beholder. Four of them suffered capitally. To the positive orders of the King that these dreadful barbarities should be discontinued (after having first satisfied themselves of their inefficiency), they yielded compliance, so far as mutilation and death were employed, and the persecution of vagabond. Quakers dwindled down into mere whipping, with the merciful limitation attached to it, that the culprit should be only flogged through three towns. The Baptists, who had also been treated with great severity, joined in the universal complaint against the Puritans.

Finally the Lords of the Council, who were daily besought for relief by so many different interests, represented to the King, (January, 1662-3,)" that New England hath in these late. times of general disorder, strayed into many enormities, by which it appeared that the Government there have purposely withdrawn all manner of correspondence, as if they intended to suspend their absolute dependence to his Majesty's authority."

Not wishing to proceed to extremities with these intractable people, Charles resolved upon sending Commissioners to report upon the actual state of the colonies; and accordingly Colonel Nicholas, Sir Robert Carr, George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, were authorised to proceed to America, "to visit the provinces of New England, hear and

determine all causes of complaint, as well as appeals in matters military, ecclesiastical and civil, and to settle there peace and security." The instructions given them were of a kind well calculated (as far as such a proceeding was capable) to maintain no more than the due observance of the terms of the Charter on the one hand, and the royal authority on the other. They were particularly charged to encourage no faction, to solicit no present profit, to countenance no change inconsistent with ancient usages, and to do nothing that might be considered an invasion of liberty of conscience. Finally, not to shock their religious scruples beyond all endurance, or to run the hazard of driving a people already highly excited, into irretrievable madness, they were commanded not to suffer their chaplain, when officiating for them, to wear his surplice.

As these gentlemen were expected in Boston. early in July, a day of fasting and prayer was appointed to be observed throughout the whole province, to implore the mercy of God upon his people under their sore trials and afflictions. As it was thought not impossible some attempt might be made by the Commissioners to seize upon their Charter, it was ordered to be brought into court, when it was formally delivered, together with a duplicate, to four confidential persons, who were empowered and enjoined to deposit them in a place

of safety and concealment. The Governor and Council then resolved "to bear true allegiance to his Majesty, but to adhere to a patent so dearly earned and so long enjoyed." A committee was also appointed, whose duty it was, immediately on the arrival of the ships, to present their respects to the board, and request that strict orders should be given to the subaltern officers, sailors, and soldiers, on their coming on shore for refreshment, to land only in very limited numbers, without arms, and that they should be admonished to conduct themselves in a meet, orderly manner, and abstain from giving offence to the inhabitants, or violating the laws for the preservation of the peace. Having taken these precautions, and mutually encouraged each other to exercise great coolness and deliberation, in any step it might be necessary to take in this trying emergency, they awaited with patience the arrival of the formidable officers of the Crown.

CHAPTER IX.

The Commissioners arrive at Boston-Deliver a royal letter to the Government, and proceed to the Hudson to attack the Dutch settlements-The General Court in their absence petition for their withdrawal, and solicit the aid of the Puritan noblemen-Answers of the King and Lord Clarendon-General effect of Commissions of Inquiry — The franchise extended - The clergy and demagogues prepare the people for resistance-False rumours put into circulation-General Court refuse to summon the people to assemble-Commissioners inquire whether they admit the King's authority-They decline to answer, and refuse to attend before them, or to submit to an appeal-They summon the CommissionersClose of the inquiry Accidents to Commissioners reputed to be judgments of Heaven-The King orders the Governor and other members of the General Court to appear before him-They decline, affecting to doubt the genuineness of the order-Distinction taken between obedience to beneficial and injurious orders-The New England colonies renew their confederation-Effect of it— Complaints of English merchants against the infraction of the laws of trade-The oath of allegiance ordered to be taken, and the King's arms set up-Agents sent to

England, but ordered to yield nothing-A custom house officer appointed-Opposition to him-He is obliged to return to England-General Court re-enacts trade laws -Its members take modified official oaths-Collector sent out again, but they threaten to execute him-Is obliged to quit the colony-General gloom in Massachusetts-People terrified by comets-The credentials of agents found deficient-They offer a bribe of two thousand guineas to the King-Agents return, and are followed by Randolph with the Quo Warranto-General Court refuses to surrender the Charter-Their arguments-They again petition and pretend there has been no service of the writ-Judgment given against them— Remarks on their conduct-Natural effects of dissent.

THE Commissioners arrived at Boston on the 13th of July, 1664, and having laid before the Governor and Council their letters patent, and called their attention to the last mandatory communication from his Majesty, proceeded to the Hudson, for the purpose of reducing the Dutch settlements, that interposed so inconveniently between the English provinces.

During their temporary absence, the General Court petitioned the King to revoke their authority, and once more besought the aid of all those influential persons in England, who, at one time or another, had shown them any kindness. To the former they said, in their usual adulatory language, "As the high place you sustain on earth doth number you among the gods, so you will imitate the God of Heaven, in being ready to