University of Virginia Library

CDVI. Court of King's Bench. Record of Proceedings upon
Information of Quo Warranto[307]
November 4, 1623, to May 24, 1624

Adhuc de termino Sancti Michaelis: Rex: memorandum quod Thomas
Coventrye, miles, attornatus domini Regis nunc generalis, qui pro eodem
domino Rege in hac parte sequitur, in propria persona sua venit hic in
curia dicti domini Regis coram ipso Rege apud Westmonasterium die
Martis proxima post crastinum animarum isto eodem termino et pro
eodem domino Rege protulit hic in curia dicti domini Regis coram ipso
Rege tunc ibidem quandam informacionem versus Nicholaum ffarrer,
Edwinum Sandis, militem, Johannem Danvers, militem, Johannem ffarrer,
Thomam Kiteley, Thomam Wheatley, Ricardum Caswell, Thomam Shep-
heard, Johannem Cuffe, Gabrielem Barber, Willelmum Deereblocke,
Anthonium Withers, Georgium Scott, Edwardum Hackett, Johannem
Kirrell, Thomam Morris, Willelmum Webb, Ricardum Bull, Willelmum
Nicholls, Patricium Copeland, Willelmum Browne, Georgium Smythe,
Ricardum Tomlyns, Edwardum Brewster, Willelmum Ewens, Thomam
Winston in medicinis doctorem, Georgium Swinehowe, Edwardum Ryder,
Gilbertum Morewood & Edmundum Morgan liberos homines & peri-
clitatores & plantatores, Anglice, adventurers & planters, civitatis Londonie
pro prima colonia in Virginia et alios liberos homines existentes periclita-
tores et plantatores civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia que
sequitur in hec verba Londoniae Scilicet: Memorandum quod Thomas
Coventrye, miles, attornatus domini Regis nunc generalis, qui pro eodem
domino Rege in hac parte sequitur, in propria persona sua venit hic in

curia dicti domini Regis coram ipso Rege apud Westmonasterium die
Martis proxima post crastinum animarum isto eodem termino et pro eodem
domino Rege dat curie hic intelligi et informari quod Nicholaus ffarrer,
Edwinus Sandis, miles, Johannes Danvers, miles, Johannes ffarrar, Thomas
Kiteley, Thomas Wheatley, Ricardus Caswell, Thomas Shepheard, Jo-
hannes Cuffe, Gabriel Barber, Willelmus Deereblock, Anthonius Withers,
Georgius Scott, Edwardus Hackett, Johannes Kirrell, Thomas Morris
Willelmus Webb, Ricardus Bull, Willelmus Nicholls, Patricius Copeland,
Willelmus Browne, Georgius Smyth, Ricardus Tomlyns, Edwardus
Brewster, Willelmus Ewens, Thomas Winston in medicinis doctor, Georgius
Swinhowe, Edwardus Ryder, Gilbertus Morewood et Edmundus Morgan,
liberi homines et periclitatores et plantatores, Anglice, adventurers &
planters, civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia et alii liberi
homines existentes periclitatores et plantatores civitatis Londonie pro
prima colonia in Virginia per spacium trium annorum jam ultimo elapsum
et amplius usi fuerunt et adhuc utuntur acclamant habere et uti infra
civitatem Londonie et libertatem eiusdem ac in omnibus locis extra
civitatem predictam infra hoc regnum Anglie necnon in quampluribus
partibus transmarinis extra hoc regnum Anglie absque aliquo warranto
sive regulari concessione libertatibus privilegiis, et ffranchesiis subse-
quentibus, videlicet, fore incorporatos per nomen Thesaurarii et Societatis
periclitatorum et plantatorum civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in
Virginia ac per illud nomen placitare et implacitari in omnibus curiis
et locis quibuscunque ac coram quibuscunque judicibus justiciariis vel
aliis personis quibuscunque tam in omnibus et singulis accionibus, sectis
et querelis quam in omnibus et singulis aliis causis, negotiis, materiis et
demandis quibuscunque cuiuscunque sint generis, nature sive speciei ac
per idem nomen fore personas habiles et in lege capaces ad perquirendum,
habendum, recipiendum, capiendum, et possidendum sibi et successoribus
suis tam de dicto domino Rege quam de aliquibus aliis personis vel corpori-
bus corporatis aliqua dominia, maneria, terras, tenementa, redditus,
reverciones, revenciones, servicia, possessiones, hereditamenta, bona et
catalla, licencias, libertates, ffranchesias, proficua, commoditates, quecunque
eis per prefatum nomen sive aliis personis sive alicui alie persone ad eorum
usum data, facta, habita, concessa seu confirmata ac per dictum nomen
