The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal. [volume], July 15, 1774, Image 2

About The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal. [volume] (Boston [Mass.]) 1772-1775

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' V .'Aki*
Th< rr.cH4;i' g cwiU.tql v ith Vyh.vh tht f .ch rer r“-
e j air ific ulicu vt the RotKingham and Seibumc g*ng»,
4, never tube forgotten ; hence, fays our corrrijxir dent, the
malignity of Polypheme, the hungry turbutence ot Edmund,.
the pert nothingneis of B- g, the Ofiveriun bronie of
S the fomnitcrous ditties of D" H, and the
cadaverous blalls of an old Dog-Role*
We hear that Lord Chatham will be in Ma place at the
Heefe of Peers to-morrow, when the American bill is to
■be taken into confederation } but few doubt its parting, as
in the other Houle.
As the Emperor of Germany is this month expected to
nay a visit to Paris, it is fappofed it is not a mere visit ot
farm. After he was railed to the above dignity, he paid-#
visit to the King of Pruflia, and had feme private conferences
with that Monarch, from which a lading friendlhip seemed
to be cemented, and by the late acquisitions in Poland he
appears to have profited by it. What the iflue of his pre
sent intended visit to prance may be, time will discover i
but as dominions are so easily dealt out of late, some hates
are not quite cafy on the fabjeft.
What is the intention of taxingjAmerics, only to parti
ally bring into the Treasury a certain fam for the ule of the
K~>g and the Minister—while at the fame time the nation
lofe* three millions annually l
May 6. A motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill
relative to subscription to the 39 Article*. Rejected.
without a division.
May 7. It is whifperod that the Duke of Grafton it
again coming into Adminiftratiun ; and that a reiignation
will very (hortly take place, in order to make way for him.
It is allo said, that Lord Camdr n will be again at the head
of the law before the general clediion. If these fafta Ihould
happen, it is evident they are intended only to serve some
trivate purpofe*, and iheivforc are not likely to be of a very
•te debate.
May 14. There is no doubt but the death of. a great
monaich will make a great and hidden revolution in the po
litical world, cfpecially if that event Ihould be luueeded by
another in the north, the ambition of the one, and the fuc
cefcfol operations of the other, for some yean part, have
been the great springs of the political machine j France has
long been convulsed and influenced by gallantry, which has
so much enervated the government of that vail empire, that
the French have been in a itate of the most inglorious in
aftivity. A young monarch,infpired with manly fentimer.ts,
and animated for his own glory and the happiness of his
fubjefts, will necetiiirily endeavour, by an opposite conduct,
•o rouse the nation from that inactivity to whkn it has been
reduced from" the intrigues of female favourites j whilst a
fucceflor to the northern hero will entirely change the face
of politics in that part of the globe, and it will be a very
arduous talk for the able politicians of Europe to bear the
ihock, which two such events, whenever they happen, will
give to the balance of power in Europe.
The lame correspondent observes, that if the events talk
ed of Ihould happen, it wiU greatly convulse this nation,
and oeftroy the minister's plan of conduct for America.
Then, as a noble Duke has justly observed, the ministry
will have so much to attend to from abroad, that it will be
highly impolitic to disagree with the Americans, with
whom they will be under the neceflity of immediate recon
ciliation, as it is probable we fliall have a war soon after the
accession of new fovcrei"ns to the thrones alluded to.
After the breaking up of the council at St. James's on
Thurtday, three meffengds were sent off w> h exprelfcs:
ent to the Hague, Madrid, and Lifbo", o:.e to Vienna,
after which he is to proceed to Berlin a d Peterlburgh j and
the last to Constantinople. Exprcfler were like wife sent off
yesterday to Copenhagen and Stockh Im.
A full call of' the two houses is n king out for the 6th
of June, when the Lords of the Ai miraity and commiffi
wners of the navy are to attend them with their separate ac
• uums. The committees also for en< uiring into American
affairs are to attend the house of lords \ 'lth rheir report.
