§；23。\"Eachnationhadgrantedandpartiallysettledthecountry，denominatedbytheFrench，Acadie，andbytheEnglish，NovaScotia。Bythe12tharticleofthetreatyofUtrecht，madein1713，hismostChristianMajestycededtotheQueenofGreatBritain，’allNovaScotiaorAcadie，withitsancientboundaries。’AgreatpartofthecededterritorywasinthepossessionoftheIndians，andtheextentofthecessioncouldnotbeadjustedbythecommissioners，towhomitwastobereferred。
ThetreatyofAixlaChapelle，whichwasmadeontheprincipleofthestatusantebellum，didnotremovethissubjectofcontroversy。Commissionersforitsadjustmentwereappointed，whoseveryableandelaborate，thoughunsuccessfularguments，infavourofthetitleoftheirrespectivesovereigns，showhowentirelyeachreliedonthetitlegivenbydiscoverytolandsremaining，inthepossessionofIndians。
§；24。\"Aftertheterminationofthisfruitlessdiscussion，thesubjectwastransferredtoEurope，andtakenupbythecabinetsofVersaillesandLondon。ThiscontroversyembracednotonlytheboundariesofNew—England，NovaScotia，andthatpartofCanada，whichadjoinedthosecolonies，butembracedourwholewesterncountryalso。
Francecontendednotonly，thattheSt。LawrencewastobeconsideredasthecenterofCanada，butthattheOhiowaswithinthatcolony。Shefoundedthisclaimondiscovery，andonhavingusedthatriverforthetransportationoftroopsinawarwithsomesouthernIndians。ThisriverwascomprehendedinthecharteredlimitsofVirginia；but，thoughtherightofEnglandtoareasonableextentofcountry，invirtueofherdiscoveryoftheseacoast，andofthesettlementsshemadeonit，wasnottobequestioned；herclaimofallthelandstothePacificocean，becauseshehaddiscoveredthecountrywashedbytheAtlantic，might，withoutderogatingfromtheprinciple，recognizedbyall，bedeemedextravagant。Itinterfered，too，withtheclaimsofFrance，foundedonthesameprinciple。Shethereforesoughttostrengthenheroriginaltitletothelandsincontroversy，byinsisting，thatithadbeenacknowledgedbyFranceinthe15tharticleofthetreatyofUtrecht。Thedisputerespectingtheconstructionofthatarticlehasnotendencytoimpairtheprinciple，thatdiscoverygaveatitletolandsstillremaininginthepossessionoftheIndians。Whichevertitleprevailed，itwasstillatitletolandsoccupiedbytheIndians，whoserightofoccupancyneithercontroverted，andneitherhadthenextinguished。
§；25。\"Theseconflictingclaimsproducedalongandbloodywar，whichwasterminatedbytheconquestofthewholecountryeastoftheMississippi。Inthetreatyof1763，FrancecededandguarantiedtoGreatBritainallNovaScotia，orAcadie，andCanada，withtheirdependencies；anditwasagreed，thattheboundariesbetweentheterritoriesofthetwonationsinAmericashouldbeirrecoverablyfixedbyalinedrawnfromthesourceoftheMississippi，throughthemiddleofthatriverandthelakesMaurepasandPonchartrain，tothesea。Thistreatyexpresslycedes，andhasalwaysbeenunderstoodtocede，thewholecountryontheEnglishsideofthedividing，linebetweenthetwonations，althoughagreatandvaluablepartofitwasoccupiedbytheIndians。GreatBritain，onherpart，surrenderedtoFranceallherpretensionstothecountrywestoftheMississippi。Ithasneverbeensupposed，thatshesurrenderednothing，althoughshewasnotinactualpossessionofafootofland。Shesurrenderedallrighttoacquirethecountry；andanyafterattempttopurchaseitfromtheIndianswouldhavebeenconsideredandtreatedasaninvasionoftheterritoriesofFrance。
§；26。\"Bythe20tharticleofthesametreaty，SpaincededFlorida，withitsdependencies，andallthecountrysheclaimedeastorsoutheastoftheMississippi，toGreatBritain。GreatpartofthisterritoryalsowasinpossessionoftheIndians。
§；27。\"Byasecrettreaty，whichwasexecutedaboutthesametime，FrancecededLouisianatoSpain；andSpainhassinceretrocededthesamecountrytoFrance。Atthetimebothofitscessionandretrocession，itwasoccupied，chiefly，bytheIndians。
§；28。\"Thus，allthenationsofEurope，whohaveacquiredterritoryonthiscontinent，haveassertedinthemselves，andhaverecognizedinothers，theexclusiverightofthediscoverertoappropriatethelandsoccupiedbytheIndians。HavetheAmericanStatesrejectedoradoptedthisprinciple？
§；29。\"Bythetreaty，whichconcludedthewarofourrevolution，GreatBritainrelinquishedallclaim，notonlytothegovernment，buttothe’proprietyandterritorialrightsoftheUnitedStates，’whoseboundarieswerefixedinthesecondarticle。Bythistreaty，thepowersofgovernment，andtherighttosoil，whichhadpreviouslybeeninGreatBritain，passeddefinitivelytotheseStates。Wehadbeforetakenpossessionofthem，bydeclaring，independence；butneitherthedeclarationofindependence，northetreatyconfirmingit，couldgiveusmorethanthat，whichwebeforepossessed，ortowhichGreatBritainwasbeforeentitled。
Ithasneverbeendoubted，thateithertheUnitedStates，ortheseveralStates，hadacleartitletoallthelandswithintheboundarylinesdescribedinthetreaty，subjectonlytotheIndianrightofoccupancy，andthattheexclusivepowertoextinguishthatrightwasvestedinthatgovernment，whichmightconstitutionallyexerciseit。
§；30。\"Virginia，particularly，withinwhosecharteredlimitsthelandincontroversylay，passedanact，intheyear1779，declaringher’exclusiverightofpre—emptionfromtheIndiansofallthelandswithinthelimitsofherowncharteredterritory，andthatnopersonswhatsoeverhave，oreverhad，arighttopurchaseanylandswithinthesamefromanyIndiannation，exceptonlypersonsdulyauthorizedtomakesuchpurchase，formerlyfortheuseandbenefitofthecolony，andlatelyfortheCommonwealth。’TheactthenproceedstoannulalldeedsmadebyIndianstoindividualsfortheprivateuseofthepurchasers。
§；31。\"Withoutascribingtothisactthepowerofannullingvestedrights，oradmittingittocountervailthetestimonyfurnishedbythemarginalnoteoppositetothetitleofthelawforbiddingpurchasesfromtheIndians，intherevisalsoftheVirginiastatutes，statingthatlawtoberepealed，itmaysafelybeconsideredasanunequivocalaffirmance，onthepartofVirginia，ofthebroadprinciple，whichhadalwaysbeenmaintained，thattheexclusiverighttopurchasefromtheIndiansresidedinthegovernment。
§；32。\"Inpursuanceofthesameidea，Virginiaproceeded，atthesamesession，toopenherland—officeforthesaleofthatcountry，whichnowconstitutesKentucky，acountry，everyacreofwhichwasthenclaimedandpossessedbyIndians，whomaintainedtheirtitlewithasmuchperseveringcourage，aswasevermanifestedbyanypeople。
