs and successors, as of our 
 manor of East Greenwich, in free and common 
 soccage, and not in capite, nor by knights service, 
 yielding and paying therefore to us, our heirs and 
 successors, only the fifth part of all the ore of gold 
 and silver which from time to time, and at all 
 times hereafter, shall be there gotten, had, or ob- 
 tained, in lieu of all services, duties and demands 
 whatsoever, to be to us, our heirs, or successors 
 therefore, or thereout rendered, made, or paid. 
 
 And lastly, We do for us, our heirs and succes- 
 sors, grant to the said governour and company, 
 and their successors, by these presents, That these 
 our letters patents, shall be firm, good and effec- 
 tual in the law, to all intents, constructions, and 
 purposes whatsoever, according to our true in- 
 tent and meaning herein before declared, as shall 
 be construed reputed and adjudged most favoura- 
 ble on the behalf, and for the best benefit, and be- 
 hoof of the said governour and company, and 
 their successors, 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, or predecessors, 
 heretofore made to the said governour and compa- 
 ny of the English colony of Connecticut, in New 
 England, in America, aforesaid, in these presents 
 is not made, or any statute, act, ordinance, provis- 
 
188 Address to King William. 
 
 ion, proclamation, or restriction heretofore had, 
 made, enacted, ordained, or provided, or any oth- 
 er matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, to the con- 
 trary thereof, in any wise notwithstanding. 
 
 In witness whereof, We have caused these our 
 letters to be made patents. Witness ourself at 
 Westminster, the three and twentieth day of April, 
 in the fourteenth year of our reign. [1662.] 
 
 By writ of Privy Seal. 
 
 HOWARD. 
 
 Copy of an Address to King William. 
 
 To the most high and mighty Prince William, 
 by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, 
 France and Ireland, King, defender of the fayth, 
 &c. 
 
 May it please your most excellent Ma'tie, we 
 your dutifull and loyall subjects of your Colony of 
 Connecticut in New England, doe most heartily 
 rejoyce in, and congratulate your Ma'ties happy 
 access unto the imperial Throne of your King- 
 domes and Territories thereunto belonging, and 
 have long since, upon the joyfull tydings, pro- 
 claymed your Ma'tie in the Colony, together with 
 your Royall Consort, King and Queen of the said 
 Kingdomes and Territories* in whose names we 
 have ever since governed your Ma'ties good sub- 
 
 * A General Court held at Hartford June 13th, 1689, by 
 special order of the Governour — William, Prince ot Orange, 
 and Mary, Princess of Orange, were proclaimed King and 
 Queen of England this day. 
 
The case of the Charter. 189 
 
 jects here, haveing a Charter granted by King 
 Charles the second of happy memory, and by rea- 
 son of o'r not so rightly understanding the meth- 
 ods used in reference to the procedures against 
 Charters under the late King, are brought under 
 som uneasinesse, though we never resigned o'r 
 Charter, nor was it condemned. 
 
 We doe therefore intreat your Ma'ties favour, to 
 confirm in the injoyment and improvement of the 
 liberties, privileges and properties granted in our 
 charter, which we hope your Ma'tie of your 
 princely grace and wisdom, will see meet to con- 
 tinue to vs. 
 
 And your Petitioners shall ever pray for your 
 Ma'ties long and prosperous Reigne and the in- 
 crease of yourglorv. 
 
 ROBERT TREAT, Gov'r. 
 Pr order of the Councill, 
 
 JOHN ALLYN, Sec'ry. 
 
 Dated in Hartford, on Connecticut, in New 
 England, Jan'y 3d, 1690. 
 
 The case concerning the Charter of the Colony of 
 Connecticut, by the Attorney and Solicitor Gen- 
 era! and others. 
 
 The Corporation of Connecticott Colony, in 
 New England, not having under their publick Seal 
 surrendered their Charter, there being no surren- 
 der upon record, only when it was proposed to 
 them by the late King James, that they should 
 take their choice, whether thev would be under the 
 
190 The case of the Charter, 
 
 Governour of New York or of Boston, they hum- 
 bly prayed that they might still enjoy the privi- 
 ledge of choosing their own Governour according 
 to their Charter. But if the King was resolved 
 otherwise, they said they had rather be under Bos- 
 ton then under New York, after which in the year 
 1687, Sr Edmund Andross did by a Commission 
 from the late King James, invade the liberty of the 
 people in that Colony, and exercise a Govern- 
 ment over them, contrary to their Charter, which 
 they most unwillingly submitted unto ; but since 
 the late happy Revolution in England, the people 
 of Connecticott, have chosen a Governour and as- 
 sistants, according to their Charter, and doubt not 
 but they have & legall right to their former privi- 
 ledges. 
 
 Quere — Whether the Charter belonging to Con- 
 necticott, in New England, is by means of their 
 involuntary submission to Sr Edmund Andross's 
 Government, void in law, so as that the King may 
 send a Governour to them, contrary to their Char- 
 ter priviledges, when there has been no judgment 
 entered against their Charter, nor any surrender 
 thereof upon record. 
 
 I am of opinion, that such submission as is put 
 in this case doth not invalidate the charter, or any 
 the powers therein, which was granted under the 
 great seal, and that the Charter not being surren- 
 dered under the comon seal, and that surrender 
 duly inrolled of Record, nor any judgment of Rec- 
 ord entered against it, the same remains good and 
 valid in the law, and that the Corporation may 
 lawfully execute the powers and priviledges there- 
 
Letter from William III. 191 
 
 by granted, notwithstanding such submission and 
 appointment of a Governour as aforesaid. 
 
 EDWARD WARD. 
 
 I am of the same opinion. 
 
 J. SOMERS. 
 
 I am of the same opinion, and as the matter is 
 stated, there is no ground of doubt. 
 
 GEO. TREBY. 
 2d August, 1690. 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty William 3d, command- 
 ing a levy of troops for the aid and assistance 
 of the Province of New York. 
 
 William R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well, — 
 Whereas it has been represented unto us in coun- 
 cill, in behalf of our province of New York, in 
 America, that the same haveing been at great ex- 
 pence for the preservation and defence of Albany 
 | its frontiers, against the French, by the loss of 
 which province the inhabitants of Maryland and 
 Virginia, would not be able to live but in garrison, 
 and haveing hitherto preserved that post, the bur- 
 then thereby is now intollerable to the inhabitants 
 there. We think reasonable and necessary that 
 our several colonys and provinces of New Eng- 
 land, Virginia, Maryland and Pensylvania, should 
 be aiding and assisting, from time to time, to the 
 Governour or Commander-in-chief of our said 
 province of New York, in the maintenance and 
 
192 Letter from William lit 
 
 defence of it, duering the present warr, and accor- 
 dingly our will and pleasure is, that upon applica- 
 tion of the said Governour or Commander-in-chief, 
 you do immediately send him such aid and assist- 
 ance in men or money, for the security of our said 
 province, from the attempts of the French and 
 Indians, as the condition of the plantation or colo- 
 ny under your government, shall permitt, and our 
 further will and pleasure is, that as soon as con- 
 veniently may be, you agree with the governours 
 of New England, Virginia, Maryland and Pensyl- 
 vania, unto whom we have sent the like direction?, 
 upon a quota of men, or other assistance to be 
 given by each colony or province, for the defence 
 of New York, as occasion may require the same, 
 and that you give a speedy account of your pro- 
 ceedings herein, to the end such further directions 
 may be given, as shall be necessary for securing 
 the fort at Albany, and the province of New York 
 from the attempts of our enemies in those parts. 
 And so we bid you farewell. 
 
 Given at the court, at White Hall, the 3d day 
 of March, 1692-3, in the 5th year of our reigne. 
 By his Majesties command, 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 
 To such as for our time being, take care for 
 preserving the peace, and administering the Jawslj 
 in our colony of Connecticut, in our territory and 
 dominion of New England, in America. 
 
 
Establishing a Post Office. 193 
 
 Establishing a Post Office. 
 
 Province of Massachusetts Bay. 
 
 At a Councell sitting at the Councell Chamber, 
 in Boston, upon Thursday, March ye 30, 1693. 
 
 His Excll'ie being absent from the Province } 
 Mr. Stoughton, Esqr. Leivt. Govern'r, 
 
 James Russell, 
 John Joyllife, 
 John Walley, 
 Sam'll Hayman, 
 Rich'd Middlecut, I p 
 John Richards, 
 Sam'll Sewall, 
 Peter Sarjeant, 
 Joseph Lynde, 
 Adam Winthrop. 
 
 Whereas their most excellent Majesties by their 
 letters pattents, under the great seal of England, 
 have granted unto Thomas Neale, Esqr. his exec- 
 utors, &c. full power and authority to erect, settle 
 and establish within the chief ports of the sevei all 
 Islands, Colonies and Plantations in America, an 
 office or offices for the receiving and dispatching 
 of letters and packetts for the encouragement and 
 benefit of trade and correspondence, to be held, 
 used, exercised and injoyed by the said Thomas 
 Neale his Execu'rs, Adm'rs, and Assignes dureing 
 the term of twenty one years in the said letters 
 pattents mentioned ; and her sacred Maj'tie, the 
 Queen having speedily recommended unto his 
 Excell'cy the Govern'r the assisting and counten- 
 ance of Andrew Hamelton, Esqr. deputed and 
 constituted to govern and mannage the said Gen'll 
 17 
 
194 Establishing a Post Office. 
 
 Post office for and throughout all the plantations 
 and colonies upon the main land or continent of 
 North America, his deputy agents or servants 
 upon all occasions in the management of the said 
 general post office, and the due execution of all 
 and singular the power and authoritys contayned 
 in the said letters patents. And whereas, the said 
 Andrew Hamelton, Esq. hath attented his Ex- 
 celPcy and councell about that affair, presenting 
 a memoriall, therein proposeing the rates to be 
 assertained for the posts of letters, &c. and to be 
 continued by the space of three years next come- 
 ing, and severall fredomes and immunities to be 
 granted unto such as shall be imployed under him 
 as post masters at the respective stages, which 
 proposalls for the post of letters, are as follows, 
 that is to say from Europe, two pence, ye West 
 Indies, or from any parts beyond sea, two pence 
 each single letter, which is to be accounted such 
 altho it claimes bills of lading, Gazets, Invoyces, 
 &c. and for all packetts of letters, four pence, 
 and if letters or packetts lye at the post office 
 uncalled for by the space of forty eight hours, the 
 postmaster then sending them forth to the respec- 
 tive houses of the persons to whom they are 
 directed, one penny more for every such letter or 
 packett. The post of inland letters to be as fol- 
 lows, that is to say, to be from Rhod Island to 
 Boston after the rate of six pence for each single 
 letter, and soe in proportion to the greatness and 
 quantity of letters, and for letters taken in upon 
 post in Connecticott colony for Boston, after the 
 rate of nine pence for each single letter, to 
 or from New York, after the rate of twelve pence 
 for each single letter, to or from Jersies or Pensil- 
 vania, after the rate of fifteen pence for each 
 single letter, to or from Virginia or Maryland, 
 after the rate of two shillings for each single letter, 
 
Winihrops Commission. 195 
 
 and so proportionally aforesaid, to or from Salem, 
 after the rate of three pence for each single letter, 
 to and from Ipswich, Newberry or other places 
 within this province, four pence for each single 
 letter, to and from Piscatagua, six pence for each 
 single letter, and so in proportion. All publique 
 letters to be receaved and dispatched free of 
 charge. 
 
 And that the post pass fferridges free within 
 within this province. In consideration whereof, 
 the said Andrew Hamelton, Esqr. doth ingage to 
 erect the said post office at Boston, by the begin- 
 ning of May next, and that the post shall passe 
 from Boston to New Yorke, and from Boston to 
 Pensilvania every week, and will state the Satter- 
 day for its setting forth and returning. The 
 Leivt. Gov'r and Councill adviseing upon the afore- 
 said proposalls, and apprehending the said under- 
 taking to be for their Maj'ties service, and for the 
 great advantage of correspondence and trade and 
 comerce, do so farr approve thereof as to recom- 
 mend the same to the Generall Assembly at their 
 next setting to be enacted with such further free- 
 dome and immunities to the post master as may 
 be encouraging, &c. 
 
 By order of the Leivt. Gov'r and Councill. 
 
 JAS. ADDINGTON, Sec'y. 
 
 Winihrops Commisssion as Agent of the Colony. 
 
 We the Governour and Generall Assembly of 
 their Majesties Colony of Connecticut, in New 
 England, having speciaal ocasion to make our 
 
196 Winthrops Commission. 
 
 humble address and petition to our Sovraign Lord 
 and Lady, King William, and Queen Mary, whom 
 God Almighty preserve and bless, with reference 
 to our Charter priviledges in general, and more 
 especialy, with reference to the militia of this 
 Colony. And having concluded upon the said 
 address and petition, reposing special trust and 
 confidence in the wisdom and prudence of you 
 Major Gen'll Ffitz John Winthrop, Esqr. have 
 nominated, chosen, desired, commissioned and 
 impowered, and do hereby fully and duly nomin- 
 ate, choose, desire, commission and impower you 
 the aforenamed Ffitz John Winthrop,. Esqr. for 
 us and in our behalf personaly to appear before 
 our said Sovraign Lord and Lady, the King and 
 Queens Ma'ties, or such others as under them 
 may so have cognizance of our said affair, and 
 unto them to present our said humble adress and 
 petition, and before them to transact what you 
 have in instruction, relating to the said affair or 
 whatever else may seem to you or your counsel- 
 ours reasonably conduceing to the ends of the 
 said address and petition, and if by the Provi- 
 dence of Almighty God, you are hindred from 
 makeing your personal appearance, then to ap- 
 point and impower such other person or persons 
 in your stead, as may to you seem reasonable, 
 and by al due indeavours to obtain their Maj'ties 
 gratious approbation of our government as estab- 
 lished by Charter, and especialy the command of 
 the militia here, be not altered from us to persons 
 of other provinces, but continued with us as hith- 
 erto it hath been, and to that end, to answer and 
 reply to whatsoever may be objected against the 
 same, and to act and do in al things lawful in the 
 premises and matters whatsoever shall prov& 
 
Instructions to Winthrop, 197 
 
 reasonably necessary, w'ch we will accordingly 
 hold for good. 
 
 Dated in Hartford, in New England, 1st day of 
 Sept. Anno. Dom. 1693, and in the 5th yeare of 
 their Maj'ties Reigne, and given under the seal of 
 their Maj'ties Colony of Connecticut, and signed 
 
 ROBERT TREAT, Gov'r. 
 
 By order of the General Court, 
 
 John Allyn, Secretary. 
 
 Instructions to Agent Winthrop. 
 
 Instructions for the Hon'ble Major Generall 
 Fitz John Winthrop, Esqr. from the Governour 
 and Generall Assembly of their Majesties Colony 
 of Connecticutt, in New England. 
 
 1st. Hon'ble Sr, be pleased to take notice of 
 the Commission you have from us, and our address 
 and petition to their Majesties, our Soveraigne 
 Lord and Lady, King William and Queen Mary, 
 in the Generall scope and purport of them whitch 
 is to retaine our Charter priviledges, and in spe- 
 ciall, the use of the militia to avoyde trouble from 
 male contents at home and the overruleings of 
 strangers abroad by obteyning their Ma'ties con- 
 firmation of us or what other countenance they 
 shall please to give us in these respects. 
 
 2dly. You are to remember we have layd in- 
 to our Treasurers hands a supply of money for 
 your Hono'rs service in the affayre, which please 
 to draw out as you see cause and have occasion, 
 17* 
 
198 Instructions to Wintlwop. 
 
 onely we advise not to transport any considerable 
 summs, but to remit it to England by Bills of ex- 
 change as you please. 
 
 3dly. We entreat and advise that you take the 
 soonest and safest opportunety to transporte your- 
 self to London, and that you be in all respects ac- 
 comodated according to your quallity and busi- 
 nesse soe far as our poore abillity will admitt. 
 
 4thly. That you take with you besides our ad- 
 dress, your commission and these instructions and 
 such other books and papers as the Governo'r and 
 Councill may give you, or yourself foresee may 
 be usefull in your negotiation, particularly a copy 
 of our Charter, one of our Law Books, printed, 
 and maniescript to represent the constitution of 
 the militia and other our concerns, and a narrative 
 of the fidelity we have used in the warrs from 
 first to last, to satisfy their Mamies that we have 
 given good proofe of our industry in that poynt in 
 special!. 
 
 5thly. That you indeavour as speedy an ad- 
 mission unto their Ma'ties, or Councills, audien- 
 ces as may bee, first informeing yourselfe whether 
 any new occurrences there, have happened re- 
 specting us. 
 
 6thly. We know you canot forget or be unac- 
 quainted with the various designements from and 
 for both Yorke and Boston, which you are to have 
 ey upon, as they may influence upon us, and use 
 and avoyde them as is most conducive to your 
 owne business. 
 
 7thly. You will doe well to observe what is 
 most gratefull and pleassant at Court and cast 
 your application into the mould of prudence to 
 render it most acceptable, speedy and successful!. 
 
 8thly. That you indeavour to make what just 
 
Instructions to Winthrop. 109 
 
 interest you may with persons that may help for- 
 ward your purposes. 
 
 9thly. That on your audience (if God shall 
 grant it,) you give a more dilated demonstration 
 of the chiefe things in the addresse either oraly 
 or by writeing or both, as you see best, and espe- 
 cially that you labour to sattisfy their Ma'ties that 
 our condition and useage is such that we cannot 
 be in any other figure without generall discourage- 
 ment, and what is next to ruein unto us, the dem- 
 onstration of which may much avayle, and that 
 there is and hath been a generall satisfaction 
 amongst their subjects here in the forme of Gov- 
 ernment by the charter, and a serviceableness re- 
 sulting from it, which will be we suppose the sat- 
 isfying the subjects of their Ma'ties in things not 
 unjust nor detrimentall to their Ma'ties interest, 
 will weigh much in the issueing it, and among oth- 
 er demonstrations, you may make of the acquies- 
 sence of the people in theire present settlement, 
 you may aledge that of about three thousand men 
 in the Colony, about two thousand two hundred 
 perticularly appeared to make this address, and 
 most of the rest concluded to agree, though by 
 private occasions, and not by their respective town 
 meetings ; the known generall voyce for it at the 
 revolution when Sr Edmund Andross was at Bos- 
 ton, their quiet under it ever since ; the pawcity 
 of male contents and among them few have facts 
 of value for any good qualification, so that were 
 it not for three or four persons there is no appear- 
 ance of any considerable, and that these appeare 
 possibly in the magnifyeing glass of some neigh- 
 bours representations in England far greater then 
 they are. 
 
 lOthly. You must informe their Ma'ties of the 
 state of the Militia here that it is far different from 
 
200 Instructions to Winthrop, 
 
 what it is in England, namely that all male per- 
 sons from sixteen to sixty years of age are soul- 
 diers, and so necessitated to be from the scatter- 
 ednesse of the country, fewnes of us all, and dan- 
 gers from enemies, so that to order the Militia 
 here to the Governo'r of an other Province, is to 
 deliver us up as to our persons intire to such other 
 Governo'r ; none save Magistrates, Ministers, 
 Physitians, Millers and impotent persons will be 
 left, and this we conceive may avayle much for 
 the continuance of the Militia as it is and hath 
 been, and the great wages we pay souldiers, thir- 
 teen shillings a weeke in dyet and wages to a pri- 
 vate sentinell. 
 
 llthly. You may see cause to acquaint their 
 Ma'tiesof the great distance we are at from Bos- 
 ton and Yorke, and the necessary inconveniencies 
 resulting therefrom if the rule of the Militia be 
 in other hands then some of their subjects here re- 
 sideing. 
 
 12thly. The necessary dependance of the civ- 
 ill Government on the power of the Militia in this 
 far distant country, so that it will hardly be exe- 
 cuted here, or at the best be very despicable, and 
 consequently rendered difficult to discouragement. 
 
 13thly. The difficulty of capitulating and set- 
 ling any articles or tearmes for the use of the Mi- 
 litia for the defence of the Colony support, or ex- 
 ecuting the civill part of the Government, with 
 the Governour of an other jurisdiction in which 
 we are or may be subject to be over ruled on all 
 occasions. 
 
 14thly. You may urge as farr as is fitting any 
 thing you may be advised of as our right in Law 
 to the use under their Ma'ties of the Militia here, 
 so that if justice or prudence, both or either may 
 
Instructions to Winthrop. 201 
 
 hold it to us we may retayne it since we look on 
 ourselves as next to undone if we have it not. 
 
 15thly. If you be interogated why we com- 
 playned not with Sr Wm. Phips his Lieutenancy, 
 you may reply that he never came on the place, 
 nor acted on it farther then to give a copy of his 
 commission and to inquire who were our officers 
 in commission, and that we haveing a commission 
 (so to call our charter) could not judge it our duty 
 to wave it, at least till we had been heard in the 
 matter before their Ma'ties, whose justice and 
 clemency we know to be so great, especially since 
 no order to us from their Ma'ties about it. 
 
 17thly. You are to assure their Ma'ties that the 
 Militia here is and shall (with all the prudence and 
 faythfullnesse God shall give us) be improved to 
 their Ma'ties best interest, and that we have ayded 
 and shall ayde to our abillity our neighbours at 
 Boston and Yorke with the same. 
 
 18thly. You may give an accompt of our 
 ayde sent to Albany when yourself was there, 
 which was a juncture that required the secureing 
 the five Nations of Indians, and keeping the 
 French at least at home, and when that Govern- 
 ment was so dissetled that then there for secureing 
 their Ma'ties interest, we voluntarily spent above 
 two thousand pownds and lost severall men, be- 
 sides Capt. Bulls expedition who Garrisoned there 
 at Albany when Senecktaga* was surprized. 
 
 19thly. You are to informe that our scituation 
 is such that the townes up the river are ours, and 
 a great part of the New England fronteer and an 
 ordinary way of the Maquaesf return from Can- 
 ada, and where from Canada divers incursions 
 
 * Schenectady. 
 
 f The name of a tribe of Indians, 
 
202 Instructions to Winthrop. 
 
 have been made and are continually feared, which 
 we are continually put upon guarding and releiv- 
 ing, for which reason the less is to be expected to 
 be done by us elsewhere. 
 
 20thly. Allso our continuall danger by the sea 
 coast, where are but few men for so long a shoare. 
 
 21st. If on advice you find our address and 
 petition to their Ma'ties not so advantagiously 
 drawne as may be, you may draw another, keep- 
 ing the same generall purport with that, and signe 
 and present and manage it in our behalfe accord- 
 ing to these our instructions. 
 
 22d. You may opportunely mix and link in 
 your discourses, the hard adventures of our pre- 
 decessors and selves, our full establishment, our 
 unchangeablenesse to the Crown, our peaceable- 
 ness with our neighbours, with what other good 
 character your Honour can truely and modestly 
 make us on this occasion, so necessarily requireing 
 it, and that the sence and dependence of theire 
 Ma'ties subjects is, that they shall not now at least 
 be frustrate of the ends of so good and chargea- 
 ble and extreemly laborious a settlement as they 
 are arrived at. 
 
 Many other things may occurre as necessary 
 in this transaction, which we generally leave as 
 we doe these instructions to your Honours pru- 
 dence and that of the gentlemen with home you 
 shall have occassion to consult herein. 
 
 And we pray your Honour to use all opportu- 
 neties for a good and speedy issue, and that in the 
 interim you give us by all seasonable occasions of 
 conveyance an accompt of your transactions, our 
 prayers shall waite on the Throne of Grace for 
 your conduct and a blessing in a happy resolution 
 of these matters, and your Honours safe and hap- 
 
Col. Fletchers Letter. 203 
 
 py returne. Sr, we are your Hono'rs friends and 
 Humble Servants. 
 
 ROBERT TREAT, Governour. 
 
 Pr order of the Generall Court, Sept'r 2d, 1693. 
 JOHN ALLYN, Sec'ry. 
 Hartford, Sept. 1, 1693. 
 
 The 16th article being slipt, is here inserted. 
 
 16th. You may represent to their Ma'ties that 
 we have no temptation to hold the use of the Mi- 
 litia from any sinister ends, as proffit &c, but 
 merely for our safety and peace, &c. 
 
 Col. Fletchers LeVer demanding the command of 
 the Militia of Connecticut. 
 
 To the Governour and Generall Court of Con- 
 necticut sitting att Hartford, Oct. ye 26th, 1693. 
 
 Gentlemen — I have received your papers 
 which is noe answer to my memorial, for I doe 
 not demand the Militia from you, knowing very 
 well as you yourselves doe, that you have no right 
 to itt, being settled on the Kings and Queens of 
 England and their successors, by severall acts of 
 Parliament and by noe power on earth can be de- 
 mised from the present possessor of the Crown, 
 but I have in tender regard to this English Colo- 
 ly given in my memorial to you, the present ad- 
 ministrators of the Goverm't here, in expectation 
 of your ready complyance to their Maj'ties Pat- 
 tent and your assistance to me, being a stranger in 
 
204 Col Fletchers Letter. 
 
 these parts, for the more speedy and effect u all ex- 
 ecution of that lawfull commission which is grant- 
 ed in grace by their Maj'ties, as well for your se- 
 curity and defence as the assertion of their own 
 right, and this has in no part of their dominions 
 found a rub or contest. 
 
 1 doe therefore in their Maj*ties names demand 
 your obedience to this commission, as you will an- 
 swer the ill consequences that will ensue, and ex- 
 pect a speedy replye in two words yes or no. 
 BEN. FFLETCHER. 
 
 By his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, his Maj- 
 'ties Liev't and Commander in Chiefe of the Mili- 
 tia, and of all the Forces by Sea and by Land, 
 within their Majesties Collony of Connecticutt, 
 and of all the Forts and places of strength within 
 the same. 
 
 M. CLARKSON, Sec'ry. 
 
 Note. — Col. Fletcher, Governor of New York, had recei- 
 ved a commission to command the whole Militia of Connec- 
 ticut, which was inconsistent with the Charter rights of the 
 Colony ; on the 26th Oct. he came to Hartford, where the 
 General Court was in Session, and in his Majesty's name 
 demanded that the Militia of the Colony should be submit- 
 ted to his command. The Militia of Hartford was called 
 out ; but the General Court persisted in refusing to submit to 
 the demands of Fletcher. A commission was tendered to 
 Gov. Treat, authorizing' him to command the Militia as a 
 Lieutenant under Fletcher, but the Assembly would not sub- 
 mit, and the tender was not accepted : the Militia of Hart- 
 ford having paraded, and as the tradition is, while Captain 
 Wadsworth the Commanding Officer was walking in front 
 of the companies, Col. Fletcher ordered his commission to 
 be read. Capt. Wadsworth instantly ordered the drums to 
 beat ; and there was such a roaring of them that notning 
 else could be heard. Fletcher commanded silence : but no 
 sooner had the reading commenced again, than Wadsworth 
 commands "drum, drum, I say." The drummers understan- 
 
Gen. Winthrops Petition. 205 
 
 ding their business, instantly made another tremendous roar 
 of the drums. Silence says Fletcher. But no sooner did 
 silence ensue than Wadsworth speaks with great earnestness, 
 "drum 1 say," and immediately turning to Fletcher, said "if 
 I am interrupted again I will make the Sun shine through 
 you in an instant." He spoke with such decision and ener- 
 gy in his voice, and meaning in his countenance, that no 
 further attempts were then made to read the commission. — 
 Large numbers of people had assembled, and becoming much 
 excited, Col. Fletcher entertained doubts for his personal 
 safety, and judged it expedient soon after to leave the place 
 and return to New York. 
 
 Gen. Winthrojfs Petition to the King, relative to 
 the Commission of Gotfr Fletcher. 
 
 To the King's most Excellent Majesty — 
 
 The Humble Petition of your Majesties loyall 
 and dutifull subjects, the Governour and Compa- 
 ny of the English Colony of Connecticut, in New- 
 England in America, presented by Major General 
 Fitz John Winthrop Esqr, their Agent in that be- 
 halfe lawfully authorized, sheweth : 
 
 That your Petitioners by Letters Pattents, of 
 the late King Charles the second, under the great 
 Seal of England, in the fourteenth year of his 
 Reigne, were incorporated by the name of the 
 Governor and Company of the English Colony 
 of Connecticut, in New England in America, and 
 by several constitutions and powers specified in 
 the said Letters Pattent, had granted to them as 
 well the civill administration of the affairs, as the 
 Lieutenancy and power of ordering, arraying, 
 18 
 
206 Gen. Winthrops Petition. 
 
 modelling and conducting the Melitia of the said 
 Colony, for the special defence and security of the 
 same. 
 
 That your Petitioners from the date of the said 
 grant, untill the month of October last, have en- 
 joyed the said liberties and priviledges without for- 
 feiture or mollestation therein [except a little in- 
 terruption they received, upon the general im- 
 peachment of the English Liberties, towards the 
 latter end of the Reigne of the late King James 
 the second,] to the great encrease and comfort of 
 the inhabitants of the said Colony, and the de- 
 fence and security of your Majesties neighbouring 
 Provinces. 
 
 That Benjamin Ffletcher Esqr, the present Gov- 
 ernour of your Majesties Province of New York, 
 in the said month of October last, by colour of 
 your Majesties commission, whereby (for the uni- 
 ting the forces of the said Province and Colony, 
 against the common enemy,) he was created your 
 Majesties Commander in Chief of the Melitia of 
 the said Colony, did demand of your Petitioners, 
 not only to submitt to him as Lieutenant General 
 and Commander in Chief over the full Quota of 
 the Militia of that Colony in conjunction with 
 those of the Province of New York and the other 
 adjacent Governments, (which your Petitioners 
 were always ready to doe, and to send their said 
 Quota, when and wherever commanded by him,) 
 but likewise that your Petitioners should surren- 
 der to him the perticular Lieutenancy of the said 
 Colony of Connecticutt, and their power of as- 
 sessing, modelling and establishing the Militia 
 thereof, granted to them by the said Charter, 
 threatning withall to enforce obedience to his said 
 demands, to the great terrour and discouragement 
 of the inhabitants of your Majesties said Colony. 
 
Order of Lords of Privy Council. 207 
 
 That the said Benjamin Ffletcher hath likewise 
 endeavoured, by several artifices, to insinuate him- 
 self into the civill government of the said Colony; 
 and such, the proceedings of the said Benjamin 
 Ffletcher, are repugnant to the before mentioned 
 grant of King Charles the second, and the true 
 intention of your Majesties said commission, (as 
 your petitioners do in all humility conceive.) 
 
 Your petitioners therefore humbly pray, that 
 the said Commission may receive such explana- 
 tion and restriction, and your petitioners have 
 such speedy reliefe and order for the quieting the 
 said difference for the future, as to your Majesty, 
 in your royall justice and wisdome shall seem 
 most conduceing to the prosperity of your Ma- 
 jesties people and interests in the said colony of 
 Connecticut — and your petitioners as in duty 
 bound, shall ever pray, &c. 
 
 J. WINTHROP. 
 
 January, 1694. 
 
 An order of the Rt. Hon. the Lords of the Privy 
 Council, refer ing the Petition of the Governour 
 and Company of the Colony of Connecticut, 
 to the Lords of the Council of Trade. 
 
 Att the Court at White Hall, ) 
 the 29 January, 1694. ) 
 
 By the Lords of their Majesties 
 
 most Hon'ble Privy Councill — 
 
 Upon reading the annexed Petition of the Gov- 
 ernour and Company of the English Colony of 
 
208 Objections to conduct of Gov. of N. Y. 
 
 Connecticut, in New England, in America, pre- 
 sented by their Agent. Major Gen'l Fitz Jon Win- 
 throp, complaining of the proceeding of Collonel 
 Benjamin Fletcher, Governour of New York, in 
 relation to the said Colony, and praying to be re- 
 lieved ; it is this day ordered in Councill, that it 
 be, and it is hereby refered to the Right Honnour- 
 able the Lords of the Comittee of trade and plan- 
 tations, to examine, and consider of the matter of 
 the said petition, and to report to this board, what 
 their Lordships conceive fit for his Majesty to do 
 therein. 
 
 RICHARD COLLINGE. 
 
 Objections liaised to the conduct and proceedings 
 of the Governour of New York. 
 
 The case of the Governour and Company of the 
 English Colony of Connecticut, in New England, 
 in America, in relation to the pretensions of his 
 Excellency, Benjamin Ffletcher, Esqr. the present 
 Governour of New York, laid before the Rt. Hon'- 
 ble the Lords of the Councill of Trade, by Gen. 
 Winthrop. 
 
 The said Governour and Company were incor- 
 porated by Letters Patents of King Charles the 
 second, in the fourteenth year of his Reign, which 
 among several other powers and constitutions for 
 the civill Government of the said Colony, con- 
 veyeth to the Governour of the said Company 
 " for the time being, or others by his appointment 
 and direction, authority to assemble, martial, ar- 
 ray and put in warlike posture, the inhabitants of 
 
Objections to conduct of Gov. of N. Y. 209 
 
 the said colony, and to commissionate such per- 
 sons as they shall think fitt to lead and conduct 
 the said inhabitants, and to encounter, expulse, 
 &c. for the special defence of the said colony." 
 
 There is likewise in the said Charter, a clause 
 for the more beneficial construction thereof on the 
 behalf of the corporation: and another of nonob- 
 stante to all statutes, &c. repugnant to the said 
 grant. 
 
 According to which Charter the Governour of 
 the said Company for the time being, and such as 
 were commissionated by him, have all along had the 
 command of the militia of the said colony, for the 
 special defence thereof; and the said militia has 
 been levied, proportioned and modelled according 
 to the locall stattutes and orders of the Colony, 
 made with great regard to the abilities and condi- 
 tion of the respective towns and divisions therein, 
 and in prefect subserviency to the laws of Eng- 
 land ; by means of which constitution, this colony 
 has ever since the said incorporation, flourished in 
 improvements, added to the numbers of its people, 
 defended itself in time of war without the help of 
 the neighbouring provinces, who yet it hath not 
 spared to assist, when invaded, with men, money 
 or ammunition, according as was most wanted. 
 
 And the inhabitants thereof, have continually 
 behaved themselves with such unblemished loy- 
 alty towards the crown of England, that in the 
 late Reigns, w r hen a very slender pretence served 
 for a ground of seizing the liberties of corporations, 
 as legally forfeited, there was not so much as a 
 colour found out to vacate the said Charter. 
 
 Since the warr now depending with France, it 
 seemed fitting to their present Majesties, that the 
 militia of several neighbouring colonys and pro- 
 vinces in America, should upon occasion act in 
 18* 
 
210 Objections to conduct of Gov. of N. Y. 
 
 conjunction, under the command of one experi- 
 enced Commander-in-chief, for the common safe- 
 ty of the English interest ; and thereupon their 
 said Majesties, did in the third year of their reigne, 
 constitute Sr William Phipps, Knight, Command- 
 er-in-chief of all the militia, and forces by land 
 and sea, within the several colonyes of Connecti- 
 cut, Rhoad Island, Providence Plantation, the 
 Naraganset country or Kings province, and the 
 province of New Hampshire. To which Com- 
 mission of Sr William Phipps, the Governour and 
 Company of Connecticut, did never give up the 
 Command of the militia, so granted to them, but yet 
 did not refuse to attend him with their quota of the 
 militia of Connecticut, to act with the other forces 
 under his command, and in such manner, as to 
 him should seem most conduceing to the com- 
 mon security. 
 
 Afterwards, in June last, their Majesties think- 
 ing it more convenient that the militia of Connec- 
 ticut should act. in conjunction with that of New 
 York, then with those of the colonys above named, 
 by Commission superseded the said power grant- 
 ed to Sr William Phipps, as to the militia of Con- 
 necticut, and transfered the same to Benjamin 
 Fletcher, Esqr. the present Governour of New 
 York, and the Governour of New York for the 
 time being. 
 
