^ ' />>? r>i> ;> THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES Ex Libris < _> ;!» i ■ -' >.2> - :iv -*-^ ^ > >-3> > , ?.>^,^^, v>>;^-.- Catharine F. Richmond and Henry C, Fall J^s^V^^^ • >> » > ->.- -^ )> v> >> > ^ y^ ^»> >^ > > > > >^> •« >> T > :> > ^ >■> > >■>:»>> '^^ ^ o> > :> ^». :> 9^^^ ' ' . ; - \? >^^.* ^> >:?> -» > > > > > "-i^^ . ■y ,>-.:>> >^ > >^ . ^ v> >> >^ >_> ..^ >S>1 ^^^ ^ > > » T >• •>> 1^ > >> ■>) >J^ v> ■>^.> 9k 1 >> >>>) £3^ -> ->> T>> I^SB^ ~>> ■ ;>5 30n > >- > > "^R> > >i >> ":»> i>. > > 3 i > > >> ^ )■ ^> .>:> ■ r ^> '» >^ ' j> -> -> ■» > -. > ■) i»:^^j >^ >:> )jr » ^ ^ > ^ >^ > ^ Ji^ >1> '■> »:> -: — > ) > > :» > -« > -:» o :> > > :» > ^ > » > » > '?>\> >:>;> >^3g> :> f » ■,» j> •a > » ' r> 5 J «> > » r> -> £> > >;> » J>,:> ' > j.> . .,» > J > » -> o , J » > » / ^ -> -> » > » <.;> _> ^ > >5 ► > » J.;) > J > j!> ;;> : > > -» >' - ' > > > ^> j» > > > i> )^> > > > :> >:> > > :> >-> :.• 3 > T> X> > > ^> '-> » ^ ► > > T>,» ^> > > > :> X> : ► > > ::>>:> >' ► > > >?-Jt> >^ > > .1 » >? >;>> ->):> :>^ >> j» >> > » :» }■> ' > >J> •> a> J ' ■ J' O >-» >> > ■».;*» >> > 30 >J > > :> > J > . > >^) » > :> > > ^> ) > > ■ J£» > ' '3 »;>>■» :> , ,^ )o> » -> ,o J > > . » ^ J> ' >> » jar ^> ^ '> » j> ,> • >:> -»« «>i^> J j:>>^ ■■»> >^ > ;> >:>>:> T> .»> :> > -> > 3 > "»:»>:>:) . ;> > J^ _ > >> > > i> : ^ ^ ^ > ■:> ' * > > )>> :>52> > >))>^> >> > >>:> S>:» :>>5> :>;,>:>.>:> '» > :» > » ■> »> a3>:> > > ■■•j» - » :>-->> >>5>»> :>> >» ► )) > :> ,7> > :> » > J >> - :> Si > >^ • ';>:> » >> >:> ;> >3 " ^ -> > :»>>:> » ^> > j»_-^ ' ^^ > -> » > >j: •^ >_>->> ^ i;> > >:^ >> > >:.0 > » > i:3 -» ^ »"^L-> .:> >■> > '. •>"> ji»' > :> »> - ':> ^> ;3*-> !>■• "> ""> >j > ' • >>^ >>» >D >^ :>:> K«>-> ^ ^ >. ^> >.^^ >3» j»,-r >)■> >>> ^* >_>) >:>> ^' ->:> ) ^>>• - ->-> - o-^ - » >: ») ;» J) •> >> >j> :> ^ :> J ^ ^^ ^>^ — - ^ J. >j> > » "~> ) > > ) ^ -• :> >j» . 3 > > > TRANSCRIPTS ORIGINAL DOCUMEiNTS English Archives RELATING TO THE EARLY HISTORY State of ?(ew Hampshire. EDITED BY JOHN SCEIBNEE JENNESS. New York : 1876. NEW YORK: WM. J. READ. PKINTER, UC FILTOX STREET. 1876. ^F 37 u Jb-^. PREFACE. The ensuing documents were transcribed, under the Edi- tor's super^-ision, during the summer of 1874, from the papers relating to the early histcjrj of New Hampshire, still preserved among the English Archives at London ; and a few copies are now printed for the use of historians and antiquaries, in the belief that they shed new and important light into the ob- scui'itj of our early annals. A valuable epitome of many documents relating to the Province of Maine, derived from English records, was printed several years ago by the H<^n. Geouge Folsom ; and large numbers of such documents relating to Massachusetts, Con- necticut and Ehode Island have been transcribed and pub- lished, from time to time, by the Historical and Antiquarian Societies of those States. Little or nothing has been done, however, in this way on behalf of New Hampshire ; and, as a consequence, the annals of her first ])lantation still remain in confusion and obscurity. It is in the humble hope of assisting some future historian to gather the true story of "Mason's Patent " — a story not yet told — that we have undergone the fatigue and expense of searching out and printing the followmg documents, illustrat- ing the iirst half century of the Piscataqua settlements. The Editor cannot, of course, claim absolute accuracy in every mi nut la of these transcripts. Those who have engaged in the task of deciphering the faded and mouldy manuscripts of two centuries ago, frankly admit the frequent difficulties of making out the words employed, or even the meaning in- tended l)y the writer — a difficulty much enhanced by the 1 066853 IV. - PREFACE. capricious use, in those days, of abbre^datiolls and capitals, by the lack generally of any attempt at punctuation, and by an (H'tliogi-apliy entirely arbitrary. We have, however, used our best endeavors to avoid errors of this sort, and hope that such as ma}- be detected will not prove of much importance. It has been the Editor's aim to present in this collection nothing (with one or two exceptions) which has been fully and accurately published elscAvhere ; and it is believed, that a large portion of the papers here presented have been hitherto unknown to the students of our early history and will prove of substantial value and interest. The map, an etching of which is prefixed, was found by the Editor in the British Museum, where it is catalogued as "Add. Man** N" 13970." There is nothing upon it to indicate its date or its authorship, but it seems to be the earliest map extant of Maine and New Hampshire, unless we choose to except the rude sketch of William Wood. The map in ques- tion must have been drawn after 1658 as the town of YorJce, incorporated and named in that year, is wTitten upon it. AH. the other names upon the map had been conferred prior to that date. The absence of the names of Portsmouth, con- fen-ed in 1653, and Scarborough and Falmouth, incorj^orated in 1658, would indicate that the map was drawn not long after York was incorporated. We venture to assign to it a conjec- tural date of about 1655, and to add that the draughtsman may possibly have been Gov. Edward Godfi-e}-, who returned to England after the seizure of his Province of Maine by the Massachusetts, and was for many years earnestly engaged in moving the Government for the restoration of the usurped Province. His letters, within piiblished, give some counten- ance to such a surmise, in the absence of any reliable evi- dence on the subject. JOHN S. JENNESS. Neiv York, Feb. 1876. CONTENTS. Page. Petition of Walter Neale, ------ 1 Petition of Walter Neale, . . - . - 2 Grant of Province of Laconia, ----- 3 Petition of Walter Neale, . . - . - 7 Grant of Pescataway, - . - - - - 8 Minute of Grant of Paseataquack, . . - - 14 Letter from Thomas Wiggin to Sir John Cooke, Secretary, S:c., - 15 Partial partition of Pascattaway among the Laconia adventurers, 18 Petition of Walter Neale, ------ 19 Allotment of Lands l)y Council of New England to Captain John Mason, ------- 20 A Relation concerning the Estate of New England, - - 21 Answer fo Sir Ferdinand Gorges, . - - - 26 Injunction in Court of Requests in the action Eyre vs. Gorges, - 26 Report of Sub-Committee to Privy Council, - - - 27 Order of Privy Council thereon, ----- 29 Bill in the action, Morton vs, PoweU, - - - - 30 Letter from George Burdett to the Archbishop of Canterbury, - 31 Petition of Captain Walter Neale, - - - - 33 Grant by Plymouth Council to Captain John Mason, - - 34 The Dover Combination, with all /he signatures ajfixe'l, - 36 Joseph Mason's Protest agst. Leader, - - - - 38 Letter from Gov. Edward Godfrey to Privy Council, - 39 Petition of Jo.seph Ma.son to Massachusetts, - - - 40 Petition of Edward Godfrey, and others, for redress, - - 42 Information of Edward Godfx'ey concerning the Piscataque and Maine, ..-.--. 43 vi. CONTENTH. Paob, Letter from Edward Godfrey to Mr. Povey, - - - 45 Letter from Samuel Mavericke to Col. Nichols, - - - 46 Petition of iulmbitiuts of Portsmouth and Strawberi-y Bank, 48 Petition of inhabitants of Portsmouth, Dover, &c., to be annexed to Maine, ------- 50 Letter from Nic. Shapleigh to iMr. Mason, - - - 52 ^Ir. ^Mason's account of New Hampshire, . . - 53 Statement of tlie Title of Robert Mason to New Hampshire - 54 Letter from Ed. Randolph to Sec Coventry, - - 60 Depositicms of Johnson and others. - - - - 62 Account of New Hampshire by Massachusets agents, - 64 Petition of householders of Dover. - - - - - 65 Petition of inhabitants of Exeter, . . - - 07 Petition of householders of Portsmoutli, - - - - 68 Petition of inhabitants of Hampton, - - - - 69 Petition of Robert Mason and Fred. Gorges, - - - 71 Account of Mass. agents concerning their Northern bountls, 73 Joselin's account of Nova Scotia bounds, . - - - 7") Statement of Title of Rolx-rt Mason in New Hampshire, - 75 Letter from Robert Mason, ------ S'-i Abstract of Letters from Randolph, . - - . 84 Petition of Robert Mason, ------ 85 Report by President and Council of New Hampshire to Privy Council, ------- 87 Letter from Richard Chamberlain to William Blathwait, - - 90 Letter from Chamberlain to Privy Council, . - - 93 Acconnt from President and ('ouncil of New Hampshire to the King, .----.. 1)9 Narrative of Proceedings in New Hampshire on receijjt of Com- mi-ssion, - - - - - - - 10 A Piitition v.f Robert Mason against the President and Council of New Hampshire, ------ 109 Narrative of Proceedings in New Hampshire on promulgating tht* CommLssion of Edward Cranfield, - - - - 113 CONTENTS. Letter from Cranfield to the Committee, Secretary of State, Committee, &c.. Barefoot Cranfield Secretary Jenkins, (( Committee, Secretary Jenkins, Committee, An aceov;nt of Ordnance, &c., at Great Island, Vll. Page. 119 123 128 129 132 134 136 139 141 143 145 146 150 152 155 158 159 153 PUBLIC RECORDS. STATE PAPERS— DOMESTIC SEEIES. Vol. 84, N° 42. (1615.) To the Kings most excellent Ma"^- The liunible peticon of Walter Neale, Captaine of the Com- pany of the ArtiUary garden in London. AVhereas your Ma'-^ humble Peticoner was heretofore an humble suitor for the Muster Maisters place of the Citty of London, lAit your Ma'"" was not then pleased to thinke it necessary to apjioint any such oificer, yet since your Ma*'^ ta- king it further into consideracon, hath reccomended Ca])taine ffisher to the Citty for the same place. Now-in regard your most humble peticoner hath with greate expence of money and Continuall travaile effectually reunited and established the Company of the ArtiUary garden in Lon- don and hath brought it to a gieater perfection then at any tyme it hath l)een heretofore : Alsoe in regard of the neces- sary relation and de])endanc'ie of the Muster Maisters jjlace and the Captaine of the said Company the one with tht* other 2 EARLY DOCUMENTS the said Captaiue being boniul to a Ooutiimall attendance and labour exercising the jnincipall C'ittizen of London in martiall descipline Avliereby the forces of the C'itty are alwayes furnisli- ed with abk' Comauders out of the said Company and the private Souklers enabled and made ready against the generall Musters for which travaile youre Ma'*' humble Peticoner hath onely the smale allowance of ffifty Pounds p auum and is now therefore for want of Competent meanes Driven to greate ex- tremitie and not longable to sul>sist without your gratious favour extended to him. May your Ma'**' be now therefore gi'aceously pleased to take into your royall Consideracon the just pretences of your humble peticoner to the said Muster Maisters place or to referr the examinacon thereof to the Lords of your Ma*y most hono^^*^ privie Councell. And yo*' peticoner as in humble duty bound shall ever dayly pray for your Ma'-^' long life & eternal felicity. (Endorsed in pencil.) 1615. STATE PAPEKS— DOMESTIC SERIES. Vol. 136, N- 43. (Car. 1, 1628-9). To the right hono'^^*" his Ma*-^ Councell of Warre. The humble Petition of Cap* Walter Neale. "Whereas yo'' Lop^ humble Petitioner hath been a Soldier these thirteene yeares, and hath never had any other profes- sion but his sworde, nor other fortunes than the warre : hath been an Officer in his Ma'^ service five yeares both in the expedicon w"' Count Mannsfelt, and in severall expeditions since ; served in the He of Re many weekes a voluntary v,-^^ out receaving paye, and w^as so long a Petitioner for his money due for Count Mansfelt service as onely in that occa- RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 3 sioii, hoe spent all the money his freinds would spare him and brought himself much indebted and is not vet free : ffor his latter services ; there is onely due unto him the somme of Bfi" 12* or there abouts ftor w''' pay how Avell hee liath em- deav(uired to deserve, both in the lie of Re, heere m England, and in the last journey to Rochell, hee referres himself to the aj^probation of the cheife Commanders of the Army. Hee most humbly therefore prayoth yo'" Lop" to give Such Order that yo^' humble Petitioner may receave Some Speedy satisfaction, his debts being clamorous and his wants unsup- portable, and according to his dutie hee shall ever remayne an obedient servaunt to your Lop" Commands. (In another handwTiting.) Capten Mason is required, l)y theire Lop"* to cast up the Accompts of the petitioners arreares, for the Services to ye Isle of Retz, and releefe of Rochell, and to certifie how much thereof, is due only for Actuall Service abroad. (Endorsed.) Walter Neale, Cap. Rec. 26 ffebr 1628. De- sireth his Arrears. COLONIAL ENTRY BOOK. Vol. 59, pp 115 121. (1629, Xovniihvr 17.) The (Irant of the Province of Laconia to S'" Ferdinando Gorges and Capt* Jn° Mason, 17"^ Nov-- 1629. This Indenture made y'' Seaventeenth day of November Ano l)(mii 1629. 5"' of (Charles Between y" President ve)iiJ)er 3.) Grant and Confirmation of PescataAvay to S'- Ferdinando Gorges and Cap*- Mason and others, Ano 1631. This Indenture made the 3'^ day of Novem'" An° Dni 163 L : and in y^ 7^ year of y" Eeigiie of Our Sovraigne Charles by the Grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the fifaith Arc. Betweene the Presid' S: Councill of New England on y*" one pt}- and S'' Ferdinando Gorges Kn' Cap' John Mason of London Esq"" and their Associates John Cotton Henry Gardner, Geo : Griffith Ehwiu Guy Thomas Wannerton Thomas Eyre and Eliezer Eyre on y'' other pty Witnesseth That whereas our late Soueraigne Lord of famous memory King James tor the makeing of a Plantacon and establishing of a Colonie or Colonies in }•" (countries called or know)ie l)y the name of New England in Ainerica, Did by his Highnesses Lres Patents under the Great Seale of England, bearing date at Westm'" y*' 3'^ day of Nou'" 1620 give grant aud confirme unto the R' Hon'''' Lodwicke Duke of Lenox. Geo : Marques of Buckingham, James L'' Merques of Hamilton Thomas Earle of Ai'undale Robert Earle of Warwicke S'' Fer- RELATIN(i J'O NP:W HAMPSHIRK. i) (liiiaiido Goi-fj^es Knt. and diuerse others whose names are expressed in the s'^ Lres. Pat. their Heires and Assif^nes, that tliey shalbe one body Politique, and Corporate perpetuall, and that theyshouhl hane j)erpetnall Succession, and one coniinoil Seale (^r Seah's, to serve for the said Body, And that they and tlieir Successors shall )e known, called and incorporated by ye name of the ])resid* and Council! established at Ply m" for the planting ruling and gouerning of New England in America, and did of his especiall Grace, certaine Knowledge, and mere Mocon for him his Heires and Success'"" giue grant, and contirme unto the s'^ Presid* and Couucill and their Suc- cess'"'' under y® Reseruacons, Limitacons and Declaracoiis in the s'^ Lres Pat expressed All that part and porcon of y* Goun- trie no \ commonly called New England av''' is situate, lying, and being betweeue ye latitude of 40 dge and 48 of North ""ly latitude, Togeather w"' y'' Seas and Islands Mug w*''in 100 miles of any pai-t of y*" sd Coasts of ye Countrie af ores'' And also all y' Lands, Soyles, Grounds, Haueus, Ports, Riuers, Mines, as well Roy" Mines of Gold and Siluer as other Mines Minealls Pearls and precious stones, AA oods Quarries Marshes, Waters ffishings Hunting, Hawking, Ifowling, Ccunmodities and Hereditam** w* soever, together w"' Prerogatiues Juris- dicons, Royallties, Priuiledges, tfranchises, and Preheminence w^'^in any of the s'^ Territories and ye precincts thereof w*soeuer. To haue hold possesse and enjoy all and singular the said Lands and j^^'emisses in y*' s'^Ltres Pat. granted or menconed to be granted unto them y'' s'' Presid' and Councill tlieir Successors and assign foreuer To be holden of his Ma"'' his heires and Successors as of his H*"**^ owne Man'" of East Gveenw''' in the C^ountie of Kent, in free and Comnum Soccage and not in Capite or by Knights Seruice Yeilding and paying to the Kings Ma*'*" his Heires and Success"" the One 5"' ''* of all y'" Gold and Siluer Gar that from time to time and at all times from y^ date of the s'^Lres Pat. shalbe there gotten had or obtained for all Services duties or Denumds as in and by his H'*'' Lres. Pat : amongst divers other things therein con- teined more full}' and large it doth and may appeare, And whereas the s'' Pn^sid' and Councill haue u])on mature delibe- racon thought titt for the better furnisliing and furtherance of 10 EARLY DdCUMENTS y'" Plantacoii in these parts to appropriate ami allott to seve- rall pticular psous diverse pcells of Laud w'^'^in the prcincts of the afores'^ granted ))rmises by his Ma** s'* Lres Pat. Now this Indenture Wittnesseth that the s'^Presid* and Councill t)f their full free and niutuall consent, as well to y*" end that all the Lauds Woods Lakes Loucks. Rivers, Waters, ponds Islands and Fishings, w**" all other Traffique Prottits and C'Ommodities whatsoeuer to them or any of them belonging, aud hereafter in these Puts menconed may be wholly and entirely invested appropriated secured and settled in and upon y*' sd S'" fiardi- nando Gorges, Cap* John Mason and their Associates, Jolni Cotton, Henry Gardner, George Griffith, Edwyn Guy, Thomas Wannertou Thorn Epie, & Ehezer Eyre as by diners speciall SeiTices b}- them already done for the aduancement of the s'* Plantacon by makeing of Clap board and pipestaues make- ing of Salt panns and Salt, transporting of Vines for makeing of Wines searching for Iron Oare being all busuiesse of uery great Consequence for causeing of man}' Soules both men, women and boys and store of Shipps to he employed thither, and so in short time proue a great Nursery for Shipping and Mariners, and also a great helpe to such as in this Kingdome want good Imploym* And further for Y' the s'^ S'" fferd Gorges Capt, John Mason and their said Associates John Cotton Henry Gardiner Geo. Griffith Edwin Guy Thorn : Wannerton Tho Eyre and Eliezer Eyer have by their Agents