§；33。\"TheStateshavingwithintheircharteredlimitsdifferentportionsofterritorycoveredbyIndians，cededthatterritory，generally，totheUnitedStates，onconditionsexpressedintheirdeedsofcession，whichdemonstratetheopinion，thattheycededthesoilaswellasjurisdiction，andthatindoingso，theygrantedaproductivefundtothegovernmentoftheUnion。ThelandsincontroversylaywithinthecharteredlimitsofVirginia，andwerecededwiththewholecountrynorthwestoftheriverOhio。Thisgrantcontainedreservationsandstipulations，whichcouldonlybemadebytheownersofthesoil；andconcludedwithastipulation，that’allthelandsinthecededterritory，notreserved，shouldbeconsideredasacommonfund，fortheuseandbenefitofsuchoftheUnitedStatesashavebecome，orshallbecome，membersoftheconfederation，’&；c。’accordingtotheirusualrespectiveproportionsinthegeneralchargeandexpenditure，andshallbefaithfullyandbonafidedisposedofforthatpurpose，andfornootheruseorpurposewhatsoever。’ThecededterritorywasoccupiedbynumerousandwarliketribesofIndians；buttheexclusiverightoftheUnitedStatestoextinguishtheirtitle，andtograntthesoil，hasnever，webelieve，beendoubted。
§；34。\"AftertheseStatesbecameindependent，acontroversysubsistedbetweenthemandSpainrespectingboundary。Bythetreatyof1795，thiscontroversywasadjusted，andSpaincededtotheUnitedStatestheterritoryinquestion。Thisterritory，thoughclaimedbybothnations，waschieflyintheactualoccupationofIndians。
§；35。\"ThemagnificentpurchaseofLouisianawasthepurchasefromFranceofacountryalmostentirelyoccupiedbynumeroustribesofIndians，whoareinfactindependent。Yet，anyattemptofotherstointrudeintothatcountrywouldbeconsideredasanaggression，whichwouldjustifywar。
§；36。\"OurlateacquisitionsfromSpainareorthesamecharacter；andthenegotiations，whichprecededthoseacquisitions，recognizeandelucidatetheprinciple，whichhasbeenreceivedasthefoundationofallEuropeantitleinAmerica。
§；37。\"TheUnitedStates，then，haveunequivocallyaccededtothatgreatandbroadrule，bywhichitscivilizedinhabitantsnowholdthiscountry。Theyhold，andassertinthemselves，thetitle，bywhichitwasacquired。Theymaintain，asallothershavemaintained，thatdiscoverygaveanexclusiverighttoextinguishtheIndiantitleofoccupancy，eitherbypurchaseorbyconquest；andgavealsoarighttosuchadegreeofsovereignty，asthecircumstancesofthepeoplewouldallowthemtoexercise。
§；38。\"ThepowernowpossessedbythegovernmentoftheUnitedStatestograntlands，resided，whilewewerecolonies，inthecrown，oritsgrantees。Thevalidityofthetitlesgivenbyeitherhasneverbeenquestionedinourcourts。IthasbeenexerciseduniformlyoverterritoryinpossessionoftheIndians。Theexistenceofthispowermustnegativetheexistenceofanyright，whichmayconflictwithandcontrolit。AnabsolutetitletoLandscannotexist，atthesametime，indifferentpersons，orindifferentgovernments。Anabsolute，mustbeanexclusivetitle，oratleastatitle，whichexcludesallothersnotcompatiblewithit。Allourinstitutionsrecognizetheabsolutetitleofthecrown，subjectonlytotheIndianrightofoccupancy，andrecognizetheabsolutetitleofthecrowntoextinguishthatright。ThisisincompatiblewithanabsoluteandcompletetitleintheIndians。\"
1。Marshall’sAmer。Colonies，12，13；
1Haz。Collec。51，72，82，103，105；Robertson’sHist。ofAmerica，B。9。
2。Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
3。1Haz。Coll。9；Robertson’sHist。
ofAmerica，B。9。
4。Marshall，Am。Colon12，13；Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
5。Johnsonv。McIntosh，8Wheat。
R。543，572，573；1Doug。Summ。110。
6。8Wheat。R。543，573；1Haz。Coll。
50，51，72，82，103，105；Vattel，B。I，ch。18，§；207，208，209，andnote。
7。\"UtfidesCatholica，etChristianaReligionostrispraesertimtemporibusexaltetur，&；c。，acbarbaraenationesdeprimantur，etadfidemipsamreducantur，\"isthelanguageoftheBull。
1Haz。Coll。3。
8。1Haz。Collect。；3Marshall，Hist。
Col。13，14。
9。Chalmers，Annals，676，677；1Doug。
Summ。213；Chalmers，Annals，677。
10。SeealsoWorcesterv。Georgia，6Peters’sR。515；4Jefferson’sCorresp。478；Mackintosh’sHistoryofEthicalPhilosophy，Phila。1832，50；Johnsonv。McIntosh，8Wheat。
R。574—588。
JosephStory：CommentariesontheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates：
Book1Chapter2CHAPTERII。ORIGINANDSETTLEMENTOFVIRGINIA。§；39。HavingthustracedouttheoriginofthetitletothesoilofAmericaassertedbytheEuropeannations，wemaynowenteruponaconsiderationofthemanner，inwhichthesettlementsweremade，andthepoliticalconstitutions，bywhichthevariousColonieswereorganizedandgoverned。
§；40。ForalongtimeafterthediscoveriesofCabotweremade，Englandfromvariouscausesremainedinastateofindifferenceorinactivityinrespecttotheterritorythussubjectedtohersway。1Nearlyacenturyelapsedbeforeanyeffectualplanforplantinganycolonywasputintooperation；
andindeedtheillsuccess，nottosayentirefailure，ofthefirstexpeditionwaswellcalculatedtoabateanyundueconfidenceinthevalueofsuchenterprises。In1578SirHumphreyGilbert，havingobtainedletterspatentfromQueenElizabeth，2grantinghimandhisheirsanylandsdiscoveredbyhim，attemptedasettlementonthecoldandbarrenshoresofCapeBretonandtheadjacentregions，andexhaustedhisfortune，andlosthislifeinthefruitlesslabour。3ThebrilliantgeniusofSirWalterRaleighwascaptivatedbytheallurementsofanyscheme，whichgaveplaytohisromantictemper；andunmindfulofthedisastrousfateofhishalfbrother，orgatheringfreshcouragefromtheconsciousnessofdifficulties，eagerlyfolloweduptheoriginalplanunderanewpatentfromthecrown。4TohimweareindebtedforthefirstplantationsintheSouth；5andsuchwasthesplendorofthedescriptionofthesoilandclimateandproductionsofthatregiongivenbythefirstadventurers，thatElizabethwasproudtobestowuponitthenameofVirginia，andthustoconnectitwiththereignofavirginQueen。6Butnotwithstanding，thebrightprospectsthusheldout，threesuccessiveattemptsundertheauspicesofRaleighendedinruinousdisaster，andseemedbutapresageofthehardfateanddarkenedfortunesofthatgallant，butunfortunategentleman。7
§；41。ThefirstpermanentsettlementmadeinAmericaundertheauspicesofEnglandwasunderachartergrantedtoSirThomasGatesandhisassociatesbyJamestheFirst，inthefourthyearafterhisaccessiontothethroneofEngland8in1605。ThatchartergrantedtothemtheterritoriesinAmerica，thencommonlycalledVirginia，lyingonthesea—coastbetweenthe34thandthe45thdegreesofnorthlatitudeandtheislandsadjacentwithin100miles，whichwerenotbelongingtoorpossessedbyanyChristianprinceorpeople。
Theassociatesweredividedintotwocompanies，oneofwhichwasrequiredtosettlebetweenthe34thand41stdegreesofnorthlatitude，andtheotherbetweenthe38thand45thdegreesofnorthlatitude，butnotwithin100milesofthepriorcolony。Bydegrees，thenameofVirginiawasconfinedtothefirstorsouthcolony。9ThesecondassumedthenameofthePlymouthCompany，fromtheresidenceoftheoriginalgrantees；andNew—Englandwasfoundedundertheirauspices。10Eachcolonyhadexclusiveproprietyinalltheterritorywithinfiftymilesfromthefirstseatoftheirplantation。11