A certain great personage feemj greatly difeonerrted at the
1 courts of the day, as he has great reason to think that his
pacific plan will be destroyed, and a revolution take place in
the political world. The premier is often consulted, and
he u not without his fears that he will prove a falfe prophet,
with regard to a ten yeais peace. A little time will give
vigour to the conduct of every European power, that has
any regard for its own fificty, and Great-Britain will have
enough to do from the conduct of other Itates, without
cuanelling with her colonies,- and loilng her tipie and fub
-tance after moonlhine plans in the east.
Fiom Lloyd’s Evening Post, Afar 14. *774*
A Plan humbly fropofed for the better Go
vunmint of British America.
IT’ 1 a r«of 011 d
r pHAT the ad of navigation, and all other afta of
-* Parliament made concerning America, be carefully
reviled and amtafcd/uch as arc found improper, repealed,and
if practicable, every thing relating to the connexion and
commerce between Great Britain and America, be reduced
to one ad of parliament, and that this ad take place on or
before
x. That the parliament of Great Britain upon, or pre
vious to, the palfing of the above aft, ihall addreis and cm
■;>ower his M jefty, with the advice ot his council, to form
*4 general plan of government for Brki/h America, fabjeft
to the revision of parliament, in consequence whereof, hi.
Majesty may ordain
3. That all colony or American Governors shall be ap
pointed by the Crown, and be removeable at his Majesty's
| ; but that no Governor shall be continued in his
government Linger than five yean, nor be appointed to the
lame government a second time.
4. 3 hat ail. American governments, for the future,
ihail hold only of the Crown, aiid be ruled by one mode,
bi.nffi of government; tliererbre all charter and proprieta
ry governments mail be annulled and set alide.
j. That the capital, or principal town of each province,
or island, shall be made a city, or town coiporate, to be
governed by a Mayor, Alderman, &c. for which purpose
his Majesty (hall grant Charters, with inch privileges as
Viall be judged proper, or be found agreeable.
\ 6. That Critilh America (hall be eteftea into a king-
Xn, and unalienably annexe*! to the Crown of Great
\Mßaisi; tho King of which, for the time being, fliall, to
'\±cr title., add that of King os Nurth-Ambkica,
the Isles.
u\ That a Lord Lieutenant, or Governor General,
bc minted with the fame rank, authority, and power,
** Siurd Lieutenant of Ireland.
*. hat the Lord Lieutenant of America shall always
b e 1 - Jh Peer, and changed every tlrree years.
9' at a chancellor, and other proper officers of ftatc
ihall »Tainted fur North-America and the Illes of the
\ f*o*» \ariy the fame as in lieland.
\ IO " *an American, parliament shall be fununoned
ar, d tranfad bufineU
V tb® adininifh-.ion of tire Lord Lieuten-
y w r?\merica.
l house and chapel, a fortified pa-
Vll le erJ^* eutawnt ’ otb** rwceilary buildings
f i poifA w neaf Lofton, in New-Eugland, a»
"" M ’wimd ihall fbament, aa thole of Great-Britain and
4,1 '*f’P ct * ni House.
VSer of lend House shall be formed of a certain
nds to be* council of the fevcral provinces
vUk ,tc 4 Crown, and hold their
1 * i;«ms corporate, shall, by a writ from
„•* v x«c4 to etefl a certain number of
~ ' -La . § wth province, or island, shall, I
number of reprefeatatives,
• v 1 tver y P® 9 out of I
it; fliat the members of ll» lower House R.ull be p;0-
te.tams, and properly qualified in point ot fortune.
17. That an American parliament ihall fit once in tluee
years at leall, but not above three months at a time.
18. The vacancies occalioncd by death, or appointments
to places, shall be filled up, previous to the meeting of par
liament, by w*s of eledion from the Governor, ot else
refpedive provinces or islands.