there taken great paines and spent much tyme in the discouery of the Countrie all w'*^ hath cost them (as we are credibly Informed) 30001b and upwards, Avhich hitherto they are whoUy out of purse upon hope of doing good m time to come to y" publique, And also for other good and sufficient Causes and Considera- cons the sd Presid* and Councill especially thereunto moueing, Haue given granted bargained sold assigned aliend, sett oner enfeoffed and confirmed and by these p"*** Do gine grant, bargaiue sell assigne, aliens sett ouer enfeoffe and confirme unto the s'^ fferdinando Georges Cap* John Mason John Cotton Henr Gardner Geo Griffith Edwin Guy Thorn. Wannerton Thoni. Eyere and Ehezer Eyre, their Heirs and Assignes for euer All that house and clieife habitacon situate and being at Pascataway als Pascataquack als Pascaqnaeke in New England IIELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 11 aforesaid, wherein Ca])' Walt. Neale and y*^ Colony w*'' him jiow doth or lately did reside togeather w*^ the Gardens and Conie gronnd oecni)ied and planted by the s'^ Colonic, and the Salt workes ahready l)egun as afores'^ And also all that porcon of Laud lying w'^n the precincts hereafter nienconed, beginning upf)n the Sea coast 5 miles to the W ' ward of or from the s'^ cheife Habitacon or Plantation now possessed by the s'' Cap* Walter Neale for y*" use of the Adventurers to Liconia (being in the latitude of 43 Degr or thereabouts in the Harbour of Pascataquack als Pascataquack als Passataway, and so forth fi'om y'' s'' beginning Eastw'^ ct North Eastw"* and so proceeding North w'^^ or North Westw'^^ into y*^ Harbour and Riuer along the Coasts and Shoares thei'eof including all the Islands and Isletes Ij'ing w*'^in or neere unto the same upwards unto the head land opposite unto the plantacon or Hal)itacon now or late in the Tenure or Occupation of Edw'^ Hilton & from thence w* w'^* 6: South w^ w''*" in y^ midle of the Riuer and through the midle of y*^ Bay or Lake of Pasquacack als Pascaquack or by Avhat other name or names it hath toward the bottome or Westermost part of ye Kiuer called Pascassocke to the falls thereof, and fi'om thence by an Imaginary Line to pass ouer, and to the Sea, where the P'ambulacon begann Togeather w**^ aU y^ Lands, Soyle, (xround Wood, Quan-ies, Mines ffishing Hunting Hawking ffowling Comodities and Hereditam'® whatsoeuer, Togeather also w"' all p^'rogatiues, Jurisdiccons Koyallties, priuileidges, ftVanchises and i^reheminence w*'* in y** precincts of Land conteined w'^'in y'' hunts or bounds aforesaid. And also the Isles of Shoales, aud y'' flashings thereabouts And all the Seas w'''in 15 miles of thaforesd Sea Coast. And also all the Sea Coast and Laud lying on y^ East and North east side of the Harboure and Kiuer of Pascataway aforesd aud opposite to tlic bounds aboue nieucioned begiuiug 15 miles to y"" S. east- ward of y*" Mouth or first entrance and begiuiug of the said Harboure, aud so u])p to y*' falls and into the pouds, or Lakes that feed the s'^ ffalls, hy the space of 30 miles including the the s'' pouds or Lakes and the Shoores thereof, and so crossing into the Landward, at a right angle by the space of 3 miles the Avhole length thereof fi'oui y'^ s'^ mouth or first entrance 12 EARLY DOCUMENTS from the Sen and Eashvds into y'' Sea w'** s'M3 miles slialbe allowed for y'* breadth of ye sd land last menconed both upon y land and sea, As also all ye land Soyle Ground Woods, Quarrie, Mines, ffisliinfjjs Hunting Hawking flfonling Com- modities and Hereditam^^ whatsoeuer, togeather w^*^ all pre- rogatiues Jurisdiceons Koyallties, Priuileidges, ffranchises and ]>'heminence w*''in the p^'cinets of Land last menconed, eon- teined To haue and to hold all y'" s'' Hduse and Habitacon porcons of Land and ull Lakes and Islands therein contained as aforesaid, and all and singular other yp^' misses hereby ijiyen, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoli'ed, and con- firmed, \v*'' all and singular the appurtences and cuery ])art and ]X'ell thereof unto y'' s'' S'" fterdenando (lorges, Cap' John Mas(m, John Cotton, Henry Gardner Geo. Grittith, Edwyn Guy, Thomas Wannerton, Thomas Eyre and Elyezer Eyer to y'' onl}' use iV: behoof e of them y*" s'^ fterd. Gorges A'C their Heires and Ass. iov euer. Yeilding and paying unto our Souer L'^ y'' King his Heires and Successors 4 of all y*^ Oare of Gold and Siluer tliat from time to time and at all tymes hereafter shalbe there gotten, had A' obteined for all seruices, duties and Comands, and also yeilding cVr paying unto the ^a Piesid* Councill and their Successe''' euery yeere yeerely for euer -iOs sterl. at y'' ft'east of S* Mich : tharchangell if it shalbe lawfully demanded, at the Assurance House on the AYest side of the Eoy" Exchange in L(mdon. And the s'' Presd* Ar Councill for them tt their Success''^ do Coueuant and Grant to and w*^ y'' s'' S'' fierdin : Gorges Capt John Mason and their said Associates John Cotton Heur. Gardner Geo. Griffith Edwyn Guy Thorn Wannerton, Thom Eyer Eliezer Eyre their Heires A: Assignes by these prets, that from thenseaUng and deliuery hereof according to y'' purport true intent and meaning of these pre*" they the s'^ S'' Ferdinan Gorges, Capt. John Mason and their s'' Associates John Cotton Henry Gardner Geo Griffith Edwin Guy Thom. AVau- nerton Thom Eyer and Ehezer Eyre, their Heires and Assignes shall from tyme to tyme for euer })eacably and quietly haue hold i^ossesse and enjoy all thaforesd House and ('heife Habertacon ]iorcons of Lands w"^ all y'' Islands and P'' misses w*"^ thappurtences herel)y before giuen and KELATEsG TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 13 granted or iiieiieoned, meant or intended to bo hereby ginen and granted, and euery part and parcell thereof w'^'out any Lett, disturba:r.'e, denyall trouble interrupeon or euiccon of or by y" s'^ President and Oouncill or any psou or psons whatsoeuer clayming by from or nuder them or their Suc- cessors or by or rmder their Estate Right Title or Interest. And the s<^ Presid* and Councill fwr them and their Successors do fui-ther Couenant and grant to and w*^ y" sd S'' fierd : Goiges Oapt John Mason, and their Associates John Cotton, Henry Gardner Geo Griffith Edwyn Guy, Tho Wannerton Thorn : Eyre and Eliezer Eyre their Heires and Ass l)y these prets That they the s'^ Presid* and Councill shall at all times fect Investing, Assuring, Conveying and sure making of all the afcnes'^ Houses and Halntacon, porcons of Land, Island tind all and singular other the ]i *' misses w*'* thapj)urtences to the s'' S'" fferd Gorges Cap*. John Mason and their s'' Associates John Cotton Henry Gardner George Griffith Edwyn Guy Thomas AVannerton Tho Eyere and Eliezer Eyre, their Heires and Assignes, as by them their Heires or Assignes, or V>y his or their or any of their Councill learned in the Law shallje devised or advised or required. And further Kxow Yee that the s'^ Presd* and Councill have made, constituted deputed, authorized appointed, and in their l)lace and steed do putt Cap*. Thom. Caniock Henry Joselin, or in their absence to any other psou that shalbe their Gouernour, or other Officer, to the Pres*^ : and Councill to be their lawfull Attorny and in their name & Steed to enter into the s*^ House and Habitation porcons of land and other y ' p '' misses aboue giuen and granted w*-' their apptences or into some p* thereof, in the name of the whole for them and in their name to haue and take possession and seizin thereof, and after such Possession and Seizin so thereof or of some 14 EARLY DOCUMENTS part thereof in the name of the whole so taken and had, then for theiu and in their names to deliuer full and peaceable possession and seizin of all and Singular the s'^ granted p"" misses unto y'' sd S'" Ferdinando Gorges Oapt. John Mason and their said Associates John Cotton Henry Gardner, Geo. Grifhth, Edwyn Guy Thomas Waniierton, Thomas E^^e and Eliezer Eyre, or to their certain Attorny or Attornys in that behalfe, accarding to the true intent and meaning of theise p"*'* Ratifying Confirming and Allowing all and whatsoeuer their said Attorney shall do in or about the })'' misses by these p"'**. In Witnesse whereof the said jn-esident and Councill to two parts of these presents both of One Tenor haue sett their Common Scale and to one part thereof the s'^ S'" Ferden : Gorges, Capt. John Mason, John Cotton, Henry Gardiner, Geo : Griffith, Edwin Guy, Tho : Wanuerton Thom : Eyre and Eliezer Eyre haue sett their hands and Scale the Day and yeere first aboue written. (Endorsed in pencil ) 3. Nov. 1631. N. Eng^ . COLONIAL STATE PAPERS. Vol. (5. No. 29. Att "Warwicke House the 4*^^ of November 1631. There being Prsent. The Earle of Warwicke Presid^ cfe S'" Fardenando Gorges Kn* Threr. T'heke was that day Sealed a Pattent granted to S'" Fardi- naudo Gorges Knight, Cap* John Mason and their Associates of a porcon of Land lyeiug upon the River of Pascataquack extending itselfe along the Sea Shore to the westward 5 English miles and so by an imaginary Line up into the maine North to the bounds of a plantacon belonging to Edward Hilton and tlie Islands within the same River eastward, togeather Avith 3 Miles along the shoare to the l{EK\TIN(i JO NEW HAMPSHIliK. lo Eastward of the s'' River and opposite to the Habitation and Phmtation where Cap * . Neale lines and soe up into the maine Laud northerly by all y'' breadth aforesaid thirty miles, witli all y'' Avoods soyles & marshes Avithin the said Limitts with the Lakes at the head of the said lliver and other Comodityes and Imuuityes as by the (younterparte of the same grant it more at large appeares. The Consideration was for service fornuuly done Sc for y* they had already setled theire wdtli the said Captain Neale divers of their people and had erected salt panns and hoped to make salt line are graciously pleased, and doe by tlieis o'^ Ires recomend him unto you to succeed in that place not doubting Imt you readily conferre the same upon liim, together w"^ all rights and profitts there belonging 20 EAltLY DOCUMENTS \v''' we sli;ill retoiiio in o'" })riiic'ely Keiueuibraiice for yo'' beiie- titt as occasion shall be presented. (Endorsed) Capt Neale Capt of Artillery Garden — London. (In pencil. " Editors mark") prob. Jan 1() 33-4. COLONIAL STATE PAPERS. Voi.. 8, No. 47. (1634. /W>. 3.) Allottm* of Cap* Mason's part by y^ Councell of N. England. ffor as mnoli as by a mutuall agreement wee whose names are subscribed Patentees or Adventurers and of the Councell of New England are to joyne in the surrender to his Ma*'® of the gi-eate Charter of that Country w''' was graunted unto us in the eighteenth yeare of the Reigne of King James of blessed memory in whose p'sence Lotts were drawne for setling of divers and sondry divisions of Land on the Sea Cost of the said Country uppon most of us Avho hitherto haue neuer bin confirmed in the said Land soe allotted And to the intent that euery one of us according to equity and in some reasonable manner answearable to his Adventures or other interest male enioy a i)porcon of the land of the said CV)untry to bee ime- diatly holden of his ma*'** wee therefore doe condescend and agree that all that })te of the sea coast of the Country aforesaid shall belong to Captaine John Mason to begin at the midle of Namekecke river, and from thence to pceed eastward along the Sea Coast to Cape-Anne and round about the same in to Pascataway Harbour and soe forthward upj) within the river of Newichewannock and to the farthest head of the said river and fi'om thence Noi-th westward till sixty miles be finished from the first entrance of Pascataway har- bour Alsoe from Namekecke through the Harbour and lliuer thereof up into the laud west sixty myles from w''' period to RELATING TO NEW HAMSPHIUE. 21 ci'osse oner land to the sixty miles end accounted from Pas- cataway throufjj Newichewanncx-k liiver and into the land North wejst as aforesaid and hereunto is to belonge the South halfe of the Isles of Shodles and 10000 acres on the south-east })art of Sagadahock at the mouth or entrance thereof. Saueing and reserving out of this diviseon to euery one that hath any lawfull graunt of land or plantacon lawfully setled in the same The fi'eeholding and 6noi;ying of his right w*^' the libties thereunto ap})tayning laying downe his Jura Eegalia (if he haue any) to the p prietor of his division Avherein his 'land lyeth and paying some small acknowledgment for that he is now to liould his said land anewe of the p prietor of this division. J. Lenox Hamilton Arrundell :• the rest of the Patents beinge planted w"' residue. Att my Comeinge ouer there was estimated to be att the least * * head of K^nie belonging to the seuerall plantacons, And are now increased to 5000 or thereabouts, great store of Swyne and goates and some horses : The Inhabitants haue in all places Convenient houses and good quantitie of Cleered land ff'or C-orne. The aboue meuconed Patents are not all of one kinde, for some are in the nature of Corporacons and haue poAver to make Lawes, ffor the governinge of their plantacons, others are but onely assignmn*** of soe much Land to bee planted and possessed w"'out power of governnit. Of the first sort are onely theis ff'ower vizt : 1. New Plymouth 2. Massachusetts 3. Pascatequack & 4. Pemaquid. RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIltE. 25 The Civill goverumn* of the Colonies remaine in the power of those who are Principall in the Patents of w'"'' those w''^ haue authoritie to estabhsh hiwes, doe Execute theii-e Jurisdction t\i: soe ffar as I could understand, as neere, as may bee accordinge to the hiwes of Enghmd, And those whoe haue not that legall powe'' doe goveme theire servants and Teunants in a Civill way, soe ffar as the} are able. The Defects in theis plantations ffor the present, as I conceiue, are onely theis. 1. The Inhabitants (Except in the Massachusetts Bay) are too farr scixttered one from another alonge the coast, soe that they Cannot uppon any occasion, Reiinite the"" selues to oppose an enemye. 2. There is fewe tforts nor places of the strength iii all the Countrie. 3. There are but few of those, who haue Patents granted unto them that doe obserue the Lawes, and orde'* of Planta- tion appointed unto them in their Patents and Expressed in the grand Patent, granted by his Ma*''' to the President and Councell. 4. When there happeueth any question betweeue the Plante'" of seuerall Patents, those quarrells are seldome, or neuer ended because there is none in the Countrie that hath authoritie to Decyde them ; every mans powe"^" beinge Limitted, w*'' his owue Patent. 5. There wants an uniformytie in the Lawes and Customes of seuerall Patents and alsoe a generall unitie in thinges that conscerne the publique good of the Countrie. As Concerninge matte''^ of Religion, because my aboade was ffarre distant ffrom neighbo'® and noe professed Scholler, I was therefore little acquainted w*'-^ other mens disagreeiuge opinions and myselfe, and Colonie all wayes professiuge the l>octrine discipline of the Church of England I was not Curious afte^ that of othe''^ w*^^ then Concerned me nott. ffinis. (Then follows " An abstract of the Lawes of New Eng- land.") 26 EARLY DOCUMENTS COUllT OF ItKQUESTS, BILLS cV ANSWERS. i:5 Cvn. I. Cotton rs. Gorges. (1637) The several! Answeare of S"* Farclinando Gorges, Knight, one of the Defendants to the Bill of Complaynt of John Gotten, Complaynant. (This answer has been lately printed in the Appendix to the second edition of the Editor's History of the Isles of Shoals.) • COURT OF REQUESTS, ORDERS AND DECREES. Vol. 35, p. 2L Easter Term. 13 Car. I. (1637.) Eyre and George. Whereas Thomas Eyre hath exhibited his bill of Complumto the King's Ma*'^' before his highness CounceU in his hono^'" Court of Whitehall at Westni'' against Sir fferdinando Gorge kt. John Watson and others Defendts ; Thereby settinge forth that the Defendts S*" iferdinando Gorge Thomas Waimerton and others adventurers for Pascattawaye in New England did make choice of the pit. for theire agent for mauaginge theire affaires and about 7" Caroli R^ the said adventurers did sett out the shipp called the Lyons whelpe .whereof the defendt (iibs was maister and who Avithout the adventurers privitye did lade for the accomi>t of himselfe the Defend* Watson and Kingston 76*' of beauer wooll which beinge returned into England the said adventurers directed the Complt to take the same into his custodye for non payment of the fraight of the said Beaver wooU which tlie said Defendts Watson Gibson and Kingston haue suffered to remaine in the ])lts hands without payement of tlie fraight for the same by the Space of foure yeares and untill the pit by the direccon of the said Adventu- i^ELATIXG TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 2"? rers had sold the said Beaver wooll and what the pit did was by the direccou of the saide Compam-e hee beinge but theire agent as aforesaide and the said sale was occasioned by the wilfull neglect of the Defendts Gibbs and Kingston in not ])ajeinge the said fi-aight Therefore and for that the said Defend* John Watson hath now revived a suite at the Comon Lawe brought 4 yeares since against the pit for 8^*^ of the said beaver wooll and doe presse a Speedie triall therein against the pit. It is by the Eight hono*'^^ the Lord the Lord P. S : and the rest of his Ma*'' said Councell of this Court in presence of Councell on l)oth sides Ordered that the said Deft Watson shall bee at libtie to proceed to a triall at comou Lawe in the accon there l)y him conienced against the pit and after the said triall the said Deft Watson his Councellors Attorneys and solh- citors, and every of them shall surcease and staye and noe further prosecute or proceed at the comon lawe thereupon ag* the said Complt untill the same matter shall be fullye heard in this Court and other and further order bee there- uppou had and made by his Ma-^ said Councell of this Court to the contrarie And it is further ordered that an Injunction under his Ma*** P : S : uppon paine of CC*' to be leavied itc. bee forthwith awarded and directed unto the said Deft Watson his Councellors Attorneys and Sollicitors and euery of them for the due performance of this present order in euery behalfe. COLONIAL STATE PAPERS. Vol. K). No. 18. (1638-9.) According to yo*" Lopps Order of Reference of the 22tli . . . ffebruary 1638, directing us to examine & certifie whether the Promise of S'" fferdinando Gorges to be an .... in equall proporcon w*^ Cap* John Mason, (whe is charg'd w**^ the Arreare complained of to be from him ) did only relate to such Sliipps as should sett out A' Voyages made after his said Promise, date in Jmie 1632, or to the Shipps sett out mentioned in the Certificate of Sr John tfe S'" Abraham Dawes w*^"'' were 1 before 28 EARLY DOCUMENTS the date Promise or to both ; Wee haue ex- amiued the same - fferd Gorges. (A portion of this Document towards the edge is missing.) COUNCIL RECilSTER. Vol. 15, ]^l^. 