USA > Massachusetts > The history of Massachusetts, the colonial period. 1492-1692 v. I > Part 32
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At a later date, perhaps, these requisitions would not have been deemed wholly unreasonable, and they were far less exceptionable than many of the demands of the King ; but at that time, both magistrates and ministers were exceedingly jealous of admitting the principle of a nega- tive on their acts, or anything which seemed to encroach upon their immunities. In vain did Mr. Norton protest that, if the demand of the Monarch was not literally com- plied with, " the blood that should be spilt would lie at their door." It was intimated in no ambiguous phrase that his mission was a failure, and better never have been
1 Hutchinson, vol. 1; Chalmers, Ann., 255.
384
RELUCTANT COMPLIANCE OF THE COLONISTS.
CHAP. undertaken ; and so powerful was the effect of this treat- XIV. ment upon one of a naturally melancholy temperament, that Apr. 5, he relapsed into a desponding condition, and soon after
1663. died. Mr. Bradstreet, who had more firmness, and who was better acquainted with the perversities of men's humor, conscious that he had not intentionally compromitted the honor of the colony, bore these rebuffs with unshaken com- posure. 1
There were not wanting, however, some, to whom the advice of Mr. Norton seemed both prudent and just. The friends of toleration had for several years been gaining ground ; and a strong party was springing up, which promised soon to become more conspicuous, and to work a marked revolution in the policy and the destiny of the country. But the exclusive spirit which had hitherto pre vailed in the colonial councils, and which was necessary, in a measure, under the circumstances in which the people were placed, was now at its height. Its mission was not ended. There was more work for it to do while the inter- ests of the country were jeopardized ; nor could it have been safely dispensed with, perhaps, until the relations of the colonies to the mother country became better under- stood, and a reciprocity of interests was established, which relieved the former of their fears for their own safety, and the permanence of the settlements which had been effected at such cost.
The directions of his Majesty were not carried into imme- diate effect. His letter was made public, and writs and processes were ordered to be issued in his name. A com- mittee was also appointed to consider what further should be done, and report at the next session; and liberty was given the "elders" and the " freemen," and even " any other inhabitants," to send in their thoughts, so that, after
1 Hutchinson, vol. 1; Moore's Governors, 383-4.
1
385
RENEWED DIFFICULTIES WITH ENGLAND.
due consultation, something might be concluded "satisfac- CHAP . tory and safe, conducing to the glory of God, and the. XIV. felicity of his people."1 At the same time, a censorship 1662. over the press was established, lest dissensions should be increased ;2 and the government became more vigilant than ever in strengthening itself for the struggle it was destined to encounter.
This struggle soon followed. False rumors, and truc reports, both assisted to incense the court at St. James. It was said that Whalley and Goffe, the fugitive regicides, were at the head of an army ; 3 and that the union of the colonies in 1643, was a war combination for the express design of throwing off their dependence on England.4 In vain Lord Say and Scal, now tottering beneath the weight of years and disease, appeared in their defense. In vain he declared their accusers to be rogues; that they belied the country ; and that " he knew New England men were of altogether another principle." Addresses had been re- ceived " from the great men and natives of those countries," complaining of " breach of faith, and acts of violence and injustice which they had been forced to undergo ; " old grudges yet rankled in the bosoms of enemies ; the partial and reluctant compliance of the colonists with the King's demands was in itself ominous ; and hence the settlement Sep. 25, of the Plantations in New England having been " seriously 1662. debated and discoursed," and the Lord Chancellor having . declared that " his Majesty would speedily send Commis- sioners to settle the respective interests of the several colo- nies," at a subsequent date the Council for the Colonies Jan'y., represented to his Majesty that "New England had, in 1662-3. those late times of general disorder, strayed into many
1 Hutchinson, 1. 205 ; 2 M. HI. H. Coll, 7. 127, and in Bancroft, Coll., 8. 47-8. 2. 76.
2 Hutchinson, 1. 236 ; Bancroft, 4 Lett. to T. Prince, in 1. M. H. Coll., 5. 192.
2. 76.
' Lett. of Sir T. Temple, in 3 M. 33
6 Hubbard.
386
INTERCESSIONS OF SIR THOMAS TEMPLE AND OTHERS.