 That by colour of which last commission, the 
 said Benjamin Fletcher, doth not only challenge 
 the chief command and conduct of the quota of the 
 militia of Connecticut, when raised with the other 
 militia of his Governments, for the publick securi- 
 ty (which the said Governour and company were 
 always ready to submitt to,) but likewise the full 
 power of assessing, apportioning and modelling the 
 said militia, and requiereth that the said Govern- 
 
Objections to conduct of Gov. ofN.Y. 211 
 
 our and company should acknowledge him as 
 entirely vested with the particular Lieutenancy of 
 their colony, and with all the powers and rights 
 any ways relating thereunto, granted to, and yet 
 remaining in them, by vertue of* the said Charter, 
 for the special defence and protection of the said 
 colony, which the said Governour and company 
 excuseing themselves from, till their Majesties 
 pleasure in the premises should be further known, 
 by their agent sent into England for that purpose, 
 and humbly requesting the said Benjamin Fletcher, 
 in the mean time to accept of their quota, in men 
 or money, for the common security, (as was used 
 to be done when Sr William Phipps had the like 
 commission,) the said Benjamin Fletcher rejected 
 that offer, threatening the Generall Councill that 
 he would force obedience to his said commands, 
 to the great terror of the inhabitants of the said 
 colony. 
 
 Which pretentions and proceedings of the Gov- 
 ernour of New York, are conceived to be no 
 ways agreeable to the true intention of their Ma- 
 jesties, in their said commission; the prosperity 
 of the said colony, or the comon security of the 
 English inhabitants in the adjacent provinces ; and 
 that upon the following considerations. 
 
 1st. For that this colony, where all between 
 16 and 60 years of age are of the militia, (which 
 is settled and modelled by the statutes and orders 
 of the General assembly) there is necessarily so 
 close a connection between the ordinary rule and 
 government of the said militia, and the civill gov- 
 ernment, that whosoever hath the absolute power 
 of the former, must draw all the authority of the 
 latter to himself, by a consequence which is una- 
 voidable, for the command of every mans person 
 will undoutedly produce the command of every 
 
212 Objections to conduct of Gov. of N. Y. 
 
 mands purse, and the alteration of the present 
 modell of the militia, will be an alteration of the 
 laws also. 
 
 2dly. By the constitution of this colony, the 
 life and execution of the laws depends wholly on 
 the power of the militia, which can be little usefull 
 to that purpose, if wholly removed from the civil 
 magistrate, and placed in a person resideing at so 
 great a distance as the Governour of New York 
 usually doth, and though this may bs something 
 helped by deputations, if the Governour of New 
 York pleaseth, yet it evidently renders the execu- 
 tion of the laws at Connecticut precarious, and at 
 the will of the Governour of New York. 
 
 3dly. The Colonys in America, are governed, 
 as npar as may be, with conformity to the laws ot 
 England, where the King or his Lievtenant, can- 
 not draw out all the men of a county to serve in 
 the militia, but a certain number proportioned to 
 the extent and rules of the county. But if Co'll 
 Fletchers Commission should be asserted in the 
 latitude he contends for, he might draw out the 
 inhabitants in what numbers, and raise contribu- 
 tions on them in what quantities he pleaseth ; in 
 short, he could become perfect master of the lives, 
 liberties and estates of the English in that colony, 
 who cannot but withdraw from the apprehensions 
 of such an unlimited power lodged in a subject, 
 a souldier of fortune, not their Governour, and 
 upon that account not responsible for any inward 
 consumption of the colony, so he protects it from 
 being overrun by a foreigne enemy. 
 
 4thly. It is impossible that Co'll Fletcher, though 
 he should prove of an abstinence unusuall in this 
 age, can be so competent a judge of the disposi- 
 tions and abilities of each town and division in the 
 colony, nor so much master of their affections in 
 
Objections to conduct of Gov. of N. Y. 213 
 
 time of need, as they who dwell among them, nor 
 by consequence so well qualified for the locall and 
 ordinary government of the said militia. 
 
 5thly. The frontiers of Connecticut, which lyes 
 most remote from the province ot New York, do 
 often call for a sudden and vigorous defence, but 
 iff the civill government of that colony must be 
 wholly divested of all power in the Militia for the 
 special defence of the same (as their charter 
 speaks) and driven to sue for orders to the Gov- 
 ernour of New York, (who comonly resides about 
 200 miles off,) the inconvenience is to evident to 
 be mentioned, besides it is repugnant to the very 
 nature of a Government, that the power of defend- 
 ing itself, should not be in itself, but lodged in the 
 Governour of an other Province. 
 
 Gthly. Coll. Fletchers comission gives him not 
 the Government of Connecticut, but a particular 
 ministerial office in that Government, and there- 
 fore he ought to construe his comission so as may 
 leave him subordinate to the Government of that 
 place, and not above it, as he will be effectually, 
 if he be permitted to exercise it in the extent de- 
 manded by him. 
 
 7thly. As the Militia in England is commanded 
 by the King and his Lieutenants, under the restric- 
 tions and orders appointed by act of Parliament 
 (or the subject could not be free,) so tis conceived 
 their Majesties intention in this comission could 
 *be no other, then that Coll. Fletcher should com- 
 and the Militia, subject to the Laws and Constiu- 
 tions of the Colony, so farr as they are not repug- 
 nant to the Laws of England. 
 
 8thly. This sence in which the Government of 
 Connecticut would understand their Majesties 
 comission, is agreeable enough to the Letter and 
 penning of it, for the ground there laid down for 
 
214 Objections to conduct of Gov. of N. Y. 
 
 the granting that comission, is the uniting the for- 
 ces for security of their Majesties subjects in gen- 
 erall, inhabiting in those parts ; and no reason is 
 there so much as hinted at, why that Colony 
 should be deprived of all power over the Militia, 
 within itself for its own particular defence, and 
 refference is therein had to the like comission be- 
 fore granted to Sr William Phipps, (who never 
 exercised so unlimited an authority,) and tis taken 
 for a rule in expounding the Kings grants, that 
 when there are two constructions to be made, 
 which equally satisfy the letter thereof, one repug- 
 nant to the other consisting with a former grant, 
 which preserves the former grant is to be prefered, 
 as most agreeable to the Kings honnour and jus- 
 tice. 
 
 9thly. It is observable that in Coll. Fletchers com- 
 ission, there is no express superseeding the com- 
 and of the Militia granted to the Government of 
 Connecticut by the said charter, although the same 
 comission does expressly supersede the above- 
 mentioned authority granted to Sr William Phipps. 
 
 These among divers others, are some reasons 
 why tis hoped their Majesties will be pleased to 
 preserve to the said Colony of Connecticut their 
 liberties granted to them by the said charter, and 
 to explain the comission of Coll. Fletcher in such 
 sort, that he may content himself with the Gene- 
 rail comand of the Quota of the Militia of that 
 Colony, and not take from the civill Government 
 of that place the power of levying and ordering 
 the Militia within themselves, granted by the said 
 charter. 
 
Order in Council. 215 
 
 His Majesties order in Council on the subject of 
 the Militia of the Colony of Connecticut 
 
 At the Court at White Hall, the 19th of Aprill, 
 1694. 
 
 X seal. \ Present, 
 
 #~ m 
 
 The Kings most Excellent Majesty. 
 
 Lord Arch Bp, of Canterbury, Lord Keeper, 
 Lord President, Lord Privy Seeale, Duke of 
 Bolton, Lord Steward, Lord Chamberlaine, 
 Earle of Oxford, Earle of Shrewsbury, Earle 
 of Bridgewater, Earle of Bathe, Earle of Ro- 
 chester, Earle of Montague, Earle of Scarbo- 
 rough, Earle of Ranelagh, Lord Viscount Syd- 
 ney, Lord Viscount Falkland, Lord Bp, of 
 London, Lord Cornwallis, Lord Conningsby, 
 Sr Robert Howard, Mr. Trenchard, Mr. 
 Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sr Henry Good- 
 riche, Mr. Russell, Mr. Boscawen. 
 
 A Petition haveing been presented to his Ma- 
 jesty, by Major General Fitz John Winthrop, 
 Agent for the English Colony of Connecticut, in 
 New England, in America, in behalf of the said 
 Colony, by the name of Governour and company 
 of the English Colony of Connecticut, in New 
 England, in America, setting forth that the Peti- 
 tioners by Letters Pattents, under the great Seale 
 of England, in the fourteenth year of the Reigne 
 of the late King Charles the second, were incor- 
 porated by the name of the Governour and com- 
 pany of the English Colony of Connecticut, in 
 America, with power as well for the civill admin- 
 istration of affairs, as the Lieutenant for the or- 
 
210 Order in Council, 
 
 dering, arranging, modelling and conducting the 
 Militia, for the special defence of the Colony.— 
 That from the date of the said grant, untill the 
 month of October last, they have enjoyed the 
 said liberties and priviledges without forfeiture or 
 mollestation, except some interruption they recei- 
 ved in the Reigne of King James the second ; that 
 Coll. Ffletcher, Governour of New York, in Oc- 
 tober last, by colour of his Majesties commission, 
 whereby for the uniting the forces of the said 
 Province and Colony, he was created Comander 
 in Chief of the Militia of the said Colony, and did 
 demand of the Petitioners, not only to submitt to 
 him as Lieut. Generall and Comander in Chief 
 over the full Quota of the Militia of that Colony, 
 in conjunction with those of New York and the 
 adjacent Governments, but likewise the particular 
 Lieutenancy of the said Colony, and the power of 
 assessing, modelling and establishing the Militia 
 thereof. The Petitioners therefore humbly pray- 
 ing the said comission may receive such explana- 
 tion and restriction, as to his Majesty, in his Roy- 
 all justice and wisdome shall seem meet. And 
 his Majesty having been pleased to referr the said 
 Petition to the Right Honnourable the Lords of 
 Comittee of Trade and Plantations, to consider 
 the matter of the said Petition, and to Report what 
 they conceive fit for his Majesty to do therein, and 
 the Lords of the Comittee haveing received the 
 Report of their Majesties Attourney General and 
 Soliciter General, upon the matter of the said Pe- 
 tition, together with the address of the Colony of 
 Rhoad Island, and touching the uniting the strength 
 of those Colonys against the French, which report 
 is in the words following ; 
 
Order in Council. 217 
 
 May it please your Lordships, 
 
 In obedience to your Lordships commands sig- 
 nified to us by Mr. Blaithwaitt, the 2d of Janua- 
 ry and the 3d of February last, by which we were 
 to consider the severall charters of Connecticut 
 and Rhoad Island, and the grants of East and 
 West Newjersey, and to Report our opinion upon 
 the whole matter, what may be done for the uni- 
 ting the strength of those Colonys and New York 
 under a chief commander, to be comissionated by 
 their Majesties, for the defence of their Majesties 
 subjects in those parts, against the French, and al- 
 so to consider the anexed copy of the Petition of 
 the Governour and company of Connecticut, and 
 to request our opinion thereupon. "Wee have con- 
 sidered the matter to us referred and do finde, 
 that King Charles the second, by his charter, dated 
 the 23d of Aprill, in the 14th year of his Reigne, 
 did incorporate John Winthrop and several other 
 persons therein named, and all others who then 
 were or after should be admitted and made free 
 of the company, to be a corporation, by the name 
 of the Governour and company of the English 
 Colony of Connecticut, in New England, in Amer- 
 ica, with such powers, priviledges and capacities 
 as were usually granted to corporations of like 
 nature, and to have continuance and succession 
 forever, and therein the bounds of the colony are 
 described, and a grant thereby made to the corpo- 
 tion of all land, soyle, ground, havens, ports, ju- 
 risdictions, royalties, priviledges, franchises and 
 hereditaments within the same or thereto belong- 
 ing ; to be holden to the corporation and their suc- 
 cessors in trust, for the benefit of themselves and 
 their associates freemen of that Colony, their heirs 
 and assigns, of the Kings of England, as of their 
 
 19 
 
218 Order in Council. 
 
 mannor of East Greenwich, by the fifth part of 
 the oare of gold and silver there found, with pow- 
 er to the corporation, to make laws, elect Govern- 
 ours, Deputy-Governours and assistants, erect Ju- 
 dicatures 1 and Courts, and choose officers for the 
 civill Government, and thereby also power is grant- 
 ed to the chief comanders, Governours and offi- 
 cers of the company, and others inhabiting there, 
 by their leave or direction for their speciall defence 
 and safety, to assemble, martiall, array and put in 
 warlike posture the inhabitants of the Colony, 
 and to comission such persons as they should 
 thinke fitt, to lead and conduct the inhabitants, and 
 to encounter, resist, kill, and slay all that should 
 attempt or enterprize the invasion or annoyance 
 of the inhabitants or plantations, and to exercise 
 martial law, and take and surprize the invaders or 
 attemters of the plantation, or hurt of the compa- 
 ny and inhabitants, and on just occasion to invade 
 and destroy the natives or the enemies of the Col- 
 ony. 
 
 Wee also finde, that King Charles the second, 
 in the fifteenth year of his Reign did incorporate 
 divers persons by name, and such others as then 
 were or after should be admitted and free of the 
 company, by the name of the Governour and 
 company of the English Colony of Rhoad Islands 
 and Providence Plantations in New England, in 
 America, and granted them in effect the like pow- 
 ers and authorities, both civill and military, as are 
 before mentioned to be granted to Connecticut. 
 
 Wee find that die civil Governments in those 
 plantations or Colonys, executed the Military 
 powers conferred by the charters, but that their 
 Majesties in the third year of their Reigne, by 
 their comission constituted Sr William Phipps 
 Lieutenant and comander in chief of the Militia, 
 
Order in Council. 219 
 
 and of the forces by sea and land, within the Col- 
 onys of Connecticut, Rhoad Island, Providence 
 Plantation, Kings Province, and Province of New 
 Hampshire, and all Forts and places of strength 
 in the same, with severall powers and authorities. 
 And that their Majesties by their comission under 
 the great seal, dated the tenth of June 1G93, revo- 
 ked so much of Sr William Phipps his comission 
 and powers as related to the Colony of Connecti- 
 cutt, and by the same comission constitute Benja- 
 min Fletcher Esqr, their Majesties Captain Gene- 
 ral and comander in chief of New York, Pensilva- 
 nia, New Castle, and the territories and tracts of 
 land depending thereupon, to be the comander in 
 chief of the Militia, and of all the forces by sea 
 and land within the Colony of Connecticutt, and 
 of all Forts and places of strength within the 
 same, with power to levy, arme, muster, command 
 or imploy the Militia of the said Colony, and up- 
 on any necessary and urgent occasion dureing this 
 warr, to transferr to the Province of New York 
 and frontiers of the same, for resisting and with- 
 standing enemies, pyrat.es and rebells both at land 
 and sea, and defence of that Province and Colony, 
 of which comission, and the large powers therein 
 contained as to Connecticut, the Colony of Con- 
 necticutt, by their annexed petition do complain 
 and pray redress against the exercise of it in such 
 manner~over the whole Militia, and therein shew 
 their reasons against it. 
 
 Wee have heard Coll. Winthrop and his coun- 
 cill on the behalf of the Colony of Connecticut, 
 and Mr. Almey and his councill on behalf of 
 Rhoad Island and Providence Plantation, and Dr. 
 Cox appeared on the behalf of East and West 
 New Jersey, and produced some writings, shew- 
 ing how the same was granted out irom the Crown 
 
220 Order in CounciL 
 
 to the Duke of York, and by the Duke of York 
 to others ; but the Doctor not claiming any title to 
 himself, it doth not appear to us, in whome the es- 
 tate in law of those places or of the Government 
 thereof, civill or Military doth now reside, nor how 
 the same is exercised. But haveing received the 
 annexed estimate from Mr. Rlaythwaite, wee 
 communicated the same to- the Agents for Con- 
 necticut, Rhoad Island and Providence Plantations^, 
 who declared their readiness duering the times of 
 danger, to provide their respective Quotas therein 
 contained, and in case of encrease of danger, or 
 other necessary occasions duering the continuance 
 thereof, their respective Quotas to be proportiona- 
 bly increased with other Colonys, but as to the re- 
 maining Militia beyond the Quotas (which it seems 
 in those countrys, consists of all males between 
 16 and 60 years of age,) they humbly desire that 
 it may remaine under the ordinary and usual Gov- 
 ernment and command of the Colonys, according 
 to their charters, and not to be commanded out,, 
 unless in times of actual invasion or eminent dan- 
 ger, for the necessary preservation of some of 
 their Colonies, and at such times only when such 
 of the Colonys whereout the forces shall be drawn, 
 are in danger, and that at all times a sufficient 
 power of Militia may be always kept in each Col- 
 ony under the power of the Government of it, 
 for the safety and necessary preservation thereof 
 We are humbly of opinion that the charter and 
 grants of those Colonies, do give the ordinary 
 power of the Militia to the respective Govern- 
 ments thereof; but do also conceive that their 
 Majesties may constitute a chief comander, who 
 may have authority at all tymes to command or 
 order such proportion of the forces of each Colo- 
 ny or Plantation,, as their Majesties, shall think fitt> 
 
Order in Council. 221 
 
 and further in times of invasion and approach of 
 the enemy, with the advice and assistance of the 
 Governours of the Colonys, to conduct and com- 
 mand the rest of the forces, for the preservation 
 and defence of such of those Colonys as shall 
 most stand in need thereof, not leaving the rest un- 
 provided of a competent force for their defence 
 and safety ; but in time of peace, and when the 
 danger is over, the Militia within each of the said 
 Provinces, ought as we humbly conceive to be un- 
 der the Government and disposition of the respec- 
 tive Governours of the said Colonies, according 
 to their charters, all which nevertheless is most 
 humbly submitted to your Lordshipps great wis- 
 dome. 
 
 EDWARD WARD, 
 THO. TREVOR. 
 2d April, 1694. 
 
 And the Lords of the comittee haveing presen- 
 ted to his Majesty in councill, the Report of Mr. 
 Attourney and Mr. Solicitor Generall upon the 
 matter abovementioned, his Majestie in councill is 
 pleased to approve the said Report, and to signify 
 his pleasure, that the Quota, not exceeding one 
 hundred and twenty men, be the measure of the 
 assistance to be given by the Colony of Connec- 
 ticut^ and all times duering the warr to be com- 
 manded by the Governour of New York ; and the 
 Right Honnourable Sr John Trenchard, his Ma- 
 jesties principall Secretary of State, is to prepare 
 Letters for his Majesties Royal Signature, for the 
 signification of his Majesties pleasure herein to the 
 Governours of New York and Connecticut accor- 
 dingly* 
 
 WILLIAM BRIDGEMAN. 
 19* 
 
%%% Letter from Queen Mary* 
 
 Postcript of a Letter from Gen. Winthrop to the 
 Governor and Council of the Colony of Con- 
 necticut, dated London June 4th 1694, relative 
 to the Narraganset country. 
 
 Sir — I think it my duty to let your hon'r know 
 that the Lord Arran, eldest Son to the late Duke 
 Hamilton, has put in his claime to the land from 
 ye East side of Conecticot River, Naroganset, 
 Rhode Island and those parts ; I can but just men- 
 tion it supposeing yo'rselves know all that can be 
 said about it, and soe are guarded against any 
 trouble that may arise therein. I understand there 
 will be a hearing of ye claim before the King and 
 councill, but my Lord Arran being gon into Scot- 
 land to solemnise the funerall of the Duke his Fa- 
 ther, who dyed lately goeing to Scotland \ it may 
 put a stop to any present hearing ; and if it please 
 God, that I doe not returne this winter, you will 
 have oppertunity by the mast ships or sooner, ta 
 inform yo'rselves about it. 
 
 J. WINTHROP. 
 
 Copy of Queen Mary's Letter to the Governour 
 of New York, concerning the Militia of Con- 
 necticut. 
 
 Marie R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well ; 
 haveing received the humble petition of our colo- 
 ny of Connecticut, in New England, praying that 
 
Letter from Queen Mary. 223 
 
 our comission unto our Governouror comanderin 
 chief, of our Province of New York, for com- 
 mand of the Militia of our said colony, may re- 
 ceive such explanation and restriction, as in our 
 royall justice and wisdome we shall think fit, we 
 have referred the consideration of the said peti- 
 tion to the Lords of our privy councill, appointed 
 comittee of Trade and Forreigne Plantations, 
 who haveing consulted our Attorney and Solicitor 
 Generall, what may be legally don by us for the 
 uniting the strength of our said colony of Connec- 
 ticut^ and the adjacent colony s, for the defence 
 and security of our subjects in those parts, against 
 the French, and haveing presented to us the opin- 
 ion of our said Attorney and Solicitor Generall, 
 that we may constitute a chief commander, with 
 authority to comand or order such proportion of 
 the forces of each colony as we shall think fitt, and 
 further in time of invasion and approach of the 
 enemy, with the advice and assistance of the Gov- 
 ernours of the colonies, to conduct and command 
 the rest of the forces for the preservation and de- 
 fence of such of our said colonies as shall most 
 stand in need thereof, as by our order in our coun- 
 cill, dated the nineteenth day of Aprill last, upon 
 the report of our said Attorney and Solicitor Gen- 
 erall in this matter, which order, or a duplicate 
 thereof you will herewith receive, is more at 
 large sett forth, our will and pleasure is, that in 
 the execution of the powers of your said commis- 
 sion for the command of our said Militia of Con- 
 necticutt, you do not take upon you any more then 
 in time of warr to command a Quota, or part of 
 the Militia of our said colony of Connecticutt, 
 not exceeding the number of one hundred and 
 twenty men, which we have thought fitt to signifie 
 our pleasure to the Governour and Magistrates 
 
224 Letter from Queen Mary. 
 
 of our colony of Connecticut, to be the measure 
 of the assistance to be given to our said colony, 
 and you are not to command or draw out any 
 more of the said Quota of the Militia of our s'd 
 colony of Connecticut, then you shall in proportion 
 command or draw out from the respective Mili- 
 tias of the adjacent colonys, except in cases of 
 iminent danger of an actual invasion of the ene- 
 my, in which case our will and pleasure is, that 
 with the advice of the Governour of our said col- 
 ony of Connecticut, you conduct and command 
 the rest of the forces of that our colony for the 
 preservation of our said colony, or of such other 
 of our adjacent colonies, as shall most stand in 
 need thereof, you takeing care that you do not 
 leave our said colony of Connecticut unprovided 
 of a competent force, for the defence and safety 
 thereof. And we not doubting of the ready and 
 carefull obedience of our good subjects in our col- 
 ony of Connecticutt, to our Royall determination, 
 in a matter wherein the security and preservation 
 of all our good subjects within our said colony, 
 and the parts adjacent, is so much concerned, we 
 have signified our pleasure to the Governour and 
 Magistrates of our said colony, that as occasion 
 shall require, they give obedience to our said com- 
 ission and the powers and authorities thereof, to 
 be executed in such manner as is herein directed. 
 And so we bid you farewell. Given at our Court 
 att White Hall, this twenty-first day of June, 1694, 
 in the sixth year of our Reigne. 
 
 By her Majesties command, 
 
 J. TRENCHARD. 
 
Letter from Queen Mary. 225 
 
 A Letter from her Majesty Queen Mary, relative 
 to the Militia of Connecticut. 
 
 Marie R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, wee greet you well : 
 Haveing received your humble petition, presented 
 unto us by Major General Fitz John Winthrop, 
 your agent, humbly praying that our Comission to 
 our trusty and well beloved, Benjamin Fletcher, 
 Esqr. our Governour of our province of New 
 York, for the comand of the militia of our colony 
 of Connecticut, may receive such explanation and 
 restriction, as in our Royall justice and wisdome 
 we shall think fitt, wee being well pleased with 
 your dutyfull submission to our Royall determin- 
 ation herein, and haveing great care and tender- 
 ness for the preservation and security of all our 
 loveing subjects, as well within our colony of Con- 
 necticut, as other our adjacent colonys, wee have 
 refferred the consideration of the said petition to 
 the Lords of our Privy Councill, appointed a com- 
 mittee of trade and foreigne plantations, who 
 haveing consulted our Attourny and Solicitor 
 Generall what may be done by uss for the uniting 
 the strength of our said colony of Connecticut 
 and the adjacent colonys, for the defence of our 
 subjects in those parts, against the French, and 
 haveing presented to us the opinion of our Attour- 
 ney and Solicitor Generall thereupon, that we 
 may constitute a chief commander, with authority 
 to command or order such proportion of the for- 
 ces of each colony as we shall think fitt, and fur- 
 ther in time of invasion and approach of the 
 enemy, with the advice and assistance of the 
 Governours of the colonys, to conduct and com- 
 
226 Letter from Queen Mary. 
 
 mand the rest of the forces for the preservation 
 and defence of such of our said colonys as shall 
 most stand in need thereof, as by our order in 
 Councill, dated the 9th day of April last, upon the 
 report of our Attorney and Solicitor Generall in 
 this matter, which order, or duplicate thereof, you 
 will herewith receive, is more at large set forth. 
 Wee have thereupon further signified our pleasure 
 to our said Governour of New York, that in the 
 execution of the power of his said comission, he 
 do not take upon him any more then duering war?, 
 to comand a quota or part of the militia of our 
 said colony of Connecticut not exceeding the 
 number one hundred and twenty men, which we 
 do heartily think fit to signifie our pleasure to be 
 the measure of the assistance to be given to our 
 said colony, with speciall directions to our said 
 Governour of New York, that he do not comand 
 or draw out more of the said quota of the militia 
 of our said colony of Connecticut, then he shall 
 in proportion command or draw out from the 
 respective militia of the adjacent colonys, except 
 in case of iminent danger of an actual invasion of 
 the enemy, in which case we have further direct- 
 ed him, that with the advice of the Governour of 
 our said colony, he conduct and comand the rest 
 of the forces of that our colony, for the preserva- 
 tion of our said colony, or of such other of our 
 adjacent colonys as shall mast stand in need 
 thereof, he takeing care that he do not leave our 
 said colony unprovided of a competent force, for 
 the defence and safety thereof, and not doubting 
 of your ready and chearful obedience to our Roy- 
 all pleasure, in a matter wherein the security and 
 preservation of all our good subjects, within our 
 said colony of Connecticut, and the places adja- 
 cent, are so much concerned ; wee do hereby 
 
Letter from Queen Mary, 227 
 
 require and command you, as there shall be occa- 
 sion, to give obedience to our said Commission, 
 and the powers and authoritys thereof, to be exe- 
 cuted in such manner as we have directed our 
 said Governour of New York, according to the 
 signification of our pleasure as aforesaid. And 
 the said Major General Fitz John Winthrop, will 
 upon his arivall, inform you of our gracious inten- 
 tions to continue our Royall protection to you and 
 all our subjects of that our colony, and particu- 
 larly in what may relate to the preservation of 
 the peace, welfare and security of the same, and 
 maintaining your just rights and priviledges, 
 wherein your said agent has been as well very 
 zealous and carefull in your behalf, as diligent in 
 soliciting our RoyaU determination in the matter, 
 which we thought fitt to lett you know ; and so 
 w r ee bid you hearty farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court, at White Hall, this twenty 
 first day of June, 1694, in the sixth year of our 
 Reigne. 
 
 By her Majesties Command, 
 
 J. TRENCHARD. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour 
 and Magistrates of our colony of Connecticutt, in 
 New England, and for the time being. 
 
2*28 Letter from Gen, Winthrop. 
 
 Letter from Gen. Winthrop to the Governour and 
 General Assembly of the Colony of Connecti- 
 cut. 
 
 Hon'ble Sr — 
 
 My letter of the 4th of June, and my last of the 
 16th of July, doe containe the acc't of yo'r affaires 
 here, soe far as could then be attayned ; and my 
 hopes of being dispatched at Court in a little 
 tyme, soe that I have now onely to present that a 
 few days since, I have received their Majesties 
 gracious letter of the 21st of June, which since 
 that date has been in the hands of the Secretary 
 of State ; wherein their Maj'ties have been pleas- 
 ed to explayne their Commission to Coll. Fletcher, 
 and restraine it within the bounds of a quota in 
 time of war, and is noe more then yourselves have 
 formerly sent forth for defence to your neighbor 
 Governments. I know not what can more re-es- 
 tablish and confirme the Charter, then their Maj'- 
 ties gracious expressions, and intentions to main- 
 taine your just rights and priviliges, which is fully 
 set forth in the enclosed letter to Coll. Fletcher. 
 And I may let you know the Lords of the Coun- 
 cill are yett satisfyed with your present adminis- 
 trations, and you stand faire at court, soe far as 
 I can understand. I hope their Maj'ties letter will 
 remove all former misunderstandings, and settle 
 the minds of the people in all respects ; I am forst 
 to omit some perticulers which might be inserted 
 herein, haveing been some dayes under much 
 indisposition, and doe with great difficulty write 
 this letter, and can onely farther add that I finde 
 it impossible to returne with this oportunity ; an 
 order of Councill is sent to the Commander of the 
 
Letter from Gen. Winthrop. 229 
 
 ship who caryes the souldiers to New York, to 
 sayle with the first winde, and their Maj'ties letter 
 being soe lately delivered to rne, makes it impos- 
 sible to be ready in soe few dayes by me, and soe 
 must wait for the first opportunity in the spring ; 
 in the meane tyme I shall be early here to doe 
 all the service I can if any thyng offers for your 
 advantage, I have not omitted any opportunity 
 to promote your interest, and have done all I can in 
 the trust comitted to me; and if it be acceptable to 
 yourselves, I shall alwaye thank God for the oppor- 
 tunity he has given me to serve my country, I shall 
 hope to heare from yorselves by every opportunity, 
 and am much uneasy that I have not received 
 one word from yourselves since I come into 
 England, many gent'm here have received Letters 
 by New York and severall other ways ; a vessill 
 arrived here last weeke in a month from Boston, 
 but I have noe letter therein. I gave yo'r hon'r 
 acc't in my last what mony I had taken up here, 
 to be repaid at Boston, which I hope will not be 
 forgot, and shall medle noe farther till I hear from 
 yourselves, believing you will care for me as is 
 fitting, I have now only to ask your prayers for 
 Gods favour and protection, that I may be pre- 
 served here; and safely returned to yourselves, 
 which with the presentment of my humble ser- 
 vice to your hon'r the Dept. Gov'r and Gent'm of 
 the Councill, is all at present but the assurance 
 that I am 
 
 Your most fay'thfull serv't, 
 
 J, WINTHROP. 
 London, Aug. 2d, 1694. 
 
 20 
 
230 Address to William III. 
 
 Copy of an A ddress from the Governor and coun- 
 cil of the Colony of Connecticut, to his Majesty 
 William 3d. 
 
 To the most High and Mighty Prince Wra. the 
 3d, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, 
 King, Defender of the Fayth, &c. 
 
 Your Ma'ties Humble, Loyall and obedient sub- 
 jects, the Governo'r and councill of your colony 
 of Connecticutt in most humble wise, upon our 
 bended knees doe thankefully acknowledge your 
 Ma'ties grace and goodness to your subjects in this 
 colony, your Ma'ties speciall favour expressed in 
 her late Ma'ties princely Letter of the twenty-first 
 of June 1694, in the sixth yeare of your Ma'ties 
 reigne in granting such restrictions to Col. Fletch- 
 ers commission as in your wisdom you saw meet, 
 as allso therein was manifested to us your Royall 
 intentions to continue your Royall protection to 
 this colony in the mayntayning of all our just rights 
 and priviledges ; your Ma'ties grace and bounty 
 to us therein layes a firm obligation upon our 
 hearts to manifest our duty and loyalty to your 
 Ma'tie, according as we are allways bownd ; and 
 by reason of the providence of God frowning up- 
 on us this last year by frosts and unseasonable 
 w r eather thereby taking from us our most princi- 
 ple graine, cuting us so short that we canot fetch 
 in such supply as in other yeares, as allso the con- 
 stant expence of ammunition we are under in 
 mayntaining our Fortes and in the necessary re- 
 liefe we often affoard to our frontier towns and 
 your Ma'ties Government of New Yorke, we hum- 
 bly pray that of your Royall bounty your Ma'ties 
 would please to bestow some arms and ammuni- 
 tion upon us, whereby we may be inabled to de- 
 
Letter from John Povey. 231 
 
 fend ourselves with other of his Ma'ties good sub- 
 jects and destroy your Ma'ties enemies, which is 
 the end for which we desire them, and the onely 
 way we shall improve them, and your petitioners 
 shall ever pray for your Ma'ties prosperity, long 
 life and the increas of your glory here and forever. 
 Hartford Octob'r 28, 1695. 
 
 A Letter from John Povey, Esqr. relative to the 
 discovery of a conspiracy to assasiinatc his 
 Majesty. 
 
 White Hall, the of March, 1695. 
 
 Sr — Enclosed you will receive a letter from 
 the Lords of the councill, upon occasion of the 
 happy discovery for assassinating his Majesties 
 person, and invadeing this Kingdom from France, 
 the King's Speech and Proclamation, with the ad- 
 dress of the Lords and Comons, will inform you 
 of the perticulars so farr as is yet made publick ; 
 but many of the conspirators haveing been seiz- 
 ed, some of them are to be brought to tryall this 
 week, and others suddenly after, in order to be 
 brought to justice, when al things relating to this 
 conspiracy, will be laid more open. I am Sr your 
 most Humble Servant, John Povey. 
 
 To the Houn'ble the Governour of his Majes- 
 ties Colony of Connecticott, in New England, in 
 America. 
 
232 Letter from Lords of Privy Council, 
 
 A Letter from the Lords of the Privy Council \ 
 relative to the plot for assassinating his Majes- 
 ty. 
 
 After our hearty commendations, It haveing 
 pleased Almighty God to extend his mercy to these 
 Kingdoms, by the continued instances of his -di- 
 vine protection, whereof at this time we have had 
 a most signall evidence by the happy discovery of 
 a traiterous and wicked designe against the life of 
 his most sacred Majesty, by assassination, and for 
 the subdueing these Kingdoms by the French, in 
 conjunction with other conspirators^many of whom 
 are secured, in order to be brought to speedy jus- 
 tice. As the attempt of our enemies have been 
 disappointed by the preparations that have been 
 made against them by sea and land, wee do here- 
 by in his Majesties name, and by his express com- 
 mand, signifie the same to you, that you may 
 forthwith make known so wonderfull a deliverance 
 to all his Majesties good subjects, under your Gov- 
 ernment, the perticulars whereof, and proceedings 
 thereupon, are more at large sett forth in the en- 
 closed papers ; and because upon this occasion,, 
 and for the better manning of the lloyall Fleet, to 
 oppose the enemy, his Majesty hath found it ab- 
 solutely necessary to lay a general! embargo for 
 some time, upon all shipps outward bound, and 
 trading to his Majesties plantations ; wee have 
 thought it requisite to dispatch this express to you 
 for the preventing any malicious or mistaken in- 
 formations, and for the satisfaction of the inhabi- 
 tants of the said plantations ; not doubting but 
 you and they will heartily joyne with us, in expres- 
 sions of thanks to Almighty God, for so great a 
 blessing in the preservation of his Majesties s&* 
 
Letter from William BlathwayU 233 
 
 cred person and Government. And so we bid 
 you heartily farewell — From the Councill Cham- 
 ber at White-Hall, this tenth day of March, 1695-6. 
 Your Loving Friends, 
 
 BOLTON, 
 
 SCHONBURGH & LUNITER, 
 
 DEVONSHIER, 
 
 WILLIAM BLATHWAYT, 
 
 SHREWSBURY, 
 
 J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 
 BATHE, 
 
 MONTAGUE, 
 
 H. GOODRICKE, 
 
 J. B AS C A WEN. 
 
 To our Loving Friends the Governour and Ma- 
 jistrates of his Majesties English Colony of Con- 
 necticott, in New England, for the time being. 
 