19. That there shall be a new parliament, and of courts
a new eleftion of members ot the lower House once in nme
y e «’’ * ... a u u
20. That all relig ons, and feds of religions, shall be
tolerated in the fame manner as in Great-Britain, but no
Test Aft imposed. ,_ „. „ .
21. That no Roman Catholic chapels shall be allowed,
unless licenced by the Lord Lieutenant j and, in such as
are licensed, the priests shall perform the offices of their
church openly.
21. That North-America shall be divided into three ec
clcfiaflk diftrifts, or bifhopricks, in the following manner.
I. BUlon, or New-England bifhoprick, shall compre
hend tlie provinces of Maflachufetts, New-HampAire,
Cunnefticut, Rhode-lfland, and Providence, Nova-Scotia,
Canada, Newfoundland,and the other islands to the E aft ward
ofßofton. 11. Pennsylvania bifhoprick shall include Penn
sylvania, New-York, the Jerseys, Maryland, Virginia, and
Bermudas. 111. Carolina bifhoprick fhaU comprehend
North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and. Weft Florida,
and all the islands belonging to Great-Britain, commonly
called the Weft-Indies.
23. That a Bishop for each of those diowfcs (ball be
appointed by his Majesty, and if judged proper the Btlhop
of Boston may be appointed Metropolitan.
14. That a Cathedral shall be built in each of those
diocefcs, in such places as (hall be judged most convenienr.
25. That a proper number of preachers, readers, fee.
shall be appointed to perform the duties of each Cathedral,
and officiate by rotation, as the Prebends do • England.
26. That all those Ecciefiaftics shall be maintained and
provided for by grants of lands, private donations, and, if
need be, out of the quit-rents, and fate of Crown lands in
America. ,
27. That each Bishop fliall visit his diocese once in fix
years,and be allowed a yacht, or other proper vefl l, to trans
port him and his attendants, when, and where he fliall think
proper*
28. That the eldest Bishop, or Metropolitan, shall rank
next the Lord Lieutenant, the others with the members of
the Upper House, according to their fcniurity.
29. That the Bishops fliall be allowed to fit in the up
per house i but not to vote, or even (peak, except in mat
ters of religion.
30. That a proper number of yachts, or other veffcls,,
shall be appointed, previous to the meeting of every Parlia
ment, to conduft the distant members of both Houses to the
place of meeting, and to re-convey them to the nearest port
of their refpeftive refidentr, at the breaking op of each
feflion. *
31. That the several provinces and islands in British A
merka shall continue to be governed by their refpeftive Go
vernors, Councils, and Aflemblies, as heretofore.
32. That appeals in civil cases may be made from the
several Courts of Law, and the Governors, as Chancellors
of the several provinces and islands, to the Chancellor of A
merit a, residing at Boston, or the capital of America ; but
the dernier resort to be the House of Peers inGreat-Britain.
33. That the capital of every province and island fhaU be,
if poflible so situate, as to be acceflible to (hips of war.
34. That the fubjefts of Great-Britain in America, shall
be allowed ensigns armorial, and a distinguishing mark in
their colours when at sea.
35. That as free a trade as is confident with the interest
of Great-Britain, shall be allowed to the inhabitants of Bri
tish America, who on all occasions fliall be esteemed and
treated as freeborn ; the late undutiful be
haviour of a few individuals forgiven, and all part ponces
buried in oblivion. * TC)
36. That due attention shall he had dfvie
lization, and coqverfion of the Indians,fa#e.fycMa.flu die)
tates of found policy, humanity,'and reflgiy t _ /
37. That an Indian Council shall alfo^^&M^ad^ t 0
meet at the •'•me with rhe
of every nation allowed to fend a certain number as Depu
ties, who fliall be maintained by the Crown, and, after a itay
of one week, have leave to depa t to their refpeftive nations
and settlements.
[The Arv EN D 1 x to the above, will be in aur next. ]
A B 1 LL, entituled, An AC Tfw the better regulating
the Government of the Province of tho MaflachufctU-Bay,
in North-America.
