USA > Maine > A catalogue of original documents in the English archives, relating to the early history of the state of Maine > Part 2
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Plimoth 13th of Marche 1606.
your most assured and lovinge freinde Ferdinando Gorges.
Postcript.
I pray you use the meanes that the salvadges and the companie be sent over with as muche speede as is possible and yt you hasten your selfe away if you see not likelihoode of a present ende to be had for we will not be tired with their delaies and endlesse sutes suche as commonlie they use but leave all to time and God the just revenger of wronges.
Ferdinando Gorges.
1606
[Endorsed] The Coopie of Sr. Ferdinando Gorges his Ire to Mr. Chalens.
Received ye 6 day.
1614-1618.
Description of New England. Recital of voyages made thither with dates commencing 3. Mar. 1614. Prefixed is an address to the Lord Chancellor Sir FRANCIS BACON, signed with the autograph Jo. SMITH. (40 f.)
1622 Dec. 30.
Grant by the Council of Affairs in New England to ROBERT, son of Sir FERDINANDO GORGES, (in consideration of the services of his father and the payment of 160€,) of a tract of land in New England called "Mes- 3 sachustack," lying on the N. E. side of the Bay called " Messachuses," together with all the shores or coasts along the sea for ten English miles in a straight line towards the N. E. and thirty English miles into the main land with all islets or islands lying within three miles of any part of the said land (excepting such land as have been granted formerly). -By the tenure he is to find four able armed men to attend the governor when required. . (17 f.)
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1628 Mar. 4.
Memorandum of a grant to SAMUEL ALDERSEY, THOMAS ADAMS, and . others, of a part of New England. (1 f.)
1628 Mar. 4.
l'atent for establishing a Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England -Abstract of the same.
(1629 ?)
Petition to the Privy Council of SAM. ALDERSEY, MATTHEW GRADOCK NATHANIEL WRIGHT, JO HUMFREY and others on behalf of the Governor and Compy of the Massachusetts Bay in N. England.
(1629 ?)
Narrative of particulars touching New England-Being a summary of events from A. D. 1604 to 1629. (13 f.)
1629.
Petition of the planters of New England to the King praying that the restraint laid upon ships intended for the plantations in New England may be taken off. Attached are two other papers relating to the lib- erties granted to the planters of N. England by letters patent 4 March Aº. 4, Car. I.
(1630 ?) (15 f.)
Petition of EDMOND BRUDENELL Esq. to the Privy Council-Being about to make a voyage to New England, solicits permission to ship three or four pieces of ordnance, also 200£ in money, &c .-
1623 (1632 ?) Dec. 8.
Tenor of three letters directed to the Lords lieutenant &c. of the Counties of Cornwall, Somerset, city of Bristol, Devon, & city of Exeter, for assisting the plantations in New England.
1632 Apr. 2.
Letter signed "JOHN MASON" to (Sir JOHN COKE ? )-Relation of the coming of some Hollanders upon the coast of N. England about A. D. 1621, who on their return from their voyage published a map of the sea coasts, giving Dutch names to divers places near the Mana-hata river and elsewhere, places already discovered and traded to by the English. At the time of this intrusion, Sir Samuel Argall with others were pre- paring to settle upon the Manahata river aforesaid which caused a demur, and King James through the Ambassador questioned the States of the Low Countries upon complaint of Lord Arundel, Sir Ferd. Gorges, Sir Sam1. Argall and Capt John Mason. The ambassador disclaimed
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any authority ; nevertheless in the following year the Dutch returned and contumaciously persisted to plant and trade at the said River."
1632 Apr. 6 Bristol. (10 f.)
Letter from Sir FERD. GORGES to Capt. JOHN MASON at Deptford. Sr.