3()l)-:501. Piuvv Council Oi/fkie. Upon readinge of a Certificate returned to their Lo^''' fi'om the Sub Comittees for forraigne Plantacons unto Avhom their Lo^'* had formerlie referred the hearinge and examininge of the Complaints made by John Michell a Minister and divers 30 EAliLY DOCUMENTS other poore people eouceriiinge certaiue moiieys due nuto them from S' flferdenando Gorges kut upon his adventures to Lacouia and ui)()n readinge of a ft'ornier Cevtifieate made in the busine'*"' by S'" John "Wolstonholme and S*" Abraham Dawes, who had by order frome their Lo^^ examined the Bookes and aeeompts of tlie Adventures to Laconia concern- inge the same ; ffor as much as it appeared by the said Certificates that there are moneys in aiTeare and due fi'om S" ffardinando Gorges upon his said Adventures w''^ ought to go to the satisfaccon oi the poore pet" and w*''out w'^'^ they coukl not be satisfied. It was there upon thought fitt and ordered tliat the said 8'' ifardinando Gorges shoukl be required and enioyned forthwith upon sight hereof to make paym* of the said Arrears unto the Clark of the Councell Attendant, appearinge by Certificate under the hand of Thomss Ayres Clarke and Register to the said Adventurers to be £254 (whereof the said S'' tfardeando Gorges hath payd onlie 10'^ ) w""^ money is to be distributed and paid unto the said poore peo[)le proportionablie accordinge to the severall somes due unto every of them respectively. Att WhitehaU the 27*^ June, lOliS Present Lo Arc Bp of (*an' Lo Chamblaine Lo Keeper Lo Cottington Lo Treaser Lo Newburgh Lo P. Seale IVP Comptroller Ea Marshall M"^ Sec Coke M'" Sec Windebanke COURT REQUEST BILLS & ANSWERS. 12 CAR. I. (1636.) [Abstract only) Thomas Morton against Olim^r Powell To the KiDg's Most excellent Majesty — Thomas Morton late of New England in America Gentleman Complains that DELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIKE. 31 one Brodripp of Axl)ri(le in County of Somerset Gentleman about 1G2J: was indebted to him in the sum of £8 and OomiDl* being then minded to travail and make a voyage into New England aforesaid which he shortly after perfcn-med, order the said sum to be paid to Oliver Powell of Axbridge aforesaid Yeoman. That during Compl*^ absence the said Powell collected the amount from Proderipp for the Com- ipV^ use who continued in New England aforesaid for 9 or 10 years after the said Oliver received .the same retained it. And the Petitioner being of late enforced from the said fforaign part by the Malicious practices of the Separatists there, that have seized and taken away all the pits means in those parts. And since his arrival into England of late he demanded the money of Powell &: payment was refused. And the said Oliver having understood how spightfully the Seperatists had handled yo*" subject and had taken from your subject, among (jther things the writing purporting the trust aforesaid and thus he supj)osing it impossible for yo'' subject to make out this case at law. (Endorsed) 21 Jime Anno 12 Car. T. COLONIAL STATE PAPERS. Vol. 9. No. 129. (1638.) May it please y*" Grace. I lately viewed some lines w*^"^' were sayd to be a Copie of a supplieaon sent to y'' lords Comissioners for plantaon from y'' Massachusets wherein sundry Consideracons are p'sented, y"^ last whereof seems to Menace Revolt i(hj it nccessarie /r^'' all ExjX'dition to .-o'cure y^ River it' liarhaKf /or his tua*^^^ use: I neither dare nor need p^'sume herein to direct yo*" Grace ; but y*' best way y' p'sents it self to my thoughts is ; That a speedie Course be taken to setle his Ma'^'"" Gou'nt amongest us ; there yet being none but Combinacons : because y^ severall patents upon y'' Eiver are thought to comprize no Comission for jurisdic- tion. Now my Lo : for y'' pai-ticular, Whether to send one from England w*'' Comission, or to send Comission to some one here, or to Grant jDower of Incorporaon c^' Election, That I humbly submit to y'" Graces great wisdom ; for ye year past & this Currant y^ helme hath bin put into my hand by y^ prmcipall plantaons ; but I perceive no Great Strength nore saftie m y® course we Steare his Ma*^*^^ authoritie is That w'"^ will p^'vaile for y^ advaucemt of both sorts of Regiment and lawes Eccliall «fe temporall more over my L : if ye Eiver (jf pascataq. were appointed for y^ port of discharg for Shippes yt bring passengers, in case any be permitted, it would much Strengthen y® Loyall partie, for many y* are brought to Massachusets would set down w'^ us but for difficultie of Removeall. These things I held my self bound to rej)*'sent ATI.N(J TO NKW HAMSPHIKK. 41 the iiihiiljitauts of Strawberry Bauck, «fc others molestiu^ our Teuaiites and dispossiu^ oi our lands and of onr Tennants Lauds (which for sixteen years past) was j^ranted unto them l)y lease from tlie then a<^ents of the proprietors, as I am read}' to make appear unto this honored Court our iust right cc titell to the ])'inises and off our great Cost <^' charges laid out Upon the Erecting A: building of a ffort & plantting the same witli Ordinance Musketts and all manner of amunition fitting for dt^fence of the said Eiuer, A: built other houses for iidiabitants up])on the gi-eat Hand, and was really possessed of the sanie, and so haue had upon that great Hand and other Hands euer since, b}- our Tennants that renders us acknoAv- ledgment (as in right they ought to do) tt keep possessiim for us, as unto this day (notwithstanding by reason of l)ad Agents our ])ticular bowses haue decaied the ffoit ruined A' our Gunns caried away (except one peece of Ordnance i all wicli was at the cost and charges of those forenamed Proi)rietors S"" ffardinaudo (lorge & Captain John Mason & their associats, Avho were at the charges in too depriued of. And as in all duty bound, yo"" peticoers RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 51 shall dayly pray for the increase of you ariue at the heanenly kingdouie all earthly hono"" untill ffran Champernowne Edward Hilton Abra Corbet t John foulshani signum Marke MH Hanc-lvii]eni^ rott'ctioii and reliefe against the Massachusetts his Maj^''" theni))on was graciously ])lcas('d to vcferro the Exami- nation of the complaints in the said peticon unto many persons of quality, who after seuerall days meeting in the Admiralty Hall in Doctors Comnums and by a publick citation tixt up at the Koyall Exchange requiring the Agent of the Massachusetts to ai)i)ear Accordingly one M'' Leuerett did appear in behalf of the said Massachusetts and u])on Examining witnesses upon oath and after a full hearing of the Avhole matter did make a reporte in writing to his Maj ''' under their hands in ti'eb 1()()1. Setting forth the right of the said Hob' Mason the Usurpacon of the Massachusetts and the damages y* he had sustained by them did amount unto upwards of live Thousand pounds But humbly left it to his Maj*'''' greate wisedome the manner of righting the said Robert Mason. It being a matter of State wherein Iris Maj*'''' concernes Avere equally inuolucd Avith the Peticon^- (l()64-5.) His Maj"*^ then intending to settle Ncav England under his immediate Gouernem* did appoint Coll Nichols Coll Cartwa'ight Avitli other Commissioners to settle the same the said Commisso'*' arriuing at Boston and not finding y* recej)- tion as Avas expected and due to their quality they did in UMio goe into the prouince of Hamj^shire and Maine there finding a Avellcome rece})tion and a readie compliance to his Maj*"'*' Lres And upon the generall meeting of the Inhabitants of the Prounce of Hampshire the Commisso'''* did declare y* Pro- uince to be out of the GoA-ernem* of the Massachusetts, the people being alsoe very desirous to be freed from their youke and to submitt to his Maj*''''' Gouernem* the Commission'"'* haning been in most parts of y* Prouince as also of Maine to find the inclination of the peoi)le, Avho liaAe Since refused to acknowledge the Massachusetts but doe remaine from the hopes giuen them from England of a Speedy Settlem* by his Maj*'" as Avas also promised them by his Maj*'" Commissi". ( l()(i7.) By Lres from NeAV England to Rob* Mason, as also by his Agent Joseph Mason then neAAdy returned into England. He is assured of the contimied desires of the Inhabitants of both the aforesaid prouinces to comply Avith his Maj*'" pleasure J{EI.ATIN(i TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 59 in EHtablisliinf>liis Goueriunii* amongst them or y* of their true proprietors the which wouhl ^vithout any difficulty l)e etiected his Maj**" only interpcjsing his royall Authority. And doe further ct^rtilie by seuerall affidavits taken l)efore tfrancis Champernowne one of the Justices of the peace for the said County That all the Masts sent his Maj'"^ from New England upon the shipp called the Greate Duke of York or y* had been sent for England Two years before were cutt of the Lands of Rob* Mason. (1671.) Robert Mason togeather with fierdinando Gorges esq'" proprieto'** of the prouince of Maine did peticon his Maj"'' to take into his consideration the settleni*^ of New England & restoring the peticon''' to their Just rights his Maj*'''' there- upon was graciously pleased to referre the same to the Coun- cill of ftbrraigne Plaiitacons for their opinion and advice what was fitting, for his Maj^'^'' to doe therein Who upon examina- tion of the matter did by report in Aug* 1G71 humljly aduise his Maj*"^ as the best and most eft'ectual meanes To send forth- with Commiss'"'^ for New England to examine the difference touching Boundaryes and to compose the same amicably if tliey could, or else to state the case betwixt them and report the same to his Maj*-^ for liis Royall Determinacon. Whereupon the 19*'' of Septeml) following the Earle of Arlington informed the ("ouncil y* his Maj*' liad agreed to Send Comniiss''** to NeAv England according to tlieir repoit and desii'ed y* Instruccons might be i)re})are(l against 8i)ring And y* the Councill did expect from M'' Mason and Gorges and obhging them by })romise not t(j sell or parte with their Interests in New England to any person without his Maj*'*^** leaue. ( 1()7'2.) The Earl of Arlington in prosecution of the former report moued the Councill to joroceed in preparing Comissions and Instruccons for C'ommission'"'' to be sent to New England. The Warre then being begun with Holland noething was then further done. By Lres dated in Aug 1G72 from ffrancis Champernowne and Henry Jocelyne Justices of the peace for New Hampshire ffresh assurances are given of the earnest desire of the afore- said Two ]:>rouinces to have his Maj*'*' Governem* setled and their resoluteness not to complye with the Massachusetts. 60 EAULY DOCUMENTS (167-i.i Tilt' Willie with Holland being ended llobeit Mason and fferdiuaudo Gorges did againe renew their humble peticou to his Maj*"' for settling Xew England and doe proi)ose the resigneing their Clraunts to his Maj'>' and taking others with less priuiledges Upon certaine conditions very advantageous to his Maj***^ all which is under the present consideration of his Maj'" and most honourable privie Council March 167-4-5 (Endorsed) The Title and Case of Pujb Mason touching the prouiuce of New Hampshire in New England March 1674-5 NEW ENGLAND PAPERS. Vol. 43. P.uje 8G. (Abstract.) Boston in New England June 17 1676 Commencing : — R' Hono'''' ■ After informing M'^' Sec : Coventrj of his arrival and recep- tion in Boston M^" Randolph goes on to say — " The towns upon the Sea Coasts especially Boston ;istrates of Boston to Pascattawav nnto the said Joseph Mason who was then returning for EngLind and did sollicitt him to perswade the said Robert Mason to a compliance with the Government of the Massachusetts and did tell him that the Magistrates were willing to restore nnto the said Robert Mason the right of his lands to dispose so tliat he meddle not witli the Government of the Province. But the Government finding they could not bring the said Robert Mason to surrender the Government of his province unto thejn bv a legal resignation or acknowledge them for his superiour Lords they have by allways and means contrived to keep him out of the possession of his Inheritance. His Maj*-^' having upcm the long complaints of the said Robert Mason summoned the Magistrates of Boston to ap- pear by their Agents and to sliow by what authority or pre- tence of right they have thus acted and being conscious of their usurpations and most unjust proceedings they did in August last sollicit the Inhabitants of New Hampshire that they would ioine by multitudes of hands to excite his Maj*^' that the}' may be still continued under their authority sug- gesting unto the people that if once the Proprietor be reseized of the claimes they must be turned out of their, possession, and have imposed fears and used threatnings towards such as shall freely declare or any way be suspected of any engage- ment in the present proceedings declaring the said Robert Mason to have forfeited his lands. (Endorsed) Title of Rol). Mason to New Hampshire in New England. RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 83 NEW ENGLAND PAPERS. Vol. 42 Page 138. (1679. March.) M*" Gorges Selling the Province of Maine to y" Massachusetts & overtures to M'" Mason from y* Colony for New Hamp- shire. May it please yo*" Lorclshipp I think it my duty to acquaint yo^ Lordship That M'" Gorges either out of a distrust of his Maj'*' Justice of doing him right, or else overcome by the Hollicitations of the Boston Agents or some employed by them. He hath sould the Pro- vince of Maine and the Governm* therof to them. Notwith- standing his often offers to his Maj*''' and his Maj*^' seeming inclinations of buying that province of him, which would have been of great concerne to his Maj*^'** affaires in that part of the world. Overtures have also been lately made tf) me for my Pro- vince I haue hitherto declined the thoughts of a Treaty (al- though for many years oppressed by that Governm' of the Massachusets) in confidence that his Maj'-^ will doe himself and me right by establishtng his owne Eoyall authority in New England. Yo^' Lordi^'^ most humble Servant Egbert Mason Read March : 25 att Com*'''' No farther Consideration had of the pro^dnce of maine this was rejected Read againe }•'" 28 And ordered tliat his Ma*'^ be agaiue moved in Couneell tm this matter. ^^ EARLY DOCUMENTS NEW ENGLAND PAPERS. Vol. 42. Page 212. (1679. J,n,.4:.) Abstract of Letters received fioiu M"' llaiidolpli. New EDgland. That upon the 30*'' of December last he had del'^ His Ma'^^ Commission for Setliiig the Goverumen' of New Hampshire together with the Seale and Order of Conncill into tlie hands of the President. That M"" Cutts the President is a very jnst and honest man, cast out of all Publick Emplovm* hy the Government of Bos- ton. That he is an ancient and infirme man. That the People are afraid that they shall be put under the hands of Strangers. That the People of Boston murmur at the great expenses of their late Agents in England some say of nigh 4000^ That grevous Complaints are made by the Inhabitants of the Pro-vdnce of Maine who in the late Indian War found more loss c^^ misclieif attending them by the Cowardize & inadvertency of their Church Member Officers than from the Cruelty of the Indians themselves. The Boston government have now laid Rates upon the Inhabitants of the Townes of Kittery, Yorke A" W^ells to above 8000*- wliich they cannot pay lia\dng lost almost all by the late W^ar. That he found the People all the way he travelled (except the Colony of New Plym*'') very much unsetled contending about lands Councill. The Lords Committees of Trade and plantations, and the Lcn'ds Cheif Justices before whom the said Agents did disclaim all right and title to the Lands claimed by yo*' pef and only insisted upon the Gov(>rnm* of a part therof. That accordingly his Maj*' by his Koyall Commissions in September last did establish his authority in a great part of that province and constitute a President & Councill for Gov- erning therof by which means yo*' pet"^ has possession award- ed him of that part of the province that lyes between the Rivers of Pascataway and Merrimack fltbr the other part of the said province of New hampshire which they still usurp, A Report for setling yo'^' pet'"*' right theninto Avas prepared by jif Lordships order But by reason of the Earnest Sollici- tatious of the said Agents (who had been here neer Three years) to return home to take care of their owne domestick affaires yo^' pet^' did not then press the reading of the said Report upon their desires and Engagement, that other Agents should come over in Six Months according to his Maj*'' Let- ters of June 1679 upon dismission of the said Agents within Six months to receive his Royall pleasure That tlie time of their appearence being long since elapsed without any ap- pointment of other Agents to be sent hither, that Governm* building their hopes that some disturbance here at home or warrs abroad will divert his Maj'-^' from looking towards them being the occasion of this their high contempt of his Maj'** Commands according to the long continued Maxim of that people. Yo*" pet^" therefore most humbly prays That in regard he is with the first conveniene goi: g to New England to settle his affairs and the said Governm* having plainly disobeyed his Maj*^ Commands to send over such Agents That yo"" Lord- ships willbe pleased to offer the said Report to his Maj*^' for his Royall determination therin. And that yo'" pef may not any longer be kept out of his inheritance (which his Ances- tors have purchased at soe dear a rate) by the injustice, vio- lence, and Dehiyes of his Adversaries cheifly occasioned by RELATING TO NEW HAMSPHIKE. 