WHEREAS by letters patent under the great fed
of England, imide in the third year of the reign of
their late Majesties King William and Queen Mary, for
uniting, erefting, and incorporating, the several colonies,
territories, and trafts of land therein mentioned, into one
real province, by the name of their Majesties province of the
Maftachufetts-Bay, in New-England ; whereby it was,
amungft other things, ordained and ettablifhed, That the
Governor of the Laid province Ihould, from thenceforth, be
appointed and commiflionated by their Majesties, their heirs
and fucccflbrs : It was however granted and ordained, that,
from the expiration of the term, for and during which the
eight and twenty perlons named in the said letters patent
appointed to be the fit ft Counfellors, or Assistants, to
the Governor for the laid province, fin- the time being, the
aforclaid number of eight and twenty Counfellors, or Aflif
tants ihould yearly, ouce in every year, for ever thereafter,
be, by the General Court or Assembly, newly chosen.
And whereas the said method of elefting such Counfellors
or Assistants to be veiled with the several powers, authori
ties, and privileges therein mentioned, although conformable
to the praftice theretofore used in such of the colonies there
by united, in which the appointment of the refpeftive Go
vernors had been vested in the General Courts or Aflemblies
of the laid colonies, hath, by repeated experience, been
found to be extremely ill adapted to the plan of government,
eftablilhed in the prpvince of the Maflachufetts-Bay, by the
said letters patent herein-before mentioned, and hath been
so tar from contributing to the attainment of the good ends
and ouruofes thereby intended, and to the promoting of the
internal welfare, peace, and \ood government of the said
province, or to the maintenance of the just subordination to
and conformity with the law* of Great-Britain ; that the
manner of exercising the powers, authorities, and privileges
aforefaid, by the persons so annually elefted, hath, for some
.time part, been luch as had the most mamfeft tendency to
obftxuft, and in great measure defeat, the execution of the
laws, to weaken the attachment of his Majesty’s wefl-dif
pofed fubjefts in the laid province to his Majesty's govern
ment, and to encourage the ill-disposed among them to
pnxeed even to afts of direst resistance to, and defiance
his Majesty's authority t And it hath accordingly happened,
W.r m opin reiiftance to the execution of the laws hath ac
tually uken place in the town of Boston, and the neighbour
hood thereof, within the laid province.
And whereas it is, under these cireumftances, become
absolutely neceflary, in order to the prefervatian of the peace
and good order of the said province, the proteftion of his
Majesty's wefl-difpofed fubjefts therein resident, the conti
nuance of the mutual benefits anting from the commerce
and currefpondeßce between this kingdom and the said pro
vince, and the maintaining of the dependance of the laid
province upon the crown and parliament of Great Britain,
that the laid method of annually elefting the Counfeilon or
Assistants of the fold province Ihould no longer be fuffcred
to continue, but that the appointment of the said Coanfci
lors or Assistants Ihould henceforth be put upon the Eke
footing as is established in such ocher of his Majesty’s colo
nies or plantations in America, the Governor* whereof are
appointed by his lommiffion, under the great seal
of Great Britain t Be it therefore enafted by the King’s
mJ rxellent Majesty, by and with the advice and cos sent
01 the Lodi Spiritual and Tchipoial, ai»d Commons, m
this present parliament afiembled, aad by the authority of
the fame, that from and alter Ure firft day of Avguft, one
thoutand leven hundred and kventy-tcur, so much nt the
Charter granted by their King William and Queen
Mary, to the inhabitants of the said pro.inee of the Mafia
chuletts Bay, in New-England j and all and every clairte,
matter, and thing, therein contained, which relates to the
time and manner of electing the Alliltants or Counfellors
for the said province, be revoked, and is hereby revoked and
made void, and of none efled ; and that the officers of all
Counlellors and Assistants, elected and appointed in pursu
ance thereof, Ihail from thenceforth ceale and determine «
And that, from and after the (aid full day of August, one
rhoufand seven hunured and seventy-sour, the Council or
Court of Afliftants of the laid province, for the time being,
(hall be computed of such of the inhabitants or proprietors
of lands within the fame, as fliall be thereunto nominated
and appointed by his Majesty, his heirs and fucceflbrs, from
time to time, by warrant under hia or their signet or sign
manual, fold with the advice of the privy council, agreeable
to the praftice now used in refpeft to the appointment of
Counfellors in such of' his Majefty’* other colonies in Ame
rica, die Governors. whereof are appointed by commifficn
under the great seal of Great Britain ; Provided that the
number of the said Assistants, or Counfellors, (hall not, at
any one time, exceed thirty-fix, nor be less than twelve.