dare, concedere, dimittere, locare, disponere, assignare et alienare bona,
catalla, terras, tenementa, et hereditamenta sua quecunque cuicunque
persone vel quibuscunque personis ad eorum libitum, acetiam habere
diversa communa sigilla pro omnibus et singulis causis et negotiis suis
agendis et illa ad libitum suum frangere, mutare et de novo facere acetiam
habere potestatem et authoritatem quandocunque eis placuerit nominare,
constituere et jurare unum de seipsis fore thesaurarium eiusdem Societatis
ac unum alium de seipsis fore deputatum thesaurarii eiusdem Societatis,
acetiam nominare, constituere et jurare de semetipsis tot et tales alios
officiarios et ministros tam infra hoc regnum Anglie residentes quam in
patria de Virginia in partibus transmarinis inhabitantes et residentes quot
et quales eis placuerit et gubernatorem, thesaurarii deputatum et alios
officiarios et ministros illos ad libitum suum proprium exonerare amovere,
alterare et mutare, ac facere, eligere et admittere in Societate illa quas-
cunque personas voluerint tam alienas quam alias et denariorum summas
de eisdem personis capere, recipere et levare pro eorum admissione in
Societate predicta, quodque persone sic in Societate predicta admisse et
admittende erunt de Societate predicta ac incorporate unacum ceteris de
eadem societate, necnon quascunque personas de eadem societate ad
libitum suum proprium a libertatibus et ffranchesiis suis eiusdem Societatis
excludere et easdem personas disfranchesiare et a Societate illa amovere et
exonerare, necnon habere sibi et successoribus suis tot illas terras, patrias
et territoria dicti domini Regis vocata Virginia et terras, patrias et terri-
toria illa ad libitum suum proprium assignare, dare, vendere, alienare et
disponere cuicunque persone et quibuscunque personis eis placuerit, necnon
habere regimen et solam gubernacionem omnium terrarum, patriarum et
territoriorum predictorum et omnium personarum in eisdem inhabitan-
tium, commorantium et residentium seu in partes illas venientium seu
negotiantium et easdem personas regere et gubernare secundum ordina-
ciones et constituciones Societatis illius, necnon habere unum consilium
infra hoc regnum Anglie continue residens consistere de diversis hominibus
eiusdem Societatis et nominare, eligere et jurare quoscunque voluerint
fore de consilio illo necnon habere unum consilium continue residens in dictis
partibus transmarinis in Virginia consistere de diversis hominibus per ipsos
nominandis et eligendis et nominare, eligere et jurare quoscunque voluerint
fore de consilio illo, necnon habere et tenere tam infra civitatem Londonie
predictam quam alibi infra hoc regnum Anglie ac etiam in partibus trans-
marinis in Virginia predicta quasdam domos consiliares et in eisdem
domibus quandocunque eis videbitur expedire, habere et tenere curias, con-
gregaciones sive convocaciones de quampluribus et diversis hominibus eius-
dem Societatis tot et talibus, quot et qualibus eis placuerit ac in eisdem
curiis, congregacionibus et convocacionibus ad libitum suum proprium
diversa statuta, leges et constituciones ordinare, facere et constituere et
omnes personas tam de Societate predicta quam alias personas non existentes
de eadem Societate que statutis, ordinacionibus, legibus et constitucionibus
illis non obedirent imprisonare ac fines et amerciamenta super eas eadem
causa taxare et imponere et ea ad usus suos proprios levare et convertere
ac alias penas, penalitates et puniciones quascunque ad libitum suum
proprium super easdem personas imponere et infligere, acetiam ad libitum
suum proprium exportare et transportare extra hoc regnum Anglie in partes
transmarinas predictas quascunque personas eis placuerit tam subditas dicti
domini Regis existentes quam alias personas quascunque eosque ad libitum
suum proprium regere et gubernare tam in itinere suo super mare quam in
partibus transmarinis predictis acetiam habere libertatem, potestatem et
auctoritatem contra leges et statuta huius regni Anglie transportare extra hoc
regnum Anglie in partes transmarinas omnes et omnimodas mercandizas et
mercimonia et alias res quascunque per leges et statuta huius regni Anglie