On Thursday night I receaved yours of the 30th. of- March by weh. I understand howe you have poceeded against those of the Dutch plan- tacon, I am glade the busines is before the Lords, I hope they will not bee overhasty in concluding a busines of that nature considering howe much it concernes both the honor of the Kinge and state to make good the interest they have therein yo" shalbee assured I will not p'tracte any time of my cominge upp but I must acquaint you wth an unhappy accident that befell mee the same day I receaved yors For having bine wth my lorde Pawlett and divers others of my private freinds att a horse- race I tooke a fall from my horse and am now in soe much extremetie of paine as I am not able to move or stirr but as I am helped by maine strength of my servantes not wth standing by God's favour I hope to bee wth you in very shorte time what shifte soever I make to travell. I am sory to heere you are soe poorely seconded in a matter soe just and honble I conceive you may have from W Shirly a coppy of that wch came to my hands from those of New Plymouth wth more p'ticulers then came to mee, itt may please you that hee may bee spoken wth about it,
I doubt not but att my cominge I shalbee able to give both his Maty and the Lords sufficient satisfaccon for to fortefie the justefyinge (not the stay of the shipp onely) but to prosecute their displanting from thence, and that wch is now to bee desired is that wee may bee heard to speake before ought bee done for the shipps dispatch I hope you will make some shifte to send away the horses I sent you before the receipt of Mr. Eyres to the contrary, for I knowe they wilbee of more service and worth then any you will serve your selves wth all att the islands besides here is noe shipping that goes from hence till towards the winter quarter but what you doe betweene you shall please mee thoughe I de- sire extreamly they may goe att this present thoughe it were wholly on my owne accompte for their transportacon wth the horses. Lett this suf- fice I pray you for this present for that my paine will suffer mee to say noe more att this time save onely I beseech you to remember my humble service to my Lord Marshall and to lett his honor knowe the misfortune
« A copy of this letter is printed in Brodhead's New York Colonial Documents, Vol. III. pp. 16-17. The following letter, from Sir F. Gorzes, is also found in the same' volume. pp. 17-18.
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that retayned mee from attending his LoPP soe soone as my harte desires, and soe much you may bee pleased to lett my Lord of Warwick knowe in like manner wth the remembrance of my service to his Lopp beseech- ing him not to bee slacke wherein you knowe his helpe may further the best wee shall gaine thereby wilbee the knowledge of what may be expected from him hereafter and soe I comitt you to God and rest
Yor assured loveing friend
FERD. GORGES.
1632 Nov. 19.
Letter of Capt. THOMAS WIGGIN addressed to Sir JOHN COOKE, Secre- tary of State, beeing observations upon New England and especially the plantation of Massachusetts-speaks of the commodities and the num- ber of the inhabitants, and describes very minutely the governor. Men- tions the ill affected persons who have spread abroad reports prejudicial to the plantation. Sir Christopher Gardiner, a man notorious for his im- moralities, Moreton a suspected murderer, and one Ratcliffe who had lost his ears for blasphemy. These three with other discontented persons are returned and to cover their own shame endeavour to cast imputa- tions upon the plantation, addressing themselves to Sir Ferdinando Gor- ges, who led away by their falsehoods is now projecting to deprive the plantation of the privileges granted by the King and to subvert the government, which the writer fears will terminate in their utter ruin and drive the planters elsewhere.
(11 f.)
1634 May 12.
"A paper signed FERD. GORGES, being observations upon the utility of dividing New England into several provinces, to assign a governor, de. de. to each. That some person of distinction be elected under the title of Lord Governor or Lord lieutenant to represent his Majesty. That there be other officers appointed to assist him, such as one lord bishop, a chancellor, a treasurer, a marshal, an admiral, a master of the ordin- ance, and a secretary of state, with such other officers or councillors as may be deemed necessary .- These to be empowered to erect courts of justice, appoint subordinate officers and arrange other matters. If the expenses of settling this kind of government be thought too great a charge for his Majesty, doubtless there are some who would if honored with the king's commands undertake it upon favourable conditions. Care to be taken to avoid persons holding papistical or heretical opini- ous, &e. &c: Consideration of this subject to be referred to his Majesty's pleasure. (12 f.)
Pritil iments.
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1634 June 6.
Letter of Sir FERD. GORGES addressed to Sir FRANCIS WINDEBANK, Secretary of State, &c.
Right hon.