§；42。Someoftheprovisionsofthischarterdeserveaparticularconsiderationfromthelighttheythrowuponthepoliticalandcivilconditionofthepersons，whoshouldbecomeinhabitantsofthecolonies。ThecompanieswereauthorizedtoengageascolonistsanyofthesubjectsofEngland，whoshouldbedisposedtoemigrate。Allpersons，beingEnglishsubjectsandinhabiting，inthecolonies，andeveryoftheirchildrenborntherein，weredeclaredtohaveandpossessallliberties，franchises，andimmunities，withinanyotherofthedominionsofthecrown，toallintentsandpurposes，asiftheyhadbeenabidingandbornwithintherealmofEngland，oranyotherdominionsofthecrown。Thepatenteesweretoholdthelands，&；c。inthecolony，oftheking，hisheirsandsuccessors，asofthemanorofEastGreenwichinthecountyofKent，infreeandcommonsoccageonly，andnotincapite；andwereauthorizedtograntthesametotheinhabitantsofthecoloniesinsuchmannerandformandforsuchestates，asthecouncilofthecolonyshoulddirect。12
§；43。Inrespecttopoliticalgovernment，eachcolonywastobegovernedbyalocalcouncil，appointedandremovableatthepleasureofthecrown，accordingtotheroyalinstructionsandordinancesfromtimetotimepromulgated。ThesecouncilsweretobeunderthesuperiormanagementanddirectionofanothercouncilsittinginEngland。Apowerwasgiventoexpelallintruders，andtolayalimiteddutyuponallpersonstraffickingwiththecolony；andaprohibitionwasimposeduponallthecolonistsagainsttraffickingwithforeigncountriesunderthepretenseofatradefromthemothercountrytothecolonies。13
§；44。Theroyalauthoritysoonfoundagratifyingemploymentindrawingupandestablishingacodeoffundamentalregulationsforthesecolonies，inpursuanceofthepowerreservedinthecharter。AsuperintendingcouncilwascreatedinEngland。Thelegislativeandexecutivepowerswerevestedinthepresidentandcouncilsofthecolonies；
buttheirordinanceswerenottotouchlifenorlimb，andwereinsubstancetoconformtothelawsofEngland，andweretocontinueinforceonlyuntilmadevoidbythecrown，orthecouncilinEngland。PersonscommittinghighoffensesweretobesenttoEnglandforpunishment；andsubordinateoffensesweretobepunishedatthediscretionofthepresidentandcouncil。Allegiancetothecrownwasstrictlyinsistedon；andtheChurchofEnglandestablished。14Theroyalauthoritywasinallrespectsmadeparamount；andthevalueofpoliticallibertywastotallyoverlooked，ordeliberatelydisregarded。
§；45。ThecharterofthefirstorVirginiacolonywassuccessivelyalteredin1609and1612，15withoutanyimportantchangeinitssubstantialprovisions，astothecivilorpoliticalrightsofthecolonists。Itissurprising，indeed，thatcharterssecuringsuchvastpowerstothecrown，andsuchentiredependenceonthepartoftheemigrants，shouldhaveroundanyfavorintheeyeseitheroftheproprietors，orofthepeople。Byplacingthewholelegislativeandexecutivepowersinacouncilnominatedbythecrown，andguidedbyitsinstructions，everypersonsettling，inAmericaseemstohavebeenbereavedofthenoblestprivilegesofafreeman。Butwithouthesitationorreluctance，theproprietorsofbothcoloniespreparedtoexecutetheirrespectiveplans；
andundertheauthorityofacharter，whichwouldnowberejectedwithdisdainasaviolentinvasionofthesacredandinalienablerightsofliberty，thefirstpermanentsettlementsoftheEnglishinAmericawereestablished。
FromthisperiodtheprogressofthetwoprovincesofVirginiaandNew—Englandformaregularandconnectedstory。TheformerintheSouth，andthelatterintheNorthmaybeconsideredastheoriginalandparentcolonies，inimitationofwhich，andunderwhoseshelteralltheothershavebeensuccessivelyplantedandreared。16
§；46。ThesettlementsinVirginiawereearliestinpointofdate，andwerefastadvancingunderapolicy，whichsubdividedthepropertyamongthesettlers，insteadofretainingitincommon，andthusgavevigortoprivateenterprise。Asthecolonyincreased，thespiritofitsmembersassumedmoreandmorethetoneofindependence；
andtheygrewrestlessandimpatientfortheprivilegesenjoyedunderthegovernmentoftheirnativecountry。Toquietthisuneasiness，SirGeorgeYeardley，thenthegovernorofthecolony，in1619，calledageneralassembly，composedofrepresentativesfromthevariousplantationsinthecolony，andpermittedthemtoassumeandexercisethehighfunctionsoflegislation。17Thuswasformedandestablishedthefirstrepresentativelegislature，thateversatinAmericaAndthisexampleofadomesticparliamenttoregulatealltheinternalconcernsofthecountrywasneverlostsightof，butwaseverafterwardscherishedthroughoutAmerica，asthedearestbirth—rightoffreemen。Soacceptablewasittothepeople，andsoindispensabletotherealprosperityofthecolony，thatthecouncilinEnglandwerecompelled，in1621，toissueanordinance，whichgaveitacompleteandpermanentsanction。18InimitationoftheconstitutionoftheBritishparliament，thelegislativepowerwaslodgedpartlyinthegovernor，whoheldtheplaceofthesovereign；
partlyinacouncilofstatenamedbythecompany；andpartlyinanassemblycomposedofrepresentativesfreelychosenbythepeople。Eachbranchofthelegislaturemightdecidebyamajorityofvoices，andanegativewasreservedtothegovernor。Butnolawwastobeinforce，thoughapprovedbyallthreeofthebranchesofthelegislature，untilitwasratifiedbyageneralcourtofthecompany，andreturnedunderitssealtothecolony。19Theordinancefurtherrequiredthegeneralassembly，asalsothecouncilofstate，\"toimitateandfollowthepolicyoftheformofgovernment，laws，customs，andmanneroftrialandotheradministrationofjusticeusedintherealmofEngland，asnearasmaybe。\"Theconductofthecolonists，aswellasthecompany，soonafterwardsgaveoffensetoKingJames；andthedisasters，whichaccomplishedanalmosttotaldestructionofthecolonybythesuccessfulinroadsoftheIndians，createdmuchdiscontentanddisappointmentamongtheproprietorsathome。Thekingfounditnodifficultmattertosatisfythenation，thataninquiryintotheirconductwasnecessary。Itwasaccordinglyordered；
andtheresultofthatinquiry，bycommissionersappointedbyhimself，wasademandonthepartofthecrownofasurrenderofthecharters。20Thedemandwasresistedbythecompany；aquowarrantowasinstitutedagainstthem，anditterminated，asinthatageitmightwellbesupposeditwould，inajudgment，pronouncedin1624byjudgesholdingtheirofficesduringhispleasure，thatthefranchiseswereforfeitedandthecorporationshouldbedissolved。21
§；47。Itdoesnotappearthattheseproceedings，althoughtheyhavemetwithsevererebukeinlatertimes，attractedanyindignationorsympathyforthesufferersonthisoccasion。Theroyalprerogativewasthenviewedwithoutjealousy，ifnotwithfavor；andtherightsofEnglishmenwereilldefinedandillprotectedunderreignremarkablefornogreatornobleobjects。Dr。Robertsonhasobserved，thatthecompany，likeallunprosperoussocieties，fellunpitied；22andthenationwerecontenttoforgettheprostrationofprivaterights，underthefalseencouragementsheldoutofaidtothecolonyfromthebenignanteffortsandfuturecounselsofthecrown。