prohibitas transportari acetiam transportare extra hoc regnum Anglie in
partes transmarinas predictas omnia genera armorum, armamentorum,
instrumentorum bellicosorum, pulveris bombardice, victualium, pecorum,
equorum, equarum et omnium aliarum mercandizarum et rerum quarum-
cunque absque reddicione vel solucione subsidii, custume, imposicionis
vel alie taxacionis quarumcunque dicto domino regi vel ad usum eiusdem
domini Regis, acetiam de omnibus personis tam subditis dicti domini Regis
quam aliis negotiantibus, Anglice, tradinge, in partibus transmarinis illis
tam non existentibus de Societate sua predicta quam aliis diversas pecunie
summas ad libitum suum proprium exigere omnesque qui dictas exacciones
solvere negaverint vel neglexerint imprisonare ac habere solam et unicam
induccionem omnium et singularum mercandizarum et rerum a partibus
transmarinis illis in hoc regnum Anglie adductarum vel adducendarum et
ex eorum propria auctoritate prohibere omnes et singulas personas quas-
cunque qui non sunt de Societate sua predicta transportare extra hoc
regnum Anglie in partes transmarinas illas aliquas mercandizas vel alias
res quascunque ibidem in partibus transmarinis illis mercandizandas seu
aliquas mercandizas vel alias res quascunque adducere a partibus trans-
marinis illis in hoc regnum Anglie necnon fines et amerciamenta ad libitum
suum taxare et imponere super quibuslibet personis negotiantibus, Anglice,
tradinge, cum aliquibus mercandizis vel aliis rebus quibuscunque in partibus
transmarinis illis et easdem personas absque ballio sive manucaptione ad
libitum suum imprisonare, acetiam quascunque imposiciones eis placuerit
super mercandizis et aliis rebus per aliquam personam vel aliquas personas
non existentes de Societate sua predicta in partes transmarinas predictas
extra hoc regnum Anglie transportatis vel transportandis vel a partibus
transmarinis predictis in hoc regnum Anglie adductis vel adducendis
imponere et Naves, mercandizas et alias res predictas capere, seisire et
retinere irreplegiabiles quo usque ipsi satisfacti sunt de imposicionibus sic
per ipsos super mercandizis et aliis rebus illis impositis, necnon habere
potestatem et authoritatem uti vel exercere tam infra partes transmarinas
predictas quam super altum mare jus militare quandocunque eis placuerit,
acetiam jurare vel super sacramentum examinare quascunque personas eis
placuerit in aliqua causa quacunque tangente vel concernente plantacionem
predictam vel aliquam negotiacionem quamcunque pertinentem ad eandem
plantacionem de quibus omnibus et singulis libertatibus, privilegiis et
ffranchesiis iidem Nicholaus ffarrer, Edwinus Sandis, Johannes Danvers,
Johannes ffarrer, Thomas Kiteley, Thomas Wheatley, Ricardus Caswell,
Thomas Shepheard, Johannes Cuffe, Gabriel Barber, Willelmus Deereblocke,
Anthonius Withers, Georgius Scott, Edwardus Hackett, Johannes Kirrell,
Thomas Morris, Willelmus Webb, Ricardus Bull, Willelmus Nicholls,
Patricius Copeland, Willelmus Browne, Georgius Smyth, Ricardus Tom-
lyns, Edwardus Brewster, Willelmus Ewens, Thomas Winston, Georgius
Swinhowe, Edwardus Ryder, Gilbertus Morewood et Edmundus Morgan
et omnes alii liberi homines Societatis predicte per totum tempus supra-
dictum super dictum dominum Regem nunc usurpaverunt et adhuc
usurpant in dicti domini Regis nunc et sue regie prerogative grave damp-
num et prejudicium ac in magnum contemptum dicti domini Regis nune
coronae et dignitatis suae, unde idem attornatus dicti domini Regis pro
eodem domino Rege petit advisamentum curie in premissis et debitum
legis processum versus ipsos Nicholaum ffarrer, Edwinum Sandis, Johan-
nem Danvers, Johannem ffarrer, Thomam Kiteley, Thomam Wheatley,
Ricardum Caswell, Thomam Shepheard, Johannem Cuffe, Gabrielem
Barber, Willelmum Deereblock, Anthonium Withers, Georgium Scott,
Edwardum Hackett, Johannem Kirrell, Thomam Morris, Willelmum
Webb, Ricardum Bull, Willelmum Nicholls, Patricium Copeland, Willel-
mum Browne, Georgium Smithe, Ricardum Tomlyns, Edwardum Brewster,
Willelmum Ewens, Thomam Winston, Georgium Swinhowe, Edwardum
Ryder, Gilbertum Morewood et Edmundum Morgan et omnes alios liberos