 A Letter from the Right Honorable William 
 Blathwayt, Secretary of State. 
 
 White-Hall, the 21st April, 1696. 
 
 Sr — Upon the discovery of the late horrid con- 
 spiracy against his Majesties sacred person and 
 Government, an association has been entered into 
 and signed in Parliament, and by the severall coun- 
 ties and corporations in England, and a bill is like- 
 wise past both Houses to oblige all persons in of- 
 fice and publick trust to do the same. I send you 
 therefore the enclosed form as propper to be en- 
 tered into, and signed accordingly within your 
 *20 
 
234 Form of Association entered into. 
 
 Government, which you will promote as a mark 
 of the steady loyallty and effection of the subscri- 
 bers to his Majesty and the present Government 
 I am Srs, your Excellencies most Humble Ser- 
 vant. 
 
 WILLIAM BLATHWAYTE. 
 
 To the Houn'ble the Governour and Majistrates 
 of his Majesties Colony of Connecticott r in Amer- 
 ica. 
 
 The Association entered into by the Governour and 
 Council of the Colony of Connecticut. 
 
 Whereas there has been a horrid conspiracy 
 formed and carried on by Papists and other wick- 
 ed and traiterous persons for assassinating his Ma- 
 jesties Roy all person, in order to incourage an in- 
 vasion from France on England, to subvert our 
 Religion, Laws and Liberty : Wee whose names 
 are hereunto subscribed, do heartily, sincerely and 
 sollemnly profess, testifie and declare, that his pres- 
 ent Majesty, King William, is rightfull and law- 
 full King of the Realms of England, Scottland 
 and Ireland, and that neither the late King James, 
 nor the pretended Prince of Wales, nor any other 
 person hath any right whatsoever to the same, 
 and we do mutually promise and engage to stand 
 by, and assist each other to the utmost of our 
 power, in the support and defence of his Majes- 
 ties person and Government, against the late King 
 James and all his adherents. And in case his 
 Majesty come to any and violent or untimely 
 
Letter from Lords of Privy Council, 2S5 
 
 death, (which God forbid,) wee do hereby further 
 freely and unanimously oblige ourselves to unite, 
 associate and stand by each other in revenging 
 the same upon his enemies, and their adhereants, 
 and in supporting and defending the succession of 
 the Crown, according to an act, made in the first 
 year of the reigne of King William and Queen 
 Mary, intitled "an act, declareing the rights and 
 liberties of the subject, and setling the sucsession 
 of the Crown." 
 
 ROBERT TREAT, Governour, 
 JOHN ALLYN, Assistant, 
 SAMUEL MASON, Assistant, 
 NATHANIEL STANLEY, Assistant, 
 CALEB STANLEY, Assistant, 
 MOSES MANSFIELD, Assistant, 
 JOHN HAMLIN, Assistant, 
 ELEAZER KIMBERLY, Secretary. 
 Hartford, Sept. 2d, 1096. 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon. the Lords of his Ma- 
 jesties Privy Council, relative to the prepara- 
 tions of the French against America. 
 
 After our hearty commendations — Whereas in- 
 formation has been given that the French are 
 making preparations by shipping and otherwise 
 for an attempt against some parts of America, 
 and have put on board a considerable quantity ot 
 arms for that purpose, wee have thought fitt by 
 this express to notifie the same to you/to the end 
 you may give the necessary orders for putting all 
 things in the best posture of defence that may be, 
 
236 Opinion of Thomas Trevor. 
 
 within your Government, and that you assure the 
 inhabitants thereof that such speedy assistance 
 will be sent from home, as the state of affairs at 
 home shall permitt, with perticular regard to the 
 exigencys they shall lye under ; and so not doubt- 
 ing your utmost care and vigilance herein, we bid 
 you heartily farewell. 
 
 From the Councill Chamber at White Hall, this 
 20th day of April, 1696, in the 8th year of his 
 Majesties reigne. 
 
 Your loving friends, 
 
 H. GOODRICKE. 
 
 J. BOSCAWEN, 
 
 J. SMITH, 
 
 J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 
 STAMFORD, 
 
 SCARBOROUGH, 
 
 MONTAGUE. 
 
 To our loveing friends the Governour and Ma- 
 gistrates of his Majesties English colony of Con- 
 necticut^ in New England, for the time being. 
 
 The opinion of Sir Thomas Trevor, about the 
 Narraganset Country. 
 
 To the Right Hon'ble, 
 
 the ComWsfor Trade and Plantations — 
 
 May it please your Honours — In obedience to 
 an order of renerence of the Right Honnourable, 
 the Lords of the Committee of Trade and Plan- 
 tations, signified to me by Mr. Povey, the 22d of 
 
Opinion of Thomas Trevor. 237 
 
 May, 1695, upon the Petition of Wait Winthrop, 
 and others concerning the settlement of the 
 Kings Province, or Narraganset Bay, in New 
 England. 
 
 I have considered of the said Petition, and do 
 finde that King Charles the second, by Letters 
 Pattents, bearing date the 23d day of Aprill, in 
 the fourteenth year of his reigne, granted to the 
 Governour 'and Company of Connecticutt, and 
 their successors, Narragansetts Bay in New Eng- 
 land, together with all firme lands, soyles, grounds, 
 havens, ports, rivers, waters, fishings, mines, min- 
 erals, precious stones, and all and singular other 
 commodities and jurisdictions whatsoever; re- 
 serving to his Majestie, his heirs and successors, 
 the fifth part of the oare of gold and silver only. 
 
 That after the said grant, vizt. in July 1663, the 
 said country of Narragansett Bay, was by Letters 
 Pattents granted to the Governour and Company 
 of Rhoad Island Plantation. But I am humbly 
 of opinion, that this grant to Rhoad Island is void 
 in law, because the country of Narragansett Bay 
 was granted before to Connecticutt, and that 
 therefore the Government of Narrogansetts Bay 
 doth of right belong to Connecticutt, and not to 
 Rhoad Island. All which is submitted to your 
 Honnours great wisdome. 
 
 THO, TREVOR. 
 
 October 28th, 1696, 
 
238 Francis Pembertorfs Opinion. 
 
 July, 1663. 
 
 DOCQUETT. 
 
 Rhoad Island, &c. ) 
 Corporation. j 
 
 His Majesty is hereby graciously pleased to in- 
 corporate severall persons of the colony of Road 
 Island and Providence plantations, in New Eng- 
 land, into one body politick, by the name of the 
 Governour and Company of the English colony of 
 Rhoad Island and Providence Plantations in New 
 England in America, and to grant them the several 
 lands, powers, priviledges and authorities, and with 
 such non obstanters, and clauses as was directed to 
 be inserted by warrant under his Majesties sign 
 manual to Mr. Attorney Generall, procured by Mr. 
 Secretary Morrice. 
 
 Sir Francis Pemberton's opinion in the case of the 
 purchasers and proprietors of lands in the Nar- 
 raganset country. 
 
 The Case. 
 
 King James the First in the twentieth year of 
 his reigne, by letters pattent, incorporated the 
 Duke of Lenox and divers other persons, by the 
 name of the great Councill of Plymouth, here in 
 England, for the planting ruleing and governing 
 New England, in America, and grants to them 
 and their successors, all the lands, &c. in Amer- 
 
Francis Pemberton's Opinion. 239 
 
 ica, between forty and 48 degrees of northerly 
 lattitude. 
 
 The said Councill of Plymouth, who never had 
 possession of said land, the 2d of April, 1635, 
 Grant to M. H. # and his heirs all that part and 
 portion of the main lands of New England, begin- 
 ning att the mouth of the Connecticut river, and 
 from thence to Narraganset river, to be accounted 
 sixty miles in length and breadth, and all Islands 
 within five leagues distance of the premises. 
 
 About the same time the said grant was made 
 to M. H. or soon after, severall persons, his Ma- 
 jesties subjects, living in New England, (but with- 
 out any notice or knowledge of the said grant to 
 M. H.) purchased of the Indian Princes and oth- 
 ers, the true and naturall owners and proprietors 
 thereof, divers parcells of land, lying within the 
 limits of the said grant to M. H. as is now pre=- 
 tended, particularly an Island called Rhoad Island, 
 and great part of a tract of land called Connec- 
 ticut^ Narragansett, Warwick and other places ; 
 and in the years 1659, and 1660, other parts of 
 the Narragansett country, which places have been 
 possessed by the said purchasers and those derive- 
 ing from them ever since the said severall pur- 
 chases, and the said purchases have bin always 
 approved by the severall Governments there, and 
 never disallowed or disapproved of here, and sev- 
 erall towns have been built, many farms and plan- 
 tations settled, great treasure laid out, and several 
 discents cast. 
 
 M. H. nor his heir or any deriveing from him, 
 have never had possession, nor laid out any thing 
 upon the premises, nor made any claime in the 
 said country untill the year 1683, which was about 
 
 *Marquis Hamilton. 
 
240 Francis Pembertorts Opinion, 
 
 48 years after the said grant, the said heir by his 
 Attorney claimed the said lands at Boston in New 
 England, which is above 70 miles from the prem- 
 ises, and in another country. 
 
 The heir of said M. H. after three score and 
 two years, demands the said premises, or a quit 
 rent. 
 
 1. Quere. — Whether the heir of said M. H. 
 there haveing been no possession in the said M. 
 H. or heir, nor purchase by them from the Indi- 
 ans, the owners of said lands, nor any thing ex- 
 pended by them in the settlement thereof, may by 
 law recover the premises, and oust or eject the 
 said purchasers and proprietors who are now in 
 possession, or force them to pay a quit rent. 
 
 Upon consideration of this case, I am of opin- 
 ion that the purchasers of these lands and grounds, 
 who bought of the Indian Princes, the heirs and 
 assigns of those purchasers have a good right to 
 those lands and grounds, and the buildings and im- 
 provements thereof, and that the heir of M. H. 
 after such purchases, and so long and quiet enjoy- 
 ment of them under those purchases, ought not 
 upon such a state demand without any possession 
 or claime (for I look upon that pretended claim at 
 Boston, as idle and null) to recover any of the said 
 lands or grounds, or quit rents out of them. 
 
 2. Quere. — Whether the said purchasers and 
 those deriveing from them, haveing had so long 
 and uninterrupted possession, under a piuxhase 
 from the naturall owners, and with allowance and 
 approbation of the said Governments there, and 
 after so many towns built, treasure spent, and sev- 
 erall discents cast, have not an undoubted and un- 
 avoidable title to the said lands by them purcha- 
 sed and possessed. 
 
 I am of opinion, that these purchasers by vertue 
 
Letter to Gen. Winthrop. 241 
 
 of their purchasers and so long uninterrupted pos- 
 session under them, have an undoubted right and 
 title to these grounds and lands, and the buildings 
 and improvement of them, and ought not now af- 
 ter so much money laid out upon them, and such 
 enjoyment of them, be disturbed in their possess- 
 ion of them. 
 
 3. Qaere. — Whether if the heir of the said 
 M. H. if he sues the said purchasers, ought not to 
 sue them in New England, where the lands in con- 
 troversy lye &c. 
 
 I think regularly by the rules of our laws, any 
 action brought for these lands or grounds, and the 
 houses and buildings on them, ought to be where 
 the lands lie. 
 
 FR. PEMBERTON, 
 
 1696. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from the Governor and General 
 Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut, to Gen. 
 Winthrop, Agent of said Colony in England. 
 
 Hartford, OctoVr 1696. 
 Hono'rd Sir, 
 
 Your Letters of Decemb. 22,-'95, and of Feb. 
 5,-'95, and of May 23d, '96, are come safe to us, 
 and we rejoyce in them to hear of your welfare, 
 and that you are in a hopfull way of recovery from 
 a dangerous sicknesse, and doe count ourselves 
 greatly oblieged to bless and prayse the Lord for 
 his goodness and mercy to you and . us therein, 
 we had expectations of your return the last fall, 
 21 
 
242 Letter to Gen. Winthrop. 
 
 but were disapoynted therein, but we know not 
 but it is for the best, and that by your stayeing 
 there, you may prevent some inconveniencies that 
 might otherwise have overtaken us, and especiall 
 now New York agints are at Court, and posibly 
 to move against us, and we doubt not but your 
 Hono'r will allways be ready as there is opportu- 
 nety to move at Court on our behalfe and to pre- 
 vent the designes of any against us to o'r damage ; 
 Col. Fletcher is allways troubleing us with his 
 letters and calling for o'r Quotae for his assist- 
 ance, upon every flying report of Indians or oth- 
 ers ; this sumer he sent for o'r Quoto of men, we 
 sent him sixty men under the comand of Capt. 
 Wm. Whiting, who marched so farr asWyante- 
 nak, (a place your Hono'r well knowes) and there 
 a post w'ch we sent to Albany to see what dan- 
 ger they were in, he informed us that the enemie 
 were retreated and so he (for o'r ease) dismist 
 them, but as soon as they were come home he 
 sends for them again, but we could not learn any 
 great danger they were in, and our neighbours up 
 the river haveing been assaulted and 6 persons 
 slayn and 4 captivated and so at New Roxbury 
 the people being alarmed by the enemie, who kill- 
 ed 2 men and 3 children, we sent forth about sixty 
 men to their releife who persued but could not 
 com up with them, since the enemie kiled one 
 neer at Hadley and shot at divers travelling be- 
 tween town and town, and the people being dis- 
 tressed by these things, sent to us for relief the 
 last week, and then we sent up forty men to their 
 assistance which must stay theratill ye winter 
 comes in to prevent there passage over the lakes 
 and down our rivers, all which puts us to great 
 charge, and yet o'r neighbours on both hands do 
 not thinke we doe enough for them, and therefore* 
 
Letter to Gen. Winthrop. 243 
 
 there is very great need of your Hono'rs petition- 
 ing his Ma'tie for redress against Col. Fletchers 
 unreasonable demands, that so we may playnly be 
 informed of o'r duty and be inabled to attend it, 
 and so be freed from the troubles of his demandes, 
 which are so often that we are faine to have so 
 many meetings to answer him that it brings charge 
 as well as trouble to us ; as we doe not fully un- 
 derstand what Col. Fletchers agents have or will 
 object against us, but last year we sent sundry of 
 his letters and o'r answers, by which you will un- 
 derstand something of ve manner of treating us ; 
 and at this time you will also receive some late 
 letters and demands of his, and our answers to 
 them, which will give you more light in these af- 
 fayres. Sr we have allso inclosed an address to 
 his Ma'tie which we request you to peruse, and if 
 you approve thereof to pr'sent his Ma'tie with it, 
 and if you dislike it we leave it with you by good 
 advice to prepare and present his Ma'tie with an 
 address in o'r behalfes, and to doe what further 
 shall be needfull for you as o'r agent to doe for us. 
 Sr you may remember in o'r address to his Ma'tie 
 October 28, 1695 we petitioned his Ma'tie to be- 
 stowe some arms and ammunition upon us where- 
 by we might be able to defend or'selves and neigh- 
 bours and offend o'r enemies, but you mention 
 nothing to us in your letters, whither you did pre- 
 sent it nor how it was accepted, therefore if it be 
 not don we desire you would doe it yet, for indead 
 we have great need, and we are disenabled of pro- 
 curing such supplyes as we need by reason of 
 the loss and damage we have received in o'r crops 
 these two last years, we hope his Ma'tie will be fa- 
 vowerable to us therein. 
 
 Sr we shall take care to send you some money 
 to enable you to attend o'r affayres, we are sorry 
 
244 Letter to Gen. Winthrop. 
 
 o'r last hundred pownd sent, went into the hands 
 of the French ; we are now designeing two hun- 
 dred pownd to you more, which we hope may 
 com safe to your hands, of which you shall receive 
 a more perticuler acc't. 
 
 Hono'ed Sr, we are very sorry to understand 
 the discouragements you are under for want of o'r 
 letters, we find they have miscaryed in there way 
 to you, we should much rejoyce to see you here, 
 and then the trouble and care of letters would be 
 over, and we hope God in his good time will give 
 us opportunity of seeing you, and rejoycing to- 
 gether with you in all that goodness God hath 
 shewen to you and us since you left us, and we 
 have thought meet to desire you, when you return 
 home to improve some trusty friend, that may 
 have an interest at Court that may upon any oc- 
 casion defend o'r interest, and to acquaint us what 
 may be advantagious for us, and how we are to 
 demean ourselves in all that trust that is comitted 
 to us by his Ma'tie in all affaires that doe con- 
 cern his interest at home or abroad, approving 
 ourselves to be good and loyall subjects, which is 
 all at present. 
 
 From your friends and servants, heartily desire- 
 ing and praying for your prosperity and welfare, 
 and safe returne in Gods time. 
 
 The Govern'r and Gen'ell Assembly of his Ma- 
 jesties Colony of Connecticutt* 
 
Letter from Lords of Com. of Trade. 245 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon. the Lords of the 
 Committee of Trade, relating to the Militia of 
 Connecticut, fyc. 
 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 His Majesty haveing been frequently informed 
 of the regard which severall of the colonies con- 
 cerned have had, to the Quota appointed by her 
 late Majestie of blessed memory, in the year 1694, 
 to be observed dureing this warr, for the defence 
 of the frontiers of the territories of the province 
 of New York, in the following proportions, viz : — 
 
 Connecticut^ 
 
 120 
 
 Rhoad Island and Providence, 
 
 48 
 
 Massachusets, 
 
 350 
 
 Maryland, 
 
 160 
 
 Virginia, 
 
 240 
 
 New York, 
 
 200 
 
 Pensilvania, 
 
 80 
 
 And any part of the Militia of East ') 
 
 
 and West Newjerseys not excee- > 
 
 
 ding ) 
 
 700 
 
 1898 
 
 And his Majesty being at the same time sensi- 
 ble of the necessity of that contribution, either in 
 men or money for the general security of his colo- 
 ny s on the continent of America ; hath comman- 
 ded us to signifie unto all those above named, that 
 it is his pleasure they should each of them contrib- 
 ute and pay their respective proportions to the 
 Government of New York, according to her late 
 Majesties foresaid regulation. We therefore re- 
 commend it to your care, that in relation of the 
 colonv of Connecticutt, his Majesties pleasure 
 21* 
 
246 Letter from Lords of Com, of Trade. 
 
 therein be for the future punctually observed and 
 executed. 
 
 His Majesty haveing also been informed by 
 complaints from severall hands, of the undue 
 methods practised in some of his colonies for se- 
 ducing the inhabitants from others, and being sen- 
 sible how much that practice is contrary to the 
 common interest of the whole, hath commanded 
 Us to write unto the severall Governours or Gov- 
 ernment of each colony, that they take care that 
 effectuall laws be made in each of their respective 
 Governments against the receiving and harbour- 
 ing not only of deserters, but also of such fugi- 
 tives as leave any of his plantations contrary to 
 the laws provided for the purpose in each planta- 
 tion respectively; which therefore we also now 
 accordingly recommend to your observation. 
 
 And whereas his Majestie hath also received 
 complaints, that the entertainment given the py- 
 rates in some of his colonies, and more particular- 
 ly those under distinct proprieties, had occasioned 
 ill minded persons, seamen and others, to desert 
 their habitations and apply themselves to such 
 wicked and destructive courses, to the great weak- 
 ening and dispeopling of the colonies so abandon- 
 ed by them, and to the great dishonnour of the 
 English nation, whereupon he hath also required 
 us to write to the severall proprietors and Govern- 
 ours of all his plantations, that due care be taken 
 for the future, that no pyrates or sea robbers be 
 any where sheltered or entertained, under the se- 
 verest penalties, we are obliged therefore to re- 
 quire your strict care, as we do others, that all 
 manner of discouragement be given in the colony 
 of Connecticut, both to the rise and progress of 
 such undertakings, and that upon the discovery 
 thereof the offenders be punished according to the 
 
Letter from Lords of Council. 247 
 
 utmost severity of the law— We are your very af- 
 fectionate friends. 
 
 J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 PH. MEADOWS, 
 JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 JOHN LOCKE, 
 ABR. HILL. 
 White Hall, February the 9th, 1696-7. 
 
 For his Majesties especial service. 
 To the Honnourable the Governour and Com- 
 pany of his Majesties Colony of Connecticutt, in 
 America. 
 
 A Letter from the Right Hon. the Lords of the 
 Council of Trade, relative to Pirates, tyc. 
 
 Cockpit, March the 21th, 1697 
 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 Whereas great complaints have been made and 
 daily continue, of manifold mischiefs comitted of 
 late years, in the East Indias, and other parts of 
 the world, by pyrates and sea robbers ; and of the 
 too favourable entertainment, protection and en- 
 couragement which it is notorious, have been giv- 
 en to many of them in severall of his Majesties 
 colonys in America, both in their preparation and 
 fitting out from thence, and in their return thither, 
 as to a secure receptacle. His Majesty takeing 
 the same into consideration, together with the fur- 
 ther consequences of such like perniceous practi- 
 ces, which by the resentment of Princes and States 
 
248 Letter from Lords of Council. 
 
 concerned and otherwise, will infallibly more and 
 more tend to the prejudice of trade, and bring 
 great scandall upon the English name and nation. 
 And desireing that this evill may be at once effec- 
 tually cured in the root and spring of it, hath there- 
 upon been pleased to direct us to send unto the 
 Governours of all his plantations in America, 
 copies of an act past on the Island of Jamacia, 
 for restraining and punishing of Privateers and 
 Pi/rates, which may be very usefull for that end, 
 and to require all his said Governours respectively, 
 to use their utmost endeavours with the assem- 
 blies, in each of his said plantations, for the pass- 
 ing of acts there to the same effect, and when 
 past, to be very vigilant in the exact execution 
 thereof. Wee therefore accordingly send you 
 herewith a copy of the said act, that his Majesties 
 pleasure may be punctually observed in the colony 
 of Connecticut, and that you may give us an ac- 
 count of your proceedings therein — So we bid 
 you heartily farewell. 
 
 Your very loving frietids, 
 
 J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 PH. MEADOWS, 
 JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 ABR. HILL, 
 WILLIAM BLATHWAYT. 
 
 For his Majesties especial service. 
 To the Honnourable the Governour and Com- 
 pany of his Majesties Colony of Connecticut, in 
 America. 
 
 Connecticut. 
 
LeHer from King William III. 249 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty, King William the 3d, 
 concerning frauds in the Plantation Trade, 
 
 William R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, wee greet you well : — 
 Whereas, notwithstandtng the many good laws 
 made from time to time, for preventing of frauds 
 in the Plantation Trade, it is manifest that very 
 great abuses have been and continue still to be 
 practised, to the prejudice of the same, which 
 abuses must needs arise, either from the insolv- 
 ency of the persons who are accepted for security, 
 or from the remissness or connivance of such as 
 have been, or are Governours of the severall plan- 
 tations, who ought to take care that those persons 
 w r ho give bond should be duely prosecuted in case 
 of non-performance, you are to take notice, that 
 we take the good of our plantations, and the im- 
 provement of the trade thereof by a strict and 
 punctuall observance of the severall laws in force, 
 concerning the same, to be of so great importance 
 to the benefitt of this our kingdom, and the ad- 
 vanceing of the duties of our customs here, that if 
 we shall be hereafter informed, that at any tyme, 
 there shall be any failure, in the due observance 
 of those laws, within our colony of Connecticott, 
 by any willfull fault or neglect, on your part, wee 
 shall look upon it as an infraction of those laws, 
 tending to the forfeiture of our letters pattents, 
 
250 Letter from William Popple. 
 
 for the Government of that our said colony. So 
 we bid you heartily farewell. 
 
 Given at our court, at Kensington, this 22d day 
 of Aprili, 1697, in the ninth j^ear of our reign. 
 Bv his Majesties command, 
 
 SHREWSBURY. 
 
 To our trusty and well'beloved, the Governour 
 and company of the colony of Connecticott, in 
 America — Connecticutt. 
 
 A Letter from William Popple, Esqr., to Gov. 
 Winihrop while in England, as Agent for the 
 Colony of Connecticut. 
 
 White Hall, Aprili the 23th, 1697. 
 
 Sir — The Lords Commissioners of the Councill 
 of Trade, have commanded me to send you the 
 inclosed copy of the petition of the Dutchess of 
 Hamilton, with his Majesties order in Councill 
 upon it, relating to the Narraganset country ; that 
 you may consider thereof, and offer to their Lord- 
 ships in writing, (on Monday next in the afternoon, 
 or so soon as conveniently you can,) what reasons 
 you conceive the Governour and company of 
 Connecticutt have, why the prayer of the said 
 petition should not be granted. 
 
 I am, sir, your most humble servant, 
 
 WM. POPPLE, 
 
Petition of Dutches of Hamilton. 251 
 
 A copy of the Petition of Anne, Dutches of Ham- 
 ilton, to the King. 
 
 To the King's most Excellent Majesty — 
 
 The humble Petition of Anne, Dutchess of Ham- 
 ilton, Daughter and heir of James, late Duke of 
 Hamilton, sheweth — 
 
 That your Petitioner, is by vertue of an antient 
 grant, made to the said James, Duke of Hamilton, 
 intituled to a tract of land in America, formerly 
 called the county of New Cambridge, and now 
 known by the name of the Narragansett country, 
 or the Kings Province, and to severall islands 
 adjacent thereunto, as by the annexed state of the 
 case may more fully appear; which said tracts of 
 lands your petitioners father intended to settle, 
 untill he was prevented by the rebellion in Eng- 
 land, wherein he espouseing the royall cause of 
 King Charles the first, lost his life, leaving your 
 petitioner very young, duering which warr, and 
 your petioners minority, severall persons pos- 
 sessed themselves of the best, and considerable 
 part of the said tract of land and islands, without 
 any title derived from your petitioners said father, 
 or herself, and have never paid any quit rent, or 
 made any acknowledgement for the same, though 
 your petitioner and her late husband, William, 
 Duke of Hamilton, made frequent claims to it 
 after the restauration of King Charles the second, 
 and offered, as your petitioner still does offer, to 
 cpnfirme to the planters, their respective settle- 
 ments under such reasonable acknowledgments 
 as are paid by other planters in the like cases. 
 
 Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays 
 your Majestie to give order, that she may be es- 
 
252 Order in Councill. 
 
 tablished in her right to the said tract of land, and 
 that the said inhabitants may pay her such quit 
 rents for her lands they have taken upp, as your 
 Majesty in your great wisdome shall think just, 
 and that the residue of the lands unimproved may 
 be put into your petitioners possession, and your 
 petitioner will ever pray. 
 A true copy. 
 
 WILLIAM BRIDGEMAN. 
 
 His Majesties order in Councill, upon the petition 
 of Anne, Dutches of Hamilton, 
 
 At the Court at Kensington, ) 
 
 the 22d day of April, 1697. \ 
 
 Present. 
 
 The Kings most excellent Majestie in Councill. 
 
 Upon reading this day at the Board, the humble 
 petition and case of Anne, Dutchess of Hamilton, 
 daughter and heir of James, late Duke of Hamil- 
 ton, his Majesty takeing the same into his Royall 
 consideration, is pleased to order in Councill, that 
 the said petition, and case, (copies whereof are 
 annexed,) be, and are hereby referred to the Right 
 Honnourable, the Councill of trade, for their con- 
 sideration, and to report the state of the matter 
 with their opinion, what they conceive his Majes- 
 tie may fitly do therein, for the honnourable peti- 
 tioners just satisfaction. 
 
 WILLIAM BRIDGEMAN. 
 
Case of Dutches of Hamilton, 253 
 
 A Letter from Wm. Popple Esqr., to Gov, Win- 
 throp, enclosing- a copy of the case of the Dutch- 
 es of Hamilton, relative to Narraganset coun- 
 try t 
 
 White Hall, Aprill the 26th, 1697. 
 
 Sir — According to your desire I send you here- 
 withall a copy of the case of the Dutchess of 
 Hamilton, and am thereupon commanded by the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Councill of Trade, 
 to desire you to dispatch your answer thereunto 
 without delay. 
 
 I am sir your most humble servant, 
 
 WILLIAM POPPLE. 
 
 The case of the Dutches of Hamilton, presented to 
 the King in Council, 
 
 Third November, 1620, King James the first, 
 by Letters Pattent, incorporated the Duke of 
 Lenox, Marques of Buckingham, and divers oth- 
 ers, by the name of the great Councill" of Plym- 
 outh, in the county of Devon, for the planting, 
 ruleing, ordering and governing New England, in 
 America, and grants to them and their successors, 
 all the lands, &c. in America, lying between forty 
 and forty eight degrees of northerly lattitude, and 
 all islands, seas, rivers, creeks, inlets and havens, 
 within those degrees, reserving only a fifth part of 
 the oar gold and silver. 
 22 
 
254 Case of Dutches of Hamilton, 
 
 Twenty second April!, 1635, the great Council! 
 of Plymouth, reciting the letters pattent above, in 
 performance of an agrement amongst themselves, 
 and for a competent summ of money, grant to 
 your petitioners father, James then marquess ot 
 Hamilton, (afterwards Duke of Hamilton,) his 
 heirs and assigns, amongst other things, all that 
 part and portion of the main lands of New Eng- 
 land, beginning at the middle or mouth of the 
 entrance of Connecticutt river, and from thence 
 along the sea coast to the Narragansett river or 
 harbour, to be accounted sixty miles in length and 
 breadth, and all islands and isletts, as imbayed as 
 within five leagues distance of the premises, and 
 abutting upon the same or any part thereof, not 
 otherwise granted by any by speciall name, and 
 appoints the premises to be called from thence- 
 forth by the name of the county of New Cam- 
 bridge. 
 
 1636, the Duke of Hamilton sent over an agent 
 to survey and settle the country, but the civill warr 
 beginning soon after, and the Duke of Hamilton 
 being engaged in the Kings service, had no further 
 leisure to look after his interest in America ; and 
 the revolt of those colonys from the King, made 
 it impracticable for him so to doe. 
 
 The Duke of Hamilton lost his life for the King, 
 and leaving your petitioner, his daughter and heir, 
 under age, whose misfortune, as well as minority, 
 incapacitated her to assert her right. 
 
 Duering this time severall persons from other 
 adjacent colonies settled themselves on the peti- 
 tioners lands, without any legall authority derived 
 from her or her father. 
 
 1664, after the restoration of King Charles the 
 second, the late Duke and present Dutchess of 
 Hamilton, made their claime by petition to the 
 
Case of Dutches of Hamilton. 255 
 
 King, who referred it to the Commissioners then 
 appointed to settle the affairs of New England, 
 to examine the petitioners title, and restore them 
 to their right, or to report their opinion to the 
 
 Kin S- . . . - 
 
 This refference did not arrive, till two of the 
 
 Commissioners, vizt. Sr Robert Carr and Coll. 
 Cartwright were returned to old England ; but 
 the other two Commissioners, Collonel Richard 
 Nicholls and Mr. Mavericke, in one thousand six 
 hundred sixty six, reported that the grant made 
 to the petitioners father, took in all Rhoad Island 
 colony and about half of Connecticutt, and that 
 the Sachems of the Narraganset country or King 
 Province, had in one thousand six hundred forty 
 four, (which twenty three years after the grant 
 from King James the first to the Councill of 
 Plymouth, and nine years after their grant to the 
 Marquess of Hamilton,) by a deed surrendered 
 themselves and country into the protection of 
 King Charles the first ; and that two of those 
 very Indian Kings delivered the same deed to 
 the Commissioners in one thousand six hundred 
 sixty four, who thereupon entered into the country 
 in the name of King Charles the second, and 
 named it the Kings Province, and appointed Jus- 
 tices of the peace to govern it till the Kings plea- 
 sure were further known. 
 
 Notwithstanding this evasive report, taking no 
 notice of the petitioners claime, King Charles the 
 second issued out a proclamation, prohibiting all 
 persons to intrude or plant on the said Narrogan- 
 set country, to prevent the irregular settlements 
 which have since happened in that place, of which 
 the petitioner complains. 
 
 1682, King Charles the second appointed Mr. 
 Cranfield, Mr. Dudley, Commissioners for exam- 
 
256 Case of Dutches of Hamilton. 
 
 ining the titles of all persons claiming right in the 
 Narroganset country. 
 
 The late Duke of Hamilton and the petitioner 
 haveing notice of this Commission, impowered 
 Mr Edward Randolph to exhibit their title before 
 Commissioners, but they had finished and sealed up 
 their report before he arrived there. 
 
 Mr. Randolph notwithstanding made his appli- 
 cation to the Commissioners, and produced the 
 petitioners title before them, but the fleet being 
 then ready to sail for England, and the persons of 
 whom the petitioner complained, being then not 
 present, the Commissioners only made a short 
 report, that they had seen the petitioners grant, 
 and that it comprehended the greatest part of 
 Narroganset country, and that they had sent 
 copies of it to the planters who had intruded into 
 that country without title, that they return their 
 answer to England. 
 
 1687, Sir Edmund Andross, then Governour of 
 New England, received a Commission to make 
 further enquiry into the propriety of the Narro- 
 ganset country, who upon a full hearing of all per- 
 sons then possessing that country, reports, that the 
 possessors had no legall title, but were intruders, 
 and that the grants of that country to Connecticutt 
 and Rhoad Island people, which were obtained 
 from King Charles the second, in one thousand six 
 hundred sixty two, and one thousand six hundred 
 sixty three, were got by surprize and false sugges- 
 tions of some former grants, which he averrs in 
 that report were never made. 
 
 Of this Commission and report, the petitioner 
 had no manner of notice, and therefore could 
 make no claime before him, otherwise the peti- 
 tioner makes no doubt but her title had been sus- 
 tained at that time. 
 
Case of Dutches of Hamilton. 257 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 Upon the twenty ninth of Aprill, 1697, the Earle 
 of Aran delivered to the Councill of Trade, an- 
 other copy of the case of Ann Dutchess of Ham- 
 ilton, in which the paragraph beginning, Mr. Ran- 
 dolph, notwithstanding, &c, was altered in the 
 words following — 
 
 Notwithstanding, the Commissioners being clos- 
 ed, upon the application of Mr. Randolph, they 
 gave in an additional report in the year 1683, 
 wherein they declare, that they had summoned 
 the proprietors who made claime to the Kings 
 Province or Narragansett country, and in their 
 presence had read the copie of the Duke and 
 Dutchess of Hamiltons deeds, and heard Mr. Ran- 
 dolphs pleas and improvements thereon, as agent 
 for the Duke and Dutchess of Hamilton, and have 
 also received the answer and defence of the said 
 proprietors, and at the same time they did also 
 order copies of the deeds of the Duke and Dutch- 
 ess of Hamilton to be sent to the colony of Con- 
 necticutt, to the end that they might make answer 
 thereunto, which was don in eighty three, and in 
 December following, the Governour and Councill 
 of Connecticut^ gave in their answer to the Duke 
 and Dutchess claime, which the petitioner is 
 ready to produce, with the reply thereunto. 
 
 22 
 
258 Memorial of Gen. Winthrop. 
 
 Copy of a Memorial laid before the Lords of the 
 Council of Trade, by Gen. Winthrop, relative 
 to the Petition of the Dutches of Hamilton, to 
 the King. 
 
 To the Right Honnourable the Lords Commis- 
 sioners of the Councill of Trade and Plantations. 
 The memorial of Major General Winthrop, agent 
 for his Majesties colony of Connecticut^ in New 
 England. 
 