87 his adhering to the Crown and refusal! to Submit to their Governm* And }o'' pet'" shall ever pray EoBERT Mason Endorsed. Petition of M'" Mason Against the Massachu- setts Eec'i the G*^ of Aug 1680. NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 48. Page 448-9. (1681, May 7.) From the Councill of New Hampshire to the CV)mm*'^*' May it please yo'" Lo^'^ At the same time tliat We received His Ma'® Royal Letter to us dated the first of October 1680, by the hands of Robert Mason Esq'' which was about y*^ latter end of Decemb'" folio wiug; We had the Him"" to receiv an- other from yo"^ Lordships by the hands of the Secretary M'" Chamberlain W^herein is required of us to transmit to yo'" Loi'** a Quarterly Account of all the public transactions it important aliairs of His Ma*** Province which are specified more particu- larly in yo'" said Letter But liere W^e most humbly beg His Ma*** Gracious pardon A' yo'' Lo^"^ favorable thoughts in that particular, since W^e cannot have so frequent opportunities in this place as We desire (especially in the winter season) of sending into England This conveyance by Capt" Peck being y*" first from this Proyince since the arrival of His Ma'^ Com- mands signified by vo'" Loi'** And like wise the first since His Ma** Royal Commiss" to us And as often as we slial have them, W^e shal not fail (with Gods permission) to make use of such opportunities, to send Avithin j^ times j^refixed. ffor ye pi-esent we shal endeavour to do Our Duty to His Ma*-^' in presenting Yo"" Loi'** with those Accounts & informations re- quired of us in yo*' Letter to Us, in y'' Same Order A: method, as to their several heads, in which they are set doAvu therein. And first, as a Civil matters, We humbly referr Yo*" Lo^''* 88 EARLY DOCUMENTS to y*" vit'w of our Laws, iV: of Our Acts iV Orders, which We from time to time have made a many complaining, that about a hundred tt fifty persons were excluded from voting; tlio' all of them (it Avas saiil) pay great Taxes. The Counsel have wiit a Jjetter to give Yo'' Lo';"" an ac- 96 EARLY DOCUMENTS count of tlie state of the Province ; aud yo'" Lo'"* may please tb receiv that of M'' Mason, now going for Enghind, wlio perhaps will give it more fully A: particularly as to the place aud per- sons, having been in most parts therof. And here I crave leave to give Yo*" Lo^'" iiiforiiiacon of a matter of perhaps the greatest moment in this Province ; that is what has ])ass'd in reference to y'' said M'" Mason the law- ful Pro[)rietor therof, so declared bj* His Ma'-^ and his Learn- ed Oouncel ; and oni' of the Councel ; and wlioni His Ma*-^ hath been [)leased to take care for, S: settle his affaires A- interest in y'' same Royal Commission whereby He hath estal)- lished His Government here His Ma'-^ was pleased at M\ Mason's coming into this Province to appoint him l)y His lioyal Letter to be of y'' Councel thereon, and did declare his legal right to y'' said Province according to his Royall Com- mission of y*^ 18*^ Septemb*' 1679 ; Requiring the Councel to publish the same. The President John Cutt l)eing ill, the Councel defer'd y*^ publicacon til tfebr : but so soon as it was published, wherein His Ma*^ had declared the Agreement made on their behalf with M'' Mason as to their improved lands, aud about y** same time M^' Mason fixing up his Dec- laration for satisfaction of the People on his part ; the People came in fi'om all parts and welcomed him into the Country, de- siring a confirmation of their estates in their lauds, & to take Grants for y^ same with addition of more laud, some of them having lived in these parts above Twenty years & yet could never obtain y'' least parcel of land for their convenience of trade & living (as many of them in my hearing complained) So that in a short time near half the Province had bin with him, and eutred their names with me as Secretary of the Pro- vince, most of them complaining of the heavy bui'theus & op- pressions the}' lay under But there hath not bin that good understanding between M'' Mason and the Councel, as I sup- pose. His Ma*> might reasonably expect, he having (it seems) refused some Proposals made by them at his first comiug about their undertaking to raise a yearly rent payable to him upon each Town of the Pro^dnce, and to be managed by them He declaring, that he would treat with every one apart, and let them lands as he should see cause, and if any of his Tenants RELATING TO NEW HAIVLPSHIRE. 97 afterward had inst occassiou of complaint, be oould & would ease them at his pleasure, and would not trust that power to others : the People generally desiring also to hold their estates immediately of him. Whereupon they have endeavoiu*- ed to give him what trouble they can, by diswading the Peo- ple from agreeing altlio I must confess some of the Coun- cel likewise have to my knowledge several times affirmed', they did not desire to hinder any persons from comi^lying & taking conveiauces from M'' Mason Yet they wil not endure he should be owned as Proprietor, tho I take it to be clear His Ma*> doth ; and at y'' General Assembly on y'" 3'^ of March last, when M"" Mason was p'sent, ' dyed y^ latter end of March A: was an honest loyal Gentleman A 'stood for y*" Pro- prietors right, own'd him .& [purposed to take his Grants from him. He that now succeeds, is Richard Waldron Esq'' concerning whom yo'' Lo^'^ wil receiy a more perfect character from M^' Mason who has taken- several Depositions relating to him. There was a debate for y'' supplying y'' member of y'' Oouncel since y'' death of one (viz: y*" late President) but there is no entry ordered of w* ]iei"sons n;inies shal be sent. T must inf(n-m Yo"' Loi"* that M"" Mason lias forborn to sit, or act in public matters of y'' ('onncel, he being unsatisfied in y*^ legality of their proceedings ; y'' reasons himst^lf wil oti'er to RELATTN(i TO NEW HAMPSHIHE. 99 yo'' Loi?" The People do compluiu of great Taxes, A- that it dotli not appear how expended. I am. May it please Yo*" Lo^!^ Yo"" LoV** most humble & most obedient Servant Richard Chamberlain. New-Hampshire May 16'^ IHSI. NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 48. Page 454. (I(i81. M<'!i 81.) m in From the (Vnnieill of N: Hamp'"" To the Kings most Excellent Majesty May it please yo'" Maj*' Wee have received by the hands of M'' Mason yo'' Pvoyall letters & comands wherein we are required fi'om time to time to render an account of all occurrences & transacons among us w*^^ we are now applying our Selves w*'' all humility & fidelity to doe. Upon the arivall of M'' Mason w^** a Speciall order for ad- miting himselfe into the capacity of a Member & M'- Cham- berhiin of a Secretary to the Couucell we Imediatly yielded our obedience thereunto Since w''' time our President John Cutt Esq': is deceased & Eichard Waldeni Esq": late Deputy Presid' is now Presid* & Elias Stileman Esq': is by him chosen Deputy according to direction in om' Comission : Wee have also framed several! lawes A constitutions (A coi)i)ie whereof we liorew"' all send) w*'' out any repugnancy to, A' in as great an Identity to A consonancy w*'' yo'" Maj'^** lawes as our Abil- lities would reach, (fc as we thought most Sutal)]e to our Cir- cumstances, in obedience to W" yo"" Maj*'" Subjects have heither to peaceably A to their good Satisfaction demeaned themselves, not dcmbting but if yo'" Maj*'" w*^ the advice of y»" most Hon'''*" Privv Couucell see meet to conferme them they 100 EAIILY DOCrMENTS will through gods l)U'ssuig Jittaino the ends pvoposcHl in yo'' Maj'^" Comission of ki^epiug the people in a riglit uiiderstancl- iug of A- Suhniission to vo'" Maj'-'*' Eovall Autlioiity, the su])- jn'essiiig of viee tV encouraging of vertuc. The gi'eat matter of (litficultv now among us is referring to M'"- Masons pretensions to tlie ]>ro})rietv of the lands we pos- sesse, some countenance to his clay me whereunto he hath gotten in yo*" Maj'^*" Comission under the broad Seal, which We cannot but thinke lias been by inderect meanes tt untnie informations (in w'*' he abounds) obtained. Wee are informed y* he has no Authentique Originall or Duplycate of any grant for the aoyle, nor hath he in any measure attended the scope of such Grant (if any such had been made to him) viz. the peopling of the place ' A' Hon'''*" Priyie Councell, they would be yery little credit either to his cause or to him y* hath by such indirect means procured them, unto whom he hdtli likewise granted and laid out sundry improyed lands A' pastures where our timl)er A firewood growes w*''out vt*^^ there is no possibility for our subsistance, utterly refusing to admit of any Applyca- tion to the Councell whome yo"" Maj'^ hath Comissiouated to interpose. Other jiersons also y* are Strangers to us hath he allured to give in their names, promising to dispose of our lands to them, to the great prejudice of them y* are A' long have been setled on the place. And further tels us and the })c()|)le y' it" we com])ly not w''' him he will Imediatly returne for England A reassume his Goverm' of the })lace long Agone granted (as he saith) to his ^Vnceslors (though of late modestly by himselfe deliyered up to yo'' Maj'-^ ) A' then chuse his own Councill & proceed as he thinks meet, (however we cannot forget y' yo"" Maj*^' tels us in our Comission that there was 102 EAKLY DOCUMENTS never any CTOverm' granted over this place till now; and he so carries it as if he had yo'" Maj'^ & Councill wholly at his Devotion S: could doe w"^ them w' he pleaseth. Hereupon the Inhabitants of the four towns feeling A: for- seeing the evil come & conieing upon them thought it their duty not to he wanting to themselves in y*" use of all lawfnll meanes Esj)ecially such as yo'" lioyall Comission hath direct- ed them to, and hence have pettioned the Councell to inter- pose between M'' Mastm cVr them, & huujbly to address to yo'' Maj'-'' for releif. In their petitions they Sadly Comi:)laine of the disturbance they meet with from M'" Mason, the danger- ous consequences whereof they dread (insomuch y* we account- ed our selves obliged to omit A declaration for the present keeping of the peace among the people lest further mischiefe should follow. A coppie of w"^^^ we have sent w"' other our acts ct order, the vast expence of time and great trouble they have been put to the impossibility of living if M'" Mason ob- tain but y* they must be constrained after they have worn out themselves w*'' hard labour to get a poor living and spent their estates upon A wildernes (and a \\ildernes it had been to this day for any thing M'" Mason would have done towards its manuring for non would ever have sate down on it but in hopes of being fi-eeholders ) to remove where they may tind A place (if at last they may find a place) where under yo'" Maj'^ protecon they may live, having no hopes of being able so much as to live under such Impositions as are inevitably under such a Proprietor. And these Subscribrs are the Generallity of the whole Province y* are house holders, tt men of any principles, port, or estate ; besides that divers among them of wh(mi M'" Mason (having w'^out their consent (as they say) set down their names) boasts as his clyents, have yf)luntarily subscribed the petition to y*" Councell therin profes- ing y* they se no way to prevent the utter ruin of themselves and prosperity if they comply w"' Mason And such is the af- fecting cry of yo"" Maj**poor distressed Subjects (m this ac- count as is enough to make both the eares of him that have it to tingle A- they further tell us that all their hopes under god is in the goodnes, mercy \- e(piity of 30'' Maj'^ whom they therefore desire us humbly to supplycate that they may have ilELATING TO NEW HAMSPHIRE. 103 liberty to speak for themselves not doubting but that they shall be found both Loyall Subjects, A: under yo'' Maj*^' & by the authority of yo'" Royall predecessors true & lawfull Pro- priet''^ of what they Possesse And seing that (as tliey tV wee understand) yo"^ Maj*^did not absolutely coniand them to own M*" Mason as Proprietor but directed unto this way for releif that we shall not be accounted offenders for our slownes to become Tenants to any Subject A thing w"^^*" bears So il among us in A vast wildernes wheither our ifathers transported them- selves ' against us, W'' hath been the lot of some of the best of men, as we find in holy writt, but it (juiets us y' we know our desire is to keep A conscience void of office towards God and man, and that we have to doe w*'' A just & Gracious Prince yt will condemn no man before he heares him, And by that time we have had the Liberty of A fair plea, fear not to vindicate our names & reputations fi-e may under the Sliadow of yo'" Royall Pro- tection Hve quiet tt peaoeabh^ lives in all godlines A' honesty, Subscribeing ourselves Yo"" Royall Maj'>^ most Loyall Subjects Richard Waldern president Elias Stileman dep* p'^sd' Richard Martyn W"3 Taughan Tho Daniel John Gillman Christopher Hiissey Samuell Dalton Job Clements. Portsm" in the Province of New Hampshire May 31'^ 1681 (Endorsedj May 31'^ 1681 From y Councill of New Hampshire to the Kmg. Rec^ y 20 Sept 1681 Read 10 Nov' 1681 NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 48. Pages 42G-7. (1681.) A Narrative of the proceedings of the Councill of the Province of New Hampshire in NeAv England. Upon rec' of His Ma** Comission The Commission under the Great Seal for establishing his Ma*** authority in tlu' said province being by M.'" Randolph delivered unto John Cutt esq^; appointed President of the Councill ujion the 27"' of Decern*" 1679. The President forth- with Summoned the Severall persons named in the Commission to be of the Councill to hear it read which being done he required them by virtue of the said Commission to accept thereof and to administer him, the oaths of Allegiance and RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 105 Supieiiiacy and the oath of a Counsellor that soe they might enter upon the adniinistiation of the affaires of the province ]3ut Eichard Waldern and Eichard Martin two of those named of the Councill said the}- would take time to consider thereof and perswaded the rest to doe the like. The said Waldern and Joshua Moody the Minister of Ports- mouth went to Boston, to consult some persons in that Gov- ernment, how they should proceed in reference to his Maj*' Commission and after some days being returned to ports- mouth they Two togeather with Eichard Martin did goe to the President and told him they were resolved not to owne the Commission and did earnestly importune the President to reject it. Waldern saying he would be hanged at his door before he would act by authority of that Commission. The President told them that he would give obedience to his Maj*" Commands and advised them to doe the like the said Waldern Martin and Moody did by their Sollicitations prevaile with those other persons named of the Councell not to accept thereof Supposing by that means to compell the President to quitt the Commission believing he would take upon him to act singly Soe that the Twenty days time limited by his Maj*^' for publishing the Eoyall Commissio and their accepting of the Government were expired Hereupon the President havuig advised with severall of the Principall and loyall persons of the province, did by a publick Declaration give notice io all the inhabitants that he did accept of his Maj*^ Commission and required them to rejiair unto the Towne of Portsmouth upon a Day prefixed to hear the Commission read and to consult with him for carrying (in the Government untill his Maj*'^ pleasure Avere known and commanded all persons in his Maj**" name to forbeare giving any disturbance to the ])eace of the province as they would answer the contrary at their perill, the which Declaration was received with a generall joy and Satisfaction of the people. Upon the proceeding.