I hope I have allready sufficiently inlarged myselfe how necessary I conceive it is some speedy course were taken for the setlinge of the affaires of New-England both for his Majesties honour and the publicke good of the subjects that doe languish for want thereof nor can I doubt but that your honour hath before this as carefully and as nobley ac- quainted his Majestie and their Lpps therewith. soe soone as I may heare how it is accepted of and the resolution grounded there uppon, I will not faile (for my particular) to adde my best endeavour to satisfie any doubt that may arise in the consideration thereof if I shalbe called there unto in the meane tyme I will take upon me the humble boul- dnesse to acquaint your honour that haveing had conferance with my Lord of Linsey and my Lord Gorges and some others about the state of those businesses (being both of them formerly of the councell of those affaires) and delivering to them my opinion how it might be made hon' to his Majesty and profittable to his realmes if persons of worth might be found willing to engadge themselves as actors in the managing thereof, neither of them but seemed soe well to relish it, as
- they protested to me (in private) that if his Majestie were pleased to accepte of theire service and to call them thereunto they would willinglie undertake it uppon such terms as might be agreeable to the state of such a desighn, for my selfe (Sir ) I hope I have allready sayd enought to manifest my zeale there unto and I beseech you to beleeve this much of me, whom (you may partly remember) had the honour to be breed under those great princes that well understood the state of theire neybours and how to lay the ground to advance theire ends longe before hand the better to secure theire owne and to be able to affront their enimies far from home, if I have attained ought either from their prin- ciples my owne experience or practise or from any other the most acti- vest and of best judgment and experiance that way with whom I have beene formerly acquainted in those tymes of action it was but to put the same in execution if occasion served or to leave the knowledge thereof where it was dew and for whose sakes I allwayes laboured in that kind. I could say more of the fittnesse of this businesse in that behalfe but I leave it for a fayrer opportunity knowing that tyme will produce what is not as yet commonly thought uppon and I will forbeare to be further troublesome to your hon' then becomes
Your honours humble servant FERD. GORGES.
From my hous in Ashton this
6 of Jun. 1631 nyer Bristow .-
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1634. Nov. 3.
A paper (endorsed SIR FERDINANDO GORGES) from the King to upon the subject of the colonies in America. Since the undertaking of the plantations complaints of various abuses have taxa meivel, to remedy which advice has been taken with the council of state and directions given for a Governor to be sent over to take charge of public affairs, &c. &c. Being a business for the public good it is to be published throughout the realm that it is free for all well affected persons, so as to encourage the sending over with the governor s competent number of persons for plantation with one or more to super- intend their employments, &c. &c. Honest and industrious people to La sent, so that the plantations may be strengthened ; land to be assign- NJ them, the same to be enlarged if thought fitting-to be appropriated to the adventurers in perpetuity. An answer is required with an account of the names of such as will interest themselves therein and what num- ber of persons they resolve to send, to be in readines when the Council may appoint.
1634. Nov. (12 f.)
A paper endorsed SIR FERD. GORGES and entitled "Considerations necessarie to be resolved uppon in settling the Governor for New Eng- . land." -As a number of discontented persons are got into the best parts of the country who are gradually drawing thither their suppor- ters, whether it would not be policy to lay a restraint upon this until license be obtained, that those who go over be bound to be conformable to the rites and ceremonies of the Church,-As authority is of rone effect where power is wanting, whether it would not be proper to second such authority with competent power to prevent insolencies to officers, de. &e. That as timely remedy for evils is of consequence, the better sort of the nation be called upon to second their prevention-that his Majesty may be pleased by letters to the lieutenants, and others of the wwwveral counties, to send over with the governor a competent number of prenons adapted for planting, &c., &c. This paper also touches at length upon the subject of the Dutch coming into the River of Connecticut, atri concludes with the following: " What fruite is to be expected from - such as they are who dare to say that if a drunken governor be sent wver there, if they take him drunke they will put him in the stockes and send him backe againe; whether it be not more than tyme these people should be looked unto is humbly referred to better considera- Đơn." (12 f.)
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1634 Des. 9.
Reply of Sir Ferdinando Gorges to the propositions made by the Lords Commissioners for plantations in New England as to whether those interested would wholly resign their Patent to the King or stand to the same. Has conferred with them upon this topic and they leave it to his Majesty's pleasure nevertheless desire that their Patent may be confirmed with additional privileges, &c. (5 f.)
[Chas I.]
Petition of Sidrach Miller of London, Cooper, to the Privy Council. Shewing that by contract with John Mason of London, Esq. John Cotton and Henry Gardiner, and the rest of the adventurers for the province of Laconia in New England, the petitioner and his servants were trans- ported to Pascataway, where they worked for the Company 18 months ; that being sent to England by the Governor he left his two servants there who since have been discharged destitute of means or friends ; that the Governor would not pay their passage money nor the Company settle the monies due to petitioner -- prays for relief against so powerful a Company.
1634 Mar 21. (4 f)
Letter of Sir FERDINANDO GORGES addressed to Sir FRANCIS WINDE- BANK.
ST.
I beseech you to do mee the favor to lett theire Lopps knowe that forasmuch as I perceave it is his Maties gratious pleasure to assigne mee Governor in New England, that Ihumbly desire their lopps wilbee pleased to give order for expedicon to bee used in repealing of the Patents of 3. those already planted in the Bay of the Massachusetts, that there bee no just cause left of contencon by reason thereof when I shall arrive in thos partes.