 In obedience to your Lordships commands, in- 
 timated to me by Mr. Popple, that I should give 
 an answer to the Dutchess of Hamiltons Petition 
 and complaint to the King; I humbly offer that 
 the matter of the said complaint concerns a great 
 number of people in New England, who as yett 
 have no notice thereof, and that all the deeds and 
 writings that serve to make out the title of the 
 persons in possession, to the lands in controversy, 
 are in New England. 
 
 That I have no instructions in the matter, nor 
 directions to appear for any of the persons con- 
 cerned, but hope notice will be sent, and a con- 
 venient time allowed them before any determin- 
 ation be had in a matter of so great weight and 
 concernment. 
 
 J. WINTHROP. 
 
 Aprill 30th 1697. 
 
Letter from Lords of Council. 250 
 
 A Letter from the Lords of the Council of Trade, 
 relating to the Dutches of Hamilton's claim, the 
 controversy between Connecticut and Rhode Is- 
 land, the Militia of Connecticut, fyc. 
 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 Wee send you herewith the duplicate of a let- 
 ter thac we writ you the 9th of February last, and 
 the copy of one sent you the 22d of April last, 
 both of which were delivered to Major General 
 Winthrop to be accordingly transmitted. And 
 he being himself about to return to you, we must 
 acquaint you that he has dilligently solicited all 
 things that concern the colony of Connecticutt. — 
 The Dutchess of Hamilton haveing renewed her 
 claime to the property of the Narragansett coun- 
 try, we have delivered unto him copies of her pe- 
 tition and case, upon which we haveing laid our 
 opinion before their Excellencies the Lords Justi- 
 ces ; so soon as any resolution is taken thereupon, 
 either by their Excellencies or his Majesty, we 
 shall not fail to give you such notice thereof as 
 may be requisite. It haveing been impossible'for 
 us to determine any thing upon the controversy 
 between you and Rhoad Island, about the Gov- 
 ernment of the Narragansett country, because 
 nobody has appeared before us, on the behalf of 
 Rhoad Island; we cannot but offer to you our 
 opinion, that an amicable agreement between your- 
 selves about the boundaries of your two colonies, 
 may be for mutuall advantage, and thereupon ex- 
 hort you (as them) to apply yourselves unto the 
 Right Honnourable Earl Bellemont, that he would 
 please to assist you on both sides, in the comprom- 
 izeing of your differences : which if it according- 
 
260 Letter from Lords of Council. 
 
 ly succeed, then we desire you to send us over by 
 the first opportunity, authentick copies of your 
 said agreement ; that it may by that means be 
 made fixt and unalterable. But if through any 
 obstinacy, either on your part or theirs, our inten- 
 tions in this method of a friendly compromise be 
 frustrated, we have then desired his Lordship to 
 give both you and them notice to send over agents 
 hither as early as may be, the next spring, in or- 
 der to a finall determination of that matter, upon 
 a full hearing of both parties. His Majesty have- 
 ing been pleased to appoint his said Lordship, the 
 Earl of Bellemont to be Governour and Com- 
 mander in Chief of his Provinces of the Massa- 
 chusetts Bay, New York and New Hampshire, 
 with powers also of Capt. Generall over the col- 
 onies of Connecticott, Rhoad Island and other 
 places ; explaining however his Royall intention 
 therein, that in time of peace, the Militia within 
 each of the said colonies, be left to the Govern- 
 ment and disposition of the respective Governours 
 of the same ; yet so nevertheless that in case of 
 apparent danger or other exigency, his Lordship 
 do at all times take upon himself the superiour 
 command of those forces according to the tenor 
 of his comission, you are accordingly upon all oc- 
 casions relating to the colony of Connecticott, to 
 give obedience to his Majesties pleasure therein. 
 Whereas the Lords spirituall and temporall in Par- 
 liament, did by an address in their last session, 
 humbly represent to his Majesty, as a matter of 
 
 freat importance both to this Kingdom, and to his 
 [ajesties plantations in America, that the many 
 good laws, which have from time to time, been 
 made for the Government of the said plantations 
 should be strictly observed and putt in execution, 
 and in order thereunto did humbly propose to his 
 
Letter from Lords of Council. 261 
 
 Majesty, that the severall proprietors of the plan- 
 tations, where his Majesty hath no Governours of 
 his own nomination, may enter into security that 
 their respective Deputy Governours shall from 
 time to time observe and obey all instructions that 
 shall be sent to them from his Majesty, or any ac- 
 ting under his authority, pursuant to the acts of 
 trade, relating to the plantations, and perticularly 
 (the colonies of Connecticott and Rhoad Island 
 and Providence plantation, having their Govern- 
 ours and assistants chosen annually by the people 
 there, having no proprietors here in England, and 
 being become a great receptacle for Pyrates, and 
 carrying on severall illegall trades, contrary to the 
 acts for the Government of the plantations) that 
 the Governours of those severall places may 
 therefore be obliged to give the like security in 
 that behalf, his Majesty has thereupon been pleased 
 to direct the Right Honnourable the Earle of 
 Bellemont to require such security from the colo- 
 ny of Connecticott, and we give you this notice 
 thereof, in order to your complyance with what 
 has been thus required by his Majestie, in pursu- 
 ance of the said address of the Lords spirituall 
 and temporall in Parliament — So we bid you 
 farewell. 
 
 Your verv loving friends, 
 
 J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 PH: MEADOWS, 
 JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 JOHN LOCKE, 
 ABR. HILL. 
 White Hall, August the 26th, 1697. 
 
 The Hon. the Governour and Company of his 
 Majesties Colony of Connecticott, in New Eng- 
 land in America. 
 
262 Letter from Lords of Council. 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon. the Lords Commis- 
 sioners of the Council of Trade, for publishing 
 the Peace between his Majesty and the French 
 King, 
 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 By order of their Excellencies the Lords Justi- 
 ces, we send you herewithall the Proclamation for 
 publishing the peace lately concluded between his 
 Majesty and the French King, upon the receipt 
 whereof you are required forthwith, to cause the 
 same to be solemnly published, in the usual places 
 within his Majesties territories under your Gov 
 ernment, and to give notice to all privateers an( 
 comanders of ships throughout said Governmen 
 to cease hostilities with the French Kings subjects 
 according to the tenor of the said Proclamation 
 So wee bid you heartily farewell. 
 Your very loving friends, 
 
 J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 PH. MEADOWS, 
 JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 JOHN LOCKE, 
 ABR. HILL, 
 GEORGE STEPNEY. 
 White Hall, October the 27th, 1697. 
 
 For his Majesties especial service. 
 To the Honnourable the Governour and Com 
 pany of his Majesties Colony of Connecticott, in 
 America. 
 
 Connecticott. 
 
Petition to King, $c. 263 
 
 Att a meeting of the Governour and Councill att 
 Hartford, December 24th, 1697. 
 
 By order of the Lords Commissioners of Trade 
 and Plantations, the peace between his Majesty 
 and the French King was this day published in 
 Hartford. 
 
 Copy of the Petition of John and Nicholas Hal- 
 lam to the King, and his Majesties reference of 
 the same to the Lords of the Council of Trade, 
 
 4-c. 
 
 To the King's most Excellent Majesty — 
 
 The humble petition of John Hallam and Nich- 
 olas Hallam, inhabitants of New London, in your 
 Majesties colony of Connecticut in New England, 
 Executors of the last Will and Testament of Ol- 
 ive Liveen deceased, sheweth that the Right Hon- 
 nourable the Councill of Trade, by their represen- 
 tacion bearing date the 9th March, 1698,-9, found- 
 ed on an order of your Majesty in Councill, to 
 consider your petitioners case, and represent to 
 your Majesty, that there had been an obstruction 
 of the course of Justice to your petitioners in the 
 courts of the said colony, and that it was your 
 Majesties. inherent right to receive and determine 
 appeals from all your Majesties subjects in Amer- 
 ica, that your Majesty thereupon by order in 
 Councill dated the said 9th day of Ma*ch then 
 following, was graciously pleased to approve the 
 
264 Petition to King., <£c. 
 
 said report, and to order that your petitioners case 
 and any other whatsoever that may hereafter hap- 
 pen upon differences about private rights, be fair- 
 ly heard and judged in the proper courts estab- 
 lished in that colony, and that in case your peti- 
 tioners or any other persons should think them- 
 selves agrieved by the sentance or sentances which 
 may be there given, they may be thereupon ad- 
 mitted to appeal to your Majesty in Councill, and 
 that in all such cases the Governour and Compa- 
 ny of the said colony do take notice that it is the 
 inherent right of your Majesty, to receive and de- 
 termine appeals from all your Majesties subjects 
 in America, and the said Councill of Trade, were 
 by the said order to signify your Majesties pleas- 
 ure to the said Governour and Company accor- 
 dingly. That the said order was sent over by the 
 said Councill of Trade to the said Governour and 
 Company, and by them rec'd and openly read in 
 their publick and General Assembly, as by affida- 
 vit hereunto annexed, and by a certificate under 
 the seal of the said colony doth appear, and that 
 your petitioners did lately bring their suit in the 
 Prerogative court of New London aforesaid, 
 against John Winthrop Esqr., Governour of the 
 said colony, and Edward Palmes Esqr., Executors 
 named in the pretended last Will and Testament 
 of John Livecn deceased, for that the said John 
 Liveen was non compos mentis when he made 
 his said Will, and that the said Liveen by a former 
 Will, haveing no children of his own, had given 
 his whole Estate to your petitioners, and to their 
 Mother, then wife of the said Liveen. And that 
 altho your petitioners did fully and plainly prove 
 insanity, yet the said court gave judgment against 
 your petitioners, whereupon your petitioners ap- 
 pealed to the court of assistants, a Supreme court 
 
Petition to King, tyc. ' 265 
 
 held at Hartford, in the colony aforesaid in May- 
 last, where the said former judgment was affirm- 
 ed. That your petitioners did their pray the ben- 
 efit of your Majestys said order, and did desire 
 and demand of the said court an appeal to your 
 Majesty in Councill, but the said court did abso- 
 lutely and positively deny and refuse the same, 
 and the said Winthrop, who is not only Governour 
 of the said colony, but one of the judges of the 
 said court, did then publickly declare no appeals 
 from thence should be allowed to your Majesty in 
 Councill, and before any should be allowed, they 
 would dispute that point with your Majesty, as by 
 affidavit annexed doth appear. 
 
 That your petitioners being deprived of the 
 benefit of yo'r Majestys said gracious order, by 
 the said courts contempt thereof, your petitioner, 
 Nicholas Hallam, hath been necessitated to take 
 upon him the fatigue and expence of a voyage 
 to England, in order to make further application 
 to your Majesty for their relief (of which your pe- 
 titioners gave the defendants timely notice) as by 
 affidavit annexed appears, and to that purpose 
 your petitioner has brought over sufficient and au- 
 thentick copies of all the papers and records in 
 the said cause, under the hand of the Secretary, 
 and the seal of the colony. 
 
 Your petitioners therefore most humbly pray 
 their said cause may be heard and determined by 
 your Majesty in councill, or that your Majesty 
 would be graciously pleased to give such orders 
 and directions on your petitioners behalfe, as that 
 your petitioners appeal may be allowed, and the 
 same heard and determined by your Majesty in 
 
 23 
 
260 Letter from Lords of Council. 
 
 Councill ; and your petitioners, as in duty bound, 
 
 shall ever pray, &c. 
 
 JOHN HALLAM, 
 NIC. HALLAM. 
 August, 1798. 
 
 A Letter from the Right Honorable, the Lords of 
 the Council of Trade, relative to Pirates and 
 Privateers. 
 
 White Hall, Oct. ye 25th, 1698. 
 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 We have received a letter in the name of the 
 Governour and Company of Connecticott, signed 
 by the Secretary, and dated the 27th January 
 last ; as also another signed by Major Genl. Win- 
 throp your present Governour, dated the first of 
 July last, in which he sends us the copy of an act 
 of that colony against Pirates and Privateers, and 
 promises ye copies of the whole body of acts or. 
 laws of that colony which we formerly. desired, 
 the obligation that lies upon us to inspect the 
 laws of all his Majesties plantations in America, 
 and the frequent occasions we have to do so, 
 make it absolutely necessary that yours be all of 
 them transmitted to us ; and therefore we again 
 repeat our desire, that it may be done in authen- 
 tick form without delay, as for what relates per- 
 ticularly to pyrates; tho laws be necessary, we 
 observe that in most places, execution is more 
 wanted than laws. And therefore we recom- 
 mend to you a vigilant care that all persons who 
 
 
Letter from Lords of Council. 267 
 
 may be justly suspected of such practices be seized 
 and prossecuted with the utmost rigour that the 
 law will allow, for they deserve it all, and it is 
 notorious that many such do land, sometimes in 
 one place and sometimes in another, and remove 
 from colony to colony, or settle where they think 
 themselves most secure : which could not be done, 
 if the severall governments there, were so watch- 
 full as their duty requires them ; and we should 
 be glad to se som instance of your diligence in 
 that kind. We observe also that some sorts of 
 illegall trade have a great connection with pyracy, 
 particularly that to Madagascar, from whence 
 East India comodities, pyratically taken, are 
 brought over to the plantations, and there con- 
 nived at ; and this we have reason to believe the 
 colony of Connecticott is not wholly free from. 
 The seizure of some East India goods that was 
 made, or endeavoured to be made, in the begin- 
 ning of July last, by Capt. Culliford, at Stanford, 
 in Major Sellick's and his sisters houses, and the 
 opposition made thereunto, are an undeniable 
 proof of som sort of guilt, and we therefore desire 
 you to send us an exact account of that transac- 
 tion, and to have a constant care in all these 
 matters, of what his Majesties service, and the 
 interest of England requires from you — so we bid 
 you heartily farewell. 
 
 Your very loving friends, 
 
 J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 PH. MEADOWS. 
 JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 ABR. HILL. 
 
 For his Majesties especiall service, to the Hon- 
 nourable, the Governour and Company of his 
 Majesties colony, in America. Connecticutt. 
 
268 Instructions from Lords Justices •„ 
 
 Instructions from the Lords Justices of England, 
 
 V 
 
 > 
 
 By the Lords Justices. 
 
 Instructions for the Gov- 
 ernour and Company of his 
 Majesties colony of Con- 
 necticutt, in America. 
 
 Tho. Cantuar, 
 
 Somerset, 
 
 Pembroke, E. S. S. 
 
 Marlborough, 
 
 Romney, 
 
 Orford. 
 
 f ~~# Given at White Hall, the 10th day 
 
 X seal. \ of Novr. 1698,in the twelfty yearof 
 jL~~~ JL his Majesties reigne. 
 
 His Majesty having been informed that the 
 Navall Officers, being the persons appointed by 
 the Governours in his respective plantations in 
 America, to take bonds and give certificates for 
 clearing of ships, have generally neglected to com- 
 ply with the direction of the late act of Parliament 
 for preventing frauds and regulating abuses in the 
 plantation trade, which requires their giving secu- 
 rity to the Commissioners of the customs in Eng- 
 land, for the due discharge of their trust, and it 
 haveing been further represented to his Majesty, 
 that beside the security which the said navall 
 officers are obliged by law to give, it would be 
 very expedient that (according to the constitution 
 of the customes in England which has provided a 
 controul upon the action of every officer imployed 
 therein,) the concurrence of the collectors ap- 
 pointed by the commissioners of the customes in 
 his Majesties plantations, should also be necessary 
 to so important an act as that of signing certifi- 
 cates for clearing of ships. His Majesty takeing 
 the same into consideration, is hereby pleased to 
 declare his will and pleasue, and you are accor- 
 dingly hereby required, to take care that the naval 
 
Letter from James Vernon. 269 
 
 officer or officers, in his Majesties colony of Con- 
 necticut! in America, under your government, do 
 give security for the due discharge of his or their 
 trust, to such person as is or shall be appointed 
 by the comissioners of the customes for that pur- 
 pose, according to the direction of the foremen- 
 tioned act of Parliament, and likewise that you do 
 not admitt or allow any certificates signed by the 
 navall officer or officers aforesaid ; for the clearing 
 of ships within his Majesties said colony of Con- 
 necticott to be valid and efFectuall, for that end, 
 without the concurrence of the collector appoint- 
 ed there, by the comisioners of his Majesties cus- 
 tomes. 
 
 By their Excellencies command, 
 
 JA. VERNON. 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon. James Vernon, one 
 of his Majesties Secretaries of State, for the 
 apprehension of Capt. Kidd. 
 
 White Hall, 23d November, 1698. 
 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 The Lords Justices being informed by several 
 advices from the East Indias, of the notorious Pi- 
 races comitted by Capt. Kidd, Commander of the 
 Adventure Galley, and of his having seized and 
 plundered divers shipps in those seas. As their 
 Excellencies have given order to the Commander 
 of the Squadron fitted out for the East Indias, that 
 he use his utmost endeavours to pursue and seize 
 the said Kidd, if he continife still in those parts, so 
 23* 
 
270 Letter from James Vernon, 
 
 likewise they have comanded me to signifie their 
 directions to the respective Governours of the 
 colonies under his Majesties obedience in Ameri- 
 ca, that they give strict orders, and take pellicular 
 care for apprehending the said Kidd and his ac- 
 complices, whenever he or they shall arrive in any 
 of the said plantations, as likewise that they se- 
 cure his ship and all the effects therein, it being 
 their Excellencies intention, that right be don to 
 those who have been injured and robbed by the 
 said Kidd, and that he and his associates be pros- 
 secuted with the utmost vigour ot the Law. You 
 are to be carefull therefore, duly to observe the 
 said directions, and if the said Kidd, or any of his 
 accomplices happen to be seized within the prov- 
 ince under your Government, you are forthwith to 
 transmitt an account thereof hither, and take care 
 that the said persons, shipp and effects be secured, 
 till his Majesties pleasure be known concerning 
 them. I am Gentlemen, your most faithfull hum- 
 ble Servant, 
 
 JA. VERNON. 
 
 To the Governour and Company of his Majes- 
 ties Colony of Connecticott in America. 
 
 Note. — Capt. Kidd was an Englishman by birth, a mariner 
 of high reputation, and in the Reign of William 3d he be- 
 came master of a Privateer in the West Indies, with the char- 
 acter of an adept seaman, a bold and daring officer. The 
 Governor of Barbadoes interceded with the Crown to give 
 Kidd power to suppress piracy and place him in the command 
 of a Government ship for this purpose. The Crown issued a 
 Commission to Capt. Kidd to that effect, with the title of Ad- 
 miral of England, dated Dec. 11,1695, with power to appre- 
 hend all pirates and freebooters and bring them to legal trial . 
 Indeed no implicit was the confidence of the King in him at 
 that time, that he entrusted him with another Commission, that 
 of reprisals to take French Merchant ships, during the war 
 with England and France. In 1696 Kidd sailed from Eng- 
 
Letter from James Vernon. 271 
 
 laud to New York, armed with thirty guns and about 80 men. 
 On his arrival at New York he doubled his number of hands 
 and put again to sea. The first dishonest or piratical act of 
 Kidd was at Mabbee, on the Red Sea, when he took a quantity 
 of corn ; after this, he soon pursued the life of a pirate, and a 
 more blood thirsty, daring and cruel one, did not sail the ocean. 
 He was for soma time about the coast of Malabar, where he 
 plundered many small vessels and a Portuguese ship, and mur- 
 dered some of their crew. Soon after the ship Queda of 400 
 tons fell into his possession, a part of the cargo he sold for 
 .$40,000. Kidd then sailed for Madagascar and became a terror 
 to his own'countrymen, as dangerous to the lives of his fellow- 
 men, and to the commerce of the world. The news reaching 
 England, the King offered a pardon, by proclamation to all pi- 
 rates (excepting Capt. Kidd) who would report themselves be- 
 fore the 30th day of April 1699. A letter from England da- 
 ted Feb. 10th, 1699, ordered all pirates taken in these Colonies 
 to be sent to England for trial, with the witnesses against 
 them. The King having been informed that some pirates re- 
 turned from the East Indies had been secured, or rather their 
 effects, which by the aforesaid letter was ordered into the hands 
 of the Governor of New England and New York, with an ex- 
 press order to send home Capt. Kidd, and others who had been 
 seized in several parts of the Plantations, for the purpose of 
 trying them in England. Capt. Kidd was apprehended at 
 Boston, secured with irons, and sent home with others for tri- 
 al. He buried a chest of specie upon Gardners Island, which 
 was sent for and taken by the Governor of Massachusetts, af- 
 ter Kidds arrest. (A Mr. Gardner now occupant of said Is- 
 land, has in his possession a piece of cloth, (called gold cloth) 
 which was left there by Kidd himself, and which is yet in a 
 good state of preservation.) 
 
 They were tried at the Old Baily for piracy and murder, 
 found guilty, and soon hung at Execution Dock. Tradition 
 says their bodies were suspended in chains near the bank of the 
 River Thames, and there remained exposed for years, to dis- 
 grace them, and deter others from the crime of piracy. In the 
 early settlement of the Colony of Connecticut, it was a place 
 of resort and covert for pirates, particularly at the mouth of 
 Connecticut River ; so much so, that the General Court of this 
 Colony passed several acts upon the subject, to apprehend and 
 punish them. About the time that Kidd was at New York and 
 Boston, (tho' his name is notmentioned[upon the record,) Cul- 
 liford and other pirates, the friends and accomplices of Kidd, 
 were in the Atlantic, which probably caused the aforesaid let- 
 ter to be transmitted to this Colony. But the ridiculous idea 
 that some have entertained, that the ill gotten gains of Kidd 
 were deposited in the Green Mountains of Vermont, or any 
 
272 Letter from James Vernon. 
 
 other part of the interior of New England, which he procur- 
 ed at Malabar or elsewhere, is quite too contemptible to credit. 
 But that such a man existed and visited this coast the aforesaid 
 letter evidently proves, tho' it has often been denied — at least 
 doubted. 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon. James Vernon, one of 
 his Majesties principal Secretaries of State, rel- 
 ative to ships of force fitted out in Scotland. 
 
 White Hall, 2d January, 1698,-9. 
 
 GentlUken — 
 
 His Majesty haveing received advice from the 
 Island of Jamacia that severall shipps of force, 
 fitted out in Scotland, were arrived at the Island of 
 St. Thomas, with an intention as they declared to 
 settle themselves in some parts of America, their 
 designe being unknown to his Majesty, least the 
 same should derogate from the treatys his Majes- 
 ty hath entered into with the Crown of Spain, or 
 be otherwise prejudiciall to any of his Majesties 
 Colonies in the West Indian, his Majesty com- 
 mands me to signifie his pleasure to you, that you 
 strictly enjoyn all his Majesties subjects, or others 
 inhabiting within the districts of your Govern- 
 ment, that they forbear holding correspondence 
 with, giveing any assistance to any of the said per- 
 sons, while they are engaged in the foresaid enter- 
 prize, and that no provisions, arms, ammunition or 
 necessarys whatsoever be carried to them from 
 thence, or be permitted to be carryed, either in 
 their own vessells, or any other shipps or vessels 
 
Letter from William HI. 273 
 
 for their use. His Majesty requires that you do 
 not fail herein, but take pellicular care that the 
 above mentioned directions be duly observed, and 
 that you send hither an account of your proceed- 
 ings in the execution of these his commands. 
 1 am Gentlemen, your most humble Servant, 
 
 JA. VERNON. 
 
 To the Governour and Company of his Majes- 
 ties Colony oi Connecticutt, in America. 
 
 A Letter from his Majesty William 3d, command- 
 ing that all Pirates seized here shall be sent to 
 England, fyc. 
 
 William R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, wee greet you well. 
 Whereas we have been informed that several Py- 
 rates have been lately seized in our Plantations in 
 America, and it being necessary that due care be 
 taken for bringing them, and all others that may 
 in like manner be seized hereafter to condign pun- 
 ishment, wee do hereby strictly charge and re- 
 quire you to send hither in safe custody, all Py- 
 rates, who are or shall be seized in our colony of 
 Connecticut, under your Government, at the time 
 of your receiving this direction, and also to send 
 the witnesses and other evidences upon which the 
 said Pyrates have been seized, and which may be 
 of any use towards their conviction here, that so 
 they may be tryed and punished according to law, 
 and in the mean while to take care that the goods 
 
274 Letter from Lords of Council. 
 
 and effects of the said Pyrates be secured, that 
 so they may hereafter be disposed of as shall by 
 law be determined. 
 
 Which method of sending Pyrates, together 
 with the evidences produced against them, and se- 
 cureing their effects, you are upon pain of our dis- 
 pleasure in like manner to observe from time to 
 time, as a standing rule, with regard to all the oth- 
 er Pyrates that shall at any time hereafter, be sei- 
 zed in our said colony of Connecticott. 
 
 And so wee bid you farewell — Given at our 
 Court at Kingston, the tenth day of February, 
 1699, in the eleventh year of our Reigne. 
 By his Majesties command. 
 
 JERSEY. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour 
 and Company of our Colony of Connecticut, in 
 America. Connecticut. 
 
 A Letter from the Right Honorable, the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Council of Trade, rela- 
 tive to his Majesties order in Council on the 
 Petition of Major Palmes and the Hallams. 
 
 White Hall, April the 24th, 1699. 
 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 In pursuance of an order, made by his Majesty 
 in Councill, upon a representation which we laid 
 before him the 9th of March last, relative to the 
 petitions presented to his Majesty by John and 
 Nicholas Hallam, and by Edward Palmes and 
 
Order in Council. 275 
 
 John Hallam, inhabitants of Connecticut, wherein 
 they complain of the obstruction of justice in that 
 colony ; we send you here enclosed, his Majesties 
 said order, and together therewith, we also send 
 you copies of both the said petitions, upon which 
 our representation was made ; and as you will 
 thereby fully understand, what it is that his Ma- 
 jesty requires from you, you are further to take 
 notice that he expects your speedy and punctuall 
 obedience thereunto, as you will answer the con- 
 trary. So we bid you heartily farewell. 
 Your very loving friends, 
 
 J. BRIDGEWATER, 
 PH. MEADOWS, 
 JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 WILLIAM BLATHWAYT, 
 ABR. HILL. 
 
 To the Honnourable the Governour and Com- 
 pany of his Majesties colony of Connecticott, in 
 America. Connecticut. 
 
 His Majesties order in Councill, concerning Ma- 
 jor Palmes, and John and Nicholas Hallams 
 cases. 
 
 At the Court at Kingston, ) 
 the 9th of March, 1698. \ 
 
 The Kings most Excellent Majesty in Council. 
 
 Upon reading this day at the Board, a represen- 
 tation from the Councill of Trade, in the words 
 following : — 
 
276 Order in Council. 
 
 May it please your Majesty : — 
 
 In obedience to your Majesties several orders 
 in Councill of the 23d of February last, wee have 
 considered the petitions of John and Nicholas 
 Hallam, and of Edward Palmes and John Hallam, 
 inhabitants of your Majesties colony of Connecti- 
 cut, thereunto annexed, relating to two perticular 
 cases, wherein they complain of the obstruction 
 of justice in the said colony. 
 
 And wee thereupon most humbly represent to 
 your Majesty, that tho the rights of either of the 
 said cases, do not appear unto us by any sufficient 
 proofs, and we cannot therefore offer any opinion 
 thereupon, yett nevertheless we humbly conceive, 
 that upon what has been sett forth by the fore- 
 mentioned petitioners about the denyall or ob- 
 struction of the course of justice in your Majesties 
 colony of Connecticott, your Majesty may fitly 
 require the Governour and Company of the said 
 colony, to take care that no such obstruction of 
 the course of justice be practiced or allowed 
 amongst them ; but that the respective cases sett 
 forth by both the forementioned petitions, and 
 any other cases whatsoever, that may hereafter 
 happen upon differences between man and man, 
 about private rights, be fairly heard, and judged 
 in the proper methods of the courts established in 
 that colony, and that in case the foresaid petition- 
 ers or any of them, or any other persons do 
 think themselves aggrieved by the sentance cr 
 sentances which may be there given, they may 
 thereuppon be allowed to appeal unto your Ma- 
 jesty in Councill, and that the copys of records 
 and other proceedings in all such respective cases, 
 be transmitted hither, in order to a finall hearing 
 and determination thereof, by your Majesty in 
 
Order in Council* 277 
 
 Councill, it being the inherent right of your Ma- 
 jestie to receive and determine appeals from all 
 your Majesties subjects in America, which never- 
 theless is most humbly submitted, 
 
 TANKERVILLE, 
 PH. MEADOWS, 
 WILLIAM BLATHWAYT, 
 JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 ABR. HILL. 
 White Hall, March the 9th, 1698-9. 
 
 His Majesty m Councill, approveing of what is 
 proposed by the Councill of trade in the said rep- 
 resentation, is pleased to order that the Governor 
 and Company of the colony of Connecticott be 
 required to take care that no obstruction of the 
 course of justice be practiced or allowed amongst 
 them, but that the respective cases mentioned in 
 the said representation, and any other whatsoever 
 that may hereafter happen upon differences be* 
 tween man and man about private rights be fairly 
 heard and judged in the propper methods of the 
 courts established in that colony, and that in case 
 the petitioners in the aforesaid causes, or any of 
 them, or any other persons shall think themselves 
 agrieved by the sentance or sentances, which may 
 be there given, they may thereupon be allowed to 
 appeal to his Majesty in Councill, and that copies 
 of all records, and other proceedings in all such 
 respective cases be transmitted hither, in order to 
 a finall hearing and determination thereof, before 
 his Majesty in Councill ; and that in all such cases 
 the Governour and Company of the colony of 
 Connecticott do take notice that it is the inherent 
 right of his Majesty to review and determine 
 apeals from all his Majesties colonys in America, 
 24 
 
278 Letter from James Vernon, 
 
 and that they do govern themselves accordingly, 
 and the Right Honnourable, ye Councill of trade, 
 are to signifie this his Majesties pleasure to the 
 Governour and Company of the colony of Con- 
 necticut accordingly. 
 
 JOHN POVEY. 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon, James Vernon, one of 
 his Majesties principal Secretaries of State, 
 relative to ships of force, fitted out in Scotland. 
 
 White Hall, June 18th, 1699. 
 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 I signified to you, his Majesties pleasure in Jan- 
 uary last concerning the Scotts, who had under- 
 taken an expedition to the West Indias, the place 
 not being then known, in which they designed to 
 settle, and his Majesty being since informed, that 
 they have taken possession of the Bay of Cairat, 
 near the Bay of Darien, between Cartagena and 
 Porto Belle, and are fortifying themselves there, 
 seeming resolved to maintain it by force, against 
 the Spaniards. His Majesty considering this at- 
 tempt as a violation of the treatys subsisting be- 
 tween his Majesty and the Crown of Spain, com- 
 mands me to acquaint you, that he expects his 
 former orders should be strictly observed, a du- 
 plicate whereof, is therefore enclosed ; I suppose 
 upon the receipt of the first letters, you have 
 given all necessary directions that no correspond- 
 ence should be kept with the said Scotch colony, 
 and that no provisions, amunition or other assist- 
 
Commission to Henry Ashhurst. 279 
 
 ance should be furnisht them, or be suffered to be 
 conveyed to them, from any part of your govern- 
 ment. His Majesty would have the same care 
 continued, so as the said orders may in all per- 
 ticulars be fully obeyed and putt in execution. 
 I am Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most humble servant, 
 
 JA. VERNON. 
 
 To the Governour and Company of his Majes- 
 ties colony of Connecticut, in America. 
 
 Copy of the Commission sent to Henry Ashhurst. 
 
 #~~~ — % \\r e t ne Governour and Gener'll 
 | seal of I Assembly of his Majesties colony of 
 X (.Jlqny. \ Connecticut in New England, have- 
 
 4~~~ % ing received his Majesties comands 
 
 to make out our right unto the Gov- 
 ernment of the colony comonly called Narragan- 
 set Country, included within ye Charter of incor- 
 poration, granted to us by King Charles the second, 
 and bearing date April 23d, in the 14th year of his 
 reigne, and to shew that the colony of Rhoade 
 Island have no just claime to the Goverment of 
 ye said Narraganset country, by an agent deputed 
 for that end in our behalfe. Reposeing special 
 trust and confidence in you, Sr Henry Ashhurst, 
 Baronett, have nominated, chosen, desired, com- 
 missioned and impowered, and do hereby fully 
 and clearly nominate, choose, desire, comission 
 and impower you the aforenamed Sr Henry Ash- 
 hurst, Baronet, personally to appear before our 
 
280 Commission to Henry AshlwrsL 
 
 Sovraigne Lord the King, or such others as under 
 his Majesty may take cognisance of the said 
 affaire ; and unto them to make our right afore- 
 said, and to answer and reply to all pleas, that 
 shall be made before them, by any agent or 
 agents, for his Majesties colony of Rhoade Island, 
 for the Government of the said country, as be- 
 longing to the said colony of Rhoad Island ; and 
 to transact whatsoever you have from us, or 
 from the-, Governour and Councill of this his 
 Majesties colony in instruction relating to the 
 said affaire, or whatever else shall by us be, or 
 by the said Governour and Councill, be commit- 
 ted to your care, and you are farther hereby 
 impowered to appoint such other person or per- 
 sons in your stead, as by you shall seem reason- 
 able ; and whatsoever shall be lawfully done or 
 acted by you, or by any person or persons so 
 appointed by you in your stead, in any of the 
 premised matters, we will accordingly hold for 
 good. Dated in Hartford, in New England, the 
 15th day of October, 1699, in the 11th year of 
 the reigne of our Sovreigne Lord, William the 
 third, King of England, Scotland, France and 
 Ireland, &c., and given under the seal of this his 
 Majesties colony of Connecticut. 
 
 J. W., Gov'r. 
 
 Signed by order of the Gen'Il Assembly. 
 
 Eleazar Kimberly, Sec'ry* 
 
Letter from Mr. Vernon. 281 
 
 A Letter from Mr. Secretary Vernon, relative to 
 Pirates and their effects, Capt. Kidd, §c. 
 
 White Hall, November 30th, 1699. 
 
 SiR-^-His Majesty being informed that you have 
 secured the effects of some Pyrates that were re- 
 turned from the East Indias, approves of your dil- 
 igence in so doing ; and further commands me to 
 si^nifie his pleasure to you, that you put the said 
 effects, (whether they be in money or goods) into 
 the hands of the Earle of Bellomont, his Majesties 
 Governour of New England and New York, to 
 whom his Majesty has sent his orders about send- 
 ing home Kidd and other Pyrates, who have been 
 seized in several parts of the Plantations, in order 
 to their being tryed here ; the said Earl of Bello- 
 mont being likewise intrusted by his Majesty to 
 convey hither all the effects belonging to the said 
 Pyrates, and to consigne them to the Lords Com- 
 issioners of his Majesties Treasury, my Lord Bel- 
 lomont has made a volluntary offer to transmit his 
 account upon oath, of all the goods he hath or 
 shall receive as belonging to Pyrates ; and his 
 Majesty thinks it fitt that those to whose hands 
 any of the said goods are come, should deliver 
 their accounts in the same manner, not doubting 
 but such as are in places of public trust, will be 
 ready to give all proofs of their integrity. 
 
 I am Sir, vour most faithfull humble Servant, 
 
 JA. VERNON. 
 
 To the Governour of his Majesties Colony of 
 Connecticut, in America. 
 
 24* 
 
282 Henry Ashhurst T s Memorial. 
 
 Copy of a Memorial relating to the Narraganset 
 Country, laid before the Lords of the Council 
 of Trade, by Sir Henry Asldiurst. 
 
 To the Right Houn t ble 
 
 The Lords Com'rs of Trade and Plantations, 
 
 The humble memorial of Sr Henry Ashhurst, 
 Baronett, Agent for the colony of Connecticut in 
 New England, humbly asserting the right of the 
 said colony to the Government of the Narrogan- 
 sett country, in opposition to the claime made by 
 the Governour and Company of Rhoad Island. 
 