>^ of the president Waldern Martin and others sent to the Severall Ministers of the Province to advise with them what was to T)e done. Who meeting at Portsmouth in the house of Martin ftbur days were Spent 106 EARLY DOCUMENTS in coiisiiltatioii, at last it was resolved, That they -wonld accept of the coiniinssioii ami assume the Govenimeiit, least the President should putt others in their ])laces it being better for them to govern who had formerly been in Com- mission imder the Massaclmsets (Tovernm' then for others of difterent princ'i])les to command them, And these reasons were sent unto Some of the Magistrates of Boston to Shew the necessity of their owning his Maj''' authority and obeying his commands. Then Waldern Martin and the rest went unto the President and declared unto him that they did accept of the Commission But withall told him That since his Ma*> had allowed liberty of conscience to his protestant Suljjects, and they being un- satisfied with the manner of taking the oaths in England, as re])eating the words in the oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy and Swearing upon tlie holy Bible to be needless ceremonies they thought it convenient to dispense therewith, and having heard the aforesaid oaths read unto them and holding up their hands declared them to be well taken. The day after being the 21tli January they make choise of Three more to be of the Couucell Two whereof were in Commission while tha Massachusets usurped the Government of the ])ro-s-ince, and Waldern gott himself to be elected Deputy President and continued Commander in cheif of the Militia a place he held formerly under the Massachusets. The major ])art of tlie Councill l)eing ill pleased with the former proceedings of that loyal! Gent John Cutt esq'.' Presi- dent Since deceased whom they found too much addicted to his Maj*^ Service take an advantage of his illness and absence to make an order to limitt the President to a Single Vote and have ever !"ince acted without him. Then the Councill issue (mt Sumnums for chosing of Deputies for the Geneiall Assembly, but withall publish an Order That none should })resume to give their votes for choise of Deputies but Such as they Should nominate upon penalty of fiive pounds and in Townes of above Two hundred houses not above Twenty persons permitted to vote at the day of Election very many did demand their right and lil)ertv to vote, but were denied, and threatened to be punished by ItELAlTNG TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 107 Walderii miuI others for contempt of aiitlioiitY in disobeying their commands So that the Deputies in effect are cliosen bv the Coimcell. The Conncill have dechired themselves to have a Legis- lative power and that no Law shalbe of force but what is made by the Assembly and ratified by them. They have declared themselves a Court of Appeals and have Denyed Appeals to his Maj*-^ and have threatened to punish Such as should appeall from them to his Maj'' contrary to the Express words of the Commission They have made a Law to confirm the Laws of the Massa- chusets Colony and the Title to Lands derived from that authority. They have n)ade a Law that no Magistrate (jr Elder of a Church shall pay any Tax or Rate whatsoever, whereby the Councill and Deputies are freed from impositions the Inhab- itants are rated at Will and doom some persons that are not worth 100"' being rated farr more than those who are worth 1000"^ They have raised Great Summs upon the inhabitants and it doth not appeare Iioav expended, the only visiljle expence being in eating and drinking the Councill allways meeting in an Ordinary. They tfined Ca})t" IjMrefoot 10"' for' accepting a Comission from M': Eandol})!) to be his Deputy Surveyour at Pascat- away and committed him to prison untill i)aid Saying that all l)ers(ms that were em})loyed in Such business should be punished. Upon complaint of great numbers of the inhal>itants of the heavy Taxes laid upon them It was demanded of tlie Councill upon the 11"' of March last an accompt in writing what moneys have been assessed levyed and collected Since the establishment of the present Government and lunv and for what expended that his Maj*' might be informed of the State and condition of the province, but it Avas positively denyed. The Councill would have enforced on Oath of Secresy upon M^ Chamberlain his Maj''' Secretary of the Province, and Clerk of the Ct)uncill that he should not give an account to his Maj''- of their proceedings nor write any matters to Eng- 108 EARLY DOCUMENTS land but such us tliej should order, and for refusing hereof he was threatened to be turned out off the Councill, and hitherto have settled no Salary upon him and have a])pointed Two of themselves to be Recorders & Secretares of tbe pro^dnce, who share the profits and tiees between them thereby defrauding him from the Rights of the place. Upon the wliole matter it may cheifly be observed. 1. Most of the Councill did to their uttmost o])i)ose his Maj*** Royall Commission for setling the province 2. The Councill have not taken the oaths of Allegiance A- Supremacy as ihe Commission and Law requires. 3. They have appointed the Deputies for the Assembly and would not Suffer the inhabitants to give their votes. 4. They have declared themselves a Cburt of Appeals and have Deuyed Appeals to his Maj*' contrary to the Com- mission. 5. They have made Severall Laws absolutly repugnant to the Laws of England, and derogatory to his Maj'** Royall authority. 6. They have not given his Maj*^ an account of their proceedings nor transmitted their Laws although positively required to be done every Three months at least and have particularly ordered That the Laws for taxing the people, and fi'eing themselves and their party shall not be Sent to his Maj*> 7. The Councill is overruled by Waldern Martin and S(nne others who doe deny his Maj^^ Sovereignty in the province, and upon Sundry occasions have uttered words of a dangerous and pernicious consequence. All which wilbe made out upon Oath if yo'' Lordships shall think fitt to require it. (Endorsed) Narrative of The Proceedings of New Hamp- shire. Head y 6 Sei)t 1(581. Read again 10"' Sept. 1(581. RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 109 NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 48. Page 456-7. (1681.) To the Eight Houo'.'.'-' the Lords of his Maj**^ most Hoiio'^''^ privy Councel a Committee of Trade and Plantations. The humble petition of Robert Mason Esq'" ag" y® Councel of New-Hampshire. Showeth, That his Maj'^ by his Commission under the Great Seal, bearing- date the 18*'' of Septm 1679. did constitute a Presi- dent and Council for governing a part of the Province of New Hampshire in New England and of his Royall Goodness was most graciously pleased to take care of the concerns and in- terest of the pet'' and to declare the ancient and legall right and title of the pet'** Ancesters to the said province by virtue of a Grant derived fi-om his Maj*'' Pioyall Grandfather King James in the Eighteenth year of his reign out oft" the posses- sion wherof he had been long kept by the Govern*, and Com- pany of the Massachusets Bay. And his Maj*^ was further pleased to declare to the Inhabitants of the said province. That to prevent any unreasonable demands which might be made by the pet'" His Ma*^'. had obliged him under his hand and Seal, to remit all Arrears of rent unto the 24*^ of June 1679. Nor molest any in their possession for the time to come, and make out titles to them and their Heyres for ever. Provided they will pay unto the pet'" and his hej^res upon a fair agi-eeinent in Leiw of all Rents Sixpence in the pound, ac- cording to the just and true yearly value of all houses built by them and of all lauds which have been improved by them and that the residue doe remain luito the pet'" to be disposed off for his best advantage. And for the more Easy and quiet Settlement of his Estate, His Maj'^ did impower, and require the President and Councell to interpose and reconcile all dif- ferences if they can, that shall or may arise betw'een the pet'' and the severall inhabitants and if they connot to Send such cases fairly and impartially stated to his Maj*-^ that hj the advice of his juivy Councel His Maj'-^ ^^^'^T determine therein according to Ec[uity But so it is nniy it please yo'" Lordships, That upon the iiO EAiJLY I () r:.i!:;r; arrival of the pi'f in thv said prDviiier in decenil) last after Twenty years Solliciting his Maj'-^ for rehnf in conhdeuce of quietly enjoying" his inheritance and reaping some benefit from the great Expenees of his Ancestors, He was greatly op- posed by the Councell most of whom having been in authority under the Massachusetts Avhilest they usurped a Jurisdiction in the province and had given Each other large tracts of the pet'" lands, and sold great quantities to the Iidiabitants at dear rates who instead of paying obedience to his Maj'^ Com- mands and doing right to the pet*", make use of his Maj*'' Commission only for private Ends against his Royal autlior- it}' and at their first setting make a Law to Secure their De- tension Usurpation and disposal of the pet'f lands in these words To prevent contention and controversy that may arise among us, by reason of the late change of Government It is ordered by this Assembly, and by the authority therof, That all lands, Townships, Town grants with all other grants lying within the limits of this Province and all other rights and properties shall stand good, and are hereby confirmed to the Towns and persons concerned, in the same State and condi- thni as they did before the late alteration By which LaAV the pet'" just right and title is wholly excluded And Severall of the Councel had the confidence to Say That neither His Maj*-^ or the pet'' hnd any thing to doe in the province or right to iiny Land therein and urged there own lat« made Law in barr. Nevertheless pet'" did by Severall Declarations, give the In- habitants to understand his legal right A* title derived from the Crown, the invalidity and illegahty of their late Law ;ind Town grants and that pursuant to His Maj*'' commands he was ready and willing to confirm the Lands they had improv- ed with addition of more lands upon very reasonable terms, the which otter, the pet'" also made unto every one of the C'ouncill Severally, by his Letters of 4*'' tfel)ruary last he be- ing resolved nothing should l>e wanting on his part towards a fair and Equitable agreement Hereupon the then president John Cutt esq'" desired a Grant for his lands and advised others to the same and expressed his dislike of the Councils proceedings so that in a short time al)ove half the inhabitants of the province, and of the better sort came to the pet'" to KELATJNd TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. Ill have tlie L'iihIk coufirmed and eutred their names and Lauds for the passinfr of Deeds whicli as Soon as the}- couhl l)e writt were Sealed. That Eichard Wakhaii, Eichard Martin, with others of the Councill and Joshua Moody a preacher did pubUckl}- excite the people not to come to any agreement, or to owne the pef* title Severall consults are held with some of the factious Magistrates of Boston, how to oppose the ])et'' Seditious Sermons are preached and Scandalous Libels are scattered abroad, to amuse and distract the people by which means many were diverted from coming to the pef and some were opbraided, and others threatned fow owning his Title ; and the Councill themselves did make it their business in the Severall Townes where they live, to goe from house to house to dis- wade the people fi-om coming to any agreement Yet most of those who stood out, did say that if the Councill would order them to pay the Quitt Eents they would willingly doe it. That after the death of the said president who was succeeded by Eichard Waldern the Councill Summon the pet'*' Stewards to ai)pear l)efore them, take away their Deputations threaten to punish them for demanding his Quitt Eents and forbiding their Servants to fell his woods -without licence first obtained (which the i)et*: freely granted to all that asked it) And doe declare these actings of his Stewards to be a breach of the peace and high offenders and doe require them in his Maj*** name and at tlieir perill to desist. The pet'' to put an issue to these disputes and that a Speedy determination may be given in whom the right and title is, and that the inlial)itants may not be held in Suspence or suffer prejudice by longer delays did Summcm Eichard Waldern Eichard Martin and others, to appeare by themselves or Suthcient Attorneys within Three months before his Maj*" in Councill as the Sovereign and Sole Judge in this case, to Sett out their respective Titles to the lands they possess, or claim within the said province and iinjustly detain from the pet'" ii] default wlierof he Avould humbly implore his Maj'-^ justice for a finall judgment against them and in the mean time did desire the Councill and every of them to have a care not to make use of his Maj*"* name for private ends against 112 EAKLV 1)()(;UMEN'J'S liis Royall authority nor to give any interruptions to the ])et'''' in prosecution tlierof. Hereupon Richard AValderu Ricliard Martin with some others of the Councill, issue out a Warrant for ai)])rcliending tlie pef in these words. To John Roberts Marshall of the prouince of New Hampshire You are hereby required in his Maj*'' name to apjn-ehend the body of Robert Mason Esq'' and him forthwith to l)ring" Ijefore the president and Councill if Sitting, if not, before the hono'"''' Richard Waldern esq'*" Presi- dent or the hono''.''' Elias Stileman Deputy President, or any Two of the Councill to be dis])osed according to their l^est discretion. So that he may appear at the Councils next Sit- ting to give answer for his Usurpation over his Maj'* author- ity here Established in Sitting up a Declaration in publick bearing date 2 of May 1681 therein Summoning in his owne name and case, the liono^'''" president, Avith Severall of the Councill and other pei'sons of quality to appear before our Sovereign Lord the King within Three months, and what else he shalbe then charged with hereof fail not at yo"" perill and this shalbe yo^' SufHcient Warrant Dated in Portsmouth 18*^ May 1681 And Richard Martin did say to the pet'' if the Councill could handsomly meett with him they would Stop his Voyage for England. And they did Sollicit the Master of the Shi]) not to receive him on board. The pet'' therefore most humbly prays That yo"" Lordships wilbe pleased to consider of, Jind report these and other the informations and proceedings of the said Councill unto his Maj*-^ allAvhich he is ready to make out, and to move his Maj'^ that the aforesaid Law, and other their arbitrary and partial orders, ))e declared Null and void And that his Ma.j'^> Avilbe pleased to declare according to a Report prepared by yo'' Lordshi])s in July 1()79 that all Grants Titles and Aliena- tions of the said Lands made by or by autlunity derived fi'om the Governor and Company of the Massachusets Bay be abso- lutely void and illegal as also to require and comnuxnd the in- habitants to acknowledge and receive him as their true and lawfull proprietor under his Maj*^' And that the aforesaid per- sons who have been continual op})osers of his Maj^" Royall authority as well as the pet'f lawfull rights, may be Summon- KELATING TO NEW HAMrSHIRE. 118 ed to appeare before bis Maj'-''" in Couiicill to sett fortli tbeir respective Titles to tbe Lands tbey claim and detain fi-om tbe pef And to command all persons who s-ball refuse or delay to agree with tbe ])et'' upon tbe terms and conditions approved and appointed by His Maj*> l)e inhibited fi'om cutting or fel- ling any wood Unless for their necessary tiring untill his Maj*-^ Shall have given bis own Royall Determination in their particular cases And that bis Maj*-^ Avilbe pleased to take some effectual means for the reinforcing bis Royall Authority there, that the pet'" may not be any longer kept out of his inheritance by the contrivance and practices of evill minded men. And yo^ pet^ shall pray. (Endorsed) Peticon of M'' Mason ag* Councill of New bamps. Read 10 Nov' 1G81. NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 47. I Seal I (Duplicate of what was formerly sent) At a Councel bekl at Portsmouth October y« 4*'' 1682. A new Commission from his Ma*-^ produced by Edward C'raufield Esq'- Constituting him His Ma'** Lieutenant Gover- nour tt Commander in chief of this His Province of New Hampshire, was read, c^ according to the direction in the said Commission, the said Edw*^ Cranfield Esq*' was by y*" Persons nominated tt appointed therein to be of y'' Councel, sworn upon tbe Holy Evangelists, and He took \^ Oaths of Allegiance & Supremacy. And Robert Mason, Ricliard Wal- dron Thomas Daniel. William Vaughan, Richard Martin, John (Tilman, Elias Stileman, Walter Barefoot iu Nova Anglia, was by y^ Governour deniandecl ( as directed by the said Commiss" ) tt delivered up to him by the late President Richard Waldron Esq^ , And a new one of Silver brought by the Govern^" having these words around it Sigilluni Provincife, Nostme Nova? Haniptonifip in Nova Anglia, was shown. A' is to be kept A' in custody of the Governour. Agreed A Ordered by the Govern'' by & with y'" advice tV consent of y" Oouncel, That y*" following Proclamacou or Pub- lication of y'' Hon''^'" Edw'^ Cranlield His being Constituted Govern^' (as abovesaid) be made in y'' fibur Towns in these words. liy the Govern'' Whereas His Most Excel! Our Soveraign Lord King Charles y'' 8ec'^ Hath thought lit to make void His Eoyal Comiss" of y'' 18'^ Sept. 1()71) A' all y' clauses matters and things therein contained ; And hath by a New Comission or Patent under y'' Great Seal of Engk^ bearing date May y' 9*^' 1682, Constituted A: appointed Me Edward Cranlield Esq''- His Lieuten* Govern'" & Comander in chief of this His Province of New Ham])shire ; I do therefore according to his Ma*''- Com- mand publish y"" same. xAnd all the Inhabitants of y'" said Province are hereby required in His Ma*'* Name to take spe- cial notice thereof, tt to give obedience thereto accordingly. And all Officers Civil S: Military, are to continue iu. A- dis- charge y*^ Duty of y*" res])ective Offices A' Places, til they shal reeeiv further Order therein. Dated at Portsm this 4"' day of October 1()82, in y^' 84'' year of His Ma*" Eaign (Directed to y*^ Constables of each of y« 4 Towns.) The Councel adiorn'd to Octob'' 10**' following. At y Meeting of y'' Govern'" & Councel at Portsm Octob'' lO**" Ao Dni 1682. The Govern'' A^ those of y'" Councel were sworn U})on y*" Book (as before) in the Oath for due execucon of their Trust tt Admiuistracon of Justice in their respective Places in this form following, taken from y' old Comis" none being ])arti(ai- larly appointed by y^ new i:::LATiNrT to new hampshii!E. 115 You shall sweur, wel iV tvnly to Administer Justice to all His Ma*'^ good Subiects inhabiting "within y'" Province of New Hampshire under this Government ; & also duly & faithfully to discharge 6: execute the Trust in you reposed, according to y® best of yo*" knowledg. You shal spare no person for favour or aft'ection, nor any })erson greev for hatred or ill will. So heh^ you God. And (y*" Statute book being as yet wanting) y*" Govern'' A' Councel subscribed y^ Test or abiuracon of Transubstantiacon in y'' Holy Sacrament of y'" Lords Supper, having said after y' Clark of y'' Councel, as y"" form is, in these words. I Edw'^ Cranlield (so I Rob*- Mason A'c) do declare, That I do beleev that there is not any Transubstantiacon in y'' Sacra- ment of y'' Lords Supper, or in y elements of l)read A: wine, at or after y"" consecracon thereof by an}^ person whatsoever. Ordered by y'' Govern'" in Councel, That y*" Seer &: CI : of y*" Councel have the Records books ' bearing date Sept. 30th 1680. 