And it is hereby further enafted, That the said Afliftants
or Counfellors, so to be appointed as aforeiaid, (hall hold
their offices refpeftively, for and during the pieafure A his
Majesty, hi* heir* or fucceflbrs j and (hah have and enjoy
all the power*, privileges, and immunities, at present held,
exercised, and enjoyed, by the Afliftant* or Counfeilon of
the said province, conftitutcd aud elefted, from time to
time, under the laid Charter, (excepßes herein-after except
ed) and Ihail also, upon their admission into the feud council,
and before they enter upon the execution of their offices re
fpeftively, take the oaths, and make, repeat, and subscribe,
the declarations required, u well by the laid Charter a* by
any law or law* of the said province now in force, co be
taken by the Affiftantt, or Counfellors, who have been so
elefted and constituted a* aforeiaid.
. And be it further enafted by the authority aforefaid,
That from and after the firft day of. July, one thoutand
seven hundred and seventy-sour, it shall and may be lawful
for his Majesty’s Governor, for the time being of the laid
province, or, in his absence, the Lieutenant-Governor, to
nominate and appoint, under the seal of the provin-ce, from
time to time ; and also to remove, without the content of
the Council, all Judges of the inferior court* of common
picas, commiflioner* of Oyer and Terminer, the Attorney
General, Provosts, Marlhals, Just ices of jhe Peace, and
other officers to the Council, or court* of justice belonging ;
and that all Judges of the inferior court* ofcom mon pleas,
commiflioner* of Oyer and Terminer, the Attorney-Gene
ral, Provosts, Marlhals, Justices of the Peace, and other
officer* to the Council, «r Court* of Justice belonging i and
that all Judge* of the Inferior Courts of Common Pleas,
Commimeners of Oyer and Terminer, the Attorney-Ge
neral, Provosts, Marlhals, Juftice*, and other Officers, so
appointed by the Governor, or, in hi* absence, by the
Lieutenant-Governor atone, Ihail and may have, bold, and
exercise, their foid offices, powers, and authorities, as fully
and completely, to all intent* and purpofe*, a* any Judges
of the inferior courts of common picas, commiflioners of 1
oyer and terminer, attorney general, provosts, marlhals, or
other officers, have, or might have done heretofore under
the said letter* patent, in the third year of the reign of their
late Majesties King William and Queen Mary ; any law,
statutes, or utage, to the contrary notwithstanding.
Provided always, and be it enafted, That nothing here
in contained Ihall extend, or be construed to extend, to
annul or make void the commiflion granted before the said
firft day of July, one thou fan a (even hundred and feventy
four, to any Judges of the inferior courts of common
pleas, commilfioners of Oyer and Terminer, the Attor
ney-General, Provosts, Marlhd*, Justices of the Peace,
or other officers j but that they may hold and exercise the
fame, a* if this aft had never been made, until the fame
fliall be determined by death, removal by tEe Governor, or j
other avoidance, as the case may happen.
And'be it further enafted by the authori»y aforefaid,
That from and after the said firft Day of My. «ne rh<>«- ;
fend seven hundred and seventy-sour, it (hail and may be ,
lawful for his Majesty's Governor, <w in hie absence, for
the Lieutenant-Governor for the time being of the said
province, from time to time, to nominate and appoint the
Sheriffs without the consent of the Council, and to re- I
move such Sheriffs with such consent, and not otierwife.