CHAP. enormities, by which it appeared that the government there XIV. had purposely withdrawn all manner of correspondence,
1662-3. as if they intended to suspend their absolute obedience " to his authority.1
Nor can it be questioned that the conduct of the colonists furnished some grounds for such charges. The Synod, Sept., which had been held by order of the General Court, and 1662. in which the celebrated "half-way covenant " was adopted, was significant in its bearings upon the King's requisi- tions ; 2 their treatment of Capt. Breeden, who had com- plained of them in England for harboring regicides, and who, now returning, and behaving with insolence, was cast into prison, and fined £200, admitted of a construction adverse to their interests ;3 as did also their lenity towards Isaac Cole, the Constable of Woburn, who was charged with refusing to publish the King's letter, and Edward Converse, one of the Selectmen of that town, who had spoken disrespectfully of this letter as tending to popery, both of whom, though held to answer for a high misde- meanor, escaped because the charges against them were not fully proved.4 It might be urged in favor of the col- ony, that they had so far complied with the instructions of Charles, as to grant liberty to certain French Protestant refugees to settle in Massachusetts ; but care was without doubt taken to be first satisfied that they were orthodox in doctrine, and conformable to the government of the country. 5
The intercessions of Sir Thomas Temple, Cromwell's Governor in Acadia, who had resided some years in New England, and John Winthrop, the Governor of Connecticut, were more effective, and led to a message from Clarendon,
14 M. H. Coll., 2. 284; Chal- mers, Ann., 386, and Revolt, 1. 112; Hubbard, 718.
2 For an account of this Synod, see Mather's Magnalia; Hutchin- son, 1, 206, &c.
3 Hutchinson, 1. 206; 2 M. H. Coll., 8. 48.
4 Mass. Rec's .; Hutchinson, 1. 206. 5 Hutchinson, 1. 206; Chalmers, Ann., 315.
387
TRANS-ATLANTIC INTOLERANCE.
assuring the people of his "true love and friendship to CHAP. the country, and that neither in their privileges, charter,~
XIV. government, nor church discipline, should they receive any 1003. prejudice."1 Yet rumors were again rife that commis- sioners were to be appointed to regulate the affairs of New England, and an Order to that effect was actually issued, Apr. 10, though not put into execution until the lapse of a year.2 1663.
It may not, perhaps, be unworthy of notice in this con- nection, that, while complaints were instituted against Mas- sachusetts for not admitting to the rights of citizenship those of different sentiments in religion, England was pur- suing a similar course, by her severe enactments against non-conformists ; and Charles the Second, who had obtained the assistance of the Presbyterians to his restoration, by express and solemn promise of an ecclesiastical constitution framed on a compromise between their principles and those of the Anglican Church, was now unscrupulously violating this engagement, and pressing with extreme rigor the most odious enactments of previous reigns.3 With what pro- priety could Cis-Atlantic legislation be condemned, when Trans-Atlantic legislation was so strikingly analogous ? The result of these measures, however, was not altogether unfavorable to the colonies, who received a considerable accession of "godly ministers," and would have received more, had not their own situation threatened the loss of their privileges, and that the asylum to which the oppressed · were fleeing would be unable to shelter them. Dr. Owen, Oct. 20, whose praise was in all the churches, was among those who .1003. contemplated a removal to America ; and apprized of his intentions, a letter was sent desiring him to accept the invitation of the first church in Boston to become its pas- tor ; but the invitation was declined.4
1 Letter,in Bancroft, 2. 77. Comp.
2 Chalmers, Ann., 386 ; 4 M. II. Coll. 2. 284.
3 Burnet's Own Times, 1. 178-86,
193, 204 ; Hallam, Const. Hist., also 4 M. H. Coll., 2. 282.
422; Grahame, 1. 228.
4 Hutchinson, 1. 207; Neal; Gra- hame, 1. 228.
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388
ANTICIPATED ARRIVAL OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
CHAP. XIV. 1663.
Meanwhile, the colonists moved steadily on in their course, conceding but little, and resolved to resist all attempts to annul their charter. The Act of Navigation was rather evaded than submitted to, though a seeming compliance with its terms was rendered ;1 but when it be- came certain that Commissioners were appointed, and had already embarked, and that ships of war would speedily anchor in the harbor of Boston to enforce their instruc- tions, precautionary measures were promptly adopted, and the patent, and a duplicate of the same, were delivered to a committee of four, Bellingham, Leverett, Clark, and Johnson, to be kept safe and secret for the benefit of the country. 2
May 28, 1664.