116 EAKLY DOGUMKNTS Onlored likewise by y" Govern' iu Couucel, That y"' Letters viz : That from y'^ Eight Hon^'" the Lords Commission'^ of y'' Treasury, relating to y*' Kings Eevennes in America : And that fi-om y'^ Eight Hon''"'^' y" Lords of y« Committee for Trade tt Plantaeons to y*" Seer S: CI of y® Councel for Transmission of y*" Public Acts & affairs, having all bin read, with due obe- dience thereto inioued, be entred in y'' Coimcel Book A" in y^' Secretaries Office EiCH" Waldron & EiCH'' Martin Esq'!'' were by y" Govern'"- suspen* from y'' Councel according to His Ma*^ Instructions under y'" Signet or Sign manual upon certain accusations Ar charges exhibited ag* them. Ordered by y'' Govern'" in Councel, That a Sumons or War- rant issue forth in His Ma*.'' Name A: agreeable Avith His Eoyal Comiss*^ and l)e directed to y"' Constables of the four Towns respectivel}', for y'" election of Deputies for y^ General Assembly viz : By the Governour In His Ma"'^'^ Name You are hereby required, with y"' soonest convenience to call together y*" ffi-eeholders of y'' ToAvn of Portsm (so of y*" rest) for y" chusiugof Three perscms (so Two for Excet^ ) of y'^ same ; such as shal be fitly qualified to be Deputies for y*" Gen Assembly. And y*^ Three persons (so Two ) so elected by y'' Maiority of Votes (as hath bin used ) Shal make their personal appearance at M'! George Snell's house at Portsm on y" second Tuesday iu November next (being v*^ 14*^^ Day thereof) by nine a clock in y*" forenoon, in order to making of such Laws S: constitutions, as are agi-ee- able to this place, & not repugnant to those of Engl'} accord- ing to His Ma'^ present Comision. And you shal return y'' n allies of the elected Deputies ; tV: if any of them shal be absent from y*^ Town meeting you shall give him notice of such his election. Hereof fail not. Dated at Portsm Octob'"- 4t" 1682. And you are also hereby required to administer y'' Oath of Allegiance to all His Ma*^ Subiects inhabiting within y^ Town aforesaid ( Directed to y^ Constal)les) Ordered, by reason of some oj)position lately made to y" RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 117 (.Vmstables in levying y*" Eates, That a Wairant issue fortli for y'" impowering tlieni tlievein as follows. By the Goyernonr Whereas His Ma" by His Eoyal Comission bearing date y*- Ninth clay of May, in y« 34**' year of His Kaign Hath bin pleased to continue y'' Taxes or Rates by y" late Goyernment already assessed Old Records before Capt" Stilemans time Records of Portsm qu : Court 1666 Recorels of Portsm qu : Court 1(578 Records of Portsm Co* of adiorm' 1667 Records of Dov"" qu : Court 1(563 Records of Dov*' qu : Court 1659 Records of Dov*' qu : Court 1661. Records of Dov*' Co* of adioriim* 1671 Rec"** of Portsm qu : Court 167'2 Records of Dover qu : Court 1680 Records of y" Couutv Court 1(579 Records of Portsm qu : Court 1670 Records of Dov^' Co' of adiornmen* 1677 Records of Portsm qu : Court 1668 Records of Ptu'tsm qu : Court 1662 Records of Dover qu : Court 1667 Records of Portsm qu : C/Ourt 1666 Records of Dover qu : Court 1665 Records of Portsm qu : Court 1674 Records of D of Canterbury and y« L*^ B^' of London. I wrot to yo^" Houo^' in my last, how necessary it would be yt ye Province of Meyn sh'^ be added to this Governm* : Here is a great want of Amies in y*' Province w'^' I hoi)e yo^' Houo^" wilbe pleased to move for, a supply of 500 firelocks and 150 Cases of Pistols will i)ut y*' Province into a Capacity to defend themselves against y*" Insolent Natives. When y® Gen'^ Assem- bly sits w''^ wilbe about a month hence, I shall have further matter to present yo'" Hono'' w*'' this being all at present fi-om Yo'" Hono''' most Humble & most obed' serv*^ Edw Cranfield (Addressed) fibr the Right honor''^'' S^' Lyonell Jenkins principall Secretary of State to his Maj''-'' Att Whitehall (Endorsed) New Hampshire 1 Dec^' E. 13 Febr. Mr. Oianfield. BfeLATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 129 NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 47. (1682. Dec. 30.) Riglit Honorable. By my Letters from Boston I gave yo^ Lordships an acco" that at my arrivall to this province I was kindly received and acknowledged Governour tlierof, and finding the Coimcill and otiier Inhabitants possessed of large tracts of lands claimed by M^' Mason and resolved to make the best defence they could, I did not at that time think it for his Maj^^ Service to make myself a party by appearing on M''- Masons behalf but de- ferred that to a decision at Law, and made it my business with all moderation in order to a quiett and peaceable settle- ment to compose the minds of the people. At the rising of the Assembly in November last I passd their Laws some wherof were then made in their favour & made them sensible I obliged them thereby they also seemed highly affected that his Maj*' Notwithstanding severall complaints were offered by M""- Mason and M'- Eandolph reflecting upon their ill man- agement in Government had of his great clemency been pleased to continue them of his Councill in this province and often expressing their resolutions for the futm-e to become obedient to his laws and Eoyall Commands upon which I was induced to believe they were in good earnest and to continue the present peace dismissed the charge brought here against M*-- Waldern late president M""- Martin and others by M'"- Ma- son being thereto obliged Strictly to attend the methods laid downe to me in his Maj*** Commission and in my papers also upon that present State of affairs writt to yo^' Lordships m their ffavour My Lords left it not seem strange to yo^' Lordships that in so short a time the matters in this paper appears so different from my former discourses to yo^' Lordships from Boston, which in honour to his Maj'-^' and vindication of my sincerity to his service I take the first opi^ortunity to lay before yo'' Lordships as follows. All in the late Couiicill together with 130 EABLY DOCUMENTS many of the chief Inhabitants in this province are part of the Grand Combination made up of Church members of Congi'e- gational Assemblies throughout the Colonies in New England, and bj that they are so strictly obliged that the interest or prejudice of any One if considerable affects and influences the whole party and thus it hath fallen out here. About Aug' last the ju-esident and Councill of this province admitted the Ketch George a Scotch Yessell sailed with Scots- men belonging to one Jeffray a Scotsman a Church member here to enter and trade contrary to the 12th of the King aliout ffourteen days after my arrival M'- Randolph having advice hereof seized her and Cargo for his Maj*^ upon which I ordered her to be stopped and a])pointed a Court for a tryal Avliere M'"- Eandolijh apjiearing on his Maj*^ behalf insisted upon the breach of the Acts of trade and prayed condemnation ther- upon. But the Jury in which were ffour Church Members and leading men although nothing was offered in barr of Judgement find against the King and give Jeffray costs of Court against M^"- Randolph upon this I have been obliged to take neAv measure's and in the ftirst place have turned Stile- man Captain of the ffort a Church Member out off his Com- mand for suffering the Ketch to pass the ft'ort before the try all against my express order to the contrary, and I have directed M"" Randolph to prosecute with all vigour all persons con- cerned in contriving the escape and also to attaint the jury for bringing a false Verdict so that I am now upon this just occa- sion engaged to follow this matter as farr as Law and the integrity of Juries will admitt, and to lay aside persons whom I find declining in this so gi-eat a violation of Law & Justice. Upon my receiving his Maj*-^ Commission for the Government of this province yo"" Lordships were of opinion that the irregu- lar trade so often complained of by M'- Randolph in his papers to yo^" Lordships would be totally discouraged. The sight of the Lark ffrigat in their harbour putt an awe upon them, but so long as their preachers exercise a counter- manding power to his Maj*-' authority and oppose all persons and things which recive not a Sanction fro them I am in much doubt where to find honest and fitt persons enough in this RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. l3l small Colony to administer Justice serve in Juries and ex- ecute the Several parts in Government. 1 cannot omitt to acquaint yo^" Lord^'^ of one particular case lately practised in the Courts of this province A Gentleman brought his action upon a bond against a Churchmember, the case was so plain that the Jury found for the plaintiff but the Court would not admitt of that verdict, but gave damages against them thus their preachers Support their common Interest. My Lords I have insisted the larger in this matter because I find it not in my power long to continue y good Govern- ment of this province unless it be given me in command by order from his Maj** and also from my Lord of London under whose Diocess the fforreign plantations are to remove all such their preachers who oppose and endeavour to disturb the peace of this Government which method wilbe necessary to be observed in the Settlement of the Bostoners Colony and also in the province of Main from which I can only expect tricks and trouble till annexed to this Government, they claim- ing the privilege of one-half of the Eiver of Pascataway which divides the two provinces Li the mean time I shall not be wanting with all chearfullness and fidelity to discharge the trust reposed in me by his Maj^^ and yo*" Lordships. My Lords as I had finished this Letter the Jury in the case of the Ketch George having some dread on them of the ill consequence that might befall them by reason of their eiToneous verditt against the King Petitioned me to admitt them to mend their verdict and it not being recorded I gi'anted their desii-e whereupon they found for the King, and the vessell is now^ condemned though out of our possession I am humbly of opinion this will terrify- succeeding Juries So as not to be influenced to adhere to the malignant party to goe against Law and evidence for the future, which were it not for fear of punishing their purses more then burdening their con- sciences they would not stick to doe. I am sorry to find the actions of these people so farr short of what they first pro- fessed and my Character of them to yo'' Lordships but it pro- ceeds not out of any mutability in me but from themselves for want of that Loyalty they so much boasted of, they having been in a confederacy to carry the cause against the King. 13^ EARLY DOCUMl^lWS Notwithstanding all wliicli if I am coiintonanced by yo*' Lord- ships I doubt not to bring this people to reason and obedience to his Maj*y I am Rigli*- hono''^^ New Hampshire Yor Lordships most obedient 30 Decern 1682. and most hnmble servant Edw. Crakfield. (Endorsed) New Hampshire 1G82. 30 Dec R. 10 May. M'- Crautiield to y*' Lords Com''' of Trade. NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 47. (1682) May it please yo'" Hono*" This Inclosed Peticon was brought to me by Capt" ffranc^ Champenone in behalf of y*" Inhabitants of y'' Province of Mayn w''^ is humbly desired that yo^ Hono*" w'ould be pleased so far to fano*" them as to haue it read before his Maj*'' in Councill and in case His Maj'^ should so far Condesend as to grant their peticon the advantage of uniting y* province to this his Maj*''"*' Goverment will prone in A Short Time so con- siderable that it will not be only a means to Suport y*^ Hono'' of his Maj*-^*" Goverm* but keepe the people in their dutie and Loyalty w''^ otherwise will be difficult to do in regard this smale Province is hedged in by the Boston''' whose endouo'"'' & designes I perceiue are to pvert & undermine this Settle- ment of His Maj''*''' Goverm*^ , I haue taken a vew of y*^ Condi- con of y" Inhabitants of y Province however it hath bin rep- resent to His Maj*-^ The true state ct Condicon of them is very meane there being not ten men worth five hundred pounds each and not likely to Improue haueing no Ifisheries nor Tymber considerable left to increase trade should M""- Mason dispossess the Towns of their unimproud lands it would be impossible for aboue four or five families to Subsist, RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 138 haueing no where else to ffeed their Cattle in Winter S: Sumer, for their Maineteinence ariscth wholely thereby, their Tymber Trade being very much decayed. The Inhabitants most of them declare they must with-draw and quit the Province if M'' Mason will not accept an acknowledment for the Comons as wel as y*' improved lands, w'^ if every man were wilhng to pay in the four ToAvns the Six pence on y*^ pound to M' Ma- son it will not amount to above one hundred pounds p auu w* euer he hath Suggested to himself to y*" contrary. The people are willing to contrilnite towards both, to y*" Support of his Maj*^'^^^ Goverm*. in this province, & to sattisfy any rea- sonable demands of M'" Mason Also very dutyfull in their Ex})ressons and behaueour towards his Maj*^" and Goverm* Contrary to my exjjcctacons. Yo'" Hono'' would do this province y** greatest good Imagin- able if y" would be pleased to procure of his Maj*-^" four hun- dred <^' fifty fii-e lock muskets & one hundred Case of pistols and one hundred Carbines w^'^out which the Pr<3^4nce cannot be Safe against the Indiens who are well armed liy y*" ffrench, w^hicli makes them here, of late very Insolant in these Eastern parts May it please yo'" Hon'- I have no more at present to Treble yo'' Hon'" w*^all only to let you know that at the meeting of y® Assembly I shall En- deuour to get such Laws past that may be Satisfactory to his Maj'-^ and Suteable to the constitution of the people, in the mean time shall call y^ Treasure to an account for that little publicc[ue monies ^hich has bin raised Since his Maj*^' ^ Com- mission y^ 18'^ of Sepber 1G79 w""^ account and take the Ex- aminacon of Waldron and Martyus Charge as alsoe all other proceedings shall be Transmitted to yo^ Hon*!*^ and the Lords of his Maj*^*^^'^ W^^'J Councill appoynted Commitie it'* I am Yo^' Hon*"^ most humble and most Obedient Seruant Edw. Cranfield (Endorsed) New England 82. New Hampshire R. about Jau 82-3 M-- Cranfield 134 EARLY DOCUMENTS NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 47. (1G82-3. Jan. 10.) Right Honorable May it please yo*' Lordships. Mv last was from Boston Avhere I spent time enongh to pr}^ into some of the Secrets of the ti'action, npon my dealing plainly with them, in reference to their affairs at Court, they told me that by the })assious and precipitate counsels amongst them, they had highly and deservedly incurred his Maj*^ pleasure And that if a Quo Warranto should be brought against their CUiarter they Avould be at no further charge to make a defence but cast themselves at his Maj''^ feet and sue for pardon and willingly submitt to such Regulations as in his princely Wisedome should seem meet. If his Maj'J- shall think fitt to send a Quo AYarranto to M^' Randolph and shew the Goaernor Magistrates r- hand from Scotland. I desire M'' Attorney General his opin- ion upon the Act of the 12*'' of the King ffor Encouraging and Increasing of Shipping and Navigation. Whether a Scotsman born can be permitted to inhabit and trade as a Merchant or ft'actor they pretending a right themnto as being born within the Alk'giance of Our Sovereign Lord the King, whicli I humbly conceive Scotsmen are not privileged by that Act to Exercise the trade or occupation of a Merchant or factor in his Maj*"* Plantations Since my arrival here a Scots Vessell Avas Seized l)y M'" Randolph and condemned &: Sold for 120'*' of which M'' Fuindolph will give yo*' Lordships a particular account. As to M^' Masons concerns he expected the people Avould have turned tenants to him at his first arrival but he now finds the perverse temper of many of them mIio are influenced by Waldern and Moody whom at ni}^ first coming I was so charitable to beleive they were better men tlien now I find them That without a tryall first had upon the place as hath been directed in his Maj*'* Letters to the Boston^"'' which these his Stubborn Opposers doe depend upon, before his MaJ'^ in Councill can give a tinall Judgment against them, and all this is only to gain time I am therefore of opinion that an Or- der be directed to me to admitt of tryals betAveen liim and the Terteiiauts as in the Boston Cjlony and then they will come to his terms rather than to be a charge c'c trouble to de- fend a bad title, and answer his Appeals in England. As to other matters relating to the Bostoners I suppose yo'' Lordships will have an Account fi'om M"" Randolph who is well accjuainted with the humour of the people and will give yo*" Lord** the names of fitting persons to be putt into the 130 EAllLY DOCUMENTS Coiumissiou as a C\)uiuill when his Maj*-^ shall think titt to reassume that Govenmieut M'" Randolph hath gone thro