§；48。Withthefallofthecharterthecolonycameundertheimmediategovernmentandcontrolofthecrownitself；
andthekingissuedaspecialcommissionappointingagovernorandtwelvecounselors，towhomtheentiredirectionofitsaffairswascommitted。23Inthiscommissionnorepresentativeassemblywasmentioned；andthereislittlereasontosupposethatJames，who，besideshisarbitrarynotionsofgovernment，imputedtherecentdisasterstotheexistenceofsuchanassembly，everintendedtoreviveit。Whilehewasyetmediatinguponaplanorcodeofgovernment，hisdeathputanendtohisprojects，whichwerebettercalculatedtonourishhisownprideandconceit，thantosubservethepermanentinterestsoftheprovince。24Henceforth，however，VirginiacontinuedtobearoyalprovinceuntiltheperiodoftheAmericanRevolution。25
§；49。CharlestheFirstadoptedthenotionsandfollowedoutinitsfullextentthecolonialsystemofhisfather。26Hedeclaredthecolonytobeapartoftheempireannexedtothecrown，andimmediatelysubordinatetoitsjurisdiction。Duringthegreaterpartofhisreign，Virginiaknewnootherlaw，thanthewillofthesovereign，orhisdelegatedagents；andstatuteswerepassedandtaxesimposedwithouttheslightestefforttoconveneacolonialassembly。Itwasnotuntilthemurmursandcomplaints，whichsuchacourseofconductwascalculatedtoproduce，hadbetrayedtheinhabitantsintoactsofopenresistancetothegovernor，andtotheirdiscontents；
butpressed，ashewas，bysevereembarrassmentsathome，hewascontenttoadoptapolicy，whichwouldconciliatethecolonyandremovesomeofitsjustcomplaints。HeaccordinglysoonafterwardsappointedSirWilliamBerkeleygovernor，withpowersandinstructions，whichbreathedafarmorebenignspirit。Hewasauthorizedtoproclaim，thatinallitsconcerns，civilaswellasecclesiastical，thecolonyshouldbegovernedaccordingtothelawsofEngland。Hewasdirectedtoissuewritsforelectingrepresentativesofthepeople，whowiththegovernorandcouncilshouldformageneralassemblyclothedwithsupremelegislativeauthority；andtoestablishcourtsofjustice，whoseproceedingsshouldbeguidedbytheformsoftheparentcountry。TherightsofEnglishmenwerethusinagreatmeasuresecuredtothecolonists；andunderthegovernmentofthisexcellentmagistrate，withsomeshortintervalsofinterruption，thecolonynourishedwithavigorousgrowthforalmostfortyyears。27Therevolutionof1688foundit，ifnotinthepracticalpossessionofliberty，atleastwithformsofgovernmentwellcalculatedsilentlytocherishitsspirit。
§；50。ThelawsofVirginia，duringitscolonialstate，donotexhibitasmanymarkeddeviations，inthegeneralstructureofitsinstitutionsandcivilpolity，fromthoseoftheparentcountry，asthoseinthenortherncolonies。Thecommonlawwasrecognizedasthegeneralbasisofitsjurisprudence；andthelegislature，withsomeappearanceofboast，stated，soonaftertherestorationofCharlestheSecond，thattheyhad\"endeavoured，inallthings，asnearasthecapacityandconstitutionofthiscountywouldadmit，toadheretothoseexcellentandoftenrefinedlawsofEngland，towhichweprofessandacknowledgealldueobedienceandreverence。\"28Theprevalenceofthecommonlawwasalsoexpresslyprovidedforinallthecharterssuccessivelygranted，aswellasbytheroyaldeclaration，whenthecolonywasannexedasadependencytothecrown。Indeed，thereisnoreasontosuppose，thatthecommonlawwasnotinitsleadingfeaturesvaryacceptabletothecolonists；andinitsgeneralpolicythecolonycloselyfollowedinthestepsofthemothercountry。AmongtheearliestactsofthelegislaturewefindtheChurchofEnglandestablishedastheonlytruechurch；anditsdoctrinesanddisciplinewerestrictlyenforced。
Allnonconformistswereatfirstcompelledtoleavethecolony；andaspiritofpersecutionwasexemplifiednotfarbehindtherigorofthemostzealousofthePuritans。Theclergyoftheestablishedchurchwereamplyprovidedforbyglebesandtithes，andotheraids。Non—residencewasprohibited，anddueperformanceofparochialdutiesperemptorilyrequired。Thelaws，indeed，respectingthechurch，madeaveryprominentfigureduringthefirstfiftyyearsofthecoloniallegislation。Thefirstlawallowingtolerationtoprotestantdissenterswasintheyear1699，andmerelyadoptsthatofthestatuteofthe1stofWilliamandMary。Subjecttothis，thechurchofEnglandseemstohavemaintainedasexclusivesupremacydowntotheperiodoftheAmericanRevolution。Marriages，exceptinspecialcases，wererequiredtobecelebratedintheparishchurch，andaccordingtotherubricinthecommonprayerbook。ThelawofinheritanceoftheparentcountrywassilentlymaintaineddowntotheperiodoftheAmericanRevolution；
andthedistributionofintestateestateswascloselyfashioneduponthesamegeneralmodel。DevisesalsowereregulatedbythelawofEngland；29andnocolonialstatuteappearstohavebeenmadeonthatsubjectuntil1748whenonewasenacted，whichcontainsafewdeviationsfromit，probablyarisingfromlocalcircumstances。30Oneofthemostremarkablefactsinthejuridicalhistoryofthecolonyisthesteadyattachmentofthecolonytoentails。Byanactpassedin1705wasprovided，thatestatestailshouldnolongerbedockedbyfinesorrecoveries，butonlybyanactofthelegislatureineachparticularcase。Andthoughthiswasafterwardsmodified，soastoallowentailstobedestroyedinanothermanner，wheretheestatedidnotexceed£；200sterlinginvalue，31yetthegeneralpolicycontinueddowntotheAmericanRevolution。Inthisrespectthezealofthecolonytosecureentailsandperpetuateinheritancesinthesamefamilyoutstrippedthatoftheparentcountry。
§；51。Ataveryearlyperiodtheacknowledgmentandregistryofdeedsandmortgagesofrealestatewereprovidedfor；andthenon—registrywasdeemedabadgeoffraud。32Thetrialbyjuryalthoughprivilegeresultingfromtheirgeneralrights，wasguardedbyspeciallegislation。Therewasalsoanearlydeclaration，thatnotaxescouldbeleviedbytheGovernorwithouttheconsentoftheGeneralAssembly；andwhenraised，theyweretobeappliedaccordingtotheappointmentoftheLegislature。Theburgessesalsoduringtheirattendanceupontheassemblywerefreefromarrest。Inrespecttodomestictrade，ageneralfreedomwasguarantiedtoalltheinhabitantstobuyandselltothegreatestadvantage，andallengrossingwasprohibited。33Thecultureoftobaccoseemstohavebeenaconstantobjectofsolicitude；
anditwasencouragedbyalongsuccessionofActssufficientlyevincingthepublicfeeling，andthevastimportanceofittotheprosperityofthecolony。34WelearnfromSirWilliamBerkeley’sanswerstotheLordsCommissionersin1671，thatthepopulationofthecolonywasatthattimeabout40，000；thattherestrictionsofthenavigationact，cuttingoffalltradewithforeigncountries，wereveryinjurioustothem，astheywereobedienttothelaws。And\"thissayshe