At the next meeting of the General Court, in anticipation of the arrival of these ships, orders were issued to Mr. Davenport, the Captain of the Castle, to send word to the Governor and Deputy on their first appearance ; a com- mittee of two, resident in Boston, was appointed to repair on board, to present the respects of the Court to the chief gentlemen, and acquaint them of the desire of the magis- trates, that to prevent collisions, both officers and soldiers should land but in small parties, unarmed, and " behave themselves orderly, and give no offence to the people and laws of the place." The proper entertainment of the Commissioners was also provided for, and preparations were made for receiving them in the best manner.
The next step characterizes the age. A day of fasting and prayer was appointed, to be observed throughout the whole jurisdiction, to "implore the mercy of God upon them under their many distractions and troubles." This
1 Hutch. Coll .. 383 ; 2 M. H. the other laws. Maritime Papers, Coll., 8. 71. By an order of Oct. vol. 1. fols. 2, 4, 5, 6, where are several papers relating to this sub- ject. 30, 1663, the officers of the com- mercial ports were directed to en- force the Act of Trade, and it was 2 IIutchinson, 1. 211; Mass. Rec's .; voted that this order be posted in Bancroft, 2. 77. the port towns, and published with
389
THEY LAND AT BOSTON.
was the customary practice on all occasions of importance ; CHAP. and such gatherings were larger then than they have been XIV. since. By the law of the land, none but the sick were 1064. exempted from attending public worship. Even "the mother took with her the nursling whom she could not leave " at home. The great bulk of the people were at such times convened ; and, in lieu of those facilities for the rapid diffusion of intelligence which are the invention of later days, no method could have been devised better calculated to acquaint all with passing events ; and the influence of the clergy, which was immeasurable, was brought to bear with wonderful power in instilling into the minds of their auditors the lessons of duty, religion, and liberty.1
Four ships, the Guinea, of 36 guns, the Elias, of 30, the Martin, of 16, and the William and Nicholas, of 10, were provided for the conveyance of the Commissioners, which sailed from Portsmouth with about four hundred and fifty regular soldiers, and their officers, having orders to rendezvous at a given port on Long Island, and, after levying upon New England for additional forces, to proceed against the Dutch at New Netherlands, whom the govern- ment of England were " determined to reduce to an entire obedience." If conciliation was, as the King professed, the object which he had in view in instituting this commis- sion, he was singularly unfortunate in the selection of the instruments to whom the discharge of its duties was con- fided. The armament was under the command of Col. Richard Nichols, a gentleman of the bed-chamber to the Duke of York, and an officer of versatile talents, and high respectability, who had served under Marshal Turenne, and who was to be the Deputy Governor of New York after its reduction. With him were associated Sir Robert
1 Mass. Rec's. ; Hutchinson, 1. 210.
33*
390
NATURE OF THEIR COMMISSION.
CHAP. Carr, a violent Royalist, and a man of supercilious deport- XIV. ment, and questionable principles ; Col. George Cartwright, 1664. " naturally morose, saturnine and suspicious," yet pos- sessing an energy of intellect which qualified him for the discharge of difficult public business; and Samuel Maverick, formerly of Massachusetts, who was a known Episcopalian, and the " professed enemy " of the colony.1
These gentlemen were commissioned by the King, to hear and determine " all complaints and appeals in all causes and matters, as well military as criminal and civil," and were to " proceed in all things for the providing for and settling the peace and security of the country, accord- ing to their good and sound discretions," and agreeably to the instructions from time to time furnished them.2 Owing to severe storms, and the occurrence of fogs, the voyage of the fleet was boisterous, and the vessels became separated, three of them being forced to put in at Piscataqua. The Guinea, the principal ship, was the first to arrive, with July 23. Cols. Nichols and Cartwright ; and she appeared before the town on Saturday, "about 5 or 6 of the clock at night." As may well be supposed, the excitement of the people was intense ; though outwardly, the demeanor of the magis- trates was calm and collected. Nichols and Cartwright at once entered upon business, and requested that the Colo- nial Council might be convened without delay ; and when July 26. it met, they produced their commission, with the King's letter of April 23d, and that part of their instructions rela- ting to the reduction of the Dutch, and requested assist- ance for the accomplishment of this object. The Council consented to call a meeting of the General Court on the 3d of August, and lay this request before them ; but with this
1 Hubbard, 577 ; Grahame, 1. 638-9 ; Hubbard ; Trumbull, 1. 234; Brodhead's N. Y., 736; Dun- lap's N. Y., 1. 115.
522-3; Morton's Mem., 173-6; Baylics, Mem., 2. 55-7; Thomp-
2 Hutchinson, 1. 459; Hazard, 2. son's Long Island, 119-20.
391
ACTION OF THE GENERAL COURT.