 Though it may not be absolutely necessary to- 
 wards the decission of this controversy, to trouble 
 your Lordships with tracing back to the origenall 
 of that undoubted right, the Crown of England 
 hath to the Government of the said country of 
 Narrogansett ; we humbly crave leave to pre- 
 mise, that the natives and inhabitants of that coun- 
 try (before they received any particular scheme or 
 form of Government from the Crown of England) 
 made their application to the said colony of Con- 
 necticut^ desireing they would represent to his 
 sacred Majesty King Charles the Second, the 
 unanimous consent and desire of the Narrogan- 
 setts to be under the jurisdiction of his Majestys 
 colony of Connecticutt, which was accordingly 
 don, and his Majesty was graciously pleased by 
 his Charter, bearing date the 23d day of Aprill, in 
 the fourteenth year of his Reigne, being the year 
 of our Lord 1662, to grant to the Governour and 
 Company of his Majesties colony of Connecti- 
 cutt aforesaid, and their successors, all that part 
 of his Dominions in America, bounded on the East 
 by Narrogansett River, alias Narrogansett Bay, 
 
Henry Ashhurst's Memorial. 283 
 
 where the said River falleth into the sea, and on 
 the North by the Massachusetts Plantation, and 
 on the South by the sea, in Longitude as the line 
 of the Massachusetts colony, running from East 
 to West, (that is to say) from the said Narrogan- 
 sett Bay on the East, to the South sea on the 
 West, with the Islands thereunto belonging and 
 adjoining, together with all firm lands, soyle, 
 grounds, havens, jurisdictions and priviledges there- 
 unto belonging, as in and by the said Charter ready 
 to be produced to your Lordships will more fully 
 appear, to have and to hold unto the said Govern- 
 our and Company and their successors forever, in 
 free and comon soccage as of his manor of East 
 Greenwich, yealding and paying one fifth part of 
 all the oar of gold and silver, which should from 
 time to time be there dugg and gotten, as may al- 
 so by the said Charter more fully and at large ap- 
 pear. 
 
 In pursuance of this gracious Charter, the Gen- 
 erall Assembly of Connecticutt did make severall 
 orders in the year 1603 and 1664, and severall 
 officers for settling the Government of the said 
 country of Narragansett, on which foundation the 
 inhabitants thought themselves very happily set- 
 tled, till some time after their quiett was disturbed 
 by the plantation of Rhoad Island, who as they 
 alledged had obtained a pattent from his said Ma- 
 jestie King Charles the Second, in the year 1663, 
 in which the Government of the said country of 
 Narrogansett, as they alledged was comprehended, 
 and that the colony of Connecticut had no right 
 to the said Government, which claime of the 
 Rhoad Island tis humbly hoped will appear to 
 your Lordships groundless and not justifiable, up- 
 on those following accounts. 
 
 1st. They must either affirme that the bounds 
 
284 Henry Ashkursfs Memorial 
 
 of the country of Narragansett are not truly de- 
 scribed in our Pattent, or secondly, that their ob- 
 taining a subsequent Pattent is a revocation of 
 ours which was preceedent. As to the first of 
 these, tis humbly offered to your Lordshipps, that 
 in regard of the distance of the place, your Lord- 
 ships would admitt of examinations taken from 
 antient natives of the Pequott and Narragansett 
 country, ready to be produced to your Lordships, 
 which agree with the bounds described in our said 
 Charter. And for a further confirmation of this 
 we beg leave to offer to your Lordships, the pro- 
 ceedings upon a commission under the Royall 
 Signett, the seventh of Aprill in the thirty-fifth 
 year of his said late Majesty King Charles the 
 Second, a true copy of the return of the proceed- 
 ings, under the commissioners hands, being like- 
 wise ready to be produced to your Lordshipps, by 
 which it doth appear that in obedience to the same 
 comission, they the said commissioners had enqui- 
 red into the bounds of the said country of Narro- 
 gansett, and to whom the right of Government 
 did appertain, in order to make a true and certain 
 report thereof to his Majestie, and did according- 
 ly certifie under their hands, that the bounds of 
 Narrogansett were agreeable to the Pattent or 
 Charter of Connecticutt, and that they apprehend 
 upon due enquiry and examination had, that the 
 Government did of right belong to the colony of 
 Connecticutt. 
 
 2dly. If the said country and the bounds of it 
 be rightly described in our Charter, wee beg leave 
 to affirme, that the subsequent Charter, granted to 
 Rhoad Island, of any jurisdiction in the Narrogan- 
 sett country is so farr from repealing or disannull- 
 ing the former Charter granted to uss, that tis in 
 itself void and of no effect as to this particular, for 
 
Henry Ashhurst's Memorial. 285 
 
 had his Majesty granted to any of his subjects of 
 England, a certain mannor,or lands in this Kingdom 
 of England to hold to the granted and his heyrs ; 
 and after granted the same mannor another and 
 his heirs, the second grant is void ; because the 
 King is by construction of law, supposed to be de- 
 ceived in his grant, haveing at the time of the sec- 
 ond grant no estate in him, and by consequence 
 nothing that can be transferred over to the second 
 granted. And tis humbly hoped your Lordshipps 
 will make the same construction of the Kings 
 grant in this case, that the Judges of common law 
 would do in a grant of lands within this King- 
 dom. 
 
 Wee further beg leave to remind your Lord- 
 ships of the order of May 1695, by which your 
 Lordships were pleased to referr the matter of 
 law in the case now in question, to Sir Thomas 
 Trevor, his Majesties Attorney Generall, by whose 
 report ready to be produced by your Lordshipps, 
 he w T as pleased to signify his opinion, that the 
 Government of Narragansett doth of right belong 
 to Connecticutt, and not to Rhoad Island. If it 
 be further objected, that the bounds and limits of 
 Connecticuts jurisdiction, was settled between Mr. 
 Winthrop and Mr. Clark, agents for the severall 
 colonys of Connecticutt and Rhoade Island, to 
 this wee answer that tho it were granted, that a 
 collatterall agreement between two agents could 
 not enlarge or diminish the grant of the King. Yett 
 Winthrops agency after haveing obtained and sent 
 over the Charter, was fully determined. And 
 this supposed agreement was after that time, and 
 meerly his own act, without any instructions or 
 authority given him from the colony of Connecti- 
 cutt. So that we humbly hope your Lordships 
 will not think this objection worthy of any further 
 
286 Henry Ashhurst's Memorial. 
 
 answer. And lastly that your Lordshipps will 
 take such order as to your discretion shall seem 
 meet that a line may be runn, particularly descri- 
 bing and setting out their bounds of jurisdiction to 
 the country of Narragansett, according to the lim- 
 itations of their said Charter. 
 
 All which is most humbly submitted to your 
 Lordshipps great wisdom e bv 
 
 HENRY ASHHURST. 
 
 Copy of a Memorial presented to the Lords Com- 
 missioners of Trade and Plantations, relative 
 to the appeals of Major Palmes and the Hal- 
 lam's by Sir Henry Aslihurst, Agent of the Col- 
 ony of Connecticut. 
 
 To the Right Honnourable — 
 
 The Lords Com'rs of Trade and Plantations. 
 
 The humble memorial of Sir Henry Ashhurst, 
 Barronett, Agent for the colony of Connecticutt in 
 New England, relating to severall appeals brought 
 by Major Edward Palmes, and John Hallam and 
 Nicholas Hallam. 
 
 That the colony of Connecticutt have a full and 
 ample power of hearing, determining and bring- 
 ing to a finall issue, all causes and controversies 
 that shall or may arise within that colony, we 
 humbly hope will fully and plainly appear to your 
 Lordships upon view of their Charter, which his 
 late Majesty King Charles the Second was gra- 
 ciously pleased to grant unto the said colony, by 
 which his said late Majesty was pleased to appoint 
 
Henry AshhursVs Memorial. 287 
 
 a Governour and twelve assistants, with such oth- 
 er freemen of their body corporate as should by 
 them be elected, to be the General Assembly or 
 Supreme Court of Judicature within the said col- 
 ony. And that the said General Assembly should 
 further constitute and erect such other inferiour 
 Jurisdictions, or Courts of Judicature, and also 
 make and ordain such stattutes, laws and ordinan- 
 ces as to them should seem meet, for the better 
 ordering and governing the said colony, and ad- 
 ministering of equall and impartiall justice to ev- 
 ery inhabitant thereof. In obedience to the direc- 
 tion and appointment of the said Charter, the 
 Generall Assembly did constitute and erect seve- 
 ral inferiour courts, and in particular one at New 
 London, for the try all of all matters of right be- 
 tween party and party, and to the end that no per- 
 son should be without remedy, who might think 
 himself agrieved by the proceedings in such infe- 
 riour court, they did further ordain, that upon com- 
 plaint of any person in such a case to the General 
 Assembly, the cause should be again heard there 
 and finally determined. 
 
 This form and method of justice, as tis the most 
 speedy and effectual!, and most for the benefitt (if 
 not absolutely necessary to the subsistance) of the 
 said colony, so we humbly hope your Lordshipps 
 will allow it to be reasonable and lawfull and no 
 ways injurious to the prerogative Royal of this 
 Realm, tho it seems to exclude any appeal (prop- 
 erly so called) to this Kingdom, and that for these 
 reasons, which are humbly submitted to your Lord- 
 shipps. 
 
 First, the distance of the place seems to make 
 it in some measure necessary that all causes be 
 finally determined there, for should the comon 
 course of justice be by way of appeal to this King- 
 
288 Henry Ashhursfs Memorial. 
 
 dome, the expence must inevitably be great, what- 
 ever the vallue of the cause may be, or the cir- 
 cumstances of the party, who prossecutes or de- 
 fends it, and the event must be, that the poor will 
 be hereby oppressed, be his cause never so just, 
 besides the hazarding deeds and evidences, as well 
 as the lives of witnesses upon the seas, where 
 their evidence viva voce is requisite, is an inconve- 
 nience which by the present establishment of jus- 
 tice there, will be prevented. Your Lordships in 
 your great wisdom, cannot but be sensible that tis 
 none of the least of those great and many privi- 
 ledges, on which we so justly vallue our English 
 Constitution, that we have justice administered at 
 our very doors, and this must needs be, as we see 
 by the happy effect, that it is a very great encour- 
 agement to rich and wealthy traders in all our 
 neighbouring countrys to transplant their families 
 and treasures into this Kingdom, where the ac- 
 quirements of their industry may be effectually 
 secured to themselves and their posterity, without 
 the inconvenience of being drawn to a remoate 
 and forreign jurisdiction to defend their property 
 from the unjust claims of a litigious adversary. — 
 And if this priviledge be so dear to us in this King- 
 dom, tis humbly hoped the colony of Cbnnecticutt 
 will have your Lordshipps favour in insisting on it 
 for themselves, for the reasons abovementioned, 
 especially since there appears no president of any 
 appeal of this nature from the said colony from 
 the time of their incorporation to this day, and 
 considering, 
 
 2. Secondly, that this is agreeable to their said 
 gracious Charter, that they should have power ful- 
 ly to determine all causes, without the delay, 
 trouble and expence of appeals elsewhere, for by 
 this they are expressly impowered to make all 
 
Henry Ashhurst's Memorial. 289 
 
 laws, statutes and ordinances which shall be 
 thought necessary for the good government of the 
 colony, and if so ample a Legislative power be 
 vested in them, sure the executive power to putt 
 these laws in execution must follow of course. — 
 But to clear all doubts tis expressly named in their 
 Charter, with a strict injunction to all the inhabi- 
 tants to be subject, and to the said laws, and who- 
 soever disobeys those laws by seeking relief else- 
 where, when they may by them in a regular course 
 have free and impartial justice, must be guilty of a 
 great contempt to this his Majesties injunction so 
 expressly sett forth in his said Charter. 
 
 3. Thirdly, this priviledge of fully determining 
 all causes within the said colony, without any ap- 
 peal elsewhere, is not inconsistent with, or repug- 
 nant to the laws and statutes of this Realm ; wee 
 have many inferiour courts and jurisdictions in 
 this Kingdom, whose sentances in things apper- 
 taining to their connusance, the sentance of the 
 General Quarter Sessions of peace, upon an ap- 
 peal from the order of two justices as to the set- 
 tlement of poor, is finall and conclusive, and this 
 for the quiett, as well as for the convenience of the 
 people, that they may have finall justice in their 
 respective counties. Nay one single Justice of 
 the Peace in severall matters relating to the Kings 
 Revenue of Excise, gives a finall and decisive 
 judgment, from which there is no appeal, and ma- 
 ny other inferiour jurisdictions too tedious to lay 
 before your Lordships, have such a power upon 
 necessary and weighty reasons, which in the re- 
 spective cases are very obvious. 
 
 But here perhaps it may be necessary to obvi- 
 ate one objection, which at the first sight may seem 
 to have som weight in it, vizt. Objection, if no ap- 
 peals be allowed from the General Assembly of 
 25 
 
290 Henry Ashhurst's Memorial. 
 
 the colony of Connecticutt, this will make them 
 absolutely independent on the Crown of England, 
 Resp. To this we answer, that such a consequence 
 is by no means necessary, for the true and proper 
 signification of an appeal in this case is a form of 
 judiciall proceeding, by which a suit or controver- 
 sie is removed in a judiciall way, from one inferi- 
 our jurisdiction to a superiour; now altho no such 
 appeal were allowed to remove any proceedings 
 from the General Assembly of Connecticutt to ju- 
 risdiction here in England, yett the prerogative of 
 the Crown of England would be no way injured 
 hereby, for should there ever happen to be a to- 
 tall corruption of the said Generall Assembly, so 
 that the inhabitants of the colony could not have 
 free and impartiall justice there (which is a thing 
 scarce possible to be supposed) and that this 
 should be made plainly to appear to his Majestie : 
 This would be a direct and positive forfeiture of 
 their Charter, and of the Royall franchise thereby 
 granted to them ; so that the colony would be 
 thereby disfranchised and again seized into the 
 Kings hands, this much we humbly submitt to 
 your Lordshipps as an answer to the abovemen- 
 tioned objection, and as to appeals in generall. 
 
 As to the particular complaints of Major Ed- 
 ward Palmes, John Hallam and Nicholas Hallam, 
 the first of these complaints had an hearing at the 
 court of New London, and if any injustice had 
 been there don him, the Generall Assembly were 
 ready to have relieved him according to the set- 
 tled laws of their colony. But in contempt of 
 their jurisdiction, he positively refused to sett forth 
 his grievance before them in order to be relieved, 
 and since he has contemned the ordinary regular 
 course of justice 'tis humbly hoped your Lord- 
 ships will not permitt him to proceed in such an 
 
Henry Ashhurst's Memorial. 291 
 
 extraordinary and extrajudiciall way, especially 
 since it directly strikes at the fundamentall privi- 
 ledges of the colony. 
 
 As to the other complaints, they have not so 
 much as begun or commenced any suit or claim in 
 any of the courts of the colony, butt would carry 
 the matter still further, to have not only appeals, 
 but even originall jurisdiction here in England, for 
 which we humbly hope your Lordships will se no 
 grounds, but rather by this in your great wisdom 
 will perceive how dangerous it is to break into the 
 furtherest bounds of the priviledges of any State 
 or colony, and perticularly in the case now before 
 your Lordshipps, since it may be a means to intro- 
 duce further inGonveniencies, and in fine a totall 
 subversion of the said colony. 
 
 All which is most humbly submitted to your 
 Lordships great wisdom, by 
 
 H. ASHHURST. 
 
 Note.-~» Although no date appears to the foregoing" memo- 
 rial, various circumstances evince that it must have been in 
 1700. A number of persons, among whom were Edward 
 Palmes and the Hallams, had conceived the idea of obtain- 
 ing a large tract of land, comprising the whole of the town 
 of Colchester, with parts of other towns adjoining. It ap- 
 pears from the Colony records, that Uncas, (Sachem of the 
 Mohegan Indians) in 1659, had ceded this tract of country 
 to Major Mason, who acted in the capacity of Agent of Con- 
 necticut ; Mason, after this treaty with Uncas, surrendered 
 the ceded territory to the Colony. Some of his decendants 
 in connection with Palmes, the Hallams and others, claiming 
 the transaction between Mason and the Colony as illegal, 
 concluded they should be able to recover the whole of the 
 disputed territory ; but upon trial of the case at New Lon- 
 don, a decision was given in favor of the Colony ; upon 
 which the claimants appealed to England for redress of grie- 
 vances, with but Tittle success, as the judgments of the 
 Courts in Connecticut, were there confirmed, 
 
292 Letter from Lords of Council. 
 
 A Letter from the Right Honorable, the Lords of 
 the Council of Trade, relating to appeals to the 
 King and Council, 
 
 White Hall, May 27thy 1700. 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 Wee are not a little surprized, that wee have re- 
 ceived no answer from you to our letter of the 
 24th Aprill 1699, wherein we sent you his Majes- 
 ties order in councill of the 9th of March forego- 
 ing, relating not only to the particular cases there- 
 in mentioned, but also to the general cases of jus- 
 tice in the colony of Connecticot, and to appeals 
 from thence to his Majesty in councill, which let- 
 ter we are well informed was dejivered to Colo- 
 nel Winthrop, Governour of that colony, the 24th 
 of July last. 
 
 And whereas this long delay of yours to answer 
 our said letter gives us just reason to doubt of your 
 haveing rendered that speedy and punctual obedi- 
 ence to his Majesties order, w'h we writt you was 
 expected from you by his Majesty as you would 
 answer the contrary ; and is at least a neglect of 
 your duty to inform us of your proceedings in a 
 thing which we so expressly recommended to 
 you ; we do therefore hereby once more give you 
 to understand that we wait with impatience for an 
 account of that obedience, which his Majesty has 
 required from you in so necessary a matter, that 
 we may accordingly lay your answer before his 
 
Letter from Se&y Vernon, tyc. 293 
 
 Majesty for his further pleasure thereupon. So 
 
 we bid you heartily farewell. 
 
 Your very loving friends, 
 
 STAMFORD, 
 LEXINGTON, 
 PH. MEADOWS, 
 JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 ABR. HILL, 
 GEO. STEPNEY, 
 JOHN LOCKE. 
 
 For his Majesties especial service. 
 
 For the Honnourable the Governour and Com- 
 pany of his Majesties colony of Connecticut, in 
 New England, in America. 
 
 Connecticut. 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon. Mr. Secretary Vernon, 
 with a certificate from the Mayor of Plymouth, 
 concerning John Burley and Thos. Williams, 
 who were taken by a Pirate, 6fC 
 
 White Hall, Oct. 13th, 1700. 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 You will see by the enclosed copy of a certifi- 
 cate, under the hand of the Mayor, and seal of the 
 corporation of Plymouth, that Thomas Burley, 
 mate, and John Williams, carpenter of the shipp 
 Orange, of Topsham, were taken out of her by a 
 Pyrate ship called the Morning Starr, and for 
 their usefullness forceably detained by them ; if 
 therefore this shipp of Pyrates, or the said two 
 25* 
 
294 Letter from Sec'y Vernon, <$<c. 
 
 persons should happen to be taken, and brought 
 into your Government, the Lords Justices are 
 pleased to direct, that they be not proceeded 
 against as guilty of Pyracy, but sent into England 
 with the first oppertunity. 
 I am Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most humble servant, 
 
 JA. VERNON. 
 
 To the GOvernour and company of his Majes- 
 ties colony of Connecticut, in America. 
 
 To all Christian people to whom these presents 
 of true testimonial shall come, I Richard Opie, 
 merchant, Mayor of the Bourrough of Plymouth, 
 in the county of Devon, send greeting : — Know 
 yee, that I the said Mayor doe hereby certifie and 
 make known, that on the day of the date hereof r 
 came and personally appeared before me, Thomas 
 Burley, Senior, of Plymouth, aforesaid, marriner, 
 a person very well known to me of good repu- 
 tation, credit and honesty, who hath been com- 
 ander and taken charge of several considerable 
 merchant shipps, belonging to this town of Plym- 
 outh, and is the natural and legitimate father of 
 Thomas Burley, Junior, of Plymouth, aforesaid, 
 marriner, aged twenty three years, or thereabouts, 
 and did voluntarily depose before me, the said 
 Mayor, on the Holy Evangelist, in manner fol- 
 lowing : That is to say, that his sonn Thomas 
 Burley, on or about the thirtieth day of May last 
 past, before the date hereof, (as he hath been 
 credibly informed,) sailed out of the Port of Top- 
 sham in the said county of Devon, mate of the 
 ship Orange, belonging to Topsham, aforesaid, 
 one John Hockaday, comander, of ten gunns, and 
 
Letter from Seo>y Vernon, tyc. 295 
 
 about sixteen men, bound for Newfoundland, but 
 on or about the fifteenth day of July next follow- 
 ing, in the lattitude of forty four degrees and 
 thirty one minutes, distant from Lundy about three 
 hundred and eighty leagues, was unfortunately 
 met with by a Pyrate (shipp) called the Morning 
 Starr, of twenty four gunns and an hundred men, 
 but of what nation or country this deponent 
 knoweth not, which shipp, the Orange, being 
 boarded by some of those belonging to the said 
 Pyrate, the said Thomas Burley, the sonn, was by 
 them forceably taken out of the said ship the 
 Orange, with one John Williams, carpenter of her, 
 and both of them made Prisoners and captives 
 aboard the said Pyrate, the Morning Starr, the 
 captain or chief commander thereof his name was 
 then unknown to the said Thomas Burley, the 
 sonn, as he gave the deponant an account of, by 
 letter dated at sea the fifteenth day of July, 1700, 
 from on board the Morning Starr in the lattitude 
 of forty four degrees and thirty one minutes, be- 
 wailing his misfortune, being so taken, (and there- 
 fore to be pittied) and the said deponent doth fur- 
 ther depose, that the said Thomas Burley, Junior, 
 is the eldest sonn of the said Thomas Burley, 
 Senior, and hath been his mate several voyages 
 to the Newfoundland, and the streights, and that 
 his said sonn is a lusty slender young man, of a 
 fresh rudy complexion, he hath short curled flaxen 
 hair, round favoured, and hath dark brisk eyes. 
 In testimony whereof, I the Mayor have hereunto 
 not only subscribed my name, and caused the 
 accustomed seat of office of Mayorality, used 
 within the said Burrough to be hereunto affixed, 
 but the said deponent hath hereunto likewise 
 subscribed his name, the sixth day of September, 
 
296 Order in Council. 
 
 in the twelfth year of the reigne of our Sovreigne 
 Lord, King William the third, over England, &c. 
 Annoq Dom. 1700. 
 
 RICHARD OPIE, f ~| 
 
 Mayor. \ seal. j 
 Thomas Burley. 4~~~~~# 
 
 Wee who have hereunto subscribed our names, 
 do believe all the contents of the above written 
 attestation to be true, as to the substance thereof, 
 and do reccomend the same to every one, whom 
 it doth or may concern, in favour of the said 
 Thomas Burley, both senior and junior. 
 
 H. TRELAWNEY, 
 HEN. HOOKER, 
 JOHN TRELAWNEY, 
 JOHN PAIGE, 
 THOMAS SWANTON, 
 JAMES YOUNfcE, 
 T. HOLMES. 
 
 Att the Court at Kensington, ) 
 
 the 5th day of December, 1700. ) 
 
 Present. 
 
 The Kings most Excellent Majesty in Council. 
 
 Upon reading this day at the Board, the petition 
 of John Hallatn and Nicholas Hallam, Executors 
 of the last will and testament of Olive Liven, 
 deceased, complaining of the Governour and 
 Company of the colony of Connecticut, in New 
 England, for refusing to admitt the petitioners to 
 
Letter from William III. 297 
 
 appeal from a sentance in a court of assistants, 
 held at Hartford in the said colony in May last, 
 contrary to an order from this board : it is ordered 
 by his Majesty in Council], that it be, as it is 
 hereby reffered to the Lords Comissioners of trade 
 and plantations, to examine the matter of the said 
 petition and complaint, a copy whereof is here- 
 unto .annexed, and to report to this board, what 
 they conceive fitt his Majesty to do therein. 
 
 A Letter from Ids Majesty William 3d, concern- 
 ing the contribution of money for erecting forts 
 for the defence of the province of New York, 
 also to the quota of men to be furnished for the 
 same. 
 
 WlI*LlAM R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, wee greet you well : 
 Whereas it is requisite that the general security 
 of our plantations upon the Continent of America, 
 be provided for by a contribution, in proportion 
 to the respective abilities of such plantation ; and 
 whereas the northern frontiers of our province of 
 New York, being the most exposed to our enemy, 
 do require an extraordinary charge for the erect- 
 ing and maintaining of forts, necessary for the 
 defence thereof, towards which we have lately 
 been graciously pleased to give the sum of 2500 lb. 
 sterling, and have also directed that our said 
 province of New York should exert the utmost of 
 their power in providing for those and the like 
 occasion. But it being yett further needfull that 
 
298 Letter from William III. 
 
 our other plantations and colonys on the Conti- 
 nent, do also contribute to so great a work, 
 wherein their own security is so much concerned : 
 Wee do hereby signifie you, that the sum which 
 we have at present thought fitt to be contributed 
 by our colony of Connecticott, in proportion to 
 what we do now in like manner direct to be 
 supplied by our other plantations towards the 
 fortifications on the frontiers of New York, is 
 450 lb. sterling, and we do accordingly recom- 
 end to you, that the said sum of 450 lb. sterling, 
 be furnished by our colony of Connecticut, for the 
 use aforesaid, to such person or persons as the 
 Earl of Bellomont, or the commander in chief of 
 our province of New York for the time being, 
 shall appoint to receive the same. And in case 
 the frontier of our said province of New York be 
 at any time invaded by an enemy ; you are also 
 upon the application of the said Earl, or the com- 
 ander in chief of the said province, for the time 
 being, immediately to furnish a quota of men (or 
 money in lieu thereof,) from our colony of Con- 
 necticut, according to the repartition herewith 
 sent you. And you are further to take notice, 
 that according to your behaviour in this occasion, 
 you will recommend yourselves to our Royall 
 Grace and favour. And so wee bid you farewell. 
 Given at our court, Hampton court, the 19th 
 day of January, 1700-1, in the twelfth year of our 
 reigne. 
 
 By his Majesties command, 
 
 JA. VERNON. 
 
 To our trusty and well beloved, the Governour 
 and Company of our Colony of Connecticut, in 
 America. Connecticut. 
 
An Act disannulling Charters, fyc. 299 
 
 The Quota of Men to be furnislwd by his Majes- 
 ties respective Plantations on the continent of 
 America, towards the defence of the Frontiers 
 of New York, in case they be invaded by an ene- 
 my. 
 
 Men. 
 
 Massachusets Bay, 350 
 
 New-Hampshire, 40 
 
 Rhode Island and Providence Plantation, 48 
 Connecticut, 120 
 
 New York, 200 
 
 East New Jersey, 60 
 
 West New Jersey, 60 
 
 Pensylvania, 80 
 
 Maryland, 160 
 
 Virginia, 240 
 
 1358 
 
 Copy of an Act for re-uniting to the Crown, the 
 Government of several of the Colonies and plan- 
 tations in America. 
 
 Whereas by vertue of severall charters and let- 
 ters pattents under the great seal of England, 
 passed and granted by severall of his Majesties 
 Royall predecessors, as also by his present Majes- 
 tie, and the late Queen Mary of blessed memory ; 
 the severall colonies, provinces and plantations of 
 the Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Rhoad 
 
300 An Act disannulling Charters, tyc> 
 
 Island and Providence plantations, Connecticutt in 
 New England, East and West New Jersey, Pen- 
 silvania and the adjacent territories, Maryland, Car- 
 ralino and the Bahama or Lucay Islands, in Amer- 
 ica, have been granted unto severall persons, to- 
 gether with the absolute government and authori- 
 ty over his Majesties subjects, in those places, 
 whereby the grantees were not only. made pro- 
 prietors of the soyle and lands comprehended 
 within the said places, &c. but also Lords and 
 Governours thereof, with full power of exercising 
 Royall Government and other jurisdictions over 
 the inhabitants thereof. And whereas the sever- 
 ing of such power and authority from the Crown, 
 and placeing the same in the hands of subjects, 
 hath by experience been found prejudiciall and re- 
 pugnant to the trade of this Kingdome, and to the 
 wellfare of his Majesties plantations in America, 
 and to his Majesties Revennue, arising from the 
 customes, by reason of the many irregularities 
 committed by the Governours of those plantations, 
 and by those in authority there under them, by in- 
 couraging and countenancing Pyrates and unlaw- 
 full traders and otherwise. 
 
 Be it therefore enacted by the Kings most Ex- 
 cellent Majesty, by and with the consent of the 
 Lords spirituall and temporall, and commons in 
 Parliament assembled, and by the authoritie of the 
 same, That all and singular the clauses, matters 
 and things contained in any charters or letters pat- 
 tents heretofore passed under the great seal of 
 England, by and of his Majesties Royall prede- 
 cessors, or by his present Majestie or the late 
 Queen, relating to the Government of his Majes- 
 ties subjects within the said plantations, colonies 
 or places, or any of them, or within any other 
 plantation, colony or place in America, whereby 
 
An act disannulling Charters, fyc, 301 
 
 any power or authority is granted to any person 
 or persons from the crown, be, and hereby are 
 declared and enacted to be, utterly void and of 
 none effect ; and it is hereby further declared and 
 enacted, that all such power and authority, privi- 
 ledges and jurisdictions shall be, and are hereby 
 reunited, annexed and vested in his Majesty, his 
 heirs and successors, in right of the crown of 
 England, to all intents and purposes as tho no 
 such Charter or Letters Pattents had been had or 
 made. Provided always that nothing herein con- 
 tained, shall be construed to extend any ways to 
 alter, take away diminish or abridge the right or 
 title which any person or persons, bodys politick 
 or corporate have, or lawfully may have or claime 
 to any lands, tenements or hereditaments, or any 
 other matter or thing (authority or Government 
 only excepted,) by vertue of the said, or any other 
 Charter or Letters Pattents, or by vertue of any 
 right or title derived from or under such Charters 
 or Letters Pattents, by any mean, assignment or 
 conveyances or otherwise howsoever. Provided 
 also, that nothing in this act contained, shall be 
 construed to impower his Majesty, his heirs or 
 successors, to govern the said plantations, colo- 
 nys or places or any of them, or the inhabitants 
 thereof, otherwise then according to the laws in 
 force in the said plantations and places respect- 
 ively, not repugnant to the laws of England, and 
 such other laws and constitutions as shall from 
 rime to time be made by the Generall Assembly 
 of the said respective plantations according to the 
 severall and respective priviledges at any time 
 heretofore granted to the said severall plantations 
 and colonies respectively, by any Charter or 
 Charters, or Letters Pattents, under the great 
 26 
 
302 An act disannulling Charters, fyc. 
 
 seal of England, and according to the usages in 
 his Majesties other plantations in America. 
 1701. 
 
 Note. — The colony was at this time in the most critical sit- 
 uation. It was not only in danger, and put to great expense in 
 consequence of the war, to defend itself, but to still greater, 
 to defend the neighboring colonies of Massachusetts and New 
 York. It was continually harrassed by the demands of Joseph 
 Dudley, Esqr. Governor of Massachusetts, and also by the 
 Governor of New York and the Jerseys, for men and money, 
 as they pretended, for the defence ot their respective Govern- 
 ments. Governor Dudley, Lord Cornbury and their instru- 
 ments combined together to despoil the colony of its Charter. 
 It ppears from the letters and acts on file, that Dudley wish- 
 ed to unite all New England under his own government. He 
 had been connected with Sir Edmund Andross in the Govern- 
 ment of New England, and was an enemy to all the Chartered 
 rights of the colonies. "While he was soliciting the Govern- 
 ment of Massachusetts, he had a view to the Government of 
 all New England. When he found in 1699, that Sir Henr}^ 
 Ashhurst was appointed agent of Connecticut, he opposed his 
 undertaking the agency with all his influfence. He united all 
 his influence with the Court party, and the enemies of the col- 
 ony to vacate its Charter. He so far succeeded, that in the 
 latter part of the reign of King William, the above bill or act, 
 was prepared for reuniting all the Charter Governments to the 
 Crown. Early in the reign of Queen Anne it was brought 
 into Parliament. Sir Henry Ashhurst viewing the act as 
 unjust, and subversive of the civil and religious rights of the 
 colony exerted all his influence against it. Sir Henry had 
 honorable connections whose influence at court was consider- 
 able. They raised all the opposition to the passing of the bill, 
 in their power. It was pleaded that the colony had ever been 
 loyal and obedient, and if any irregularities, or inadvertencies 
 should finally be found in the Government, it would on the first 
 notice, undoubtedly be reformed. At the same time, the taking 
 away of so many Charters, was at once calculated to destroy 
 all confidence in the Crown, in royal patents and promises; to 
 discourage all further enterprise in settling the eountry ; these 
 and various other considerations operated so powerfully against 
 the bill, that it could not be carried through the houses. — 
 Trum. Hist, of Con. 
 
Henry AshhursVs Petition. 303 
 
 Copy of the Petition of Sir Henry AsJihurst, 
 against the passing of the act for reuniting to 
 the Crown, the colonies and plantations in 
 America. 
 
 To the Right Honnourable — 
 
 The Lords Spiritual and Temporalis 
 
 The petition of Sir Henry Ashhurst, Barronet, 
 Agent for the colony of Connecticut in New 
 England : Humbly sheweth, — That there is a bill 
 depending before your Lordships, intituled an act 
 for reuniting to the Crown, the Government of 
 several colonies and plantations in America, 
 which will make null and void the Charter grant- 
 ed to the inhabitants of the said colony by King 
 Charles ye second, dated the 23d of Aprill, 1662. 
 That by the said Charter, the Government of the 
 said colony is granted to the said inhabitants, and 
 it is so interwoven with their properties that it 
 cannot be taken away without exposeing them to 
 confusion, if not utter ruine ; that the said colony 
 lies at a distance from the sea, and the inhabitants 
 never accused of any male administration, pyrat- 
 icall or unlawfull trade, and that their case is dif- 
 ferent from his Majesties other plantations. 
 
 Therefore your petitioner humbly prayes, that 
 he may be heard by his councill at the barr of this 
 honnourable house, in the behalf of the said inhab- 
 itants, against the passing of the said bill, and your 
 petitioner shall ever pray, &c. 
 
304 Order from the King, <^c. 
 
 Copy of an order of the Lords Spiritual and Tem- 
 poral, that Sir Henry Ashhurst may be heard 
 agadnst the passing of an act for reuniting to 
 the Crown, several Colonies and Plantations in 
 America, 
 
 Die Sabbati, May 3d, 170 1. 
 
 Upon reading the petition of Sir Henry Ash- 
 hurst, Barronet, Agent for the colony of Connec- 
 ticut^ praying that he may be heard by his councill 
 against the bill intituled, an act for reuniting to the 
 Crown, the government of several colonies and 
 plantations in America ; it is ordered by the Lords 
 Spiritual and Temporall, in Parliament assembled, 
 that the Petitioner shall be heard as desired 
 against the bill, on Thursday next, at eleven 
 o'clock. 
 
 MATHEW JOHNSON, 
 
 Cler. of Parliament. 
 
 An order from the King, submitting the case of 
 John and Nicholas Hallam to his Majesty in 
 Councill, tyc. 
 
 At the Court at Kingston, ) 
 the 12th of June, 170M 
 
 Present, 
 
 The Kings Most Excellent Majesty. 
 