isthecause，whynosmallorgreatvesselsarebuilthere；forwearemostobedienttoalllaws，whilsttheNew—Englandmenbreakthrough，andmentradetoanyplace，thattheirinterestleadsthem。\"ThislanguageissufficientlysignificantoftherestlessnessofNew—Englandundertheserestraintsuponitscommerce。Buthisanswertothequestionrespectingreligiousandotherinstructioninthecolonywouldinourtimescreateuniversalastonishment，？\"IthankGodsayshetherearenofreeschoolsnorprinting；andIhopeweshallnothavethesehundredyears；forlearninghasbroughtdisobedienceandheresyandsectsintotheworld；andprintinghasdivulgedthem，andlibelsagainstthebestgovernment。Godkeepusfromboth。\"35In1680aremarkablechangewasmadeinthecolonialjurisprudence，bytakingalljudicialpowerfromtheassembly，andallowinganappealfromthejudgmentsoftheGeneralCourttotheKinginCouncil。36
1。Robertson’sAmerica，B。9；
Doug。Summ。110，&；c。
2。1Haz。Coll。24。
3。Marshall’sColon。15，16；
Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
4。1Haz。Coll。33；Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
5。1Haz。Coll。38—40；2Doug。Summ。338。
6。Marsh。Colon。17；Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
7。Robertson’sAmerica。B。9。
8。Marsh。Colon。25；1Haz。Coll。
50；Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
9。1Haz。Coll。99；Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
10。Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
11。1Haz。Coll。50。
12。1Haz。Coll。50；Marsh。Colon。
25，26；Robertson’sAmer。B。9。
13。1Haz。Coll。50；Marsh。Colon。
26。
14。Marsh。Colon。27，28。
15。1Haz。Coll。58，72；Marsh。Colon。44，45，47；Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
16。IquotetheverywordsofDr。Robertsonthroughoutthispassageforitsspiritandgeneraltruth。Robert。Hist。
ofAmerica，B。9。
17。Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
Marsh。Colon。ch。2，p。54。
18。1Henning，Stat。III；Smith’sVirg。App。No。4，p。32；1Chalm。Annals，54。
19。Roberton’sAmerica，B。9；
Marsh。Colon。ch。2，p。56；1Haz。Coll。131。
20。In1623。See1Haz。Coll。
155。
21。Robertson’sAmerica，B。9；
1Haz。Coll。183；Marsh。Colon。ch。2p。60，62；Chalmers’sAnnals。
22。Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。
23。IHaz。Coll。189。
24。Marsh。Colon。ch。2，p。63，64；1Haz。Coll。189。
25。1Haz。Coll。220，225。
26。ItseemsthatacharterwassubsequentlygrantedbyCharlestheSecondonthe10thofOctober，1676，butitcontainedlittlemorethananacknowledgmentofthecolonyasanimmediatedependencyofthecrown。2Henning，Stat。531，532。
27。Robertson’sAmerica，B。9。；
Marsh。Amer。Col。ch。2，p。65，66，note。Ihavenotthoughtitnecessarytoadvertparticularlytothestateofthingsduringthedisturbedperiodofthecommonwealth。Henning，Virg。Stat。Introduction，p。
13，14。
28。2Henning，Stat。43。SirWilliamBardley，inhisanswertothequestionsoftheLordscommissionersin1671。\"ContrarytothelawsofEnglandweneverdid，nordaretomakeany[law]onlythis，thatnosaleoflandisgoodandlegal，unlesswithinthreemonthsaftertheconveyanceitberecorded。\"
29。IreferuponthesesubjectstoHenning，Stat。122，123，144，149，155，180，240，268，277，434，2Hen。Stat。
48，50；3Hen。Stat。150，170，360，441。
30。5Henning，Stat。456。
31。3Henning，Stat。320，516；
4Henning，Stat。400；5Henning，Stat。414；1Tuck。Black。
Comm。App。
32。1Henning。Stat。248；2Henning，Stat。98；3Henning。Stat。321。
33。1Henning，Stat。290。
34。See1Hen。Stat。126，andIndex，tit。Tobacco，inthatandthesubsequentvolumes；2Henning，Stat。
514。
35。2Hen。Stat。511，512，514，517；1Chalm。Annals，328；3Hutch。Collect。496。
36。Marsh。Colon。ch。5，p。163；
1Chalm。Annals，325。
JosephStory：CommentariesontheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates：
Book1Chapter3CHAPTERIII。ORIGINANDSETTLEMENTOFNEW—ENGLAND。§；52。WemaynowadvertinabriefmannertothehistoryoftheNorthern，orPlymouthCompany。ThatcompanypossessedfewerresourcesandlessenterprisethantheSouthern；andthoughtaidedbymenofhighdistinction，andamongothersbythepublicspiritandzealofLordChiefJusticePopham，itsfirsteffortsforcolonizationwerefeebleanddiscouraging。Capt。JohnSmith，sowellknownintheHistoryofVirginiabyhissuccessfuladventuresundertheirauthority，lentatransientlustertotheirattempts；andhiswarmdescriptionsofthebeautyandfertilityofthecountryprocuredforitfromtheexcitedimaginationofthePrince，afterKingCharlestheFirst，theflatteringnameofNew—England，aname，whicheffacedfromitthatofVirginia，andwhichhassincebecomedearbeyondexpressiontotheinhabitantsofitsharshbutsalubriousclimate。1
§；53。Whilethecompanywasyetlanguishing，aneventoccurred，whichgaveanewandunexpectedaspecttoitsprospects。
Itiswellknown，thatthereligiousdissensionsconsequentuponthereformation，whiletheyledtoamoreboldandfreespiritofdiscussion，failedatthesametimeofintroducingacorrespondentcharityfordifferencesofreligiousopinion。Eachsuccessivesectentertainednottheslightestdoubtofitsowninfallibilityindoctrineandworship，andwaseagertoobtainproselytes，anddenouncetheerrorsofitsopponents。Ifithadstoppedhere，wemighthaveforgotten，inadmirationofthesincerezealforChristiantruth，thedesireofpower，andtheprideofmind，whichlurkedwithintheinnerfoldsoftheirdevotion。Butunfortunatelythespiritofintolerancewasabroadinallitssternandunrelentingseverity。TotolerateerrorswastosacrificeChristianitytomeretemporalinterests。Truth，andtruthalone，wastobefollowedatthehazardofallconsequences；andreligionallowednocompromisesbetweenconscienceandworldlycomforts。Heresywasitselfasinofadeadlynature，andtoextirpateitwasaprimarydutyofall，whowerebelieversinsincerityandtruth。Persecution，therefore，evenwhenitseemedmosttoviolatethefeelingsofhumanityandtherightsofprivatejudgment，neverwantedapologistsamongthoseofthepurestandmostdevoutlives。Itwastoooftenreceivewithacclamationsbythecrowd，andfoundanamplevindicationfromthelearnedandthedogmatists；
fromthepolicyofthecivilmagistrate，andtheblindzealoftheecclesiastic。
Eachsect，asitattainedpower，exhibitedthesameunrelentingfirmnessinputtingdownitsadversaries。2Thepapistandtheprelate，thePuritanandthePresbyterian，feltnocompunctionsinthedestructionofdissentientsfromtheirownfaith。Theyuttered，indeed，loudcomplaintsoftheinjusticeoftheirenemies，whentheywerethemselvesoppressed，butitwasnotfromanyabhorrenceofpersecutionitself，butoftheinfamouserrorsofthepersecutors。Therearenotwantingontherecordsofthehistoryofthesetimesabundantproofs，howeasilysects，whichhadborneeveryhumancalamitywithunshrinkingfortitudeforconscience’sake，couldturnupontheirinoffensive，but，intheirjudgment，erringneighbors，withalikeinflictionofsuffering。5Evenadversitysometimesfailsofproducingitsusualsalutaryeffectsofmoderationandcompassion，whenablindbuthonestzealhasusurpeddominionoverthemind。Ifsuchapictureofhumaninfirmitymayjustlyaddtoourhumility，itmayalsoservetoadmonishusoftheChristiandutyofforbearance。Andhe，whocanlookwithaneyeofexclusivecensureonsuchscenes，musthaveforgotten，howmanybrightexamplestheyhaveaffordedoftheliveliestvirtue，themostpersuasivefidelity，andthemostexaltedpiety。