homines Societatis predicte in hac parte fieri ad respondendum dicto
domino Regi Quo Warranto clamant habere libertates, privilegia et ffran-
chesias predictas etc. per quod preceptum fuit vicecomiti quod non omit-
tat etc quin venire faciat eos ad respondendum etc

Et modo, scilicet, die Veneris proxima post XVam Sancti Martini isto
eodem termino coram domino Rege apud Westmonasterium venerunt
predicti Nicholaus ffarrar, Johannis Danvers, miles, Johannis ffarrar,
Thomas Wheatley, Ricardus Caswell, Thomas Shepheard, Johannis Cuffe,
Gabriel Barber, Anthonius Withers, Georgius Scott, Johannes Kirrell,
Thomas Morris, Willelmus Webb, Ricardus Bull, Willelmus Nicholls,
Patricius Copeland, Georgius Smythe, Ricardus Tomlyns, Edwardus
Brewster, Willelmus Ewens, Georgius Swinhowe, Edwardus Ryder, Gil-
bertus Morewood, et Edmundus Morgan[311] liberi homines et periclitatores
et plantatores, Anglice, Adventurers & planters, civitatis Londonie pro
prima colonia in Virginia et alii liberi homines existentes periclitatores et
plantatores civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia per Edwardum
Offley, attornatum suum et petunt auditum informacionis predicte et eis
legitus etc. qua lecta et audita iidem Nicholaus ffarrer, Thomas Wheatley,
Ricardus Caswell, Johannes Cuffe, Gabriel Barber, Georgius Scott,
Johannes Kirrell [et al.—the same 24 names, "liberi homines", etc., "et
alii liberi homines", etc.], dicunt quod ipsi non intendunt quod dictus
dominus Rex nunc ipsos Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names,
"liberos homines", etc., "et alios liberos homines", etc.], occasione pre-
missorum ulterius impetere seu occasionare velit aut debeat quia quoad
habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias sequentes,
videlicet, eosdem liberos homines et periclitatores et plantatores predicte

civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia fore incorporatos per
nomen thesaurarii et Societatis periclitatorum et plantatorum civitatis
Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia ac per illud nomen placitare et
implacitari in omnibus curiis et locis quibuscunque ac coram quibuscunque
judicibus, justiciariis vel aliis personis quibuscunque tam in omnibus
et singulis accionibus, sectis et querelis quam in omnibus et singulis aliis
causis, negotiis, materiis et demandis quibuscunque, cuiuscunque sint
generis, nature sive speciei ac per idem nomen fore personas habiles et in
lege capaces ad perquirendum, habendum, recipiendum, capiendum et
possidendum sibi et successoribus suis tam de dicto domino Rege quam de
aliquibus aliis personis vel corporibus corporatis aliqua dominia, maneria,
terras, tenementa, redditus, reverciones, revenciones, servicia, possessiones,
hereditamenta, bona et catalla, licencias, libertates, ffranchesias, proficua,
commoditates quecunque eis per prefatum nomen sive aliis personis sive
alicui alie persone ad eorum usum data facta habita concessa sive confirmata
ac per dictum nomen dare, concedere, dimittere, locare, disponere, assig-
nare et alienare bona, catalla, terras, tenementa et hereditamenta sua
quecunque, cuicunque persone vel quibuscunque personis ad eorum libitum
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "liberi homines", etc.,
"et alii liberi homines", etc.], dicunt quod ante predictum tempus in
informacione predicta specificatum, scilicet, vicesimo tercio die Maii anno
regni dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. septimo, idem dominus Rex nunc
per litteras suas patentes debito modo confectas sub magno sigillo suo
Anglie sigillatas curieque dicti domini Regis nunc prolatas gerentes datum
apud Westmonasterium eodem vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni sui
Anglie etc. septimo supradicto recitandas per easdem litteras patentes
quod cum ad humiles supplicacionem et peticionem diversorum dilectorum
et bene affectorum subditorum ipsius domini Regis intendentium deducere
coloniam et facere habitacionem et plantacionem diversorum populi
eiusdem domini Regis in illa parte Americe communiter vocata Virginia
et aliis partibus et territoriis in America vel ad eundem dominum Regem
