To the Kings most excellent Majesty. The humble petition of William Dyre Gent Dyer, William, of Rhode Island. 1670 Approx. 17 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 3 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A37133 Wing D2948A ESTC R215315 99827223 99827223 31639 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A37133) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 31639) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1906:9) To the Kings most excellent Majesty. 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North America -- History -- Colonial period, 1600-1775 -- Early works to 1800. 2006-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-10 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-12 Celeste Ng Sampled and proofread 2006-12 Celeste Ng Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion TO THE KINGS Most Excellent Majesty . The Humble Petition of William Dyre Gent. Sheweth ; THat whereas their late Royal Majesties King James and King Charles the First , of ever blessed Memory , did ( upon the Resignation of the Grand Charter ) Grant by their Letters Patents , several Colonies in that part of America called New-England , beginning in the West , to the Lord Mougrave , running Eastward to Hudsons River . Secondly , To his Grace the Duke of Richmond . Thirdly , To the Earl of Carlisle . Fourthly , To the Lord Edward Gorges . Fifthly , To the Marquess of Hamilton . Sixthly , To Captain John Mason ; and Lastly , To Sir Fardinando Gorges . All or most of which Colonies having been Planted and Peopled at the Charge , and by the Noble Encouragement of the Proprietors , and many Adventurers , do increase and flourish daily : Notwithstanding some of those , and them not the least considerable ; are much obstructed in their Prosperity and greatly Ruined by the continual Disputes and Controversies arising from their unsetled Limits and Bounderies , which hath occasioned much dissention amongst the Governments , Treason of the Massathusets usurping a Power and imposing Laws , or Tyrannical Edicts upon the Inhabitants of the Provinces of Mayn and Newhampshire , using Acts of Hostility against the Institutions of the Proprietors ( and in direct opposition to Your Majesties express will and pleasure strictly commanding the contrary ) have subverted the Government setled there by your Majesties Commissioners in the year 1666. to the Injury and Disquiet of the Commonalty ; and Contempt of Your Royal Authority . Wherefore , to Compose the matter , and put an end to the aforesaid Differences , and for setling Peace , Union and Concord amongst Your Majesties Subjects and Plantations ; it is most humbly Pray'd , that Your Sacred Majesty will be Graciously pleased to purchase of Mr. Mason and Mr. Gorges , the abovesaid Provinces of Newhampshire and Mayne , which now may be bought at an easie Rate , the which will give your Majesty an absolute and immediate Dominion of all New-England , and bring into Your Majesty the most considerable advantages that either have been , or are to be made by any of those Your Majesties Plantations , as shall be demonstrated by Your Petitioner with Your Majesties Leave . And Your Petitioner shall ever Pray , &c. AN EXPERIMENTAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL Description Of the PROVINCES of Mayn and New Hampshire in North - America ; now belonging to Mr. John Mason and Fardinando Gorges Esquire , with a brief Collection of such advantages as are to be made by the same if in case they were in your Majesties possession , and setled under your immediate Government , most humbly offered to Your Majesties Consideration ; By W. D. Gent. First concerning the Entrance , Latitude and Course of Merrimeck River for decision of the Northern bounds of the Massathusets Colony in New England . THe River Monomack , alias Merrimack , hath its inlet , or Easterly beginning about 22 miles North and by East from Cape Ann , the North side of the said Rivers Mouth being in 42 degrees and 57 minutes Northerly Latitude , running West Southerly , as far as 〈◊〉 the South , and Salisbury on the North , where the River is about half a mile over , and the Torrent swift , though mitigated by an Island in the midst thereof ; and from thence to Haverhill VVest , South-VVest , and so continues its course VVestward as high as any settlement of English , or discovery hath yet been made , and is said to proceed from the Lake of Troquoies , which falls into Hudsons River , and this of Merrimack ; but to my certain knowledge there is no principal branch , nor part of Merrimack that lies or extends more Northerly then the North-side of the entrance or Rivers mouth , three English miles to the Northward of which , into the Land , was built a little Hutt called Bound-house ; which said Cottage , or place where it stood being in 43 degrees of Northern-Latitude , is the Septentrional Confines of the Massathusets line , nor did they pretend to any more , till the New-setled Plantations in the Provinces of Mayn and New-hampshire , being without Government , and in danger of the Salvages , craved their Temporary protection , which having been long continued , is now by the Bostonians claim'd as their Rights . Indeed , if Merrimack River or any branch of it were found to run so far Northward as 45 degrees , and then taking into the Land three English miles farther North , from whence stretching a direct line Eastward into the Atlantick Sea , it must be own'd , that then the