§；54。Amongothers，whosufferedpersecutionsfromthehaughtyzealofElizabeth，wasasmallsect，calledfromthenameoftheirleader，Brownists，towhomweowethefoundationofthenowwidespreadsectofCongregationalistsorIndependents。Aftersufferingsofanaggravatednature，theywerecompelledtotakerefugeinHollandunderthecareoftheirpastor，Mr。JohnRobinson，amandistinguishedforhispiety，hisbenevolence，andhisintrepidspirit。6Afterremainingtheresomeyears，theyconcludedtoemigratetoAmericainthehope，thattheymightthusperpetuatetheirreligiousdiscipline，andpreservethepurityofanapostolicalchurch。7InconjunctionwithotherfriendsinEnglandtheyembarkedonthevoyagewithadesignofsettlementonHudson’sriverinNew—York。ButagainsttheirintentiontheywerecompelledtolandontheshoresofCapeCodinthedepthofwinter，andtheplaceoftheirlanding，wascalledPlymouth，whichhassincebecomesocelebratedasthefirstpermanentsettlementinNew—England。8Nothavingcontemplatedanyplantationatthisplace，theyhadnottakentheprecautiontoobtainanycharterfromthePlymouthCompany。Theoriginalplanoftheircolony，however，isstillpreserved；9anditwasfoundeduponthebasisofacommunityofproperty，atleastforagivenspaceoftime，ascheme，astheeventshowed，utterlyincompatiblewiththeexistenceofanylargeandflourishingcolony。Beforetheirlandingtheydrewupandsignedavoluntarycompactofgovernment，forming，ifnotthefirst，atleastthebestauthenticatedcaseofanoriginalsocialcontractfortheestablishmentofanation，whichistobefoundintheannalsoftheworld。Philosophersandjuristshaveperpetuallyresortedtothetheoryofsuchacompact，bywhichtomeasuretherightsanddutiesofgovernmentsandsubjects；butforthemostpartithasbeentreatedasaneffortofimagination，unsustainedbythehistoryorpracticeofnations，andfurnishinglittleofsolidinstructionfortheactualconcernsoflife。Itwaslittledreamedof，thatAmericashouldfurnishanexampleofitinprimitiveandalmostpatriarchalsimplicity。
§；55。Onthe11thofNovember，1620，thesehumblebutfearlessadventurers，beforetheirlanding，drewupandsignedanoriginalcompact，inwhich，afteracknowledgingthemselvessubjectsofthecrownofEngland，theyproceedtodeclare：\"HavingundertakenforthegloryofGodandtheadvancementoftheChristianfaithandthehonorofourkingandcountry，avoyagetoplantthefirstcolonyinthenorthernpartsofVirginia，wedobythesepresentssolemnlyandmutually，inthepresenceofGodandofoneanother，covenantandcombineourselvestogetherintoacivilbodypolitic，farourbetterorderingandpreservationandfurtheranceoftheendsaforesaid。Andbyvirtuehereofdoenact，constitute，andframesuchjustandequallaws，ordinances，acts，constitutions，andofficersfromtimetotimeasshallbethoughtmostmeetandconvenientforthegeneralgoodofthecolony；untowhichwepromiseallduesubmissionandobedience。\"Thisisthewholeofthecompact，anditwassignedbyforty—onepersons。10Itisinitsveryessenceapuredemocracy；andinpursuanceofitthecolonistsproceededsoonafterwardstoorganizethecolonialgovernment，underthenameoftheColonyofNewPlymouth，toappointagovernorandotherofficers，andtoenactlaws。Thegovernorwaschosenannuallybythefreemen，andhadatfirstoneassistanttoaidhiminthedischargeofhistrust。11Fourothersweresoonafterwardsadded，andfinallythenumberwasincreasedtoseven。12Thesupremelegislativepowerresidedin，andwasexercisedbythewholebodyofthemaleinhabitants，everyfreeman，whowasamemberofthechurch，beingadmittedtovoteinallpublicaffairs。13Thenumberofsettlementshavingincreased，andbeingataconsiderabledistancefromeachother，ahouseofrepresentativeswasestablishedin1639；14themembersofwhich，aswellasallotherofficers，wereannuallychosen。
TheyadoptedthecommonlawofEnglandasthegeneralbasisoftheirjurisprudence，varyingithoweverfromtimetotimebymunicipalregulationsbetteradaptedtotheirsituation，orconformingmoreexactlytotheirsternnotionsoftheabsoluteauthorityanduniversalobligationoftheMosaicInstitutions。15
§；56。ThePlymouthColonistsacted，atfirst，altogetherunderthevoluntarycompactandassociationalreadymentioned。
Buttheydailyfeltembarrassmentsfromthewantofsomegeneralauthority，deriveddirectlyorindirectlyfromthecrown，whichshouldrecognizetheirsettlementandconfirmtheirlegislation。Afterseveralineffectualattemptsmadeforthispurpose，theyatlengthsucceededinobtaining，inJanuary，1629，apatentfromthecouncilestablishedatPlymouth，inEngland，underthecharterofKingJamesof1620。16Thispatent，besidesagrantoftheterritoryuponthetermsandtenureoftheoriginalpatentof1620，includedanauthoritytothepatenteeWilliamBradfordandhisassociates，\"toincorporatebysomeusualorfitnameandtitlehimorthemselves，orthepeoplethereinhabitingunderhimorthem，andtheirsuccessors，fromtimetotime，toframeandmakeorders，ordinances，andconstitutions，aswellforthebettergovernmentoftheiraffairshere，andthereceivingoradmittinganyintohisortheirsociety，asalsoforthebettergovernmentofhisortheirpeople，orhisortheirpeopleatseaingoingthitherorreturningfromthence；andthesametoputorcausetobeputinexecution，bysuchofficersandministersasheortheyshallauthorizeanddepute；provided，thatthesaidlawsandordersbenotrepugnanttothelawsofEnglandortheframeofgovernmentbythesaidpresidentandcouncil[ofPlymouthCompany]hereaftertobeestablished。\"17
§；57。Thispatentorcharterseemsnevertohavebeenconfirmedbythecrown；18andthecolonistswerenever，byanyactofthecrown，createdabodypoliticandcorporatewithanylegislativepowers。They，therefore，remainedinlegalcontemplationamerevoluntaryassociation，exercisingthehighestpowersandprerogativesofsovereignty，andyieldingobediencetothelawsandmagistrateschosenbythemselves。19
§；58。Thecharterof1629furnishedthem，however，withthecolourofdelegatedsovereignty，ofwhichtheydidnotfailtoavailthemselves。Theyassumedunderittheexerciseofthemostplenaryexecutive，legislative，andjudicialpowerswithbutamomentaryscrupleastotheirrighttoinflictcapitalpunishments。20Theywerenotdisturbedinthefreeexerciseofthesepowers，eitherthroughtheignoranceortheconnivanceofthecrown，untilaftertherestorationofCharlestheSecond。Theirauthorityundertheircharterwasthenquestioned；