answer the Commissioners were " not well satisfied ; " and CHAP. informing the Governor and magistrates that there were XIV, yet many more things to signify to them, which they would 1664. attend to on their return, and commending to them in the meantime a further consideration, and a more definite answer to the King's letter of June 28, 1662, they set out for the New Netherlands, first forwarding a letter to Gov- July 9. ernor Winthrop, of Connecticut, acquainting him with their arrival, and requesting him to meet them at the west end of Long Island.1
At the time fixed, the General Court assembled ; his Aug. 3. Majesty's letters, commissions, and instructions, with the proposals thereupon, were read and "largely debated;" and it was first resolved "to bear faith and true allegiance to his Majesty, and adhere to their Patent, so dearly obtained, and so long enjoyed by undoubted right in the sight of God and men ; " next it was agreed to raise, at the charge of the colonies, a number of men not exceeding two hundred, to serve against the Dutch ; officers were appointed and commissioned, and orders were given to the Treasurer to disburse the necessary funds ; and two messengers, Thomas Clark, and John Pynchon, were despatched to the Commis- sioners to inform them of these proceedings : - but in con- sequence of the capitulation of the Dutch, the services of the troops scem not to have been required, nor were they probably called upon to take up their march. 2
The letter of June 28, came next in order. The demand of the King in itself, perhaps, was not unreasonable ; but to comply with that demand was not only to acknowledge the right of his Majesty to interfere in their affairs, it was also to open the door to heretics, and to concede to them a portion of the rights of the faithful. The clergy, how-
1 Danforth Papers, in 2 M. II. Coll., 8. 93-4 ; Mass. Rec's .; Hub- bard, 577, 721 ; Hutchinson, 1. 212 ; Chalmers, Ann., 386-7.
Coll., 8. 92-3.
2 Danforth Papers, in 2 M. H.
392
`CONDUCT OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
CHAP. ever, were dexterous pilots, and were equal to the emer- XIV. gency of safely conducting the Puritan ship between Scylla 166-4. and Charybdis ; and it was agreed to modify the old law, by providing that all English subjects, being freeholders, and of a competent estate, and certified by the ministers of the place to be orthodox in faith, and not vicious in their lives, should be made freemen, although not members of the church. 1
As the Commissioners, at their departure from Boston, had not presented his Majesty's "further instructions," directing and limiting them in the exercise of their func- tions ; as some of them had also conducted in a " distaste- ful " manner, especially Mr. Maverick, who, on landing at Piscataqua, menaced the constable of Portsmouth while in the exercise of his office; 2 and as the minds of the people were filled with a deep sense of the sad events threatening the colonies in case these gentlemen should inforce their power as it was feared they would, an order Sep. 10 was passed prohibiting complaints to them, and it was Oct. 25. resolved forthwith to prepare a new address to the King. 3
This document is worthy of its origin. With fervid and impressive eloquence it sketches the early history of the " colony under the Charter from Charles the First, and the sufferings and privations endured by the emigrants ; recites the encouragements which Charles the Second himself had given them, and his assurances of protection ; and states what had been done to satisfy him of their loyalty, by com- plying with his requests so far as was consistent with their Charter. It then notices the conduct of those who had for years sought their overthrow, and had set themselves against them by " misinformations, complaints, and solicita- tions ;" deprecates the commission appointed to interfere,
1 Hutchinson, 1. 212, and Coll.,
3 Hutchinson, 1. 460-4; Coll.,422. 418.
2 Carr's Declaration., in 2 M. H. Coll., 8. 95.
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393
ADDRESS TO THE KING.
as was apprehended, with their rights, by subjecting them CHAP. to the arbitrary power of strangers, proceeding, not by any established law, but by their own discretion; and
XIV. 1664, though the course of the Commissioners is not specially censured, yet, say they, " we have had enough to confirm us in our fears, that their improvement of this power . will end in the subversion of our all."