Provinces of Mayn and New-Hampshire do fall inclusively within the Massathusets bounds . And so likewise , from the Southward of the South-west stream of Charles River , and three English miles Southward of that running a due South course into the Ocean , will be comprehended the Provinces of Novum-belgium , New-haven , Conecticutt , Rhod-Island , and New-Plymouth : The thoughts of which boundless possessions might swell them of the Massathusets Colony into an ambitious conceipt of being absolute Lords and Proprietors of a Great Empire , and so arrogate to themselves a Liberty of prescribing Laws , and exercising their Dominion over all the Inhabitants of New-England . But , to prevent their Title to so Copious a Claim , and settle other Patentees into their just dues ; It 's presumed , there is nothing more plain and demonstrable ( both from the course of the Rivers , and the express words of the Charter ) then that the intent of the Patent , and bounds of the Massathusets Grant , was , three English miles to the Northward of the Northernmost banks of Merrimack , taking it Gradually into the Land parallel with the River as it runs up into the Countrey , which is West-Southerly ; and , in the same manner not to exceed three English miles to the Southward of the South-west part of Charles River , still taking it up along the said Rivers side , and not from the heads or extream Branches thereof , and then three English miles to the Southward or Northward of each River , and so run by course into the Sea : which would include all the Southern and Northern Colonies abovesaid , rendering their Patents insignificant and improperly Granted . Wherefore the hope of Your Majesties suffering Subjects depends wholly upon Your Majesties Gracious Clemency , Wisdom and Justice for Relief in the matter ; it being only in Your Majesties Royal Power to put a final issue to the Controversies : which is earnestly desired by all that wish well to Your Majesties interests , and may be happily , honourably and successfully done by Your Majesties Purchasing the Provinces of New-Hampshire and Mayne , of the abovesaid Proprietors , which are situated and furnished according to the Description here following . THe Province of New-Hampshire , which was the assignment of Captain John Mason , is bounded on the South and South-west by the Massathusets line North-Eastward upon the Province of Mayne , on the East and South-East , by the Sea , stretching Westward into the Continent , and lies between 43 and 44 degrees of North-Latitude ; in which is comprised Newhampton , with several other Towns , Villages and spacious Farms pleasantly situated , some fronting the Sea , some within Land , and some upon the South-West-side , or part of Pascataway-River , where are built many Commodious and profitable Saw-mills , for cutting Plank , Timber and Boards . THat part of America called Province of Mayn , takes its beginning at the entrance of Pascataway River , extending up the same to the River Newchewannick , to the extream part thereof ; and from thence North-West , 120 miles , and from the mouth of Pascataway River aforesaid North-Eastward along the Sea-coast , to Sagadehock ; and up the same to Kenebeck-River , as far as the head thereof , comprehending several Islands in the Sea , viz. the North , half of the Isles of Shoalds , Nantucket , Martins-Vineyard , Capanawagon , Richmonds-Island , the Clap-board Islands , and sundry others of very great importance for Fishing , Farming and Planting . The Climate and Air of this Province ( as well as that of New-Hampshire ) is Temperate , Sweet , Cleer and Healthy ; the Soyles Fertile ; the Harbors , Ports and Havens commodious and safe , and the Countrey every where well furnished with Rivers , Brooks , Lakes , Ponds , Streams and Springs ; with store of Champion-Ground , Ranges , Level-Land , Meadows , Swamps , Thickets , Marches , Uplands , Hills , and fruitful valleys : where growes Tall Cedars , sturdy Oaks , brave Elmes , tough Walnut , and streight Chesnut Trees ; Fragrant Birch , brown Beech , and multitude of Ash , Maple , Asp , Holly , Ivie , Hazle , Hawthorne , Shumach , Willow , Buttonwood , Alder , Poplar and Sassafras ; with curious Cypress , Fir , Sprewse and Pines of a vast magnitude ; and the most incomparable Timber for building Ships in the World. There are also plenty of Vines which naturally yield three sorts of pleasant Grapes , the first a large Whitish and mellifluous Grape , the second a Purple colour of the same size , and very delicious , the third a small Black Winter-grape , somewhat tart , but very wholsome and good . As for Orchard and Garden-Fruits , there are Apples of all sorts , Pears of most kinds , Peaches , Malagatoons , Quinces ; Apricocks , Plums , Cherries , Currants , Hurts , Strawberries , Cramberries , and Blewberries , also Musk-mellons , Water-mellons , and Cucumbers , with all manner of Plants , Herbs and Roots ; each Tree , Herb , Plant and Root , according to its kind , brings forth Nuts , Berries , Fruit and Seeds . The Pastures are cloathed with Grass , and the Fields produce plenty of Wheat , Pease , Barly , Rye and Oats , with some other sorts of Grain , in which Fields and Grounds are bred and raised huge droves of good Cattel , Horses , Sheep and Hogs . But the natural inhabitants of the abovesaid Woods , Hills and Swamps , are incredible numbers of wild Beasts , as Bears , Moose , Deer , Wolves , Foxes , Bevers , Otters , Minks , Martins , Musquashes , Sables , Squirils , Rackoons , Wild-Cats , Hedg-hogs , Porcupines , Wild Rabbets , Hares and Woodchucks . The Bowels of the Earth being no less enricht with plenty of Iron , Ore , Tin , Copper , Lead , Coals , Sulphur , and other Minerals , which voluntarily offer themselves to publick view , without searching after , as if Nature were willing to discover , and disburthen her self of what our Ingenuities are slow in seeking . Nor know I any reason why Richer Mines should not there be found , as well as in the Neighbor-Colonies ; in regard there is more external probality , and visible encouragement in these Provinces then was in any of them . The Production of the Rivers , Lakes and Ponds , is infinite quantities of fresh-water Fish , as Bass , Salmon , Trouts , Carp , Perch , Pinkerin and Pouts ; also the Salt-water and Sea-coasts abounding with Whales , Grampuses , Seals , Herring-hogs , Porposes , Sharks , Dog-fish , Sturgeon , Hollibut , Cod , Haddock , Hake , Pollock , Mackeril , Soles , Scate , Alewives , Smelts , Eeles , Lamprons , Frost-fish , Cole , Thornback , Herrings , Capeline and Shad ; and of Shell-fish there be Lobsters , Muscles , Oysters , Crabs , Perriwinkles , Tortoise , Clams , Cockles and Scollops . The Islands adjacent , together with the Woods , Sea , Rivers , and Shoares , yield swarms of Fowl and Birds , as Turkeys , Pheasants , Heath-hens , Partridges , Quailes , Eagles , Hawks , Ravens , Crowes , Stares , Owles , Cormorants , Cranes , Bitterns , Herns , Kites , Pidgeons , Thrushes , Turtle-doves , Swans , Geese , Brants , Murrs , Penguins , Mallard , Teal and VVidgins , with abundance of other Sea-fowle and small Birds , all which variety of Creatures , being there placed by the infinite Providence of Almighty God , are so beneficial for the subsistance of Mankind , as contributes much to the Peopling and Planting of that Countrey , which in the Summer is most delightful and pleasant by the lovely shady Groves , sweet singing Birds , and cool Christal springs . VVherefore if the great worth and intrinsick value of the aforesaid Provinces were duly considered , and by Your Majesties Gracious Favour brought under the obedience of Your Royal Authority , there are certain and almost incredible advantages to be made , as well conducible to Your Majesties benefit , the honour of Your Crown and Dignity , as also to the publick good of that place a●● this Nation , as may appear in the several particulars following . Imprimis . Were the Provinces of Mayn and New-hampshire Purchased by Your Majesty , your Majesty hath then the absolute , real , actual Dominion and Soveraignty of those Seas , with the sole propriety and benefit of all Fishing used on the Coasts of New-England , and may at your Royal Pleasure settle a Duty or Impost upon all Fisheries there , without intrenching upon the Liberties of the Bostoners Patent , the abrogation of their Priviledges , or the least wrong to the Inhabitants , and also in a short time reduce , or win those of the Massathusets and Plymouth Colonies to a ready Subjection and compleat Obedience . 2. From hence Your Majesty may be ( at all times both in Peace and War ) supplyed with Masts , Tarr , Timber , Plank , Boards , and Pipe-staves , at a much cheaper , and easier rate then now your Majesty is , or by any other means can be ; wherein consists very much the safety of your Majesties Maritime Affairs . 3. In these Provinces your Majesty may settle a very considerable and profitable Trade with the Indians , for Beaver and all other peltry ; in regard they border so near upon Nova-scotia , and are as well furnished with Lakes , Ponds and Rivers as that Countrey is , and also with little charge improve all Mines and Minerals of worth there . 4. By Your Majesties being the 〈…〉 of your Subjects , the prosperity of Your Plantations , the encouragement of Trade , Navigation and Commerce , be inexpressibly advanced , by uniting the Colonies , and securing the Ports and Countrey from invasion . 5. To the aforesaid places Your Majesty may in time of peace imploy some of Your great Flemish Prizes to bring over Masts , Deales , Timber and Staves , which will be of singular benefit both to Your Majesty and this Nation . 6. By having the Propriety of these Provinces , Your Majesty will receive a considerable Revenue out of the Fish taken and made there , as also by a small Duty upon all kind of Timber and Raft that shall be Exported , which will be advantagious and of great value , in regard those Commodities are not to be had in any other part of New-England , but in the Provinces of New-hampshire and Mayne , which may now be Your Majesties for a small sum of Money , or Trifle , compared with their true value and Consequences . These particulars are in all Humility , Duty , and submissive Obedience Laid at Your Majesties Feet , and most Loyally proposed by a Faithful Subject , to the end Your Sacred Majesty may be Absolute in your Soveraignty , Greater in Riches , Name and Power , and that Your Royal Commands may be with reverence obeyed , Your Majesties Laws executed , the Protestant Religion cherished , the Priviledges of Your Majesties Subjects enlarged , Learning propagated , and all Vertue encouraged . And that Your Majesties good Subjects in those parts may not only have the Name of Your Majesty , but also Your Power amongst them , and thereby live Peaceably , Happily and Quietly under Your Majesties Royal Government , which Heaven grant may be long , long and Prosperous . FINIS .