 Lord Arch B'p of Canterbury, Lord Keeper, 
 Lord President, Lord Chamberlain, Earle of 
 Berkely, Earle of Rochester, Mr. Vice Cham* 
 
Letter from Lords of Privy Council. 305 
 
 berlain, Mr. Secretary Hedges, Lord Chief 
 Justice Holt, Sir Henry Goodricke. 
 
 Upon reading this day at the board, a repre- 
 sentation from the Lords Commissioners for trade 
 and plantations, in obedience to an order the 5th 
 of December last, upon the petition of John and 
 Nicholas Hallam, complaining that the Govcrnour 
 and Company of Connecticut had refused to 
 ad mitt them to appeal to his Majesty in Council], 
 from a sentance past in the court of assistants of 
 that colony, in the month of May 1700, relating 
 to the last will and testament of John Liven of the 
 said colony, deceased. His Majesty in Councill 
 is pleased to approve of the said representation, 
 and accordingly to order, as it is hereby ordered, 
 that the appeal of John and Nicholas Hallam in 
 the present case be admitted ; the petitioners first 
 giving security to prossecute the said appeal in 
 order to be heared before this board, the first 
 Councill day in February next, and to abide by 
 his Majestys determination in councill therein. 
 And his majesty is further pleased to order, that 
 authentick copies of all proceedings in the peti- 
 tioners case be transmitted to this board, under 
 the seal of the colony of Connecticut, for his 
 Majesties better information herein, whereof the 
 said Governour and Company, and all others 
 whome it may concern, are to take notice, and 
 govern themselves accordingly. 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon. the Lords of her Ma- 
 jesties Privy Council. 
 
 After our very hearty commendations ; it have- 
 ing pleased Almighty God, to take to his mercy, 
 26* 
 
306 Letter from Lords of Privy Council, 
 
 out of this troublesome life, our late Sovereign 
 Lord, King William the third, of most blessed 
 memory, and thereupon her Royall Majesty, 
 Queen Ann being proclaimed, we have thought 
 fitt to signifie the same unto you, with directions, 
 that with the assistance of the Councill and other 
 principall officers and inhabitants of Connecticutt, 
 you proclaime her most sacred Majestie according 
 to the form here inclosed with the solemnities and 
 ceremonies requisite on the like occasions ; and 
 we do further transmit unto you, her Majesties 
 most gracious Proclamation, signifieing her Majes- 
 ties pleasure, that all men being in office of Gov- 
 ernment at the decease of the late King, shall so 
 continue as duering his late Majestys life, untill 
 her Majesties pleasure be further known ; which 
 we do in like manner will and require you forth- 
 with to cause to be proclaimed in the chief place 
 or places within your Government. And so not 
 doubting of your ready complyance herein ; we 
 bid you heartily farewell. 
 
 From the Councill Chamber at St. James's, this 
 11th day of March, 1701-2. 
 
 Your very loveing friends. 
 THO. CANTUAR, BOLTON, 
 N. WRIGHT, BURLINGTON, 
 
 DEVONSHIRE, SCARBOROUGH, 
 
 CARLISLE, STAMFORD, 
 
 MANCHESTER, R. FERRERS, 
 SOMERSET, JOHN POVEY. 
 
 To our loveing friends, the Governour and Ma- 
 gistrates of her Majesties colony of Connecticutt, 
 in America, for the time being. 
 
Letter Jrom Council of Trade, <£c. 307 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon. the Lords of tJte 
 Council of Trade, with the information of the 
 death of King William the 3d, fyc. 
 
 White Hall, March the 19th, 1701-2. 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 Upon the sad occasion of the death of his late 
 Majesty, King William of blessed memory, and 
 the happy accession of the high and mighty 
 Princess Anne, to the Throne of her royall ances- 
 tors ; we send here inclosed the order of her 
 Majesties most honnourable Privy Councill, that 
 you may take care that her Majestie Queen Anne, 
 be accordingly proclaimed Queen of England, 
 Scotland, France and Ireland, and of all the do- 
 minions thereunto belonging, in the most sollemn 
 manner, and most proper parts of her Majesties 
 colony of Connecticutt. And you are upon this 
 occasion to assure all her Majesties subjects in 
 the said colony, of her Majesties speciall care and 
 protection, and to exhort them to do on their 
 parts what is necessary for their security and de- 
 fence in the present conjuncture, and you are to 
 return a speedy account of your proceedings 
 herein. So we bid you farewell. 
 Your loving friends, 
 
 STAMFORD, JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 
 LEXINGTON, MAT. PRIOR. 
 
 PH. MEADOWS, 
 
 For her Majesties especial service. 
 
 To the Honn'ble the Governour and Company 
 of her Majesties Colony of Connecticutt, in New 
 England, in America, or for the Governour and 
 Company of the said colony for the time being. 
 
308 Letter from Council of Trade, fyc. 
 
 A Letter from the Rt. Hon. the Lords Comission- 
 ers of the Council of Trade, with the copy of 
 the Petition of Benjamin Way, relative to five 
 men taken by Pirates. 
 
 White Hall, April the 4th, 1702. 
 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 We send you here inclosed a copy of a petition, 
 with an affidavit made upon it, relating to five 
 seamen, taken by a Pyrate, out of the John Galley, 
 and (as is believed) forcibly detained ; that in case 
 any of them shall happen to arrive in her Majes- 
 ties colony of Connecticut, under your Govern- 
 ment, you may have such regard to this testimony 
 of their innocence, as after other due examination, 
 shall appear reasonable. So we bid you heartily 
 farewell. 
 
 Your very loving friends, 
 
 STAMFORD, 
 PH. MEADOWS. 
 JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 MAT. PRIOR, 
 ABR. HILL. 
 
 For her Majesties especial service. 
 
 To the Honnourable the Governour and Com- 
 pany of her Majesties colony of Connecticut, in 
 New England, in America, or for the Governour 
 and Company of the said colony for the time 
 being. Connecticut. 
 
Petition of Benjamin Way. 309 
 
 lo the Right Honnourable the Lords Commission- 
 ers/or Trade and Plantations, the humble Pe- 
 tition of Benjamin Way, of London, merchant, 
 sheweth : — 
 
 That whereas the ship John Gaily, Thomas 
 Warren, master, on a voyage to Madagasker and 
 other places in India, was in the lattitude of 36 
 degrees south, on the 9th of Aprill, 1701, surpriz- 
 ed and taken by the shipp John, late of London, 
 200 tunns, 20 gunns, about sixty men, one Juet, a 
 Frenchman, commander, and plundered of cargo, 
 stores and provissions, and after being detained 
 four days, was on the 1 3th suffered to depart, but 
 Henry Berckley, Surgeon, Jos. Bartholomew, 
 carpenter, Thomas Jones, Henry Cosser and 
 William Crawford, saylors, were forcibly stopt 
 and kept on board the Pyrate. Wherefore I, 
 your Petitioner, pray your Honnors that some 
 notice may be given to the several Governours of 
 her Majesties plantations and colonys abroad, 
 that if said ship be taken, or come in, those five 
 innocent men may not be treated as criminals* 
 And your petitioner shall ever pray, &c. 
 
 London, 2d April, 1702. 
 
 COPIA. 
 
 Thomas Warren, master of the above shipp, 
 John Gaily, appeared before me and made oath, 
 the five named in the above petition, were as he 
 verily believes forceably stopt by the pyrates as 
 above declared. 
 
 THOMAS WARREN. 
 London, 8th April, 1702. 
 
 Thomas Abney, Mayor* 
 
 
310 Letter from Earl of Nottingham . 
 
 Letter from the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Nottingham, 
 one of her Majesties principal Secretaries of 
 State, giving notice of her Majesties Declaration 
 of war against France and Spain. 
 
 White Hall, May 7th, 1702. 
 
 Sir — The Queen haveing been pleased to con- 
 stitute me one of her principal Secretarys of State, 
 it is necessary that I should inform you of it, that 
 for the future you may direct to me, such letters 
 as relate to her Majesties service, and I desire 
 you from time to time, to acquaint me with such 
 things as occur in your parts. 
 
 And I am commanded to acquaint you, that her 
 Majesty has declared warr against France and 
 Spain, as you will see by the enclosed declaration, 
 and to signifie her Majesties pleasure to you, that 
 you cause it to be proclaimed in the places under 
 your Government, that her subjects haveing this 
 notice, may take care to prevent any mischief, 
 which otherwise they might suffer from the ene- 
 my, and do their duty in their severall relations 
 to" annoy the subjects of France and Spain. I 
 must also acquaint you that the Emperour and 
 the States General!, have also declared warr 
 against France and Spain. 
 
 I am your most humble Servant, 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 To the Governour and company of her Majes- 
 ties colony of Connecticut, in America. 
 Connecticutt. 
 
Letter from Council of Trade, <$-c. 311 
 
 Letter from the Rt. Hon. the Lords of the Council 
 of Tirade, directing the Governour and Company 
 to prepare for their security, and to render as- 
 sistance to New York, tyc. 
 
 White Hall, Sept. the 15th, 1702. 
 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 Her Majesty has been pleased, by order in 
 council of the 24th of August last, upon our rep- 
 resentation relating to the defence and security 
 of all the plantations in America, expressly to 
 direct us to require you to take care that due pre- 
 parations be made in her Majesties colony of 
 Connecticutt, for the defence and security of the 
 same against any attempt that may be made upon 
 it by the enemy duering this time of warr. And 
 likewise that in case of an invasion or appearance 
 of iminent danger, on the side of New York, you 
 do forthwith send assistance to that province, in 
 men or money according to former directions 
 given you on that behalf, this being her majesties 
 express command, and your own interest in the 
 safety of that colony, being also so much con- 
 cerned in the observance thereof, your punctual 
 complyance with her Majesties pleasure in these 
 particulars is accordingly expected, so we bid you 
 heartily farewell. Your loveing friends, 
 ROB. CECILL, JOHN POLLEXFEN, 
 PH. MEADOWS, MAT. PRIOR. 
 
 For her Majesties especial service. 
 
 For the Hon. the Gove'r and Company of her 
 Majesties colony of Connecticut, in New England, 
 in America, or for the Gov'r and company of the 
 said colony for the time being. Connecticut. 
 
3 1 2 Court of Election. 
 
 At a Court of Election holden at ) 
 Hartford, May 11, 1704. \ 
 
 It is ordered by this Court, that the frontier 
 townes hereafter named, are to be so accounted, 
 that is to say, Symsbury, Waterbury, Woodbury, 
 Danbury, Colchester, Windham, Mansfield, and 
 Plainfield. And shall not be broken up or volun- 
 tarily deserted without application first made by 
 the inhabitants, and allowance had and obtained 
 from this Court, nor shall any inhabitants of the 
 frontiers mentioned, having an estate of freehold 
 in lands and tenements within the same, at the 
 time of any insurrection or breaking forth of warr, 
 remove from thence with intent to sojourn else- 
 where, without libertie as aforesaid, on pain of 
 forfeiting all his estate in lands and tenements 
 lying within such townships, to be recovered by 
 information of, and proof made by the select men 
 of such towne. 
 
 And it is further enacted, that no male person 
 of sixteen years old and upwards, that shall be an 
 inhabitant of or belonging to any of the townes 
 aforementioned, at the time of such warre or in- 
 surrection, shall presume to leave such place on 
 penalty of ten pounds, to be recovered as afore- 
 said, all which penalties to be improved towards 
 the defence of such place or places whereof such 
 person or persons were inhabitants. 
 
 It is ordered by this Court, that ten men shall 
 be put in garrison in each of those townes hereaf- 
 ter mentioned, that is to say, Danbury, Woodbury, 
 and Symsbury. 
 
Letter from Queen Anne. 313 
 
 Additional instructions to our trusty and ivell be- 
 loved the Governor and company of our Colony 
 of Connecticutt in New England in America, 
 or to the Governor and Company of our said 
 Colony for the time being. Given at our Cas- 
 tle at Windsor, the Yithday of July, 1704, in the 
 third year of our reign. 
 
 Amne R. 
 
 Whereas by the third article of our instructions 
 to you according to several laws relating to the 
 trade and navigation of this our kingdom of Eng- 
 land, and our colonies and plantations in America, 
 you are required to take care and give directions 
 that no goods or commodities whatsoever be im- 
 ported into, or exported out of our said colony of 
 Connecticut, in any ships or vessels, but in such 
 whereof the master and three-fourths of the mar- 
 iners at least are English, and whereas by a clause 
 in an act past the last session of Parliament, en- 
 tituled an act for raising recruits for che land forces 
 and marines, and dispensing with part of the act 
 for their incouragement and increase of shipping 
 and navigation during the present war, (a copy 
 whereof you shall herewith receive.) It is enac- 
 ted that during the present war and no longer, 
 the number and proportion of mariners to sail in 
 such ships or vessels, which by laws now in force 
 are limited to the master and three-fourths of the 
 mariners to be English, shall be enlarged to the 
 master and one moiety of the mariners at least to 
 be English, it is our will and pleasure, that you 
 take care and give directions, that the said act be 
 
 27 
 
314 An Act raising Recruits, fyc. 
 
 observed in our said colony of Connecticut, dur- 
 ing this present war accordingly. A. R. 
 
 Copy of a clause of an act past in the third year 
 of her Majesties reign, entituled an act for rais- 
 ing recruits for the land forces and marines, and 
 for dispencing with part of the act forincourage- 
 ment and increase of shipping and navigation 
 during the present war. 
 
 And whereas by the laws now in force, the 
 navigating of ships or vessels in divers cases, is 
 required to the master and three-fourth parts of 
 the mariners at least being English, under divers 
 penalties and forfeitures therein contained : and 
 whereas great numbers of seamen are imployed 
 in her Majesties service, for the manning of the 
 Royal Navy, so that it is become necessary dur- 
 ing the present war, to dispence with the said 
 laws, and to allow a greater number of foreign 
 mariners for the carrying on of trade and com- 
 merce. Be it therefore enacted by the authority 
 aforesaid, that during the present war, and no 
 longer, the number and proportion of mariners to 
 sail in such ships or vessels which by any law 
 now in force are limited to the master and three- 
 fourths of the mariners to be English, shall be en- 
 larged to the master and one moiety of the mar- 
 iners at least to the English ; and that it shall and 
 may be lawful to, and for the owner or owners of 
 any such ship or vessel to navigate the same with 
 such mariners whereof the master and one moiety 
 of the mariners at least shall be English, without 
 
Letter from Board of Trade, 315 
 
 incurring any penalty or forfeiture for so doing, 
 and without subjecting the goods or merchandize 
 laden on such ships or vessells to any other cus- 
 tomes, duties or payments than should have been 
 paid for the same, in case the same ships or ves- 
 sells had been navigated by a master and three 
 fourths of the mariners being English, any former 
 law or statute to the contrary thereof in any wise 
 notwithstanding. 
 
 Letter from the Lords of the Board of Trade. 
 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 It having pleased Almighty God to give her 
 Majesty a compleat and glorious victory over her 
 enemies near the Danube, under the conduct of 
 his grace the Duke of Marlborough;* and her 
 Majesty having thought fit, in acknowledgement 
 of so great a blessing, to appoint a day of thanks- 
 giving here in England, which, as it cannot be so 
 soon complyed with by you, we herewith inclose 
 to you the said proclamation with directions that 
 on receipt thereof you appoint a proper and spee- 
 dy day to be kept by all her Majesties good sub- 
 jects within her Majesties colony of Connecticut 
 
 * Battle of Bleinhem, fought on the 2d of August 1704. 
 The French and Bavarians, under Marshal Tallard, were 
 totally defeated, with the loss of 20,000 men, killed, wounded 
 or drowned in the Danube. The French Marshal, with 
 13,000 men were made prisoners. A large proportion of the 
 artillery and baggage of the French army, also fell into the 
 hands of the English. 
 
SI 6 Letter from Henry Ashh urst. 
 
 in like manner as is prescribed by the said 
 proclamation. And so we bid you heartily fare- 
 well. 
 
 From our office at White Hall August the 25tb, 
 1704. 
 
 Your very lovein^ friends, 
 
 PH. MEADOWS, 
 WM. BLATHWAYT, 
 MAT. PRIOR. 
 
 GovV and Company of Connecticut. 
 
 Letter from Sir Henry Ashhurst, to Governor 
 Winthrop. 
 
 Kensington, 9 September, 1704. 
 
 Hon'ble and worthy Sir — 
 
 My last to you was by Mr. Mulford, who was 
 in such haste yt he could not stay an hour for that 
 letter, but since I hear he is at Plymouth, I take 
 ye opportunity to write to you more at large, tho 
 both my letters may come to you pr the same 
 hand. Your Government being a Charter Gov'- 
 ment, and vipers among you that would destroy 
 their own native country, know those Govern- 
 ments are not favoured at court, and when peti- 
 tions and answers, references in appeals, bring 
 great grists to their mill, noe wonder if they are 
 incouraged heere ; you may see by the following 
 account the malice and spite of Hallam against 
 you and yt worthy Gentleman Mr. Saltonstail, 
 to whom with much respect remember me. As to 
 
Ajetter from Henry Ashhurst. SIT 
 
 the acct. yt you desire, I cannot serve you to 
 give you particulars, for reasons you may guess ; 
 if you were neere mee you should have them ; 
 but this I will say, that ye solicitors bill, the 
 councill to both the hearing of Hallam's and the 
 reference came to about £60. I received no 
 petty charges nor any one attendance ; their bu- 
 siness has cost Hallam and some body else above 
 £250 already, in this suite about the will, and if it 
 had not ben justly opposed by some Lords my 
 friends, Hallam did not expect, who did beleeve 
 what I said of the justnes of the cause, he would 
 have obtained a second hearing aboute the will, 
 se by the inclosed papers, which is a copy of his 
 petition for a second hearing. I have also inclos- 
 ed the opinions of two of the best councelle we 
 have, fit to be judges of all these questions ; you 
 desired to be informed in reference to Hallams, 
 which is included in the compound charge men- 
 tioned above, but this of Hallams hath cost me 
 about £10 since my last. I have also inclosed a 
 copy of his petition to the Queen's Councill about 
 his ship, and refuseing to give him letters of ad- 
 ministration for his sister, and with these invidious 
 words, that you positively denyed appeales to 
 England, which you will read in this petition in- 
 closed ; they granted him an appeal, he bringing 
 two affidavids yt you positively denyed any ap- 
 peales to England, and they appointed a hearing 
 next October, and had some materialls, but is 
 now agreed to be put off untill October next come 
 twelve month, and against then you must send 
 me full instructions, and if it be necessary a person 
 or two for evidence ; if the Lord spare my life I 
 hope this shall be the last trouble you shall have ; 
 the order of counsel saith he shall give security 
 heer or else with you to abide the judgment, to 
 27* 
 
318 Letter from Henry Askhurst. 
 
 pay all the charges ; he hath given none here, 
 therefore if he doth not give sufficient security 
 with you, you must make oath of his refusall and 
 send over such affidavitts. I am sorry matters 
 transacted at court are so chargeable ; there is 
 noe geting reference of a petition without paying 
 £3 2s 6d, as to his comition under the great 
 seal w'ch hath cost £100 to the Queene, passing 
 the offices : the complaint of ye Indians, if you 
 make that appear to be a knavery I believe they 
 will not have his other appeale : I do not doubt 
 but all these tricks will turn at last to the country s 
 advantage. As to the account of the charge of 
 the colony for defending their cause in the house 
 of Lords, and other business respecting their 
 boundaryes and severall other things, that charge 
 is 100 pound at least : the agent for Hallam, is 
 agent for Rhoade Island, he has £40 pr year, be- 
 sides all his ffees and his bills, and Mr. Phyps hath 
 had two hundred pound this year paid him pr Mr. 
 Partridge for Massecusets. I have one or two 
 very materiell things to write to you ; one is about 
 your militia ; it is the opinion of the best counsel 
 yt you have pr your Charter, power of your owne 
 malitia, w'ch Charter I hope you will long enjoy, 
 therefore if to the exposeing of your owne country 
 you are called by any of the Queene s Governors 
 to send out your own men, in a civil maner, rep- 
 resent it to that Govern't and tell them you have 
 power by yo'r Charter, of yo'r owne malitia, and 
 that we serve so gratious a Queene, that would 
 have nothing done to the prejudice of any of her 
 people, but if you can spare them from your own 
 safety, and if any other colony wants them let 
 them have them if they will pay them. Against 
 winter you must expect that I shall attend the 
 Parliament, against an act of Parliament yt will 
 
Letter from Henry Ashhur st. 319 
 
 be attempted by your enemies not only to take 
 away your Charter, but also to get a corporation 
 settled by act of Parlm't heere under pretence of 
 bringing in navall stores to destroy all your trade, 
 both in New England, and in yo'r colony w'ch 
 will at last I fear ruine that interest of religion 
 w'ch cost your heroick ancestors soe deare, these 
 are things that require your speedy consultation 
 and I wish you effectually to arme me every way 
 to defend you against soe many attacks ; for if 
 you doe not, your children will feel the miserys 
 of so fatall a neglect ; those that are at this junc- 
 ture against this expence, serve the interest of the 
 enemies of your Charter. 
 
 I am, with much respect, 
 
 Your most faithfull servant, 
 
 HENRY ASHHURST. 
 
 I doe think the whole country quacks were con- 
 cerned in the business of Hallam's ; and I beleave 
 there was some part of the 100 pound for the 
 countryes service might have some reference to 
 Hallam, but it was but a small part. 
 
 Account. 
 
 To 4 years sallery for my agency lb. s. d. 
 
 and attendance in your service, 
 
 at £100 pr annum, 400 00 00 
 
 To mony expended in the service 
 
 of the colony, 100 00 00 
 
 To money expended in Hallam's 
 
 business, defending the two 
 
 suits laid out, 60 00 00 
 
 To the exchange of £100, paid 
 
 in New England. 35 00 00 
 
 £595 00 00 
 
320 better from Henry Ashhurst. 
 
 Rece'd pr Generall Winthrops or- 
 der pr two bills of exchange, £200 00 00 
 
 Recde, per Mr. Peter Serjaunt, 
 
 Boston, 100 000 00 
 
 Recde of Mr. Mason pr a bill 
 
 drawn upon you, 40 00 00 
 
 Recede pr a bill drawne payable 
 
 to Mr. Sewall, 100 00 00 
 
 £440 00 00 
 
 Rest due to me, this 15th Sept. 1704, 155 00 00 
 
 Because you complane of yo'r expence in this 
 warr, I am willing to take £100 to cleare this oc- 
 count to this day. You must excuse the bad wri- 
 ting, the difficulty of geting papers must excuse 
 my blunders. I shall send a man to Plymouth to 
 forward this. 
 
 To Major Generall John Winthrop Esqr, Gov- 
 ernor of Connecticutt. 
 
 Letter from Sir Henry Ashhurst to the Governor 
 and Council fyc. of Connecticut. 
 
 Kensington, ffeb. 15th, 1704-5 
 
 Honourable Sr. 
 
 And you the Govu J r, of ye Councill and 
 General Assembly of Connecticott. 
 
 My last to you was of the 9th of September, 
 with several papers and accounts sent you by 
 
Letter from Henry Ashhurst. 321 
 
 Major Yaughan and Mr. Mulford, which I hope 
 is arrived safe — an imperfect coppy I here inclose, 
 about three weeks after they were set sail, Mr. 
 Dudley, ye old ftriend* of New England, and my 
 Lord Cornbury sent such letters and complaints, 
 and Mr. D. sent an opinion of the Attorney Gen- 
 erall in King William's time, yt you will see pr 
 ye inclosed, yt the Queen might send a Gov'r 
 of yo'r colony ; the Lords of the trade immedi- 
 ately transmitted this information of D's and my 
 Lord Cornbury to ye Queen and council!, they 
 transmitted ye opinion to ye Attorney and Soli- 
 citor Generall, one of them being my near kins- 
 man, and the other a very honest man ; they 
 made a report yt, if ye case was so as D. repre- 
 sented it yt, there was a defect in Gove'mt, that 
 you were not able to defend ye colony, and yt it 
 was in eminent danger of being possessed pr ye 
 Queens enemies, in such a case she might send a 
 Gov'r for civill and military Gover'mt, yet not to 
 alter yo'r laws and customes — after this the Queen 
 sent for me into Oxfordshire, (I owning myself 
 yo'r publick serv't) to the reasons (If I have any) 
 why the Queen might not appoint a Gov'r over 
 yo'r colony, which I thot was taking from you all 
 yt was dear to you — I immediately left all my 
 concerns and came to town, tho I had a great part 
 of my estate to lett yet, and is like to be upon my 
 hands, yet haveing put my hand to ye plow, I 
 would not look back again. If I had not en#a- 
 ged to serve you, for five times what you have 
 given me, I would not have taken so much pains, 
 as was absolutely necessary for me to do at this 
 juncture. It being agreed yt the Lord Cornbury 
 should have yo'r colony, and Dudley Rhoad Is- 
 
 *An ironical expression. 
 
322 Letter from Henry Ashhurst. 
 
 land, as I was credibly informed. I have served 
 Rhoad Island, who are much more obnoxious 
 than you for the present. No wonder that D. uses 
 all ye interest he has, yt I might not be yo'r agent, 
 since he has such designs in his head to take your 
 charter away. My Lord Pagett is my wives own 
 brother, who is going to ye Emperor Embassador 
 Extraordinary to make peace betwixt him and ye 
 Hungarian Protestants : a noble designe if effect- 
 ed, he has great interest at court, and he assisted 
 me when I came to town, I had but six days al- 
 lowed me to shew cause why a Gov'r should not 
 be appointed. I presented a petition to ye Queen 
 and then got thirty days time, and then having my 
 councill and all things ready, the hearing being 
 put off to ye 12th instant, was a double charge, 
 then I got two of the best councill in England, 
 both Parliament men, one of £1000 pr annum, 
 and the other a very great man. They both for 
 an hour and half defended yo'r cause ag't the At- 
 torney and Solicitor Generall before the Queen 
 and Councill. I stood buffeting all the clamours 
 of D. by my councill and of all yt was charged 
 ag't you per D. my Lord Coi nbury and Mr. Con- 
 greve, and after the consideracion of the councill, 
 they came to this resolution, yt the Lords Com'rs 
 of Trade, out of all ye accusations offered (where- 
 by they endeavoured to shew yt you had forfeited 
 yo'r charter) should draw ye most materiall crimes, 
 and yt a copy of them should be sent to Coll. D. 
 and to my Lord Cornbury, and to ye Gov'r of 
 Connecticott, and the Gov'r of Rhoad Island, yt 
 they should in a publick manner examine ye per- 
 ticulars, and send affidavids of ye truth of the 
 ffacts, and ye best answers yt you can make to 
 them ; and to be sent hither if possible August 
 next. But w't your crimes are, they will accuse 
 
Letter from Henry Ashhurst. 323 
 
 you of, I shall not yet hear these 14 days; but 
 that you may be prepared I send you this notice 
 pr ship, yt I am told is just going away. There 
 bone Mr. Buckly, all by D's contrivance has sent a 
 large ffolio book, which he calls pr ye name of 
 Will and Doom, or a History of the miseries of 
 Connecticott, under the arbitrary power of the 
 present Gover'mt, wherein he mightily commends 
 Sr Edmund Andros's Gov'mt, and says all ye ma- 
 litious things he possibly can invent with great 
 cunning and art. I have inclosed you ye memo- 
 riells drawn up to instruct my councill ; and what 
 the additionall instructions are you have allso, 
 which I drew myself. I desire you w r ould consid- 
 er, to make such answers as may once for all de- 
 liver you from the like danger; remember ye Ca- 
 nanite is in ye land, as for yo'r laws differing from 
 ye laws of England, dont be discouraged at yt 
 but be sure yt they dont find you breaking the acts 
 of Parliam't concerning navigation, for yt binds 
 ..all ye Queens subjects every where. Therefore 
 you must be very strict in observing them, and be 
 sure yt they dont find you protecting of criminalls 
 or any yt defraud ye Queen, or saying or doing 
 any thing disrespectfull to her or ye Gove'mt. — 
 They lay strange things to yo'r charge, the heads 
 whereof I have here inclosed. 
 
 I am affrayed yo'r letters are intercepted, I 
 have had none from you since ye 5th of June last, 
 pray send me perticulars upon oath under yo'r 
 seal, of all ye charge yt you have been att every 
 year in defending yo'r own countrey, or assisting 
 others since the war began. The present charge 
 of this, has cost me £40. I hope you have paid 
 the £140 to Sewall. I shall draw this year £200 
 upon you, besides ye exchange payable to him for 
 ye corporation, which will pay ye £100 in arrears 
 
324 Letter from Henry Ashhurst. 
 
 and ye £100 for this year, and because you say the 
 war has exhausted you. If I am at no more 
 charge than this £40, I will draw no more upon 
 you this year. 
 
 And so you have all my pains and trouble this 
 year for £60. I think you ought to send a special! 
 messenger of some credit withall yo'r dispatches, 
 since letters are so intercepted. If 1 had not 
 made some great interest, I know how things 
 would have gone. 1 hope a Nephew of mine 
 will be Lord Keeper. I shall say no more now, 
 but yt I am gentlemen, 
 
 Your friend and humble Servant, 
 
 HEN. ASHHURST. 
 
 Nole. — The immense mass of testimony and other docu- 
 ments in relation to the affairs above alluded to, would extend - 
 this work to an unusual length : Gov. Dudley and Lord 
 Cornbury had spared no pains to carry their points against 
 the Colony ; but through the skill, perseverance and faith- 
 fulness of Sir Henry Ashhurst, all their plans were defeated. 
 They were unable to sustain the charges which they had ex- 
 hibited against the Colony : the affair was kept in agitation 
 for nearly seventy years. It was always upon a legal hear- 
 ing determined in favor of the Colony. The final decision 
 did not take place until the former part of the Reign of 
 Geonre the third. 
 
 Letter from Sir Henry Ashhurst to Governor Win- 
 throp. 
 
 Kensington, 2d Feb. 1705. 
 Much Honnoured and dear Sr — 
 
 I have only a quarter of an hours notice of a 
 particular hand, to acquaint you that I have seve- 
 
Letter from Henry AshhursL 325 
 
 rail letters from you and from the Goverment, 
 from August to November ; and to tell you that I 
 have been almost every day from morning till night 
 soliciting your affairs. The naturall aversness I have 
 to oppression, as well as believing it to be the cause 
 of God, makes me willing to leave my pleasant 
 habitation in Oxfordshire, to endeavour to protect 
 you against the malice and crafty designs of your 
 great oppressor. I can give you no particular ac- 
 count of the success of any of your affairs under 
 my management. About a fortnight hence, Palmes 
 his 2 appeals, will be heared, and Palmes himself 
 is come here to be a witness to his just proceed- 
 ings about the Indian lands ; as also to justifie the 
 complaints of Dudley against the Government, 
 and I very much wonder, that when your all was 
 at stake, that you would not send one person fully 
 furnisht with evidences under your seal, to con- 
 front the accusation that Dudley brings in against 
 you ; there is but one of your boxes of writings 
 that is come safe ; the ship that you sent the oth- 
 er in, is thought to be taken by the French : and 
 there is one writing under your seal, that you men- 
 tioned in severall of your letters, (to wk) evi- 
 dence that Palmes refused to give security suffi- 
 cient to answer the judgment here, either Hallam 
 opened the box I have, and took that writing out, 
 or else it was in that box that was sent by the ship 
 thought to be taken by the French. I shall do all 
 that 1 can for your service, with as much zeal and 
 industry as if it was to save my wife and my fam- 
 ily. In a months time I shall be heared I suppose 
 before the Queen and Councell, by my Council!. 
 As to your 3 great causes, the matter of the Indi- 
 ans, the particulars of the complaints of Coll. 
 Dudley, and the 2 appeals of Palmes's ; and then 
 you will know your doom. I have ordered the 
 28 
 
326 Letter from Henry Ashhurst. 
 
 writing out of 80 folio pages of Dudleys, w'ch he 
 sent over to the Queen, in which he makes a very- 
 fair show of justice, but reflects upon Mr. Gurdin 
 Saltonall* upon his willingness to submitt himself 
 to his sensure. I wish you could have brought 
 some evidences that these commissioners with 
 Dudley were interested in a part of the lands in 
 controversie, which would have done all for them 
 att once. However, I will make the best use I 
 can of the papers and evidences you sent me to 
 the best advantage. I am very much concerned 
 to hear that you do so ill return to me for all my 
 services as to suffer my first bill of £140 payable 
 to Say well to be unpaid, for him to complain for 
 your nonpayment of it in time. I hope all the 
 bills you have will be paid before the reciet of this, 
 which you promist me in your letters. I shall not 
 draw any more bills upon you till towards May. 
 I am to believe when there is a new Governour of 
 New England, you will have little need of my 
 agency, and that you will be quiet possessors of 
 your religious and civill interest. I am on Mun- 
 day to meet in the city, the Quakers that have pro- 
 cured an order from councill for repealing the law 
 you made against them, which I took to be a very 
 extriordinary order, considering you were in pos- 
 session of your own charter, but the hand of Job 
 is in it, I mean he who sent over a great sum of 
 gold, taken in some prize ships, by which he sup- 
 poses he hath secured his interest. I have scarse 
 time to say more ; but my kind respects to your- 
 
 * Gurdon Saltonstall. 
 
Charges against Connecticut, fyc. 327 
 
 self and the worthy gentlemen of the Goverment. 
 I am to you all a very sincere and 
 
 Faithfull Servant, 
 HEN. ASHHURST. 
 
 Hon. Major Gen'll John Winthrop, Governour 
 of the Colony of Connecticott. 
 
 Charges exhibited against the proceedings of the 
 Charter Government of Connecticut. 
 
 That the Government of Connecticut does not 
 observe ye acts of trade and navigation, but coun- 
 tenances the violation thereof, by permitting and 
 incouraging of illegal trade and Piracy. 
 
 That ye colony of Connecticut is a receptacle 
 of Pirates, who are iacouraged and harboured by 
 that Government. 
 
 That ye Government of Connecticut, harbours 
 and protects soldiers, seamen and servants that de- 
 sert from other her Majesties plantations, and will 
 not deliver them up when they are reclaimed, they 
 also give shelter to malefactors, who make their 
 escapes from other parts, without delivering them 
 up when demanded, and that great numbers of the 
 young men go out of ye colonies of the Massa- 
 chusetts Bay and New York (where they are obli- 
 ged to pay taxes for the support of her Majesty's 
 Government and maintaining the war ag'st ye 
 French and Indians) to Connecticut, and are there 
 entertained and induced to settle chiefly for that no 
 taxes are raised there, for those necessary purpo- 
 ses. 
 
328 Charges against Connecticut, fyc. 
 
 That ye colony of Connecticut will not furnish 
 their Quota towards the Fortifying of Albany and 
 assisting New York, the place of common securi- 
 ty for all those parts, nor do they give due assist- 
 ance in ye colony of ye Massachusetts Bay against 
 the French and Indians. 
 
 That if any of her Majesty's subjects, not be- 
 ing inhabitants of this colony, sue for a debt in ye 
 courts, they can have no right done them, if the 
 defendants be of that colony. 
 
 That under colour of their charter, they try rob- 
 beries, murders and other crimes, make capital 
 laws and punish with death, without any legal au- 
 thority for the same, and that their proceedings in 
 their courts of judicature are very arbitrary and 
 unjust. 
 
 That they do not allow of the laws of England 
 to be pleaded in their courts, otherwise than as it 
 may serve a turn for themselves. 
 
 That they have refused to allow of appeals to 
 her Majesty in council, and give great vexation to 
 those that demand the same. 
 
 That ye Government have refused to submit to 
 her Majesty and his Royal Highness comission of 
 Vice Admiralty, and for commanding their Mili- 
 tia, and have defeated ye powers given to ye Gov- 
 ernors of her Majesty's neighbouring colonies in 
 yt behalf. 
 