Under these circumstances, an appeal is made to " put a stop to these proceedings;" "for if they go on," it is added, "your subjects here will either be forced to seek new dwellings, or sink and faint under intolerable burdens. The vigor of all new endeavors will be enfeebled ; the good of converting the natives distracted ; the inhabitants driven to we know not what extremity ; and this hopeful planta- tion in the issue ruined. It is indeed a grief to our hearts, to see your Majesty put upon this extraordinary cost and charge about a business the product whereof can never reimburse the one half of what will be expended upon it. Imposed rulers and officers will expend more than can be raised here, and the wonted benefit by customs to the Exchequer will be thereby diminished. If the aim is to gratify some particular gentlemen by livings, that will also fail, where nothing is to be had; for such is the poverty of the people, that if, with hard labor, a subsistence is obtained, it is as much as the generality are able to do, paying but small rates towards the public charges; and if all the country ordinarily raises for the charges of govern- ment were put together, and then doubled or trebled, it would not be accounted for one such gentleman a considera- ble accommodation. And if the taking this course should drive the people out of the country -for to a coalition they will never come-it will be hard to find another peo- ple that will stay long, seeing it is not a country where men can subsist without hard labor and great frugality. There have been high representations of divisions and dis-
394
ADDRESS TO THE KING.
CHAP. contents among us ; yet the body of the people are unani- XIV. mously satisfied in the present government, and abhorrent
1664. from change; and that which is now offered will, instead of relieving, raise up such grievances as are intolerable. We suppose there is no government under heaven, wherein some discontented persons may not be found ; and if it is a sufficient accusasion that there are such, who will be inno- cent ? Yet through the favor of God, there are few among us, and fewer that have cause to be so.
" God knows our greatest ambition is to live a poor and quiet life in a corner of the world, without offence. We came not into this wilderness to seek great things to our- selves ; and if any come after us to seek them here, they will be disappointed. We keep ourselves within our line, and meddle not with matters abroad. A just dependence upon, and subjection to your Majesty, according to our charter, it is far from our hearts to disacknowledge. We so highly prize your favorable aspect, as we would gladly do anything, that is within our power, to purchase the con- tinuance of it. We are carefully studious of all due sub- jection to your Majesty, and that not only for wrath, but for conscience sake. And should Divine Providence ever offer an opportunity, wherein we might, in any righteous way, according to our poor and mean capacity, testify our dutiful affection to your Majesty, we hope we should most gladly embrace it. But it is a great unhappiness to have no other testimony of our loyalty offered, but to destroy our being, which nature teaches us to preserve, or to yield up our liberties, which are far dearer to us than our lives, and which had we feared being deprived of, we had never wandered from our fathers' homes into these ends of the earth, nor laid our labors and estates therein.
" Royal Sir, it is in your power to say of your poor peo- ple in New England, they shall not die. Let our govern- ment live, let our patent live, our magistrates live, our
عسله ماقد تقدمك وفي د -دي بشيهات فة
3
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395
ADDRESS TO THE KING.
laws and liberties live, our religious enjoyments live, so CHAP. shall we all yet have further cause to say, from our hearts, XIV. let the King live forever : and the blessings of them that 1661. were ready to perish shall come upon your Majesty.
"It was Job's excellency, when he sat as king among his people, that he was a father to the poor. They are a poor people, destitute of outward favor, wealth and power, who now cry unto their Lord the King. May your Majesty please to regard their cause and maintain their right : it will stand among the works of lasting honor, to after gen- erations; and we and ours shall have hearty cause to rejoice, that we have been numbered among your Majesty's most humble servants and suppliants."
With this address, letters were sent to Robert Boyle, President of the Society for Propagating the Gospel, and to the Earls of Clarendon and Manchester, two of the most influential noblemen of the realm; but neither met with a favorable reception, the King being " displeased with their petition," and Boyle and Clarendon both expressing their amazement that a "revocation of the commission should be demanded, without charging the Commissioners with the least matter of crimes or exorbitances." 1
Meanwhile, extravagant rumors continued to be circu- lated, and the sparks of excitement were fanned into a flame. Portentous signs were seen in the skies, and the appearance of a bearded comet was regarded as an omen of ill. 2 It was alleged by some, that the commission of the King was a forgery, and was "made under an old hedge. "3 Mr. Whiting, who happened to be at Boston when the Commissioners arrived, hastencd home to give information of their extraordinary powers, and to commu-
1 Hutch. Coll., 388-92, 464-5; 3 Danforth, in 2 M. H. Coll., 8. 56; Bishop's N. E. Judged, 349.
2 M. H. Coll., 8. [49; Chalmers, Ann., 387-8.
2 Morton's Mem., 170; Hutch- inson, 1. 207.
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