And be it further enafted by theauthority aforefiid, That
upon every vacancy of the offices of Chief Julies, and
Judges of rhe Superior Court of the laid province, from
and after the said day of July, one him- I
dred and seventy-sour, the Governor for the tine being, I
or, in his absence, the Lieutenant-Governor, without the I
consent of the Council, shall have full power did authori- I
ty to nominate and appoint the persons to fucced to the 1
laid offices, who ihall hold their commiffiun during the
plealurc of hi* Majesty, his heirs and fuccriio* ; and that I
neither the Chief Justice and Judged appeintqi before the
said firft day of July, dhe thousand seven hu|Jred and fc- I
venty-four, nor those who shall hereafter besppointed pur- Il
fuant to this aft, fliall be removed, unlefi b the order of I
his Majesty, his heirs or fucceflbrs, under or their sign I
manudi.
And whereas by »n aft of the general Cluri. of the said
province, made in the fourth vear .of the sign of their late
Majesties King William and Qutcn Mary intituled, “ An
Aft for regulating of townships, clroice oftown officers, and I
setting forth their power,” the treeholdes and inhabitants I
of the several townlhips, rateable at twnty pounds estate, I
are authorifed to aflcmble together in tit month of March I
in every year, upon notice given by th' eonftaHe, or such I
other as the feleft men of the tows MH appoint, for the I
choice of feleft men, constables, and ober officers, and the 1
freeholders and inhabitant* are also imowered to make and I
agree, upon such neceflary rules, ordrs, and bye-laws, for I
the direfting, managing, and orderin/the prudential afiairs, I
and tn annex penalties for the of the fame, I
not exceeding twenty (hillings for me offence j provided I
they be not to the genfd laws of the said pro- I
vlnce. ,
And whereas a great abuse haibeen made of the power I
of calfrng such meetings, arid th/inhabitants have, contra- I
ry to the design of their mftitiion, been rni(!ed>to treat I
upon matters of the most generi concern, and to pafe ma- I
ny dangerous and unwarrantrl* refelves : For remedy I
whereof, be k enafted, Tha«nom and after the said firft I
day of August, one thoufandeven hundred and seventy- 1
four, no town metttog Ihall« «lkd by the feleft-men, or I
at the reuueft of anv Num ri' of Freeholders, without the I
leave oTSe Governor, or in his absence, of the Lieute- I
nant-Governor, in writif, expressing the special business
of the said meeting firft fri »nd obtarned, except the an
nual meeting in the moffi of Mereh, for the d.oice of
feleft-men. constables, id other officers, and also, except
anTmZSgfcthe <*' a reprefentatire or repre
sentatives in the gener-cuurt j end that no other matter I
fliall be treated of at meetings, except th- elrftion ot I
aferefaid officer <* representatives, nor at any other I
meeting, except exprefled in th" leave given by I
the Governor, or, 1 his absence, by the Lieutenart-Go- I
vemot. _ ~. . I
And whereas t’ method at present used in the province I
•f Maflachufettvay, “ America, of elefting persons to I
ferw on gr»nri jk«s and other juries by the freeholders and I
inhabittnn of* towns, affords occasion for many
evil peVHeev, (d tends to prevert the free and impartial ad- I
ujuftice t For remedy whereof, be it timber I
enafted by tb aut b°rity aforpfaio, that frcai and after the I
refpeftive tio appointed, for the holding of the general I
feflroos of *n the several counties within the said I
province, ri< after the month of Sept-mber,.one thousand I
seven huodi *nd seventy-sour, juron to fene at the fnpe. |
rior tvuru ot jvdlmture, * up* '"1 ,hierai goal
liter, general teliior.i of tbt pe;>«;e, and inferior »~uit o.'