 That they have made a law yt no christians 
 who are not of their community, shall meet to 
 worship God, or have a Minister, without lycence 
 from their Assembly, which law even extends to 
 
Letter from Gov. Winthrop. 329 
 
 ye Church of England, as well as other profess- 
 ions tollerated in England.* 
 
 By order of the Lords Comm'rs for Trade and 
 Plantations. 
 
 White Hall, April the 1705. 
 
 Copy of Letter from Gov. TVinthrop, to Sir Hen- 
 ry Ashhurst. 
 
 New London, Aug't 2d, 1705. 
 Honb'l Sr — 
 
 This day came to my hands y'r letters, with an 
 account of the complaints made against this colo- 
 ny by the Lord Cornbury and Coll. Dudley, with 
 
 * The above charges and complaints were prepared and ex- 
 hibited by Governor Dudley and Lord Cornbury. Dudley and 
 his abettors had laid their plans with great art and intrigue ; 
 but Sir Henry Ashhurst, stood firm against all their assaults ; 
 it was demonstrated by, his council that the Colony was vested 
 with ample powers to make and execute laws criminal and 
 capital, as well as civil. With respect to the irregularity and 
 injustice of the Courts, it was urged that the charges were gen- 
 eral and derived from hearsay and clamor, and that no particu- 
 lar case was specified, and therefore needed no reply. And in 
 respect to the complaint that Connecticut did not furnish her 
 Quota of men which was demanded by the Governors of the 
 neighboring Colonies, it was replied that by their Charter they 
 were under no obligations to comply with those demands, 
 notwithstanding they were able to show that they had the last, 
 and the present year between five and six hundred men in actu- 
 al service. Four hundred of this number had been employed 
 in the defence of Massachusetts and New York. The complaint 
 that Connecticut harbored deserters, pirates <yc. was not sub- 
 stantiated; and the charges in general were not sustained by 
 any weight of evidence, and Dudley, Cornbury and their asso- 
 dates, were frustrated in all their designs against the Colony. 
 # 28 
 
330 Letter from Gov. Winthrop. 
 
 the articles drawn up ag't us out of those com- 
 plaints, so that it is not possible for us to make an- 
 swer by the time appointed, which is now almost 
 expired ; neither is there any vessell either at Bos- 
 ton or New York, bound for London : but just 
 now hearing of a small Ketch, bound from Boston 
 for the North of England, I thought it necessary- 
 to embrace that opportunity, to signifie to y'r 
 Hon'r that the Government here, will with all pos- 
 sible speed make answer to the complaints, and 
 make it very evident that there is not the least 
 reason for any such charges to be made ag't them : 
 but on the contrary, that we have always acted 
 directly contrary to what we are accused of with 
 relation to the harbouring of pirates, or deserters, 
 or allowing any of the acts of trade to be viola- 
 ted, or any other matters therein mentioned by 
 our accusers ; and that we have never failed, with 
 the greatest cheerfullness to express our allegi- 
 ance to her most sacred Majesty, and our readi- 
 ness to assist, (far beyond our Quota stated by his 
 late Majesty King William ye 3d,) the neighbour- 
 ing provinces of York and Boston for their sup- 
 port ag't the enemy, notwithstanding the heavy, 
 but groundless complaints, made from thence ag't 
 us. 
 
 I take also this opportunity to add, that in the 
 case of Maj'r Palmes's appeals : the court of as- 
 sistants, not judging the security which he offered 
 to be sufficient ; the persons who offered to be 
 bound for him, appearing to be men of none, or 
 very small estate : I conclude those appeals will 
 not be heared ; her Majesties order in councill, re- 
 quiring such security should first be given : How- 
 ever, by the first direct opportunity to London, or 
 any other Port to the West of England, I shall 
 send such an account of those cases as will I be- 
 
Letter from Gov. Winthrop. 331 
 
 lieve demonstrate that he has every jot as little 
 reason to complain of injustice as Hallam had in 
 his appeall, in which her Majesty was pleased to 
 affirm the judghment of our courts, which I can- 
 not do now ; the present uncertain opportunity re- 
 quiring so much hast. In the greatest hast, and 
 deepest sence of yo'r many obligations and friend- 
 ship, I am Hon'ble Sr yo'r most faythfull humble 
 Servant. 
 
 J. WINTHROP. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Gov'r Winthrop to Sir 
 Henry Ashhurst, in answer to the charges and 
 complaints against the Colony. 
 
 New London, Aug. 2d, 1705. 
 Honr'ble Sr — 
 
 Altho ye present opportunity by ye small Ketch 
 bound for ye North of England be so uncertain, 
 yet I cannot omitt to signifie to yo'r Hono'r yt ye 
 last bill of exchange of £140 is accepted by this 
 Goverm't, and because of the great scarcity of 
 money among us, they sent to Capt. Sewall at 
 Boston to engage to pay interest for it, till ye mon- 
 ey may be furnished to ye Treasurer. I am very 
 sensible of yo'r constant care of o'r affairs, and 
 more especially at this juncture, when those yt 
 pretended friendship, endeavoured by private 
 complaints, and as fals as any yt could be devised, 
 to destroy us wth'out suffering us, (if they could 
 have prevented it) to make answer for o'rselves. 
 Next to her Majesties justice, wee owe it to yo'r 
 
332 Letter from Henry Ashhursl. 
 
 vigilance yt they are thus far frustrated. The 
 Goverm't here has not made it their business to 
 enquire after irregularities in the neighbouring 
 provinces, nor shall wee alledge ye hard things 
 vv'ch have been put upon this Govr'mt, from either 
 of them, tho it were easy for us to complain upon 
 better grounds than any they have to suppose 
 themselves injured by us, who have been at seve- 
 rall thousands of pounds charge for their assist- 
 ance bothrof New York and Boston, and have ev- 
 er studiously endeavoured yt they should not have 
 the least reason to complain of o'r neighbourhood, 
 but I know not whether it be fitt wee should al- 
 ways be silent, who meet w'th no better usage 
 from them, that we are so care full to shew all 
 possible respect to o'r Generall Assembly, w'ch 
 will shortly convene, will upon ye perusall of yo'r 
 letters, be very sensible of y'r obligations, you are 
 increasing upon them, and be most ready to ac- 
 knowledge it to their utmost abillities. 
 I am your most Humble Serv't, 
 
 J. WINTHROP. 
 
 Letter from Sir Henry Ashhurst, Agent for the 
 Colony of Connecticut, to Gov'r Saltonstall. 
 
 London, August 25th, 1708. 
 
 Honourable Sir: — 
 
 I had yours of the 6th of January last, wrote at 
 the desire of the Generall Assembly, and I do 
 with great sincerity condole with you, the loss of 
 
Letter from Henry Ashhurst. 333 
 
 that excellent Governour,* your immediate pre- 
 decessor, who for his publick spiritedness and zeal 
 for the liberties of his countrey, when one so near 
 you armed with power, with great abillityes, 
 great dissimulation, great falseness, had endeav- 
 oured with great art to rob you of every thing 
 that was dear to you, tho some considering per- 
 sons among you might foresee some of his mali- 
 cious designes ; but you know not half the mis- 
 chief that was designed against you. Under these 
 difficulties your predecessor show'd himself a 
 true decendant of Romulus his grandfather, the 
 first founder of Connecticott colony. And since 
 God has taken him from you, I look upon it as a 
 great mercy, that one in some respects superior 
 to him by your knowledge in divine things fills up 
 his room. 
 
 There is some good spirit or genius among you, 
 that you are neither cheated, nor affrighted out of 
 your liberties and religion. The axe was laid to 
 the root of the tree, and how unworthy am I to 
 be employed in defending that good people from 
 slavery and the greatest oppressions. I would 
 not have you disturbed about your taking the 
 
 * Fitz John Winthrop ; he was the son of the Honorable 
 John Winthrop, the first Governor of Connecticut, under 
 the Charter. His birth was at Ipswich, in Massachusetts, 
 163S. Upon the assumption of the Charter, May 1689, he 
 was chosen into the Magistracy. In 1690 he was appointed 
 Major Generall of the land army designed against Canada. 
 On the dispute relative to the command of the militia, he 
 was sent agent for the colony, to the British court 1694. 
 After his return, May 1698, he was elected Governor, and 
 was annually reelected during his life. He died Nov. 27th, 
 1707, in the 69th year of his age. 
 
 He appeared to have been a gentleman of popularity, and 
 to have sustained a character without blemish. — Trum. Hist, 
 Conn., Vol. i. p. 431. 
 
334 Letter from Henry Ashhurst. 
 
 Government, when you are once extricated out 
 of your difficulties by the removal of a certain 
 person from a neighbouring Government, you'l 
 find your country in rest, living in the fear of God 
 and comforts of the Holy Ghost; you may then 
 think of returning to your former calling, but at 
 present you must be the Moses, and as the Arch 
 Bishop Tillotson told me that he would not have 
 undertaken that great employment, but upon the 
 Kings promise of leave to lay it down, as soon as 
 setled in his Kingdoms. You speak of a letter 
 written to me of the count revs concerns, but that 
 I never received ; also what you writ about a 
 commission of enquiry relating to the Mohegan 
 Indians. I make it my business with all my in- 
 terest to keep that matter quiet. Alas ! Sr, I can 
 no more hope to have those persons you name, 
 Judges, than to have you Chief Justice of Eng- 
 land. You have now the mercy of an honest 
 Lord coming near you. If I can, I should be 
 contented to have it refered to him ; tis my Lord 
 Lovelace, Governour of New York. I desire 
 you would depute some of your company to wait 
 on him, and deliver him the inclosed, and make 
 him some small present. He is a man of honour, 
 and he will use you justly. His Secretary, Mr. 
 Cockrill, is I believe, a very honest man and you 
 may trust him. I desire you would present to 
 the Queen, a very handsome address to congrat- 
 ulate the good success of her arms against the 
 French, and to take notice of the Duke of Marl- 
 borow, her General, and also to write a letter to 
 the Duke of Marlborow to congratulate him, and 
 to pay his kindness to your country, and that he 
 would employ his great interest, that you may 
 not be opprest by any Governour of Massachu- 
 setts, in New England, or by any Governour of 
 
Letter from Henry Aslihurst. 335 
 
 New York, as you have been by _ Col. Dudley in 
 New England, and my Lord Cornbury in New 
 York. And likewise the Earl of Sunderland to 
 the same purpose, who is the Secretary to whom 
 the care of the plantations belongs. And also a 
 letter to the Duke of Bedford, and take notice in 
 it that his grandfather the great Earl of South- 
 ampton the Lord Treasurer was founder of your 
 colony. His name was Wriothesley, the Dukes 
 Christian name. Your brother Nath'l is steward 
 to Mrs. Howland, the Dukes mother-in-law, and 
 take all your wise men together to draw up these 
 letters : and thoroughly and fully set forth your 
 hardships about the Mehugan Indians, and of 
 Dudleys proceedings at Stonington, and that it 
 was, as truly it is, a contrivance of Dudley's to ' 
 rob you of your estates, and also set out the false- 
 ness of his complaint to the Queen and Councell 
 about your not contributing to the charge of the 
 war, when by his letter of the same date to you, 
 he thanks you for the greatness of your supplyes, 
 and that you had actually been at ten thousand 
 pounds charge for the support of the war in two 
 years time, when your whole countrey has not in 
 
 limning cash pounds in it. Put all these 
 
 letters and memorials, under your common seal, 
 either under a flying seal, or else send me dupli- 
 cates, that I may know what is in them, and take 
 notice that you send them to me as your publick 
 agent, and also beg her Majesty, that she would not 
 put her loyal colony to charge in receiving any ac- 
 cusation against them, so as to proceed upon it, 
 without giving you liberty to answer for your- 
 selves. And when you have got all these address- 
 es and papers redy, send 'em to me as your agent, 
 and write another letter to the Duke of Somerset, 
 to thank him for the kindness he has shown you, 
 
336 Letter from Henry AshhursL 
 
 and another to the Duke of Devonshire, and take 
 notice of the great services his Father has done 
 you. Send ail these by a special messenger to 
 Mr. Cockrill, my Lord Lovelace's Secretary, and 
 desire him to send them to me. I am very glad 
 that my pains and services are accepted by you. 
 And if I did not like the imployment I would not 
 impair my health and spend my money and my 
 precious time to watch all the motions of your vi- 
 gilant enemies from my own pleasant seat and 
 family. But I serve a good God in a glorious 
 cause, and so I go on chearfully. I desire inyour 
 next you'd send me your body of laws, the num- 
 ber of your inhabitants as near as you can, ye 
 number oi your Ministers and Parishes, and the 
 names of the most considerable Ministers, the ex- 
 tent of your colony, and how conversions to seri- 
 ous religion goeth forward. I have inquired about 
 the acts of trade and navigation and there are no 
 new books of rates made since the union. And 
 I would have you have as little to do with Eng- 
 land as you can. And therefore if the commis- 
 sioners of the Custom House send you a Naval 
 officer, they must pay him his salary and appoint 
 security to be taken ; but if the commissioners of 
 the Custom House do not appoint any such offi- 
 cer, you may do it yourselves by vertue of your 
 charter. You must be sure to keep close to that, 
 and there you are safe and strong. Be sure in 
 your addresses to the Queen you tell her that be- 
 fore Dudley came into New England Governour 
 there were no complaints against you ever since 
 you were a colony, or any acts of injustice, or any 
 disaffection or disrespect to the Kings and Q-ueens 
 of England, which you abhor, and only pray that 
 you may have the liberty to pray for her Majes- 
 ty's long life and happy Reign, and that you may 
 
Letter from Henry AshhmrsL 33? 
 
 peaceably enjoy the priviledges granted by Char* 
 ter to your colony by her Majesty s Royal prede- 
 cessors. I dont doubt but you have paid the bills 
 drawn on your late Governour John Winthrop 
 Esqr, the last year, and that you will pay the bills 
 I have now drawn upon you for a hundred and 
 sixty pound New England money, and twenty 
 pound to Mr. Noyse beside the exchange. Con- 
 sidering your poverty, this is all I shall draw upon 
 you for my salary and expences this year, which 
 have been very great. You must also write a 
 complimenting letter to the Lord High Treasurer, 
 who is at present the great Minister of State, to 
 thank him for the service he has done you, and to 
 pray the same things as you do to my Lord Marl- 
 boro w. My very humble service to yourself, your 
 Deputy Governour, the Councell and Representa- 
 tives, and I am with great respect, 
 
 Yo'r verv affectionate and Humble Servant, 
 
 H. ASHHURST. 
 
 To his Excellency Gordon Saltingstall Esqr, and 
 to the Lieutenant Governor, Councell and Repre- 
 sentatives of Connecticott. 
 
 In y'r letters to my Lord Sunderland, her Ma- 
 jesties principall Secretary of State, you are to 
 take notice to him, that I do you the honour to be 
 y'r publick Agent : And that if his Lordship has 
 any matters before him relating to you, to pray 
 him that he would be pleased to communicate them 
 to me as your Agent. 
 
 29 
 
338 An Act of General Assembly. 
 
 A General Assembly holden at New Haven, Octo- 
 ber 14th, 1708. 
 
 It is ordered and enacted by this Assembly, 
 that there shall be allowed and paid out of the pub- 
 lick Treasury of this colony, the sum of fifty 
 pounds in pay, for the bringing up and maintain- 
 ing of doggs in the northern frontier towns in this 
 colony, to hunt after the Indian enemy, and be 
 improved and ordered for that end, by the comit- 
 tee of warr in the county of Hartford, according 
 to their discretion, as soon as may be, who are to 
 procure as many doggs as that money will allow, 
 to be always ready for the colony's service against 
 the comon enemy. 
 
 It is ordered and enacted by this Assembly, that 
 the comittee of warr in the county of Hartford, 
 shall cause to be erected in the towns of Wind- 
 sor, Farmington, Simsbury and Waterbury, so 
 many garrisons as they shall judge needfull, and 
 support them with men and provisions as there 
 shall be occasion ; the garrisons to be erected at 
 the charge of the colony, or else of the respect- 
 ive towns, as the said comittee shall order, provi- 
 ded always that there shall be but two garrisons 
 at Simsbury, and two at Waterbury, erected at the 
 colony charge. 
 
 It is ordered and enacted by this Assembly, that 
 the Hon'ble Dept. Governour, shall cause to be 
 erected such and so many garrisons at Woodbury, 
 Danbury and Weantenuck,* and support them 
 with men and provisions as he shall judge neces- 
 sary, at the colony's charge, provided there shall 
 not be any other then two garrisons at Woodbury 
 and one at Danbury, erected at the colony's charge. 
 
 *NewMilford. 
 
Letter from Queen Anne. 339 
 
 It is ordered and enacted by the Governour and 
 Council and Representatives in General I Court 
 assembled, and by the authority of the same, that 
 no person or persons whatsoever, within this col- 
 ony, upon any pretence whatsoever, shall furnish, 
 lend or sell to any of our friend Indian or Indians, 
 any gun for any time longer or shorter, on pain of 
 forfeiting such gun so lent or sold, or the full val- 
 ue thereof, upon conviction of the offence, before 
 any one assistant or Justice of the Peace, or Court 
 of Judicature within this colony. And it is fur- 
 ther enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all 
 and every person and persons whatsoever within 
 this colony, who hath or have any gun or guns in 
 the hands of any of the said Indians, which is or 
 was lent to them, shall speedily recover and get 
 the same out of their hands, on pain of forfeiting 
 the same gunns as aforesaid. And all such for- 
 feitures, shall be and belong to the Treasury of the 
 county, wherein the offence is or shall be comited. 
 
 Letter from her Majesty Queen Anne. 
 
 Anne R. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well, 
 whereas we are fitting an expedition with great 
 expence for the security of our subjects under 
 your Government from the neighbourhood of the 
 French at Canada, which hath been very trouble- 
 som to them of late years, according to certain 
 proposals laid before us by our trusty and well be- 
 loved Colonel Vetch, and pursuant to many appli- 
 
340 Letter from Queen Anne, 
 
 cations that have been made to us by our subjects 
 who have suffered very much from the French in 
 that neighbourhood. We do hereby strictly re- 
 quire and command you to be assisting to this our 
 expedition, after the manner that the said Colonel 
 Vetch shall propose to you in our name, and that 
 you look upon those parts of his instructions 
 which relate to you and to the Government under 
 your care, and which we have ordered him to 
 communicate to you in the same manner as if they 
 were our positive commands directed to yourself, 
 and that you pay the same obedience to them.— 
 And so we bid you farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court at St. James, the second 
 day of March, 1708-9, in the seventh year of our 
 Reign.* 
 
 By her Majesties command, 
 
 SUNDERLAND. 
 
 To our Trusty and well beloved, the Govern- 
 our of our Colony of Connecticut, or to the Gov- 
 ernour of our said Colony in America for the 
 time being. 
 
 * This letter was laid before the General Court the 12th 
 of May 1709, with other information, that her Majesty was 
 fitting- out a squadron, which it was designed should arrive 
 at Boston in the month of May or June, with about fbor 
 thousand land forces to assist in the reduction of Canada. — 
 Connecticut was required to raise 350 men to join the expe- 
 dition. The Colonies eastward of Connecticut were requi- 
 red to raise 1200 men ; the Colonial Governments were di- 
 rected to furnish provisions for the troops for three months 
 service. The army was to proceed by the way of the Lakes 
 George and Champlain,, and make a descent upon Montreal 
 and Quebec. Connecticut raised their Quota with the 
 greatest expedition. Col. Whiting was appointed to com- 
 mand them — the troops from the eastward were ready in 
 season, and before the first of June the Provincials were 
 ready to march for Canada. Gen. Nicholson formerly 
 
An Act of General Assembly. 341 
 
 At a General Assembly and Court of Election be- 
 gun and liolden at Hartford, in her Majesties 
 Colony of Connecticut, in New England, on the 
 12th day of May, in the eighth year of the 
 Reigneof our Sover eigne Lady Anne, Queen 
 of Great Brittain fyc, Annoq. Domini 1709. 
 
 By order of the Honnourable the Governour, 
 the Gent, members of both Houses being mett to- 
 gether, the Governour caused severall letters and 
 writings to be read before them, that is to say, a 
 letter from Sr Henry Ashhurst, Agent of this col- 
 ony, bearing date August 25th 1708, and a letter 
 sent to the said Agent, bearing date January 28th, 
 170S-9, and the Hon'ble the Governour, now also 
 laid before the Assembly, a letter to him directed 
 and sent from her Majestie, our Sovereigne Lady 
 the Queen, bearing date the 2d day of March, 
 1708-9, requireing the assistance of her subjects 
 
 Lieut. Governor of New York, was appointed to the chief 
 command, with orders to march as far as Wood Creek ; and 
 there to wait the arrival of the Fleet at Boston, and then to 
 advance, in order that the attack upon Quebec and Montre- 
 al might be made at the same time. The Colonies had 
 made great exertions to promote the expedition ; more than 
 two hundred boats had been built and were in readiness for 
 crossing the Lake. But the Fleet expected from England 
 did not arrive — owing to some reverses of the English allies 
 in Europe, the expedition designed for America, sailed for 
 another destination, and the expedition was defeated. A 
 great mortality prevailed among the troops, and in the fall 
 Gen. Nicholson with the troops returned to Albany. More 
 than one fourth of the troops died in this fruitless expedition. 
 Connecticut sustained the loss of ninety men. At a special 
 session of the Assembly, on the 8th of June, it was enacted, 
 that for want of money, there be forthwith imprinted £8000 
 in bills of credit on the Colony, to assist in carrying on the 
 expedition. This was the first emission of paper currency 
 in Connecticut. 
 
 29* 
 
342 An Act of General Assembly. 
 
 in this colony, in an expedition now forthwith to be 
 made against the French at Canada, according to 
 her Majesties instructions to the Hon'ble Col. 
 Vetch relating thereunto, directing and comand- 
 ing that 350 men be raised in this colony, and 
 sent upon the said expedition ; and the Governor 
 recomended the consideration of the said letter 
 and instructions to this Assembly; and the same 
 was considered accordingly — and thereupon the 
 Governour, Councill and Representatives, now in 
 General Court Assembled, having a very deep 
 sence of her Majesties Royal favour, in resolveing 
 upon the said expedition against Canada, out of 
 special favour to this colony, with the neighbour- 
 ing provinces, which have suffered so greatly by 
 the French of that settlement (which they do here- 
 by agree and order to be humbly presented to her 
 Majestie, in an address for that end, prepared and 
 signed by the Governour and Secretary in their 
 names) have resolved and do hereby resolve and 
 enact, with all possible dispatch, to comply with 
 that part of her Majesties instructions accompa- 
 nying the said letter, which concerns this colony, 
 and to joyne forthwith the forces of New York, 
 Newjersey and Pensilvania with 350 men, (that 
 being the quota of men in this colony, mentioned 
 in the instructions aforesaid) with whom the Gov- 
 ernour shall send some sutable person of this col- 
 ony, to take a general care of them, who shall be 
 subsisted at the charges of this colony, and main- 
 tained in their pay ; the executing of which, this 
 Assembly doth leave with the Honnourable the 
 Governour and Councill ; for whose furtherance 
 and assistance therein, this Assembly have agreed 
 upon a body of conclusions now to be delivered 
 to them. 
 
An Act of General Assembly, 343 
 
 An address to her Majestie, relating to the ex- 
 pedition against Canada, signed by the Hon'ble 
 the Governour and Secretary, in the name of this 
 Assembly, and also a body of conclusions for the 
 assistance of the Governour and Councill in the 
 managin the said expedition, so far as this colony 
 is concerned therein, was now drawn, read, con- 
 sidered and approved in this Assembly, whereof 
 true copies are by this Assembly, ordered to be 
 kept on file. 
 
 It is ordered and enacted by the Governour, 
 Councill and Representatives in Generall Court 
 assembled, and by the authority of the same, that 
 there shall be allowed and paid out of the Publick 
 Treasury of this colony, to all private centinells, 
 as well volunteers, as such as are or shall be im- 
 pressed (who shall be employed and go into her 
 Majesties service, on the expedition against Cana- 
 da) within this colony, the sum of two shillings 
 and sixpence pr day in pay, for their wages, for 
 every day of the week, from the time they are list- 
 ed or impressed, untill they shall be dismissed from 
 that service, and that there shall be allowed and 
 paid out of the said Treasury, to all officers within 
 this colony, as well volunteers as others, who shall 
 go upon said expedition, additions to their wages 
 of centinells, any lav/ to the contrary notwith- 
 standing. 
 
 It is ordered and enacted by the authority afore- 
 said, that whatsoever shall be necessary for the 
 comfortable subsistence of our troops, who are 
 now going on the expedition against Canada, such 
 as Duflfells or other cloath &c, which cannot be 
 procured in this colony, shall be taken up (by or- 
 der from the Governour and Councill) in any other 
 province, and shall be charged upon this colony, 
 and paid for by the Treasurer of the same. 
 
344 Conclusions in General Assembly. 
 
 Conclusions agreed upon in the General Assembly 
 held in Hartford, May 12, 1709, relating to the 
 expedition to Canada now to be pursued, for the 
 assistance of the Gov^r and Councill in the fur- 
 ther managing and expediting that affair. 
 
 1. That the Governour, when he comes to 
 New York, whither he is now going, endeavour to 
 obtain a generall command, for some gentleman 
 of our own Government to be appointed by our 
 Govt and Councill, to go to Canada ; that our 
 troops may be under his particular eye and care. 
 
 2. That the Indians in our Government, be 
 incouraged to go, by allowing them arms, ammu- 
 nition and wages, at her Maj'ties charge. 
 
 3. That it be concerted and agreed, in case 
 Canada should be reduced, that none of our soul- 
 diers be obliged to stay in garrison there, but 
 have leave to return. 
 
 4. That, bread be procured at Albany or New 
 York, and our wheat exchanged for it. 
 
 5. That a sloop be sent forthwith to New 
 York for arms and ammunition out of her Maj'ties 
 stores. 
 
 6. That we be exempted out of the charge of 
 the store house to be erected at Wood Creek, 
 which will be of constant use to New York, and 
 no benefit to us as toe this expedition. 
 
 7. That the provisions necessary for our for- 
 ces, be taken where they shall be cheapest had in 
 the colony,* and most for the advantage of the 
 Government. 
 
 8. That 372 men be raised out of the train 
 bands in the severall towns underwritten, and in 
 the proportion added, out of which 350 effective 
 men only to go in ye expedition. 
 
Conclusions in General Assembly. '345 
 
 9. That a Captain, Physician, and chirurgeon 
 be provided and furnished to march with our men. 
 
 10. That our men shall be raised forthwith by 
 a warrant from the Gov'r to the severall Captains, 
 to impress their proportions of men, and have 
 them completely fitted and march them immedi- 
 ately to their County Towns, or otherwise as the 
 Gov'r shall order, there to be billeted and under 
 the command of the Captains of the said County 
 Towns, or other chief military officers in the said 
 Towns, till further orders from our Gov'r. Such 
 men as have no good arms, of their own, shall be 
 furnished with arms and ammunition, out of stores 
 already provided. 
 
 11. The proportion of our Troops to be raised 
 in our severall Towns are as follows — 
 
 Hartford, 22 Haddam East side, 6 
 
 N. Haven, ,» 17 Haddam West side, 5 
 
 Windsor, 22 Darby, 4 
 
 Weathersfield, 16 Fairfield, 13 
 
 Glassenbury, 6 Simsbury, 6 
 
 Milford, 14 Woodberry, 7 
 
 Guilford, 13 Preston, 7 
 
 N. London, 16 Groton, 9 
 
 Wallingford, 12 Saybrook, 11 
 
 Waterbury, 4 Stamford, 9 
 
 Killingworth, 5 Windham, 6 
 
 East Haven, 5 Norwich, 13 
 
 Greenwich, and Lebanon, 11 
 
 Horsneck, 6 Stonington, 13 
 
 Lyme, 11 D anbury, 5 
 
 Stratford, 11 Plainfield, 5 
 
 Norwalk, 10 Farming-town, 11 
 
 Colchester, 7 Durham, 2 
 
 Middletown, 13 Mansfield, 2 
 
 Branford, 9 Canterbury, 2 
 
 Massamuget,* 3 Kellenslie,t 3 
 
 12. That if any thing not provided for in these 
 conclusions, and for the service of the expedition, 
 
 *Pomfret, 
 tKillingly, 
 
346 Conclusions in General Aseembly. 
 
 and for the advantage of this Government, can be 
 done at New York, whither the Gov'r is now go- 
 ing ; it is hereby recommended to his care, 
 past in the lower House. 
 
 Test Richard Bushnell, Clerk. 
 May 13th, 1709. 
 
 past in the Upper House. 
 
 Test Caleb Stanley, Secretary. 
 May 13th, 1709. 
 
 A scheme of the stores of Provisions tyc. necessa- 
 ry for 360 men, for four months. 
 
 40,003 lbs. of Bread, being 1 lb. a man a day. 
 
 Ill Barrels of Porke, w'ch is halfe a pound a 
 day for a man. 
 
 340 Bushels of Pease w'ch is 1-2 pint a day for 
 300 men. 
 
 120 Bushels of Indian Corn, w'ch is a pint a day 
 for 60 Indians. 
 
 1488 Gall's of Rum, w'ch is 1 gill a day for a 
 man. 
 
 11 thousand wt. of Beef, w'ch is 1-4 pound a 
 day for a man. 
 
 900 yds. of Duffels, of w'ch we have of ye old 
 store at Boston about 100 yds.; and at N. London 
 15 yds. 
 
 300 Snap sacks for the English, supposeing ye 
 Indians will use baggs of their own. 
 
 300 Baggs for the carrying 3-4 of the above 
 quantity of bread from Albany, of w'ch there are 
 already some at New Haven, and some at Coll. 
 Whftings at Hartford, and there are at N. Lon- 
 don 15 baggs and 49 bed sacks w'ch will make 
 98 baggs. 
 
 2000 wt. of Tobacko. 
 
An Act of General Assembly. 347 
 
 At a General Assembly holden at New Haven, the 
 ISth day of October, 1709, 
 
 An act for stating and settling the wages of di- 
 vers officers and centinells, in the Expedition 
 against Canada, this present year 1709, and for 
 ascertaining the allowances for Billetting of offi- 
 cers and soldiers, &c. 
 
 It is enacted and ordained by the Governour, 
 Councill and Representatives, in Genei all Court 
 Assembled, and by the authority of the same, that 
 there shall be allowed and paid out of the publick 
 Treasury of this Colony to the severall Captains 
 and other officers and private centinells hereafter 
 mentioned for the service in the Expedition against 
 Canada. 
 
 To each Captain, by the week, £1 
 
 To each Lieutenant, by the week, 1 
 
 To each Serjeant, by the week, 
 
 To Clerks, Trumpeters and Drummers, 
 
 by the week, 
 
 ToCorporalls and centinells, by the week, 
 To Mr. Adjutant Goodrich by the week, 1 
 and it is ordered and enacted by the authority 
 aforesaid, that there shall be allowed and paid to 
 all such persons as have furnished the forces, with 
 Horses in the said expedition (to such number as 
 were allowed to each company, by the Governour 
 and Councill) for the service of their said Horses, 
 one shilling and four pence pr. week, as money 
 for each Horse, and for each Horse dead or lost, 
 in the said service, the value of such Horse as 
 money, according as shall be determined by the 
 judgment of two indifferent men upon oath, who 
 knew the worth or value of the Horse, to be ap- 
 pointed and sworn by the next assistant, or Justice 
 of the Peace, and that there shall be allowed and 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 14 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
348 An Act of General Assembly, 
 
 paid to all such persons as have furnished the for- 
 ces with arms, saddles, bridles, or any other tack- 
 ling for horses, or other things whatsoever, for the 
 use and service thereof, so much as is the vallue 
 of the damage don to the same ; and in case any 
 such arms, furniture or other things is lost, or shall 
 be lost, wholly spoiled or not returned, there shall 
 be allowed and paid to the owners thereof, the 
 vallue of such arms, furniture or other things, as 
 money, to be sett thereon according to the direc- 
 tion of an act of this Assembly, made fop that 
 purpose, October 12th, 1704. Provided always, 
 that the owners of such horses, as are dead, or 
 shall die upon the expedition, or be lost and not 
 returned, shall be paid only the vallue of such hor- 
 ses, to be determined and sett as aforesaid, and no 
 wages or pay for their service. 
 
 And it is further enacted by the authority afore- 
 said, that there shall be allowed and paid to all 
 such persons as have billetted or victualled any of- 
 ficers or soldiers, upon the said expedition, and 
 who shall so do, the sum of three pence pr meal 
 as money, but in such case, where any of the said 
 officers and soldiers were billetted or victualled, 
 one whole weeks time or more, there shall be al- 
 lowed and paid three shillings and four pence pr 
 week, as money, and at that rate for the same, and 
 no more, and that there shall be allowed and paid 
 for pastureing or keeping horses upon the said ex- 
 pedition, three pence pr night, or twenty-four 
 hours, for each horse, and where any such horse 
 hath been, or shall be pastured or kept, one whole 
 week or more, there shall be allowed and paid but 
 eight pence pr week, as money, and at that rate 
 for the same. 
 
Questions to the Colony* 849 
 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 My Lords Commissioners for trade and planta- 
 tions command me to send you the enclosed que- 
 ries, relating to the colony of Connecticut, and to 
 desire your particular answers thereto as soon as 
 may be. 
 
 I am ALVERD POPPLE, 
 
 1. What is the situation of the colony under 
 your Government, the nature of the country, soile 
 and climate, the latitudes and longitudes of the 
 most considerable places in it, have those latitudes 
 and longitudes been settled by good observations, 
 or only by common computation ; and from 
 whence are the longitudes computed ? 
 
 2. What are the reputed boundaries, and are 
 any parts thereof disputed, what parts and by 
 whom ? 
 
 3. What is the constitution of the Government ? \ 
 
 4. What is the trade of y'r colony, the num- 
 ber of sniping, theire tonage, and the number of 
 seafaring men, with the respective increase or di- 
 minution within ten years past ? 
 
 5. What quantity and sorts of Brittish manufac- 
 tures do the inhabitants annually take from home '? 
 
 6. What trade has the colony, under your 
 Government with any forreign plantations, or any 
 part of Europe, besides Brittain, how is that trade 
 carried on, what commodities do the people under 
 your Government send to, or receave from for- 
 reign plantations ? 
 
 7. What methods are there used to prevent il- 
 legal trade, and are the same effectuall ? 
 
 8. What is the naturall produce of the coun- 
 try, staple commodities and manufactures, and 
 
 30 
 
350 Answers to foregoing Questions. 
 
 what vallue thereof in sterling money, may you 
 annually export ? 
 
 9. What mines are there ? 
 
 10. What is the number of inhabitants, whites 
 and blacks, and are the inhabitants increased or 
 decreased, within the last ten years, how much 
 and for what reason ? 
 
 11. What is the number of the Millitia? 
 
 12. What Forts and places of defence are 
 there within your Government, and in what condi- 
 tion ? 
 
 13. What number of Indians have you, and 
 how are they inclined ? 
 
 14. What is the strength of the neighbouring 
 Indians ? 
 
 15. What is the strength of the neighbouring 
 Europeans, French or Spaniards ? 
 
 16. What effect have the French or Spanish 
 settlements on the continent of America, upon his 
 Majesties plantations, especially on youre colony ? 
 
 17. What is the Revenue arising within youre 
 Government, and howe is it appropriated ? 
 
 18. What are the ordinary and extraordinary 
 expences of youre Government ? 
 
 19. What are the establishments civill and 
 Millitarie, within youre Government, and by what 
 authority do the officers hold theire places ? 
 