andseveralunsuccessfulattemptsweremadetoprocureaconfirmationfromthecrown。Theycontinuedtoclingtoit，until，inthegeneralshipwreckofchartersin1684，theirswasoverturned。AnarbitrarygovernmentwasthenestablishedoverthemincommonwiththeotherNew—Englandcolonies；
andtheywerefinallyincorporatedintoaprovincewithMassachusettsunderthechartergrantedtothelatterbyWilliamandMaryin1691。21
§；59。Itmaynotbewithoutusetonoticeafewofthelaws，whichformed，whatmayproperlybedeemed，thefundamentalsoftheirjurisprudence。Afterprovidingforthemannerofchoosingtheirgovernorandlegislature，asabovestated，theirfirstattentionseemstohavebeendirectedtotheestablishmentof\"thefreelibertiesofthefree—bornpeopleofEngland。\"Itwasthereforedeclared，22almostinthelanguageofMagnaCharta，thatjusticeshouldbeimpartiallyadministereduntoall，notsold，ordenied；thatnopersonshouldsuffer\"inrespecttolife，limb，liberty，goodname，orestate，butbyvirtueorequityofsomeexpresslawoftheGeneralCourt，orthegoodandequitablelawsofournationsuitableforus，inmatterswhichareofacivilnature，asbythecourtherehathbeenaccustomed，whereinwehavenoparticularlawofourown；\"andnoneshouldsufferwithoutbeingbroughttoanswerbyduecourseandprocessoflaw；thatincriminalandcivilcasesthereshouldbeatrialbyjuryatalleventsuponafinaltrialonappeal；withtherighttochallengeforjustcause；andincapitalcasesaperemptoryrighttochallengetwentyjurorsasinEngland；thatnopartyshouldbecastorcondemned，unlessuponthetestimonyoftwosufficientwitnesses，orothersufficientevidenceorcircumstances，unlessotherwisespeciallyprovidedbylaw；thatallpersonsoftheageoftwenty—oneyears，andofsoundmemory，shouldhavepowertomakewillsandotherlawfulalienationsoftheirestate，whethertheywerecondemned，orexcommunicatedorother；
exceptthatintreasontheirpersonalestateshouldbeforfeited；buttheirrealestatewasstilltobeattheirdisposal。Allprocessesweredirectedtobeintheking’sname。23Alltrialsinrespecttolandweretobeinthecounty，whereitlay；andallpersonalactions，whereoneofthepartieslived；andlandsandgoodswereliabletoattachmenttoanswerthejudgmentrenderedinanyaction。AlllandsweretodescendaccordingtothefreetenureoflandsofEastGreenwich，inthecountyofKent；andallentailedlandsaccordingtothelawofEngland。
Allthesonsweretoinheritequally，excepttheeldest，whowastohaveadoubleshare。Iftherewerenosons，allthedaughtersweretoinheritalike。Brothersofthewholebloodweretoinherit；andifnone，thensistersofthewholeblood。Allconveyancesoflandweretobebydeedonly，acknowledgedbeforesomemagistrate，andrecordedinthepublicrecords。Amongcapitaloffenseswereenumerated，withoutanydiscrimination，idolatry，blasphemy，treason，murder，witchcraft，bestiality，sodomy，falsewitness，man—stealing，cursingorsmitingfatherormother，rape，willfulburningofhousesandships，andpiracy；whilecertainotheroffensesofanaturequiteasimmoralandinjurioustosocietyreceivedafarmoremoderatepunishment。UndoubtedlyareverentialregardfortheScripturesplacedthecrimesofidolatry，blasphemy，andfalsewitness，andcursingandsmitingfatherandmother，amongthecapitaloffenses。And，asmightwellbepresumedfromthereligioussentimentsofthepeople，ampleprotectionwasgiventothechurch；andthemaintenanceofapublicorthodoxministryandofpublicschoolswerecarefullyprovidedfor。24
§；60。Comparedwiththelegislationofsomeofthecoloniesduringanequalperiod，thelawsofthePlymouthcolonywillbefoundfewandbrief。Thisresultedinsomemeasurefromthenarrowlimitsofthepopulationandbusinessofthecolony；butinagreatermeasurefromtheirrelianceintheirsimpleproceedingsuponthegeneralprinciplesofthecommonlaw。
1。Robertson’sAmerica，B。10；
Marsh。Amer。Col。ch。3，p。77，78；1Haz。Coll。103，147，404；1Belknap’sNew—Hampshire，ch1。
2。Dr。Robertsonhasjustlyobserved，thatnotonlytheideaoftoleration，buteventheworditselfinthesensenowaffixedtoit，wasthenunknown。3SirJamesMackintosh，anameequallygloriousinjudicialandethicalphilosophy，hasremarked，thatthisgiantevilthesuppressionoftherightofprivatejudgmentinmattersofreligionhadreceivedamortalwoundfromLuther，whoinhiswarfarewithRomehadstruckablowagainstallhumanauthority，andunconsciouslydisclosedtomankind，thattheywereentitled，orratherboundtoformanduttertheirownopinionsandmostofallonthemostdeeplyinterestingsubjects。4
3。Thewholepassagedeservescommendationforitscatholicspirit。Robertson’sAmerica，B。10。
4。Mackintosh’sdissertationontheProgressofEthicalPhilosophy，Phila。1832，p。36。
5。Robertson’sAmerica，B。10；
1Belknap’sNew—Hampshire，ch。3；1Chalm。Annals，p。143，145，169，189，190，191；3Hutch。Hist。42。
6。Belknap’sNew—Hampshire，ch。
3；1Doug。Summ。369。
7。Morton’sMem。1to30。
8。Robertson’sAmerica，B。10；
Marsh。Amer。Col。ch。3，p。79，80；Morton’sMem。31to35。
9。1Haz。Coll。87，88；Morton’sMem。App。373。
10。1Haz。Coll。119；Morton’sMem。37；Marsh。Colon。ch。3，p。80；Robertson’sAmerica，B。10；2Hutch。Hist。455。
11。PlymouthLaws，1685；1Haz。Coll。
404，408。
12。Morton’sMem。110；Prince’sAnnals，225；2Hutch。Hist。463，465；1Haz。Coll。
404，408，411，412。
13。Robertson’sAmerica，B。10；
2Hutch。Hist。467；1Haz。Coll。408，411，412，114。
14。2Hutch。Hist。463。
15。Robertson’sAmerica，B。10；
2Hutch。Hist。462，463，464；Hubbard’sHist。ch。10，p。
62；Chalmers’sAnnals，p。88。
16。2Hutch。Hist。464，479；
1Haz。Collec。298，404，468；1Chalm。Annals，97，98；1
Holmes’Annals，201。
17。1Haz。Coll。298，404。
18。Chalmerssays，1Chalm。Annals，97，that\"thispatentwasnotconfirmedbythecrown，thoughthecontraryhasbeenaffirmedbythecolonialhistorians。\"SeealsoMarsh。Hist。
oftheColonies，ch。3。82，83。
19。Marsh。Hist。Colon。ch。3，p。82；1Chalm。Annals，87，88，97。
20。2Hutch。Hist。464，465，467；Chalm。Annals，88。
21。Hutch。Hist。479，480；Chalm。Annals，97，98。
22。In1636。See1Haz。Coll。
404，408；Id。178，PlymouthColonyLawsedit。1685；1Haz。Coll。
411，414，419。
23。1Haz。Coll。473；PlymouthCol。Laws，1688，p。16。
24。MoreampleinformationuponallthesesubjectswillbefurnishedbyanexaminationofthePlymouthColonyLaws，firstprintedin1685。
44HISTORYOFTHECOLONIES。[BOOKI。
CHAPTERIV。
MASSACHUSETTS。
§；61。AbouttheperiodwhenthePlymouthcolonistscompletedtheir
voyage，JamestheFirst，withaviewtopromotemoreeffectuallythe
interestsofthesecondornortherncompany，granted1totheDukeofLenox
andothersofthecompanyanewcharter，bywhichitsterritorieswere
extendedinbreadthfromthe40thtothe48thdegreeofnorthlatitude；and
inlengthbyallthebreadthaforesaidthroughoutthemainlandfromseato
sea，excludinghoweverallpossessionofanyotherChristianprince，and
alllandswithintheboundsofthesoutherncolony。2Totheterritorythus
boundedheaffixedthenameofNew—England，andtothecorporationitself
socreated，thenameof\"TheCouncilestablishedatPlymouthinthecounty
ofDevon，fortheplanting，ruling，ordering，andgoverningofNew—England