common pleat, in d e counties within the laic
viace, ihail not be elected, nominated, or appointed, by uk*
ficehnlders aud inhabitant* of the tcveral towns u ithin du
said refptdive counties, nor lummoned or returned by d.o
conltabies of the said towns ; but tit at from dwiivnui."
the juron to fene at the fupenur court* of judicatu. l .
courts of aliixe, general-goal udhery, general Icflioii* * 1'
the peace, snd inferior court of common-plea*, wiii.iu d a
faio province, (hali be summoned and returned by tU fl.
rift* of the refpeftive counties within the said psovincc ;
and all writs us I'cnne Facias, or other prowl* or wanaut*
to be ifliied |i>r the return of jurors to serve at the la 1
courts shall be daettej to the Ihenfl* of the said cuuntii.
refpeftively , any law, cullom, or ullage, to the c*ntra>y
notwithstanding.
Provided always, and be further enafted by the authority
aforefaid, That wherever the Iherift of any county ihail
happen to be a party, or intererted, at related to any pari y
or perton intererted in any proftcution or suit depending in
any of the laid courts, that then, in such calc, the writ of
Kemre Facial or other process or warrant for the lummon
ing and return of a jury, for the trial of such proiccutio**
or suit, Ihall be directed to, and executed by, the coroner
of such county j and in case such coroner Ihall be allo a
party, orintcrcfted in, or related to, any party or person in
terefteu in such prolecution or fait, then the Venire Facia..
or other process or warrant, for the fummonwig and retui 1
of a jury for the trial of such prosecution or suit Ihall bedr
refted to, and executed by, a proper and indifferent perton,
to be appointed for that purpose by (he court where n fucn
I prosecution or fait ihall be depending.
[The remainder of tbit Afi ia ear next."]
11 An Abftrad of a Bill entitled, ®An AS for making
|| tual Prcrvifon for ibe GaverniMt of tie Provm.e f
|| Quebec, in North-Anurica.”
TH E preamble recites the ccflion of the several cocn
tics and dependencies of the province of Canada, as
|| deicribed by the definitive treaty of peace, signed at Paris un
I the loth of February, 1764 ; and after afeertaining it*
|| boundaries its situation, as joining the other Bri
ll tifh provinces in North-America, proceeds to annex all the
| neighbouring counties and diftrifts not already deicribed, to
|| be within the limits of fame other province, er already
|| annexed to the government of-NewfoundLad during his
|j Majesty's pieafure.
It next proceeds to ftatc, that ffic inhabitants, at the time
| of said ceflion, amounted to one hundred thousand perlons
11 profeffing the Romifh religion 3 and that the power* and
11 authorities hitherto granted and given to the Governor and
U Civil Officers, have been found inapplicable to the state and
H circumftancet of the said province, the said powers, and
|| every authority whatsoever, derived ur exercised under them,
|| are, and shall after day, be revoked, annulled, and
|| made void.
It is declared, by the firft clause, that all his Majesty's
| fubjefts, profeffing the Romifh religion as deicribed at die
| conquest thereof, may have, hold, and enjoy, the free
|| exercise of the fame, fabjeft to the King's supremacy, pro
| vided that nothing shall be construed to extend to disable his
|| Majesty from making provision for the fuppwt of a ProUt
l| tint Clergy within the said province.
|| It is enafted, that his Majesty's Canadian fubjefts Ihall
|| enjoy their property and pefleflions, with all usages and cuf
| torn*, and all other their civil rights, without any imprdi.
11 ment whatever; and that in all controverfics relative to the
|| fame, his Majesty’s fubjefts, whether Canadian or Engliffi,
| resort Ihall be had to the laws of Canada, and not to the
11 laws of England, for the decision of the fame.
11 It then recites the excelknce and lenity of the criminal Jaw
11 of England, and ordains, that it ihall prevail in every inftanvr
| and mode of trial and criminal prosecution whatever, to the
|| exdufion of any law of the province, previous to the year
|| 1774—failed lo such alteration* and amendments as the
| Governor and Legislative Council ihall cause lo be made
| therein.