nuiny ditliculties and troubles in his ini])loynient, but tliat wilbe soon over, if he have the same assistance in other places as I shall be al)le to give him wlieii I have my Com- mission of Admiralty enlarged. The Assembly is now Sitting and I much question whether I shalbe able to dispose them to nndve any Settlement for my Sujiport, and to defray the Necessary charge of the Gov- erumen*- And therfore I judge it absolutely necessary that his Maj*^' impower myself and the Councill under his Signett and Sign Manuall to raise nnmeys b}' Customs Excise and otherways not exceeding One thousand pound p an and here- in the people will acquise. I am My Lords Yo'" Lordships M" Cran- tield Duplicate of his Letter to the Lords Com''? NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 17. (1082 H. J to any charge besides the Commission. When I was in Boston at the request of the Magistrates I writt to my Lord Hide a Letter to introduce their Agents to his Lordship presuming at this time it might be of use to liis 138 EARLY DOCUMENTS Maj*^ Service they being ordered to tender 2000"' for a pardon though I was certain it would not be accepted yet it was a kind of pleading Guilty I was sure his Lordship who well knew that the dissolution of that Government was of so gi'eat an importance to his Maj'^ concerns that One hundred thousand pounds would not make good the loss his Maj'-' should sustain in a few years were they toUerated therefore my Letter served only as intelligence how matters stood here, and what I writt in their favour was only in design to insinuate myself into their Counsells and I doe find they are all unwilling to be at any further expence in defence of then- Charter, if a Quo Warranto should be brought against them knowing themselves to be notorious offenders therefore I dare assure yo'' Lordships if a Coumiission with a pardon come they will submitt to Such Regulations as his Maj*>' shall think fitt I have sent yo'" Lordships by a Letter of this date b}- way of Barbadoes, a duplicate of the Laws I have passed which if yo^ Lordships please to disallow of it may be a means of havmg better made for the future in the mean time I govern them by the Laws of England If a letter were writt to me that I might show these people Signifying his Maj''' re- senting their want of Duty, it might bring them into a better temper. They are easier to be imposed upon by their Teach- ers being illiterate then to- be taught their duty to his Maj*-' but I make no doubt to overcome these difficulties if I may have a check upon their Ministers so as upon a Just occasion to remove them I am NcAv-hampshire My Lords Yo'" Lordships 23 January 1682. Most humble & obedient Servant Edw Cranfield By way of Maderas (Addressed) To the Right Honorable the Lords of the Com- mittee of Trade and plantations. (^Endorsed) R. (received) 10 May. KELATINTr TO XEW HAMPSHIRE. 139 NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 4S. Pagks 492-3. From M-- Cranfield to v*^ Comm*'^^« Boston March y'' 27'^ 1H83. Right Hon''}? By mine of the 20*'' February Last from the ProA-ince of New Hampshire, I humbly represented to yoiu' Lord"'*' the occasion progress and as I then hoped tlio conchision of tlie Insurrection made by Gouve and his party. But 1 have since found new trouble arising for soone after severall persons well wishers to Goves proceedings in a liiotous manner entered my dwelling house and remonstrated against severall things directed in my Commission as M'" Randolph who was present can informe }our Lord^** wherupon finding myselfe very uneasy and not seeing where these matters would end I sent Gone with a guard to Bo.ston (4aole to be shipt of for England and made Cap* Barefoot my Deputy Gou^ during my absence- and the better to secure the peace of the prouince I putt out of the Councill Maj^' Walderne W. Martine and Cap' Gilman greate Sticklers for the Boston intrest ^ ^- -• •• and prefered Cap'' ffryer and M'" Elliot persons of good Estate to that Seruice and have here enclos- ed sent your Lordp"! the grounds and reasons of my proceed- ings with them. I found M'" Moody and his party so troublesome that I be- Jieued myselfe unsafe to continue longer amongst them till I had the continuance of a ffrigott and fidl instnictions to re- duce them to better understanding. I am come to Boston where I find a gi-eat alteration in the mind's and conversation of the ]3eople. The Generall Court is now sitting and great endeavours are used by the flaction to continue the Gouerm*. in their hands and to that end they have summoned the Inhabitants of the Colony to meete in their severall Towns on the 13 instant to signe a Paper (a true copy wherof M'" Rajidolph is ready to present your LordP*") They reflected upon such persons who refused to sign as Ene-nies to their Govm*. However upon my owne knowledge the most Eminent persons for Estate and some of 140 I'.AKLY iXxniMENTS the considerable freemen did tottally decline to sett their liands to that Address and after all endeauours they were so putt to it for Subscriptions that they Solicited Strangers and servant Boyes to fill n\) their Nundjer's. The settingafoot this Address hath raised sncli anniniosetys aniongs' the jHH)ple that they are read}- to mutinye. This weeke I had an o])portunity to conuerse with M"" Hincklye Govern^" and M'' Lathrop one of the Magistrates of New Plymouth Colony I find them weake men and very uufitt to be concerned in Goverm*. Its true the Inhal)itants are generally low in Estate. But much more unhappy wanting men of ability to direct the affaii-es of that Colony. I shall not give your Lordi"* any further trouble referring your LordP" to M'" Randolph Avho has made it his sole busi- ness to inspect and understand the method's and proceedings of the severall Colonys and is able to give your Lord^"" a full and perfect relation of the present distraction which hee hath luckily occassioned in this Government. M"" Orchard of this Towne hath attended the General Court and desired to make out the matter of fact laid doAvne in his Petition to his Maj'?;^ But that would not be granted hee pres* me therupon to take the Affidauits of his Witnesses But I being out of my Gouerm* refused to take cognisence of it so that unless he would bee at the charge to cary his Witnesses to England he is att present in no probability or hopes to recouer his cause against this Countrey. I lately receiued a letter from the Deputy Gou'" of New Hampshire mtimating that the Councill mett up(m tlie 17, instant and according to Instructions prest that the Keceiuers of all Publick mont^v Since the 18 of September 1679 should bring in their seuerall Accounts to be Audited by M'^' Blath- wayts Deputy which they (being l)ackt by CapV Yaughan one of the Councill refused to do under a pretence that such moneys was raised for the use of the Towns, and not for the Sui)port of the Gouerm* which indeed was a trick only to diuert and auoid the discouerye of their oppressions and in- direct disposing tlierof. They also refuse to pay any mony into the Publick Treasury but take upon them to dispose of itt by the hands of their Severall Trustees, and not by my RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE 141 Warrant as is also directed in tlie Said Instructions which I communicated to the Assembly to the intent that they might also examine the Accounts of moneys etz" raised and expend- ed in the Province 1 tinde they make itt their whole business to Cauall at what e\u>r is directed in his Maj*''"'' Commissioii or TnstriK'tioijs. My Lords. The (jcnerall Court here hath been sitting this 7 weekes, the Principal] matter that hath been under their consideration is whether they should give their Agents any further instructicms relating to the Regulacon of their Gou- ernm* and dehuer up the Prouince of Maine to his Maj''.'' and am told by some of the Deinitys that after many sharp de- bates they have carried itt in the Affirmatiue, which though Looks dutifull yet is only to gaine time for they have not re- pealed any one law, nor past one Act tending to his Maj*'''^ Sattisfaction so that without compulsion his Maj''" may ex- pect no due obedience to his lioyall Commands, whateuer is pretended to the contrary, I am My Lords Your Lord''" Most Hum'''*' and most oV)edient Seru* Edw. Cranfield. NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 48. Pages idi-'y (1682-3. 3Iarc/L) From Cap* Barefoot to y'' Coumi'' Right Houn^'^i'^ It haueing pleased y*^ houn'''^ Edward Cranfield Esq'" Gouer- nor of this his Ma*'' Prouince of Ne^sv Hami)shire to apoynt mee his Deputy during his Absence in Visiting the Neigh- bouring Collonies I humbly p'sume to lay l)efore Your Lord- ships a breife State of y' C(mdition of this Province wherein I haue binn an inhabitant aboue fine and tAventy yearcs dur- ing w'*^ time I have not onely made my obseruation u])on y'' 142 EAULY DOCUMENTS liuniois aiul C'uiiiay;e of this people hut l)v the ineaues of some of my ueare relations being married into y'" wealthiest familyes in this Country I haue bin throughly informed of the intregies and designes of the faction and malignant ]iarty who managed all ])ublieke affaires here whilest this prouinc-e was under y'' Mashethusets iurisdiction and very unAvillingly submitted to a Change of Gouernment w''' his Maj*^ by his Eoyall Com- mission hatli established and although the Massatluisets ex- ercise uoe authority in this prouince yet thay inliuence things as they please there being a strict Confederation betw(^en y'" ministers and Church Members of this prouince and those of y® Massathusets Collouy who Couerne and sway y'' peo])le jis they })lease noe pope euer acted w*^ greater Arrogance then these preachers Who euflame the i)eoi)le to their fantastick humors and debauch them from theire duty and obedience to his Majesty and his Lawes and are euer stirring them xip to disloyalty and iutermedliiig in all Ciuill affaires and Censiur- ing all persons and actions that agr-ee not with theire princi- ples & peeuisli humors these theire ill proceedings haue Giuen <)'■ houn''^^'^ Governor nmch troble and disquiet in his Govern- ment they intluensing the assembly that noe good bills could pass that had any respect for his Maj''*-^^ liouu^ and dignity and the good and ease of his Maj*^'-'^ subiects So that the Governor was necessitated to dissolve the assembly upon w*'*' followed an insurrection raised by one of the cheefe of that assembly which if by the prudence and vigiloncy of his iKmu^" had not been timely suppressed might haue been of dangerous Consequence to this place wherein the preachers have been to liusv and unles tlies factious teachers are turn'd out of the prouince there Avill be disquiets here and without some visible force to keepe these people under it will be a very difficult if not an impossible thing to i)ut in Execution his Maj'"*'" Com- mands or y' Lawes of trade A: navigation which b}' the Coun- tenance of one of his Maiestys ships in this port would easily be effected this I thought .my duty to lett your Lordships know and subscribe myselfe My Lords, Y'' Most bumble and faithfull Seruant P'vince of New Ham])shire. Walter Bahefoote this March 1082 3 KELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIBE. 14:} (Addressed) for the Eight Hon--'''-^ The Lords of liis Mai''« priuy Councell apovuted a Connnittee for trade and tibreigu })lantations At Whitehall (Endorsed) N. Hampshire March 1682-3 From Cap* Bare- foote to the Comitee Eee'^ y*" 9"' June 1083 M'! Randolph's Dep' Gov'.' the Massuchnsets Influence. The assembly dis- olved Goves lusiurection NEW HAMPSHIRi: PAPERS. Yoi.. 48. Pages 522-523. Lre from Ml' Cranfield to y" Comm"''*". Boston June the 19 1683 Eight Hon'-'" This being the first oppertunity since M'! Eandolphs De- parture I thought my selfe bound in Duty to send duplicat^^ of what went by him, I am sorry that I cannot giue assurance of my abillety to serue his Maj"'' in this Station Without jjut- ting liim to the expence of a ffrigott att Least for three or fowre months while the people of New Hampshire are reduced to a better temper I haue made it my endeauours to quiett the Spiritts of those unmanagable creaf:^ But my condicent"* are rendered ineffectual! l)y the influence of Moody their Teacher, Waldrene \- three or foAvre more who haue Long had the Dominion But were those people in the greatest Subjection and obedience to his Maj*'*^ that could bee expected, it would bee absolutely necessary for his Maj*"' to haue a ffrigott upon the Coast to preuent the Irregulare trade which the Bearer hereof M'" Barnard Eandolph Deputy Collect^ comes home with fi'esh complaints against the Boston Goum* of some I haue beene an eye Witness off, for upon a trv^all upon the 8 instant with a Jersy man for the Breaches of the Acts of trade wherin hee was cast the Court would not admitt of the 14 of the Kinge, Whereui)on hee appeald to the King and the Lord's of his Maj*'' Piiuy Councell, in case the First Verdict should be allowed off. But the Court gaue a flatt denyall not- k4 EARLY DOCUMENTS ■withst(>ssessi()ii of their C'linrch(^s tt only reqiiired to admin- ister both Sacraments, aeeording' to the Lit\irf>;ie of y^ Chureh of Eughmd, to sueh as desired them, Avliich they refuse to doe, t^' will understand Liberty of C'onscienee ' & Yo*" Lordps or come to a new Tryal in any of his Maj**' Courts in Westminister Hall, which they declined, S: by the advice of Moody & the fiaction of Boston (who have gott possession of a good pai-t of this Province) have taken other measures, then what his Maj''' Eoyal Commission doth direct. I doul)t not but these inclosed Papers will satisfie yo'" Lordi)S that the Judical proceedings had in M'" Masons case, are no more to be excepted ag''* then his Title. I know not what Representations M'' Wyre may make, but it is my hapj^iness, A' all those that serve his Maj*'' under me, to stand and fall by yo*' Lordps Justice and ffavour. I have received his Maj*" Letter to pardon those that Judgment was respited ag"* and accordingly I have ])ardoned all but young Gove, and one of Wadleighs Sons who have carried themselves very indecently, as indeed has the whole Province, which is demonstrable by their choosing the same Assenil>ly it going on in their old methods, these two I keep in Prison to terrific the rest, for I find all favour «t clemency 150 K.\i!T>Y iiocrMEvrs shoAvecl to these (lisinjjjeiiions People, is abused uiid ill use made of it. I have been so full in other matters in my forniev Letters, that I shall not trouble yo'' Lordps further at present only acquaint Yo'' Lordj)s that it is a good ()})portunity for the sending of Ministers for the four Towues, av"' an Order, that the Inhabitants shall pay what they paid to their other Min- isters, who have left their Benefices, because tliey will nc^t give to any the Sacrament & Baptisme according to the pre- scribed forme of the Book of Comon Prayer, and for their Encouragement some Si)iritual promotion may be kept in Commendam, that after two or three years they may be releived, All which is most humbly submitted to yo*" Lordps wisedomes by May it please yo"" Lordps Yo' Lordps most Immble and obedient Seniant Eew. Cranfield. (Addressed) To the Right Hon^''*' the L(jrds tlie Committee for Trade &c. (Endorsed) ReC? May 18 : 81 Read 11 June 84 cVc. NEW HAMI'SHIIIE PAPERS. Vol. 47. Boston June 19'^ 1683. Right Hon^.'r My Last Letter unto your Hon': was by M"^ Randolph Since whose Departure I have spent my time in the Colony on pur- pose to pry into the intregues and politicks of the Goum* the better to enable me to saue his Maj'''' by glueing an account of the disposition and carriage of the people among other things I haue obserued, That there can be no greater evill attend his Maj*''^^ affairs here, then those pernicious and Re- belUous principles which Hows from their Collige at Cam- bridge which they call their P^niuersity from whence all the RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 151 Townes both in this and the otlier C()h)UYs are suj^plyed with ffactious and Seditious Preachers Avho stirr up the i^eople to a disKke of his Maj"'' and his Gouiu^ and the KeUgion of the C'hurch of Eny;hind terming the Liturgy of our Church a pre- cident of Superstition and ])icked out of the Popish Dunghill so tliat I am humbly of opinion this Country cau neuer bee well settled or the people Ijecome good Subjects, till their Preachers bee reformed and that Colledge suppressed and tlie severall Churches supplyed with Learned and Orthodox Min- isters from England as all other his Maj*'*^ Dominions in America are. The Country growes very populous and if Longer left ungoverned or in that manner as now they aie I feare it may bee of dangerous consequence to his Ma]*!' concerns, in this Part of the World. What incouragement thei]" Agents have had in England I know not but since the arrivall of the Last Ship from London these disloyall Magistrates are growne more insolent then before in al)useing his Maj'^' Officers in the Execution of their Office and no Justice can bee had of them the Judges and Magistrates openly upon the Bench being Advocates against the King and*lenying appeales to his MaJ'"'' So that M^" Bandolphs Bro*" who was left liere his Deputy not being able to serue his Maj'"'' (as things now are managed here, being dayly affronted and abused as I have been an Eye Wittness off.) goes to England to make his complaints to your Hon(V! and L(n'd's of the Treasury. If the Boston Charter were made void and the Cheif of the ffaction called to answer in their owne persons for their misde- menors and their Teachers restrained from Seditious jjreach- ing it Avould give great encouragemejit to the Loyall Party, to shew themselues, who haue hetherto beene kept under and greatly oppressed and from all places of proffitt and trust. Your Hon^: may he assured of this that if there Agents in Eng'.Miad power giuen them to agree to such regulacons as his Maj"*" should think fitt, ^^et such is the insincerity of those now in poAver that they would neuer keepe ffaith with his Maj*?"' as is demonstrable by the proceedings in the Law they made in ffcburarv last for the obseruation of Trade and Naui- gation and doe now openly act against it, I doul)t not but 152 EARLY DOCUMENTS your HoiiV liatli lieen fully informed of these matters by ]NP Rantlol})li but myselfe haueiug beeiie AVittness of these things I thought it my duty to giue your Hon^ an ace* thereof. I am this day returning to the Piouince of NeAv Hampshire haueing finished the dispatches that goes by this ship, the people in that Prouinee still continue in a Stubbm*ne humour being intiuenced from hence, Upon the appearing of a ffrigott in their Port they may be brought into a Better temper though it should stay but a Short time they liauing a notion that his Maj*"' Avill be at no such expence which makes them so turbulent. I humbly pray your Honl' to procure an order that I may haue Leaue to goe for England or to some other of his Maj'-' plantations to stay for three or foure months if I find my self indisposed the next winter through the Sharpness of the Weather haueing some indisj^osition by the reason of the last Winter this cold climate not agreeing with my thinn conste- tution which will be a greate addition to your former fauours and shall euer bee acknowledged by. Your Hon''' most hunil)le and most ol)edient Seruant S^ Ly Jenkins ' Edw. Cranfield. (Addressed) To the Eight Hon^'''^' S': Lyonell Jenkinns his MajtA^ Princip^ Scry of State Whitehall. (Endorsed) M": Cranfield fi-om Boston m^ June 1683. to M^ Sec^-y Jenkins Bead to y^ Lords 17"' August 1683. NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 47. Portsmouth in New England ffebruary the 20*.!' 