inAmerica\"3Thechartercontainsthenamesofthepersons，whowereto
constitutethefirstcouncil，withpowertofillvacancies，andkeepupa
perpetualsuccessionofcounselorstothenumberofforty。Thepowerto
purchase，hold，andselllands，andotherusualpowersofcorporationsare
thenconferredonthem，andspecialauthoritytomakelawsandordinances，
toregulatetheadmissionandtradeofallpersonswiththeplantation；to
disposeoftheirlands；toappointandremovegovernorsandotherofficers
oftheplantation；toestablishallmanneroforders，laws
___________________________________
1Nov。3，1620；IDoug。Summ。406，&c。
21Haz。Coll。103，105，&c。
31Haz。Coll。99，103，106，110，111。
CH。IV。]MASSACHUSETTS。45
anddirections，instructions，formsandceremoniesofgovernmentand
magistracy，sothatthesamebenotcontrarytothelawsandstatutesof
England；tocorrect，punish，pardon，govern，andruleallinhabitantsof
thecolonybysuchlawsandordinances，andindefectthereof，incasesof
necessity，accordingtothegooddiscretionsoftheirgovernorsand
officersrespectively，aswellincasescapitalandcriminalascivil，both
marineandothers，soalwaysthatthesameordinancesandproceedingsbe，
asnearasconvenientlymaybe，agreeabletothelaws，statutes，
government，andpolicyofEngland；andfinallytoregulatetradeand
traffictoandfromthecolony，prohibitingthesametoallpersonsnot
licensedbythecorporation。1Thecharterfurthercontainssome
extraordinarypowersincasesofrebellion，mutiny，misconduct，illicit
trade，andhostileinvasions，whichitisnotnecessarytoparticularize。
Thecharteralsodeclares，thatalltheterritoryshallbeholdenofthe
crown，asoftheroyalmanorofEastGreenwich，inKentcounty，infreeand
commonsoccage，andnotincapite，norbyknightservice；2andthatall
subjects，inhabitantsoftheplantation，andtheirchildrenandposterity
bornwithinthelimitsthereof，shallhaveandenjoyalllibertiesand
franchisesandimmunitiesoffreedenizensandnaturalsubjectswithinany
otherofthedominionsofthecrown，toallintentsandpurposes，asif
theyhadbeenabidingandbornwithinthekingdomofEngland，oranyother
dominionsofthecrown。3
§；62。Someofthepowersgrantedbythischarterwerealarmingtomany
persons，andespeciallythose，
___________________________________
11Haz。Coll。109，110，112，113，114。
21Haz。Coll。111。
31Haz。Coll。117。
46HISTORYOFTHECOLONIES。[BOOKI。
whichgrantedamonopolyoftrade。1Theeffortstosettleacolonywithin
theterritorywereagainrenewedandagainwereunsuccessful。2Thespirit
ofreligion，however，sooneffected，whatthespiritofcommercehadfailed
toaccomplish。ThePuritans，persecutedathome，andgroaningunderthe
weightofspiritualbondage，castalongingeyetowardsAmerica，asan
ultimateretreatforthemselvesandtheirchildren。Theywereencouraged
bytheinformation，thatthecolonistsatPlymouthwereallowedtoworship
theirCreatoraccordingtothedictatesoftheirconsciences，without
molestation。Theyopenedanegotiation，throughtheinstrumentalityofa
MlWhite，adistinguishednonconformingminister，withthecouncil
establishedatPlymouth；andinMarch，1627，procuredfromthemagrantto
SirHenryRosewellandothersofallthatpartofNew—Englandlyingthree
milessouthofCharlesriverandthreemilesnorthofMerrimackriver，and
extendingfromtheAtlantictotheSouthSea。3
§；63。Otherpersonsweresooninducedtounitewiththem，ifacharter
couldbeprocuredfromthecrown，whichshouldsecuretotheadventurers
usualpowersofgovernment。ApplicationwasmadeforthispurposetoKing
Charles，who，accordingly，inMarch1628，grantedtothegranteesandtheir
associatesthemostamplepowersofgovernment。Thecharterconfirmedto
themtheterritoryalreadygrantedbythecouncilestablishedatPlymouth，
tobeholdenofthecrown，
___________________________________
1Marsh。Colon。ch。3，p。83；Chalm。Annals，p。81，83。
2Robertson’sAmerica，B。10；Chalm。Annals，90。
3Thesearenotthedescriptivewordsofthegrant，butastatementofthe
substanceofit。ThegrantisrecitedinthecharterinHutchinson’s
collection，p。1，&c。andintheColonialandProvincelawsof
Massachusetts，printedin1814。
CH。IV。]MASSACHUSETTS。47
asoftheroyalmanorofEastGreenwich，\"infreeandcommonsoccage，and
notincapite，norbyknight’sservice，\"yieldingtothecrownonefifth
partofalloreofgoldandsilver，&c。withtheexception，however，of
anypartoftheterritoryactuallypossessedorinhabitedbyanyother
Christianprinceorstate，orofanypartofitwithintheboundsofthe
southerncolony[ofVirginia]grantedbyKingJames。Italsocreatedthe
associatesabodypoliticbythenameof\"TheGovernorandCompanyofthe
MassachusettsBayinNew—England，\"withtheusualpowersofcorporations。
Itprovided，thatthegovernmentshouldheadministeredbyagovernor，a
deputygovernor，andeighteenassistants，fromtimetotimeelectedoutof
thefreemenofthecompany，whichofficersshouldhavethecareofthe
generalbusinessandaffairsofthelandsandplantations，andthe
governmentofthepeoplethere；anditappointedthefirstgovernor，deputy
governor，andassistantsbyname。Itfurtherprovided，thatacourtor
quorumforthetransactionofbusinessshouldconsistofthegovernor，or
thedeputygovernor，andsevenormoreassistants，whichshouldassembleas
oftenasonceamonthforthatpurpose，andalso，thatfourgreatgeneral
assembliesofthecompanyshouldbeheldineveryyear。Inthesegreatand
generalassemblieswhichwerecomposedofthegovernor，deputy，
assistants，andfreemenpresent，freemenweretobeadmittedfreeofthe
company，officersweretobeelected，andlawsandordinancesforthegood
andwelfareofthecolonymade；\"soassuchlawsandordinancesbenot
contraryorrepugnanttothelawsandstatutesofthisourrealmof
England。\"AtoneofthesegreatandgeneralassembliesheldinEasterTerm，
thegovernor，deputy，andassistants，andotherofficersweretobe
annuallychosenbythecompanypresent。
48HISTORYOFTHECOLONIES。[BOOKI。
Thecompanywerefurtherauthorizedtotransportanysubjectsorstrangers
willingtobecomesubjectsofthecrowntothecolony，andtocarryon
tradetoandfromit，withoutcustomorsubsidyforsevenyears，andwere
tobefreeofalltaxationofimportsorexportstoandfromtheEnglish
dominionforthespaceoftwentyoneyears，withtheexceptionofafive
percentduty。Thecharterfurtherprovided，thatallsubjectsofthe
crown，whoshouldbecomeinhabitants，andtheirchildrenbornthere，oron
theseasgoingorreturning，shouldenjoyalllibertiesandimmunitiesof
freeandnaturalsubjects，asiftheyandeveryofthemwerebornwithin
therealmofEngland。Fulllegislativeauthoritywasalsogiven，subject
totherestrictionofnotbeingcontrarytothelawsofEngland，asalso
fortheimpositionoffinesandmulcts\"accordingtothecourseofother
corporationsinEngland。\"1Manyotherprovisionswereadded，similarin
substancetothosefoundintheantecedentcolonialchartersofthecrown。