That in the meane tyme there may bee some declaracon made of his Maties pleasure as soone as our grand Patent is surrendred, wherby both myselfe and my friends may bee bould to make our several! prpara- cons for that service in due season and att best rates.
That order may be given that such as are to transport anie numbers of planters into those partes may have recourse unto the governor as- signed to receave from him direecons where to settle themselves and howe to governe their affaires for theire prsent pefitts and safties, and free from the society of any turbulent spirritts to give them offence or impeachment.
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That till farder order may bee had the governour may have commis- von to authorize some spetiall person wth the assistance of others to bee joyned with him to governe all those w thout the limitts assigned to those of the said Bay who nowe doe languishe for want thereof and in divers letter desire that a Governour may bee sent. And are doubtfull of the wrongs to be offered them from those that are more powerfully armed N'a a shewe warranting what they shall attempt in that case.
That it may be inserted in our resignacon to his Maties his gratious pleasure to passe new Grantes unto the Patentees and others interes- sed in those affaires of all such partes of the Teretories formerly assigned unto them either by spetiall grantes lawfully obtained or : mutuall agreement betweene themselves, that soe itt may appeare to posterity nothing was done with out due regard of the generall right be- longing to everie particuler according tohis Maties Royall goodnes in that behalf expressed -And wherein none can have just cause to complaine and all bound to blesse God for soe Royall respectes, and my selfe in par- ticuler tied to continue to you for your noble farderance hereof as be- cotues
Yo' Honnors humble servant
FERD : GORGES.
(1635 April 22.)
Parchment deed granting to WILLIAM, Lord ALEXANDER, his heirs &c. a portion of the main land of New England, extending from St Croix to Pem- aquid, with other specified boundaries, to be called by the name of the county of Canada; also the island called Matomack or Long Island, to be called herafter by the name of the Isle of Starling, together with all privileges, &c. &c.
1635 June 22. (20 f.)
Letter signed JOHN MASON, addressed to M'. ROB. SMITH concerning his being appointed Vice Admiral for New England. Being suddenly summoned to Portsmouth, requests him to take "pains to gett a book drawne for the office of a Vice Admiral" to be forwarded to him that he may see it before it be engrossed, &c. For charges consequent on this business desires him to repair to his "cousin Yoell at my brother Wol- astons house in Foster Lane."
(Enclosing ) (4 f.)
A memorandum relating to the Extent of the Jurisdiction of the Admiralty of New England. (1 f.)
1635 July 11. Portsmouth.
Letter signed JOHN MASON directed to Mr. Secretary NICHOLAS. .
A letter of news .- Urges him to expedite the warrant for him as 2
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Vice Admiral of N. England. The one which he had from the Council chiefly concerned the suppressing of pirates, &c. &c.
Details about New England, number of inhabitants, state of trade shipping, &c. &c. (7 f.)
(Seal, a coat of arms.)
1635 Oct. 1. Whitehall.
Warrant for a Patent to be issued to Captain JOHN MASON to be Vice Admiral of N. England, comprehending the south seas and coast thereof; together with California and Nova Albion. (5 f.)
1638 June 20.
Letter signed FERDINANDO GORGES addressed to
Discusses at some length the necessity of supporting foreign plantations, (written in the form of objections and answers.) Submits to the consideration of the person addressed the expediency of directing a commission to the proprietor of some one province (not yet , pestered with people likely to reject authority), joining some of the most discreet residents in NewEngland to inquire into the state of the coun- try, &c. By the same means a general commission might be sent for the settling a Governor and other officers ofstate, with instructions not to divulge the same until there appears a willingness on the part of the strongest party to accede to and second it. It would be an undertak- ing of no little charge and difficulty, and therefore that the king would be pleased to make a competent allowance for performance of this ser- vice, &c. &c. Concluding as follows : "myselfe beinge unable to give that attendance as I in duty ought, humbly desireinge that by yor honors meanes I may speedily receive knowledge of theire lordshipps commanndes and returne to mine owne house with hope the sooner to recover my health, &c."
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1638 Nov. 29.
Letter signed GEO. BURDETT and dated Pascataq(ua), addressed to the Archbishop of Canterbury-mentions a supplication to the Lords Commissioners for plantations sent from Massachusetts, states his opinion that they are endeavouring to obtain command of the River of Pascata- quay, a place possessed of numerous advantages-conceives "that his grace will judge it necessary wth all expedition to secure the river and harbour for his Majesty's use"-submits deferentially what courseshould be taken .- Has been told that Massachusetts magistrates have got copies of his two first letters to the person addressed, said to have been procured by Mr Vane from his Grace's chaplain, which he cannot be- lieve was done with the consent of his Grace. (7 f.)