1683. Right Hon''i« I send your Hon'! upon the Ship Eichard of Boston under M'! Randolphs care Edwin Gone an Assembly man who serued liELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 153 for the Towue of Hiiiii])ton One whom this Coiintrey has con- demned to d3'e for raiseing a Eebellion in this Proniuce as appears by tlie Account of his Tryall, signed by Maj'" Wal- derne then Jndge of the Court. I intended his Execution upon the place for terrour to the whole ]^arty who are still mutinous if my Commission would have warranted it besides him nine other i)ersons were taken, and upon tryall were con- uict. But their condemnation is respited haueing taken suf- ficient security for their appearence their being no Goal in the Proiunce fitt to secure them till his Maj*:' pleasure bee knowne therein. And as to Gone I cannot with safety to my- selfe or the peace of the Country keep him longer in Custody for besides the greate and dayly charge of Guard's upon him, I haue cause to feare the Souldiers in time may bee remiss or outirpowered and so Gone sett att Liberty Besides by my Commission I am directed to send Eebells to England, where if Gone Escape the Sentence of the Law there is an end of his Maj*' business in New England. I was soone made sensible the Lark ffrigott which brought me oner to this Prouince was gon to Sea, for att the second meeting of the Assembly in January Last they begann to dis- ]nite my Commission and power, I Recomended to them seuerall good bills agreed up(m first by their Councill but in- stead of passing them, they ottered bills repugnant to the Laws of England which I rejected Sc finding them tryfling awav the time in makeiug of partys, I was necessitated to de- solue them. I took a Journey to Boston and other places in that Colony makeiug it my business to feele their temper, I found amongst them a preuailing faction against his Maj*!" Interest whateuer for present turne may bee pretended and upon good ground's belieue that should his Pioyall Highness suniieve his Maj''*' Such is their Generall Auersiou incouraged and buoyed up by the Nonconform**.' Party in England that at once they will fall off from their Allegiance to the Crowne it is therfore uery necessary that the whole Country' be brought to a through Regulation being allarmed by the Quo Warr*" brought against their Charter, Its also equally necessary that his Maj*.''^ Send a ffrigott, to attend till such a Regnlation bee 154 KAULY ]>()(:L'MENTS c*()U]])leato(l bv puttinjj; the Gouin' togt'thcr Avitli the Mihtia, Castles and iforts into hf.mls of Loyall and Honest Gent" and the ffaction made inoajJaHe euer after of alterinj:; or Disturb- inp; that Gonni* I heare its designed to petition his Maj*'*' for Gones life and that to bee nnmaged by the messenp;''' from Boston, if so t'will further a])])eare to me that Gone had ineoiiragement from thence, haueing beene jnst before the Session of our Assem- l)ly att Boston, and I cannot but obserue to your Hon*" that Maj'" Pike one of the Majistrates and of the ffaction in Bos- ton Cioiim* came to me the night before Goues try all, with senerall Depositions to Certefie that Gone Avas a distracted man hopeingby that means to auoid his prosecution. The Ministers in New England are generally more absolute and independent in Practize then in theii- Principalis they intermedle in all matters of Goum*. The People are stirred up and composed 'according as they are influenced by the Teachers. I found some of them scrui)ling to ]ireach upon the 30 : January which by Proclamation I haue ordered An- nually to bee obserued in this Collony. I did also propose to the Ministers as an Essential! part of their Office the Bap- tizing of Children and administering the Sacrament Avhich Gone att his Tryall did object against as a high crime and innouation, I am forced to keepe the Militia in Arms till Gone bee Shipt off, and shall endeauour to keepe his Maj*"" Peace, Biit I make it my humble request to his Maj*'*' that M^ Piandolph who understands well his Maj'-'' interest, and the humour of the People and hath beene usefull to me since my arriuall may bee dispatcht back hither with full instruc- tions and the countenance of a ffrigott, to attend orders otherwise I can promise to his Maj^'*' but little Success in tlu' matters I haue in charge. M'." Ptandol])h hath been uery Diligent and made live Jouriiv's in the Exstremety of weather fi-oni Bostcm aboue 70 miles distance from hence, and now being order'd to attend att AVhitehall, takes upon him the trouble and charge of Goues transport, whicli I could by no means ])ropose to bee aduanced to him, out of the Stock of this Prouince in regard of the exstry ordinary expence occasioned to the inhal.)itant.T KEIATING TO NEW HAMSrHIllE. loO by Gmies insurcction Neitlier shall I adventure to call an- other Assembly till I heare etiectuall}' from England. I tlier- fore intreat that the charges of Goues passage of others that attend him may bee allo^ved to M'' Eandolph haneing passed my word that the Master, shall be paid att his arriuall in England with the presentment of my most humble duty, I am E' Hon^i^- Your Most humble and obedient Seruant Edw. Cranfield (Addressed) To the Eight Hon^.^'^S^; Lyonell Jenkins His Maj^'*" Principall Seer of State. NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPERS. Vol. 48. Pages 608-9. From M'' Cranfield to y*- Comm*fr New Hampshire 14"' May KKS^. May it Please yo^' Ldsh''i'\ Since my last to yo*' Lodslii'i'" l)y way of Barbados the Indians to the Eastward in the Prouince of Mayne haue bin uery disorderly and giuen out threatning Speeches that they intend to kill the English and burn their houses w''' occas- si(med great feares in Our and the Neighl)()uring CV)lv)nys that they would make a AVarr upon us and them again as will ap- pear by these inclosed Letters. Whereupon I writt to the Gou- ernors of the Seyerall Colony s to desire them that they would send to the principal Leaders of the Indians w'^ are called Sagamores to know the reason of their giuing out such threatning speeches- and Avithall to desire them that if the English had done them any wrong they should giue y'" all due Sattisfaction and to use all possible wayes to proserue Amity and peace w*^ them w'' I hope hath bin done in the other Colonys as well as our own for we haue a right and good understanding w^'^the Indians inhabiting amoung us. Notwithstanding w"^'^ the Gouerment of the Massatheusetts and myselfe and Councell did think titt to Solicitt Coll Dun- 156 EAKI.Y 1)0C;UMENTS gan for tlie aasistauce of the Moquans and some of the Siitherue Indians (they being best aeciuainted w^'' their sculk- ing way of lighting and always hauing AVar w"' them) in case of a War M*" Dudley and M'' Slirinipton beiug sent by the Boston""* I went my selfe to Solicitt that affaire where I found a ready complyance fnnn Coll Dungan to what was dissired in order to the i)reseruation of his Maj*^ Subiects in case they fall upon us, but I hope all Mill blow ouer and a ])eace con- tinue, and altlio it belioues all the Colony s to dissire peace, yet more concernes us to pray for it not liauing two pence in the Treasury nor one farthing giuen since my arriuall notwith- standing I haue earnestly prcst it in tAvo Assemblys th^it the Honor of His Ma**" Gouerment might be Supported but by the influence of M'" Moody Yaughan Waldron and Elliott Avliome I lately recomended to yo'" Ldsh''!"" as a titt person to Serue his Ma*'*' but was much mistaken as I was of some others whose outside I only saw Avlien I lirst came here itt being their way to use arts to insinuate themselues only to gett a better oppertunity to discompose his Ma*^' Seruice therfore was necessitated to suspend him Avhilst yo'" Ldshi'i'" pleasure is known in itt he not only discouering the Secrets of the Council but disturbing the proceedings thereof especially in matters of Nauigati(m he being a gi-eat owner of Shipps. These reasons w'^ the Aduice of the Councell necessitated me to suspend him, and doe recomend to yo*" Ldshi'''!' for confir- mation MV Francis Champernoon and M'" James Sherlock M'' fryer being gone to line in the other Prouince the number doth not exceed Seuen. May itt Please, yo'" Ldshi'i'"* I haue in my last bin soe large t Co Warranto att a Towno meeting telling the ])eople that their Inheritence that God had giuen them was like to be taken away as Naboth Yiniaid was, and excited them to take arms to defend itt ])utting tliem in mind that Dauid chose RELATING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. 157 when lie bad Sinned rather to fall in the hands of God then man. Also tluit a Minister neare Boston on the 20"' of the last month in the afteruoone declared that Hugh Peeters was unlawfully i)utt to death and died a Martyr the same Spiritt remayning amongst the People of our Prouince there Ijeing latel}' affidauits of Sjieeches that are giuen out, that the King knows nothing of M'" Masons and m}' coming hither, but were sent by the Duke of Yorke and called M'' Mason and rnyselfe Doggs and Eouges for acting by such a power. Such uirulent and malicious Speeches of the Ministers poyson the Ignorant people and Avhile they are suifred to preach no true Alleigiance will be found in these parts. May itt please yo^' Ldshi'i'!" M'' Randolphs Brother whom he left his Deputy is dead great quautitjs of Canary Wine and french comoditys being more pleutifuU in Boston then euer as obserued by rnyselfe in m}' returne from New Yorke itt is aboslutely necessary for his Ma*"" seruice to haue that vacancy Supplyed. May itt Please yo^' Ldsh^'i'^ itt is my humble opinion that the Church of England be Established and these Silenced and the mayntenance upon the regulation both of Officers and Ministers, wholy to depend upon his Ma*''' which can be no better wayes done, without burthening the Crowne then by contineuing the Taxes Customs Excise and other Impositions W^ they haue made. I doe confidently assure yo'' Ldshi'i'f itt will lie a worke of gi-eat tyme before they be brought to it by Assemblys there is such a canker amoungst the generality of the people. These considerations I must referr to yo^' Ldshi'i'.*' wisdome and wholy thro my Selfe att yo*' feet for yo^" pardon for all presumtions itt proceedings from a Sincere hart to his Ma** Seauice and my Duty to yo^" Ldshi'il'* soe beg leaue to Sub- scribe my Selfe ' May it Please yo^' Lordshipps Yo^" Ldslii'i"" most huml)le and obedient Seruant Edw. Cranfield. (Addressed) To the Eight Hon'''*' the Lords of the Commit- tee for Trade and foreign Plantations, Att Whitehall. Kec'^ ye 13 Aug 84 Read 29 Nov. 84 &c. ir)8 KAKLY DOCIMKNTS NEW HAIMPSHIUE PAPERS. Vol. 4S. P.^ws (510-11. Liv tVoin M'.' Craiitielcl to S'. Lccliii Jenkins. New Hsunpshire 14^'' May 1684. May it Please yo'' Hon'." I bane receiiied yo'" Hoii'!" Packet, w''' the Drauglit of the Jannica Act for the restramiug of Pivats and Priuateers these and all otiier his Ma"" lioyall Commands, shall be care- fully obserued on my ])art : Piracy is a crime so odionse that the offenders are not to be admitted to the benefit of their Cler<>v, and \vher«» it is attended w";^ murder its most detes- tal)le and oui^ht to haue the greatest punishment inflicted. I wish some in Boston that are in Authority haue not to much ouerlookt the Punishment of diuers Priuateers who haue lately frequented that Port are Suspected to be guilty of both, for I haue bin told, the Priuateer that made Depre- dation upon the Spaniards at Lauerdecreuz were so cruell and Barberouse to seueiall AVomen and Inocent Children, as to put them upon an Island where they left them Starue be- cause their Husbands and fathers would not ransome them, who indeed were not able of w'' they boasted and gloryed at Boston as I was informed by M'! Stephen Wesendouke a Wine Cooper who told me he heard Seuerall Priuateers i)ub- lickly discourse of their Aduentures and manner of cruelty es done to the Si)auiard lately. The inclosed (to the Right Hon''''' the Lords of the Com- mittee) is an accompt of what hath [)assed since my last; under yo'" Honors couer by way of Barbados the Ship being said to be ready to saile from Boston haue not tyme to en- large onl}' to let yo'" Hon'" know it is reported here that M'" ])adley M'" Browne and M'." (lidney late Magistrates are left out this last Election for their being Loyaler than the rest, and M'' Stoughton and Maj'" Saltistonc^ refused to act notwith- standing they were chosen. I am in all duty Yo'" Hon'"'' Most olxulient and most hundjle Seruant El)W. ClJANFIEI.D. RELATING TO NEW H-\MPSHIRE. 159 Unless yo'^ Hon"' faiioiir and the Lords of the C!oniniittee is ShoAvne to me in some other Imployment I am absohitety ruin'd for in the discharge of my Duty in this Gonrmen* I haue expended all the money I sould my place for att White- hall, which is all that I had in the World. (Addressed) To the Eight Hon^''^' S^' Lionel Jenkins one of His Ma*-'' Principall Secretaryes of State. At Whitehall. E. 12 Augt- Presented 30 Sept. : 84. NEW HAMPSHIRE PAPEES. Vol. 48. Pages 640-41. From M^: Cranfield to ye Comm*'^*' New Hampshire Jan^'>' 6*^ 1684. May itt please yo"^ Ldshi!^ Since my last to yo' Ldsh^'^ here are higher and greater comotions and disturbacces comitted in this Prouince and greater insolency's and affronts Offered to my Selfe and His Ma** Officers then euer hath .been since my coming to the Gouerm* as will appear by the inclosed affidauits. And haue bin stiri-ed up by Letters from NathanieU Wear and im- proued here b}' Waldron, Oilman, and Vaughan who is lately gone for England to make further complaints a Councel hauiug been frequently held by some of the aboue named persons att Major Pikes A Magistrate of the Massatlmsetts Colony bordering upon this Prouince to w'^'^^ place all the illmen dayly resort for aduice from hence many of the Towne (if HcDiipfov and Exeter have signed a Paper to sidmiit to noth- Iny hut irhat they tJiemsehtes .sJicdJ Jiidg to he Law w'"*^ yet I can- not get a sight of. And altlio they doe by their Petitions and their Agents giue great assurances att AVhitehall of their Loyalty Duty and affections to His Ma** Person and Gover- ment, the> doe at the same tyme here beat and abuse His Mat* Justices of Peace and Marshalls to such a degi'ee that 160 EARLY DUC'UMENTS they aiv afraid to execute their oftiee and for that reason seuerall haiie flung up their Comissions. I haue preuailed \v*'^ M'" Robert Wadleigh wo was lately before yo'' Ldslii;** to accept of a Comission for the Peace, and also called him into the Council the number being under Seauen he hauing shewed himselfe since his returne from England well aft'ected to His Ma*^ Seruice therefore do presume to recomend him to yo'' Ldslji'^ fauor. My Lords I haue troubled yo'' Ldslii''* eares w'^ so many complaints of this kind that I shall forbear mentioning any other perticulars. I esteeme it the greatest happiness that euer I had iu my life that yo*" Ldshi'1 haue giueu me an oppertunity to remoue fi"om these unreasonable peijple, and the rather that yo'" Ldshi?® and the World may see itt is those things injoyed in His Ma*'^ Comission they cauil at, and not my Person, and time Avill show that no man shall be acceptable to them that putts His Ma*y Comands in Execution. The order of h'cence for my remoue coming soe late that all the Shi])i)s belonging to this Piuer that use the West India Trade are departed hence, but I hope in a Short time to get a passage from Boston for Barbadoes or Jam aca, where I shall be read}' to receiue yo*' Ldshi'** further Comands, but I liumbly beseech yo' Ldshi^'' not to order my return to these parts, for I haue neither health nor those happy Alnlity's to serue His Ma^^ here soe well as the necessit}- of his afiaires at this Juncture of tyme doth require, all w"^^'' is most humbley Submitted to yo'' Ldsh^?^ wisdome and goodness to dispose of me as yo'' Ldshi^'' shall think fitt I am in all humilty May itt please Yo' Ldshi'r Yo'' LdsliP'' Most Obedient Seruant Edw. Cranfield. 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