 It is desired that an annuall return may be made 
 to those queries, that the board may, from time to 
 time, be apprised of any alterations that may hap- 
 pen in the circumstances of your Government. 
 
 May it please your Lokdships : — 
 
 We have received your queries, to his Majes- 
 
Answers to foregoing Qnestions. 351 
 
 ties colony of Connecticut, and in answer there- 
 unto, we inform your Lordships as foiloweth : — 
 
 1. The colony of Connecticut is situate upon 
 three principal rivers, viz. Connecticut river, 
 Stratford and Quinabauge rivers, and on the sound 
 Southward toward Lonjj Island, in some places 
 oure lands are intervaile or meadow, upon the riv- 
 ers, and by the sound the soile is fruitful], but the 
 far greater part of the land in the coloney is moun- 
 tainous, rockey and more barren ; the climate is 
 very cold in the winter, and very hot in the sum- 
 er, the weather, often and suddenly changing. — 
 The colony lyeth between forty-one and forty- 
 two degrees of North Latitude, and in Longitude 
 about seventy degrees West from London : the 
 Latitude has been found by repeated and carefull 
 observations. 
 
 2. The reputed and known boundaries, are 
 the Massachusets in the North, Road Island colo- 
 ny on the East, Long Island Sound on the South, 
 and New York Province on the West. No points 
 thereof are disputed, but all settled and ascertain- 
 ed, excepting some part of New York, the dividing 
 line betwixt this colony and New York. 
 
 3. As to the Constitution of the Government, 
 the Legislator is by oure Royal] Charter, granted 
 by King Charles the Second, of blessed memory, 
 lodged in the Generall Court, consisting of a Gov- 
 ernour, or in his absence a Deputy Governour, 
 twelve assistants, and one or two Deputies from 
 every town. The Governour, Deputy Govern- 
 our and assistants, are annually chosen by the 
 major part of the freemen in the colony, and the 
 Deputies by the freemen in each town, which 
 Court or Assembly, are divided into two Houses, 
 the upper House consisting of the Gov'r, or in his 
 absence the Deputy Gov'r and six assistants at 
 
352 Answers to foregoing Questions. 
 
 least, and the lower House of the Deputies ; with- 
 out the consent of the major part of each House, 
 no act is passed, who makes laws, institute judica- 
 tures, appoint Judges and necessarie officers, and 
 cause them to be sworn, grant lands, make orders 
 and institutions as the necessity of the Govern- 
 ment requires, which Assembly meet twice in the 
 year, and in the vacancies, the Gov'r and assist- 
 ants, manage the contingent affairs. 
 
 4. The trade of the colony is but small, horses 
 and lumber are exported from home to the West 
 Indies, for which we receive in exchange, sugar, 
 salt, and millasses and rum ; what provisions we 
 can spare, and some small quantities of tar and 
 turpentine are sent to Boston and New York and 
 Rhoad Island, for which we receive European 
 goods, the number of oure shiping and theire tun- 
 age is as followeth : 
 
 Hartford, Daniel Williams, Master, Sloop Mary, 
 60 tuns. 
 
 Greenwich, Sloop Sarah and Abigail, Henry 
 Joans, 30 tuns. 
 
 Gilford, Sloop Mary, 12 
 
 New London, a Brigantine, London, 60 
 
 Norwich, Sloop Olive Branch, 25 
 
 Milford, Sloop Tryall, 40 
 
 New Haven, Schooner Elisabeth and 
 
 Mary, 50 
 
 Seabrook, Sloop Lucy, 35 
 
 Killingworth, Sloop, 10 
 
 Norwich, Sloop Mary, 20 
 
 Hartford, Sloop Rebeckab, 40 
 
 New Haven, Sloop Humbard, 20 
 
 Norwich, do. Martha and Elisabeth, 40 
 
 Haddam, do. Ranger, 30 
 
 New London, a Brigantine, 80 
 
 Gilford, Sloop Tryall, SO 
 
Answers to foregoing Questions. 353 
 
 Middletown, Sloop Lark, 45 
 
 Norwich, do. Success, 40 
 
 Hartford, do. Hampshier, 18 
 
 New London, do. Lydia and Mary, 25 
 
 Branford, do. Dolphin, 33 
 
 New Haven, do. Mary and Mercy, 30 
 
 Hartford, do. Tryall, 35 
 
 New Haven, Schooner Tryall, 30 
 
 Milford, Sloop Swallow, ' 30 
 
 Norwalk, Sloop Tryall, 25 
 
 Gilford, do. Swan, 25 
 
 Middletown, Brigantine, Alten, 60 
 
 Gilford, Sloop Rubie, 30 
 
 Killingworth, do. Tryall, 20 
 
 New Haven, do. Tryall, 35 
 
 Weathersfield, do. Thankfull and Ann, 18 
 Greenwich, do. Elisabeth, 30 
 
 Stratford, do. Endeaver, 30 
 
 Fairfield, do. , 20 
 
 New London, do. Dolphin, 15 
 
 Stratford, do. Indeaner, 30 
 
 New London, do. Michael, 12 
 
 Lyme, do. Three Brothers, 30 
 
 Stratford, do. Dolphin, 12 
 
 Seabrook, do. North, 25 
 
 Seabrook, do. Joseph and Mary, 30 
 
 Forty-two saile of vessels, which stand in the 
 
 same order as they do in the Collectors Register 
 
 Book. Our seafaring men are only what are ne- 
 
 cessarie to manage the shiping afores'd, there hath 
 
 been no sensible addition or diminution, for ten 
 
 years past, then heretofore, only that we have 
 
 built considerable more the ten years last past 
 
 then heretofore, the most of said shiping, so lately 
 
 built, have been sold att the Province of Boston, 
 
 West Indies, and to his Majesties subjects of 
 
 Great Brittain, Bristole, &c. 
 
 30* 
 
354 Answers to foregoing- Questions. 
 
 5. Our inhabitants take (annually) all sorts of 
 woolen cloth, silks, glass, nailes, sithes, pewter r 
 brass, and fire arms, of the British manufactures, 
 but we cant ascertain your Lordships, the quantity. 
 
 6. The trade which the coloney hath with any 
 foreighn Plantations, is only as before mentioned, 
 and with no parts of Europe, excepting only a few- 
 voyages to Ireland, with timber and some few, one 
 or two that have built here of late, made theire 
 voyage to Bristole, theise sold ships and cargo and 
 brought theire returns heather. 
 
 7. The method used to prevent illegall trade f 
 are the measures taken by the collector placed at 
 New London, and his Deputy at Fairefield, where 
 are also navall officers, under the strictest regula- 
 tions, which do at present prove efectuall, but there 
 being many other convenient Harbours along the 
 sound, many of which were allowed to be free 
 Ports, will render it dificult, had we any consider- 
 able trade, and now is a great hardship and an ob- 
 struction to the little trade that we have, all being 
 obliged to put in at New London, to enter and 
 cleare, whereby some winds and much time is lost. 
 
 8. The produce of the country, is timber, 
 boards, all sorts of English grain, Indian corn, 
 Hemp and Flax, Sheep, Cattle, Swine, Horse kind, 
 Goats and Tobacco, oure manufactories are incon- 
 siderable, oure people being generally imployed in 
 tilling the earth, some few are imployed in tanning 
 and shew making and other handy crafts, others in 
 building Giner work, Tailors, Smiths, without 
 which we could not subsist. 
 
 9. There are some Coper mines found among 
 us, which have not yet been very frofitable to the 
 undertakers, Iron Oare hath been found in sundry 
 places and improved to good advantage. 
 
Answers to foregoing Questions, 355 
 
 10. The number of oure Inhabitants of both 
 sexes and all ages are computed to be 38,000, and 
 about 700 Indians and Negroes. The Inhabitants 
 are much increased within this ten years last past, 
 the reasons are chiefly the country is new and 
 large, secondly the intestate estates are or have 
 been divided among all theire children, which en- 
 courages them while in theire fathers family to join 
 theire united strength to cleare and subdue the 
 earth, and thereby make room for theire own set- 
 tlement, when they come of age, but the consum- 
 mate and principall reason is the blessing of the 
 almightie on the fruit of our bodies and the fruit 
 of our land. 
 
 11. The number of our milletia according to list 
 or muster rolls of the trainbands, which consist of 
 all from sixteen to fifty five years of age is 3500. 
 
 12. In time of War we have always had sun- 
 dry Forts on oure frontiers to cover us from the in- 
 sults of the French and Indians, which yet have 
 never been of any great service to us, the enemy 
 coming in small partys surprise our people sudden- 
 ly, and then flee into the adjacent wood, we have 
 had a Fort at New London long since and severall 
 pieces of cannon, but are now building a new Fort 
 where are already mounted foure cannons to se- 
 cure that port, and in a short time intend divers 
 more shall be there mounted. 
 
 13. The number of Indians amongst us are 
 about 1600 of both sexes and all ages, they are 
 inclined to hunting, idlenes and excessive drinking, 
 some of their youth are now in a school at Mohe- 
 gan, set up and maintained by the English, for that 
 purpose, and they give good evidence of their do- 
 sability. 
 
 14. The five nations,of Indians as they are called, 
 live about 250 miles west ward from us. The French 
 
366 Answers to foregoing Questions. 
 
 Indians that live at Canada and the Eastern Indi- 
 ans which live about 250 miles to the northeast of 
 us are oure only neighbouring Indians and theire 
 strength is unknown to us. 
 
 15. The Spaniards have not settled in North 
 America to the eastward of Cape Florida, as we 
 know of, which is very distant from us ; the French 
 at Canada are about 400 miles north from us, and 
 of considerable strength. 
 
 16. The Spaniards in South America, have of 
 late years taken some vessels from this, and sun- 
 dry from the neighbouring Governments. The 
 French at Canady have been very troublesome to 
 this and the neighbouring Governments, always 
 incouraging the Indians against the English, sup- 
 plying them with arms and ammonition, and joyn- 
 ing with them in making inroads in time of YVar, 
 they are of considerable strength, and since they 
 are setled on the River Saint Laurance, and on 
 Maseeipi,* to the mouth of it, boasting in time 
 they will drive us all into the sea. 
 
 17. The annuall Revenue, arising on rates and 
 dutys is about £4000 in our paper currency, of 
 which about £1000 is yearly laid out in maintain- 
 ing free schools for the education of oure children, 
 the remainder is for the support of his Majesties 
 Government here and to sink a heavy debt we 
 contracted in the war and oure expedition against 
 Canada and Anapolis in the Reign of Queen Anne. 
 
 18. Oure sivill establishments, are first, a Su- 
 perior Court, consisting of one Chief Judg and 
 four Judges ; this court sits twice in the year in 
 each county, trys all high crimes and misdemean- 
 ours, and sivill actions that come to them by ap- 
 peals from the inferior court, secondly, an inferi- 
 
 * Mississippi. 
 
Letter from George II. 357 
 
 our court in each county consisting of one Chief 
 Judge and three more Justises of the quorum, 
 these courts have theire quarter sessions for the 
 tryall of delinquents and sivill actions ; thirdly, in 
 most of oure Towns is one or more Justises of 
 the Peace, for the conservation of the peace, and 
 tryall of small cases. 
 
 19. The malitia is divided into five Regiments, 
 as many as there are counties ; over which the 
 chief officer is at present a Major, to each of which 
 Regiments belongs a troop ; the superiour officers 
 are appointed by the General Court ; the Captains, 
 Lieutenants and Ensigns, are chosen by the soul- 
 diers, approved by the Generall Court, and all 
 commissioned by the Govern'r in the name of 
 oure Lord the King. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Lords commis- 
 sioners for trade and Plantations. 
 
 Signed pr order of his Hon'r the Gov'r and the 
 Assembly. 
 
 Hez, Wyllys, Secretary. 
 
 Letter from his Majesty George the Second. 
 George R. 
 
 Additional instructions to our trusty and well 
 beloved the Governor and company of our Colo- 
 ny of Connecticut in New England in America, or 
 to the Governor and company of our said Colony > 
 
358 Form of Prayers for Royal Family. 
 
 for the time being — Given at our Court at St. 
 James's the fifth day of May 1732, in the fifth 
 year of our Reign. 
 
 Whereas complaint hath been made to us by 
 the Merchants of our city of London, in behalf 
 of themselves and of several others of our good 
 subjects of Great Britain, trading to our planta- 
 tions in America, that greater Duties and Imposi- 
 tions are laid on their Ships and Goods, than on 
 the Ships and Goods of persons who are natives 
 and inhabitants of the said Plantations. It is 
 therefore our will and pleasure that you do not, 
 upon any pretence whatsoever, on pain of our 
 highest displeasure, give assent, for the future to 
 any law wherein the natives, or inhabitants of the 
 Colony of Connecticut under your Government, 
 are put on a more advantageous footing than those 
 of this Kingdom. It is further our will and pleas- 
 ure, that you do not, and you are hereby expressly 
 forbid to pass any law by which the trade or nav- 
 igation of this Kingdom, may be any ways affec- 
 ted ; hereby declareing it to be our Royal intention 
 no duties shall be laid in the Colony under your 
 Government, upon British shipping, or upon the 
 Product or Manufactures of Great Britain, upon 
 any pretence whatsoever. 
 
 G. R. 
 
 Order to be observed in Prayers for the Royal 
 Family. 
 
 At a General Assembly holden at Hartford in 
 his Majesties Colony of Connecticut, on the second 
 Thursday of May, A. D. 1741. 
 
Questions to the Colony, 359 
 
 Whereas at a councell held at St. James's the 
 29th of January 1740, His Majesty was pleased to 
 declare his Royal pleasure that in all publick ser- 
 vices where the Royal Family is appointed to be 
 prayed for, the following form and order, shall be 
 observed viz. Their Royal Highnesses Frederick 
 Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Duke, 
 the Princess, the Issue of the Prince and Princess 
 of Wales, and all the Royal Family. 
 
 And to the end that the same form and order 
 may be observed in this His Majesty's Colony of 
 Connecticut, His Majesty has been pleased to or- 
 der the Governor and Company of this Colony, 
 to cause the same to be forthwith published in all 
 churches and other places, of Divine worship, 
 within this colony, and take care that obedience be 
 paid thereto accordingly. 
 
 Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and 
 Representatives in General Court Assembled, and 
 by the authority of the same, that obedience be 
 paid to His Majesty's order aforesaid, and that a 
 copy of this act be forthwith printed and sent to 
 the several churches and places of Divine worship 
 and there published accordingly. 
 
 Queries from the Board of Trade to the Governor 
 and Company of the Colony of Connecticut. 
 
 What is the situation of the Colony under your 
 Government ; the nature of the country, soil and 
 climate, the Latitude and Longitudes of the most 
 considerable places in it or the neighbouring 
 French or Spanish settlements ; have those Lati- 
 
360 Questions to the Colony, 
 
 tudes and Longitudes been settled by good obser- 
 vations, or only by common computations, and 
 from whence are the Longitudes computed ? 
 
 What are the reputed boundaries, and are any 
 parts thereof disputed, what parts and by whom? 
 
 What is the Constitution of the Government? 
 
 What is the trade of the colony, the number of 
 shipping, their tonnage, and the number of sea- 
 faring men, with the respective increase or dimin- 
 ution within ten years past ? 
 
 What quantity and sorts of British manufac- 
 tures do the inhabitants annually take from hence ? 
 
 What trade has the colony under your Govern- 
 ment, with any foreign Plantations, or any part of 
 Europe, besides Great Britain, how is that trade 
 carried on, what commodities do the people under 
 your Government send to, or receive from foreign 
 plantations ? 
 
 What methods are there used to prevent illegal 
 trade, and are the same effectual ? 
 
 What is the natural produce of the country, 
 staple commodities and manufacturies; and what 
 value thereof in Sterling money, may you annual- 
 ly export ? 
 
 What mines are there 1 
 
 What is the number of inhabitants, whites and 
 blacks ? 
 
 Are the inhabitants increased or decreased with- 
 in the last ten years, how much and for what rea- 
 sons? 
 
 What is the number of the Militia ? 
 
 What Forts and places of defence are there 
 within your Government, and in what condition ? 
 
 What number of Indians have you, and how 
 are they inclined ? 
 
 What is the strength of the neighbouring Indi- 
 ans ? 
 
Answers to foregoing Qestions* §61 
 
 What is the strength of your neighbouring Eu- 
 ropeans, French or Spaniards ? 
 
 What effect have the French or Spanish settle- 
 ments on the continent of America, upon his Ma- 
 jesties Plantations, especially on your colony ? 
 
 What is the Revenue arising within your Gov- 
 ernment, and how is it appropriated ? 
 
 What are the ordinary and extraordinary ex- 
 expences of your Government ? 
 
 What are the establishments, civil and Milita- 
 ry within your Government, and by what authori- 
 ty do the officers hold their places?* 
 
 Answers to the foregoing Questions, 
 
 May it please your Lordships — 
 
 We ha received your queries directed to the 
 Gov'r and Company of this his Maj'ties colony of 
 Connecticut, and in answer thereunto inform your 
 Lordships — 
 
 1. The situation of the colony, as hath been 
 found by regulated and careful observations, is be- 
 tween 41 and 42 degrees of N. Latitude, and 
 about 71 of West Longitude from London ; the 
 three most considerable rivers in the colony, are 
 Connecticut, Stratford and New London river, the 
 two principal branches of which last mentioned 
 river, called Quinebaug and Shetuckett, tis boun- 
 
 * It will be observed that the date is not affixed to the 
 above, but by an indorsement on the back of the original 
 manuscript, it appears that it was received by the Governor 
 on the 13th day 1 1 Sej . mber, 1748. 
 31 
 
362 Answers to foregoing Questions, 
 
 ded Southerly by the sea or sound, near which, 
 and by the rivers, the soil is more fruitfull, but the 
 greatest part of the land is mountainous and rocky ; 
 the climate is very cold in winter and hot in sum- 
 mer. 
 
 2. The colony is bound Southerly on the sea 
 or sound, Easterly on Rhode Island, Westerly on 
 New York, North on the line of the Massachu- 
 setts colony. 
 
 3. As to the Constitution of the Government, 
 the Legislative power, is by the Royal Charter, 
 vested in the Generall Assembly, which consists of 
 the Gov'r, or in his absence, the D. Governour 
 and twelve assistants (whereof the Gov'r, Deputy 
 Gov'r and six assistants are a Quorum.) and Rep- 
 resentatives from each town, not exceeding two ; 
 all which are chosen by the freemen of the re- 
 spective towns ; the Gov'r, or Deputy Gov'er and 
 assistants are called the upper House, the Depu- 
 ties or Representatives, the lower House ; with- 
 out the concurrence of each House, no actispass'd; 
 they make laws, institute judicatures, appoint 
 Judges and other necessary affairs, who before 
 they enter upon their respective offices are al 
 sworn ; they meet twice in each year, viz. in May 
 and October, and oftener if called together by the 
 Gov'r on any emergency. 
 
 4. The trade of the colony is not large, hor- 
 ses, lumber and some provisions, are exported to 
 the West India Islands ; from whence we receive 
 in exchange, sugar, rum, molasses, salt, some bills 
 of exchange ; what provisions we can spare are 
 principally sent to Boston, New York and Rhode 
 Island, to pay for European goods which we have 
 mostly from thence, though of late we have had 
 some quantities of goods imported directly from 
 Great Brittain, which trade we are endeavouring 
 
Answers to foregoing Questions. 363 
 
 to cultivate ; as to the number of shipping and 
 sea faring men we must referr you to the acc't 
 from the Collector and Naval Officer, which we 
 herewith transmit, and which is sent quarterly to 
 the Commissioners of the Customs. 
 
 5. Our inhabitants, take annually of the Brit- 
 ish manufactures, all sorts of woollen cloath, silks, 
 scythes, nails, glass, pewter, brass, fire arms, and 
 all sorts of cutlery ware, the quantity we cannot 
 ascertain. 
 
 6. We have at present, no trade with any for- 
 eign plantations, though before the late war, we 
 had some few vessells that went up the Mediter- 
 ranean with Fish, with which they purchased bills 
 of exchange, and brought the effects home in 
 British manufactures. 
 
 7. The methods used to prevent illegal trade 
 are a strict conformity to the acts of Parliament, 
 relating thereto, by the Collector and Naval Offi- 
 cer, which we conclude are effectual. 
 
 8. The produce of the country consists of tim- 
 ber, English grain, Indian corn, flax, hemp, tobac- 
 co, horses, cattle, sheep, swine ; some small quan- 
 tities of each of which are annually exported, as 
 before mentioned ; our ..manufactures are incon- 
 siderable, our people being generally imployed in 
 clearing and tilling the earth; some tradesmen 
 there are, as Tanners, Shoemakers, Joyners, 
 Smiths, Carpenters, &c. without which we could 
 not subsist. 
 
 9. There are some coper mines, but proving 
 unprofitable, are wholly laid aside ; iron oar hath 
 been found in sundry places, and improved to 
 good advantage. 
 
 10. The number of our inhabitants of both 
 sexes and all ages, are computed to be about 
 70,000 whites, and 1000 blacks, and they are great- 
 
364 Answers to foregoing Questions'. 
 
 Iy increased within the ten years last past, which 
 we attribute, (under the Divine Blessing,) to a 
 wholesom air, industrious life, and frugality in liv- 
 ing. 
 
 11. The Militia are computed to be about 
 1 0,000, recconing from 1 6 to 50 years of age. 
 
 12. We have a Battery at New London, in 
 which are 9 guns mounted, and in our most expo- 
 sed positions, many fortifications, to secure the 
 people from the insults of the enemy. 
 
 13. The Indians among us are about 500 in 
 all, they are naturally inclined to idleness and ex- ^ 
 cessive drinking, but the great pains that hath been 
 taken, to instruct them in literature, and in the 
 christian religion seems not to be altogether in 
 vain. 
 
 14. There are no Indians that border upon 
 us ; the six nations, so called, are the nearest, who 
 live partly in New York GovernnTt, and partly 
 westward of it. 
 
 15. The Spaniards have no settlements near 
 to us than St. Augusteen ; the French, at Cana- 
 da, though not very near, have been very trouble- 
 some, especially since they have built a strong 
 Fort on this side the Lake, at a place called Crown 
 Point, from which they, with the Indians, often 
 make excursions, and distress our Frontiers, and 
 those of New York and the Massachusetts, which 
 occasions a great expence in garrisoning them. 
 
 16. The annual Revenue, by rates and duties, 
 in time of peace, amounts to about £9000 in bills 
 of credit," about £2000 of which is expended in 
 the support of schools for the education of youth ; 
 the remainder for the support of Government ; 
 since the commencement of the war, our expell- 
 ees have been vastly greater. 
 
Answers to foregoing Questions. 365 
 
 17. Our civill establishments, are 1, a Superi- 
 our Court, consisting of one Chief Judg, and four 
 assisting Judges, this Court sitts twice in the year 
 in each county, in which are tryed all high crimes 
 and misdemeanours, and civil actions that come 
 to them by appeal from Inferiour Courts. 2, an 
 Inferiour Court in each county, consisting of one 
 Chief Judg and three or more Justices of the 
 Quorum, who sit twice in the year, and oftener if 
 occasion requires, for the tryal of delinquents and 
 civil actions ; in all these Courts, matters of law 
 is determined by the Court, and matter of fact by 
 a Jury. 3, in each town, are one or more Justi- 
 ces of the Peace, for conservation of the peace, 
 and tryal of small causes ; the Militia is divided 
 into thirteen Regiments, the officers in each, are a 
 Col' Lieut. Col' and Major, and in each Regi- 
 ment, is a Troop of Horse, all the officers, both 
 civil and Military, are approved by the Gen'l As- 
 sembly, and commissioned by the Gov'r. 
 
 Colony of Connecticutt, j Hartford, May 11th, 
 General Assembly, \ 1749. 
 
 Upper House — The foregoing are answers to 
 the queries from their Lordships of the Board of 
 Trade, to the Governour and Company of the 
 Colony of Connecticutt, and ordered the Secreta- 
 ry to direct the same to the Right Hon'ble the 
 Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, 
 and sign the same, pr order of this Assembly. 
 
 Test GEORGE WYLLYS, Sec'ry. 
 
 In the Lower House — The foregoing answers 
 to ve Queries, read and approved by concurrance. 
 Test JNO. FOWLER, Clerk. 
 
 31 
 
366 Declaration of Rights. 
 
 Anno Regni Regis Georgii tertii 14th. 
 
 At a General Assembly of the Governor and 
 Company of the English Colony of Connecticut 
 in New England in America, holden at New Ha- 
 ven in said Colony on the second Thursday of 
 October, being the 13th day of said month and 
 continued by several adjournments to the fourth 
 day of November next following Annoq. Dom. 
 1774. 
 
 By the House of Representatives of the Eng- 
 lish Colony of Connecticut, second Thursday of 
 May 1774. 
 
 This House taking into serious consideration 
 sundry acts of the British Parliament in which the 
 power and right to impose duties and taxes upon 
 His Majesties subjects in the British Colonies and 
 Plantations in America, for the purpose of raising a 
 Revenue only, are declared, attempted to be exer- 
 cised and in various ways enforced and carried 
 into execution, and especially a very late act, in 
 which pains and penalties are inflicted on the cap- 
 ital of a neighboring Province, a precedent justly 
 allarming to every British Colony in America, and 
 which being admitted and established, their lives 
 liberties and properties are at the mercy of a Tri- 
 bunal where innocence may be punished upon the 
 accusation and evidence of wicked men without 
 defence and even without knowing its accusers, a 
 precedent calculated to terrify them into silence 
 and submission, whilst they are stripped of their 
 invaluable rights and liberties, do think it expedi- 
 ent and their duty at this time to renew their claim 
 to the rights, privileges and immunities of free 
 born Englishmen, to which they are justly entitled, 
 by the laws of nature, by the Royal Grant and 
 Charter of his late Majesty King Charles the sec- 
 
Declaration of Rights. 367 
 
 ond, and by long and uninterrupted possession, and 
 thereupon do declare and Resolve as follows to 
 wit — 
 
 In the first place we do most expressly declare, 
 recognize and acknowledge His Majesty George 
 the Third to be the lawful and rightful King of 
 Great Britain and all other his dominions and 
 countries, and that it is the indispensible duty of 
 the people of this Colony, as being part of his Ma- 
 jesties dominions, always to bear faithful and true 
 allegiance to His Majesty, and him to defend to 
 the utmost of their power against all attempts up- 
 on his person, crown and dignity. 
 
 2. That the subjects of His Majesty in this 
 Colony, ever have had, and of right ought to have 
 and enjoy all the liberties, immunities and privil- 
 eges of free and natural born subjects, within any 
 of the dominions of our said King, his heirs and 
 successors, to all intents, constructions and pur- 
 poses whatsoever as fully and amply, as if they 
 and every of them were born within the realm of 
 England, that they have a property in their own 
 estate, and are to be taxed by their own consent 
 only, given in person or by their Representatives* 
 and are not to be disseized of their liberties or 
 free customs, sentenced or condemned, but by law- 
 ful judgment of their Peers, and that the said rights 
 and immunities are recognized and confirmed to 
 the inhabitants of this Colony by the Royal grant 
 and Charter aforesaid, and are their undoubted 
 rights to all intents, constructions and purposes 
 whatsoever. 
 
 3. That the only lawful Representatives of the 
 freemen of this Colony, are the persons they elect 
 to serve as members of the General Assembly 
 thereof. 
 
 4. That it is the just right and privilege of 
 
368 Declaration of Rights. 
 
 His Majesties leige subjects of this Colony to be 
 Governed by their General Assembly in the article 
 of taxing and internal police, greeable to the pow- 
 ers and privileges recognized and confirmed in the 
 Royal Charter aforesaid, which they have enjoyed 
 for more than a century past, and have neither for- 
 feited nor surrendered, but the same have been 
 constantly recognized by the King and Parliament 
 of Great Britain. 
 
 5. That the erecting new and unusual courts 
 of Admiralty, and vesting them with extraordina- 
 ry powers above, and not subject to the controll 
 of the common law courts in this Colony, to judge 
 and determine in suits relating to the duties and 
 forfeitures contained in said acts, foreign to the ac- 
 customed and established jurisdiction of the for- 
 mer courts of Admiralty in America, is in the 
 opinion of this House, highly dangerous to the lib- 
 erties of His Majesty's American subjects, con- 
 trary to the great Charter of English liberty, and 
 destructive of one of their most darling rights ; 
 that of tryal by Jurors, which is justly esteemed 
 one chief excellence of the British* constitution, 
 and a principal bulwark of English liberty. 
 
 6. That the apprehending and carrying persons 
 beyond the sea to be tryed for any crime alleged 
 to be committed within this Colony, or subjecting 
 them to be tryed by commissioners, or any court 
 constituted by act of Parliament or otherwise 
 within this Colony in a summary way without a 
 Jury, is unconstitutional and subversive of the lib- 
 erties and rights of the free subjects of this Col- 
 ony. 
 
 7. That any Harbors or Ports duly opened and 
 constituted cannot be shut up and discharged but 
 by an act of the Legislature of the Province or 
 Colony on which such Port or Harbor is situated 
 
Declaration of Rights. 3G9 
 
 without subverting the rights and liberties and de- 
 stroying the property of his Majesty's subjects. 
 
 8. That the late act of Parliament inflicting 
 pains and penalties on the town of Boston by block- 
 ing their Harbor is a precedent justly alarming to 
 the British Colonies in America, and wholly incon- 
 sistent with, and subversive of their constitutional 
 rights and liberties. 
 
 9. That whenever His Majesties service shall 
 require the aid of the inhabitants of this Colony, 
 the same fixed principles of Loyalty, as well as 
 self preservation which have hitherto induced us 
 fully to comply with His Majesties requisitions, to- 
 gether with the deep sence we have of its being 
 our indispensible duty, in the opinion of this House, 
 will ever hold us under the strongest obligations 
 which can be given or desired most cheerfully to 
 grant His Majesty, from time to time, our farther 
 proportion of men and money, for the defence, 
 protection, security and other services of the Brit- 
 ish American dominions. 
 
 10. That we look upon the well being and 
 greatest security of this Colony to depend (under 
 God) on our connections with Great Britain which 
 is ardently wished may continue to the latest pos- 
 terity ; and that it is the humble opinion of this 
 House, that the constitution of this Colony being 
 understood and practiced upon as it has ever since 
 it existed til very lately, is the surest bond of un- 
 ion, confidence and mutual prosperity of ,our 
 mother country and us, and the best test founda- 
 tion on Which to build the good of the whole, wheth- 
 er considered in a civil, military or mercantile light; 
 and of the truth of this opinion, we are the more 
 confident, as it is not founded on speculation only, 
 but has been verrified in fact, and by long experi- 
 ence found to produce according to our extent and 
 
370 Declaration of Rights. 
 
 other circumstances, as many loyal, virtuous, in- 
 dustrious and well governed subjects as any part 
 of his Majesty's dominions, and as truly zealous, 
 and as warmly engaged to promote the best good 
 and real glory of the grand whole, which consti- 
 tutes the British empire. 
 
 11. That it is an indispensible duty which we 
 owe to our King, our Country, ourselves and our 
 posterity, by all lawful ways and means in our 
 power, to maintain, defend and preserve these our 
 posterity, by all lawful ways and means now in 
 our power to maintain, defend and preserve these 
 our rights and liberties, and to transmit them en- 
 tire and inviolate to the latest generations, and that 
 it is our fixed, determined and unaltered resolution 
 faithfully to discharge this our duty. 
 
 In the Lower House the foregoing resolutions 
 being read distinctly, three several times and con- 
 sidered, were voted and passed with great una- 
 nimaty ; and it is further voted and requested by 
 this House, that the same be entered on the rec- 
 ords and remain on the files of the General Assem- 
 bly of this Colony. 
 
 Test Williams Clerk, H. R. 
 
 In the Upper House the consideration of the 
 request of the Lower House, that the aforesaid 
 resolutions should be entered on the records of the 
 Assembly &c. is referred to the General Assem- 
 bly to be holden at New Haven, on the second 
 Thursday of October next. 
 
 Test George Wyllys, Secretary. 
 
 In the Upper House on further consideration 
 &c. it is agreed and consented to, that the forego- 
 ing resolutions, according to the request of the 
 Lower House be entered on the records and remain 
 on the files of the General Assembly of this colony. 
 Test George Wyllys, Secretary. 
 
Declaration of Independence. 371 
 
 At a General Assembly of the Governor and Com- 
 pany of the English Colony of Connecticut in 
 New England in America, holden at Hartford, 
 in said Colony, by special order of the Govern- 
 or, on the 14th day of June, A. I)om. 1776. 
 
 Whereas the King and Parliament of Great 
 Britain, by many acts of said Parliament have 
 claimed and attempted to exercise powers incom- 
 patible with, and subversive of the ancient, just 
 and constitutional rights of this and the rest of the 
 English Colonies in America, and have refused to 
 listen to the many and frequent, humble, decent 
 and dutiful petitions for redress of grievances and 
 restoration of such their rights and liberties, and 
 turning from them with neglect and contempt to 
 support such claims, after a series of accumulated 
 wrong and injury, have proceeded to invade said 
 Colonies with Fleets and Armies, to destroy our 
 towns, shed the blood of our countrymen, and in- 
 volve us in the calamities incident to war ; and 
 are endeavoring to reduce us to an abject surren- 
 der of our natural and stipulated rights, and sub- 
 ject our property to the most precarious depen- 
 dance on their arbitrary will and pleasure, and our 
 persons to slavery, and at length have declared 
 us out of the Kings protection, have engaged for- 
 eign mercenaries against us, and are evidently and 
 streanously seeking our ruin and destruction. — 
 These and many other transactions, too well known 
 to need enumeration ; the painful experience and 
 effects of which we have suffered and feel, make 
 it evident, beyond the possibility of a doubt, that 
 we have nothing to hope from the justice, human- 
 ity or temperate councels of the British King or 
 his Parliament, and that all hopes of a reconcilia- 
 tion, upon just and equal terms are delusory and 
 
S72 "Declaration of Independence* 
 
 vain. In this state of extreme danger, when no 
 alternative is left us but absolute and indefinite sub- 
 mission to such claims as must terminate in the 
 extreme of misery and wrechedness, or a total 
 separation from the King of Great Britain, and 
 renunciation of alF connection with that nation, 
 and a succesful resistance to that force which is 
 intended to effect our destruction. Appealing to 
 that God, who knows the secrets of all hearts, for 
 the sincerity of former declarations of our desire 
 to preserve our ancient and constitutional relation 
 to that nation, and protesting solemnly against 
 their oppression and injustice, which have driven 
 us from them, and compelled us to use such means 
 as God in his providence hath put in our power, 
 for our necessary defence and preservation — 
 
 Resolved unanimously by this Assembly, that 
 the Delegates of this Colony in General Congress, 
 be, and they are hereby instructed to propose to 
 that respectable body, to declare the United Amer- 
 ican Colonies, free and independent States, absol- 
 ved from all allegiance to the King of Great Brit- 
 ain, and to give the assent of this Colony to such 
 Declaration, when they shall judge it expedient 
 and best, and to whatever measures may be tho't 
 proper and necessary by the Congress, for form- 
 ing foreign alliances, or any plan of operations for 
 necessary and mutual defence : and also that they 
 move and promote, as fast as may be convenient, 
 a regular and permanent plan of union and con- 
 federation of the Colonies for the security and 
 preservation of their just rights and liberties, and 
 "for mutual defence and security — saving that the 
 administration of Government and the power 
 ought to be left and remain to the respective Co- 
 lonial Legislatures ; and that such plan be submit- 
 ted to the respective Legislatures for their previ- 
 ous consideration and assent. Finis. 
 

 
 
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