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(Enclosing)
General observations for the plantation of New England. (These are u a religious nature.) (17 f.)
(1638-9)
Address signed WILL. BECHER, FRANCIS WIATT, ABRA. WILLIAMS, and LAUR, WHI. .. KER (probably Commissioners), stating that they had fully heard and examined Sir Ferd. Gorges with relation to his pro- mise made in June 1632 in conjunction with Capt. John Mason as an Adventurer. Also concerning an alledged arrear of £254 said to be due to Sir Ferdinando, but proved the contrary by the Register Book. It alludes further to a cause in the Court of Requests between one Cotton plaintiff and Sir F. Gorges and Henry Gardiner defendants, concerning a sum adventured by Sir F. Gorges in a fishing voyage to New England.
(11 f.)
1639 Jan. 28 Ashton Letter of SIR FERDINANDO GORGES to Mr Secy WINDEBANK.
Sr
Havinge receaved Ires out of New England I perceave had I not obterned the graunte I lately gott from his Majesty I should not have beene Mr of more then I ocupied wih my servants and those entrusted by me in that parte my house standes in, the rest beinge challenged som by one right, som by another, and som of those flyeinge to the governors of the Bay for authority to order theire atfayers, as if they alone were the supream lordes of that parte of the worlde; and there- fore howe I shall speede in my resolucon to make good his Mates Royall graunte, God that only governes all actions knowes. But havinge his Mates gratious favor there is nothing shall deter me from my attempt to make his power available where I have his warrant to doe it, besides all this I heare there wilbe great workeinge by som of theire agentes and freindes to stay me from prosecutinge my intentes, suspectinge (as it seemes) that his Maty may make use of me in tyme to regulate what is found to be amisse as sortinge wih his honor and wisdom to satisfie those that hopes and prayes for it, as alsoe for that it is knowne to all to be a principle of state not to loose what may be kept that may any wayes prove advantageous in future tymes for profitt or service, and for the p'sent of noe meanc employment for shipps and subjects that wantes ur makes use of it. This much I thought fitt in dischardge of my duety to comend to yor honors further consideration howe necessary it is his Mats and theire Lops should have knowledge hereof to the and there may be som tymely course taken to p'vent the worst that may be looked for here after. Although I have a purpose my selfe not to take shipping
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before I humbly p'sent my selfe to his Maty and theire Lops to receave theire comannds and to putt soe much thereof in Execucon as lyes in the power of an humble servant and faithfull subject to doe, that covetts nothinge more in this worlde then the honor of his Soveraigne and prosperity of his nation .- Wittnes all my actions in the whole course of my life to this p'sent. Not further to trouble yor honor but that I will ever acknowledge my selfe
Yor honors humble servant to be Comaunded FERD : GORGES. (Without date.)
An address (endorsed SIR FERD: GORGES) entreating their Lordships to take into their consideration the hinderance consequent upon the restraint of the undertakers of foreign plantations in transporting fitting individuals to those parts. Recommends the limitation extending only . tto factious or schismatic persons who principally direct themselves to the Bay of Massachusetts, &c. The course to be pursued for prevention thereof. (4 f.)
1664 Apr. 23
The King to the Governor and Council of the Massachusetts about sending Commissioners, to suppress the inquietudes which have been stirred up by evil minded men ; to make known that the King is willing to renew or confirm the charter; to settle differences which have arisen between the several colonies upon the bounds and limits of the three several provinces ; to obtain information respecting the neighbouring pro- vinces and to provide against invasion, also to confer upon the matters, contained in a former letter from the King (June 22 1662), &c. &c. (25 f.)
1674-5 March
The title and case of Robt Mason touching the province of New Hamp- shire in New England. Aº 1616 King James I. sends John Mason Esq. as Governor to Newfoundland, who after remaining there two years was or- dered to New England and with Sir Ferdinando Gorges made a voyage along the coast in 1619, account of which they furnished to his Majesty. Aº 1620 the King grants by charter to some of the nobility under the title of the Council of New England the territory called New England with divers privileges, who, dividing the same into several provinces, assigned a large tract of land to John Mason, which was afterwards enlarged and called New Hampshire. John Mason grandfather of Robt by various grauts made 1620, 1629, 1635 was instated in the aforesaid province, and expended large sums of money in improving the same, appointing
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