It next recites, that as it is at present inexpedient to call
| rhe Aflembly, be it therefore enaobd, that it may be lawful
|| for his Majesty, his helss or facceifora, by warrant under bi*
;| or her sign- manual, tu appoint a Council, not exceeding
|| tw-nty-three, nor than Seventeen, who (hall have pliWer
|| and authority to make ordinances for the peace and welfare
|| of said province, with the consent of hit Majesty’s Governor
I or in hl* absence, of the Lieutenant Governor, or Cosn-
I mander in Chief for the rime being.
| The two latter clauses confine the meeting and debatin’
| of the said Leg'Caiive Council to certain stated times, and
| reserves to his Msjefty the appointing of such, of Criminal,
| Civil, and Ecciefiattical Junidiftion, as his Majesty (hall
| think neceflary and proper for the c.rcumftanccs of the laid
| Province.
Footsmovtn. 7sr/v 8.
I T W£ N T Y-S E V ES' Chrttsiflndia Tia arrived
in tuis toua on board the mart (hip, commanded by
I Capt* Thoma* Brown, and consigned to Mr. Parry, a
| gent for the mast conttaft, the fame was landed before it
| was ia faft generally known that any lea had arrived in the
I (hip ; and luch was the peaceable and prudent conduft of
I the inhabitants, that the fun* was stored in the cellar of the
| colleger of the purl at noon-day, but the people detarmin
| iagto proceed in the of this matter with the ut
| most moderation; but at the fame time with firmnefs and
| resolution, proceeded immediately to petition the feleft-men
| and who in consequence thereof forthwith called a legal
meeting of the inhabitants, where their coolnefe, prudence
and resolution at the fame time would have done boner to
any man in any age.
Province of New-Hamfjbirt, Kcckiogbam Jf.
“Ata town-meeting, held at the Ivor th mecting-houfe
in Pertfinoutb, the 27th, day of lune 1774.”
“ Votxp, Mr. TnomasHamt, moderator.
At the fame meeting a committee of eleven refpcftable
inhabitants, were elefted to treat with the configncc, and
to deliberate what would be most expedient to be done in a
cause of so much difficulty and mirkacy, and to report at
the adjournment the refalt of their proceedings.
“ Votm, Thal a watch or twenty-five men be ap
pointed to take place at 8 o’clock?. M. at the expence of the
town, to take care and and secure the tea, being 27 cherts,
in the custody of George Meferve, Esq; and to c*tveni any
infalt that may arise to any individual untill the adjourn
ment of this mecing.
V«tbd VNANIMOVSLY, That the proceedings of
thi* meeting hitherto are tatisfaftory to the town, and the
watch are defaed to give the earliest notice ta the inhabitants,
ihould any Xftur bance arise, by ringing the bells or any other
method, and that the inl.abitant* be and hereby are desired
to use every method ia their power to prevent fach <fiforder,
and to keep up the good order and peace of the town.
“ Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to Tuesday
the 28th, inst- thiee o'clock in the afternoon.
Met according to adjournment.
“ Voted, That three gentlemen be and hereby are a
committee to wait upon Edward Parry, E% and desire his
attendance at this meeting.
At which time the committee reported as follows.
We the committee appointed by the town to confuk what
is expedient and neceflary to be done with twenty-seven
chests ot' tea, lately imported and landed here, consigned to
Edward Parry , E(qi having taken into our calm and serious
* the general uneafinefa and anxiety which pre
vail among the inhabitants of thi* and neighbouring town*
•n account of said tea being sent and landed here at this a *
ticaljunfture of public affiain, while the fame is fabjeft to »
» duly imposed by the parliament of Great-Britain, for the
purpose of railing a revenue in the Britilh colonies without |
their consent, and after this, and all the other governments
upon chi* condocnt have’reppatefry and publkkly, fignified
thri* disapprobation of the importation and tale of tads fe
fiffiieft -e» d tp upen being bided in th* colonies, the