pertinentibus vel que non fuissent possessa per aliquem principem chris-
tianum vel populum infra quasdam metas et regiones idem dominus Rex
per priores litteras patentes suas gerentes datum decimo die Aprilis anno
regni sui Anglie ffrancie et Hibernie quarto et Scotie tricesimo nono con-
cessisset Thome Bates, militi, Georgio Summers militi et aliis pro celeriori
perimpleccione, Anglice, accomplishment, predicte plantacionis et habita-
cionis quod ipsi dividerent seipsos in duas colonias una earum consistens
de diversis militibus, generosis, mercatoribus et aliis de Civitate domini
Regis Londonie vocata prima colonia et altera earum de diversis militibus,
generosis et aliis de civitatibus Bristollie, Exonie et villa de Plymouth et
aliis locis vocata secunda colonia et dedisset et concessisset plurima et
diversa privilegia et libertates alterutri colonie pro earum quieta mansione,
Anglice, setlinge, et bono regimine in eisdem prout per easdem priores
litteras patentes plenius apparebat tunc pro eo quod diversi dilecti sub-
diti dicti domini Regis tam periclitatores quam plantatores predicte prime
colonie qui ante tempus confeccionis earundem litterarum patentium de
predicto dato vicesimi tercii diei Maii anno regni eiusdem domini Regis
septimo seipsos obnoxios reddidissent, Anglice, had engaged themselves, in
permovendo negotio eiusdem plantacionis et deo auxiliante intendissent
ulterius prosequi negotium illud usque ad felicem exitum tunc nuper
humiliter supplicassent eundem dominum Regem quod in respectum
magnarum expensarum suarum et discriminis et periclitacionis vitarum
quamplurimorum eorum quas periculis et discriminibus objecissent in
investigacione et plantacione patrie predicte idem dominus Rex dignaretur
concedere eis ampliorem extencionem, Anglice, enlargment, et explana-
cionem predicte concessionis privilegiorum et libertatum et quod tales con-
siliarii et alii officiarii constituerentur inter eos ad ordinandum et dirigen-
dum eorum negocia quales parati essent et vellent periclitari, Anglice,
adventure, cum iis acetiam quorum habitaciones non adeo distabant a
civitate Londonie quin ad convenientia tempora essent prompti et parati
prebere consilium et auxilium prout occasiones requirerent idem dominus
Rex intime affectans efficacem prosequucionem et felicem successum pre-
dicte plantacionis et laude digna reputans eorum desideria in eodem negotio
ut animosius progrederentur in perempleccione, Anglice, accomplishment,
operis adeo excellentis et deo grati et regnis domini Regis utilis ex suis
speciali gratia, certa scientia et mero motu pro seipso, heredibus et succes-
soribus suis per easdem litteras patentes suas dedit et concessit et confir-
mavit fidelibus et dilectis subditis suis Roberto, comiti Sarisburie, Thome,
comiti Suffolcie, Henrico, comiti Southhamptonie, Willelmo, comiti Pem-
broke, Henrico, comiti Lincolnie,[312] comiti Dorsete, Thome, comiti
Exeter, Philippo, comiti Mountgomerye, Roberto, domino Vicount Lisle,
Theophilo, domino Howard de Walden, Jacobo Mountague, episcopo de
Bath et Wells, Edwardo, domino Zouche, Thome, domino Laware, Wil-
lelmo domino Monteagle, Radulpho, domino Eure, Edmundo domino
Sheffeild, Grey domino Chandois,[313] domino Compton, Johanni, domi-
no Peter, Johanni, domino Stanhop, Georgio, domino Carewe, Humfrido
Welde, militi, domino maiore civitatis Londonie, Georgio Pearcey, armi-
gero, Edwardo Cecill, militi, Georgio Wharton, militi, ffrancisco West,
armigero, Willelmo Wade, militi, Henrico Nevill, militi, Thome Smith,
militi, Olivero Cromwell, militi, Petro Manwood, militi, Drue Drurye,
militi, Johanni Scott, militi, Thome Challoner, militi, Roberto Drurie,
militi, Anthonio Cope, militi, Horatio Vere, militi, Edwardo Conway,
militi, Willelmo Browne, militi, Maurice Barkley, militi, Roberto Mansell,
militi, Amie Preston, militi, Thome Bates, militi, Anthonio Ashley, militi,
Michaeli Sandis, militi, Henrico Carey, militi, Stephano Somes, militi,
Calisotheni Brooke, militi, Edwardo Michelborne, militi, Johanni Ratcliffe,
militi, Carolo Wilmott, militi, Georgio Moore, militi, Hugoni Wirralt,
militi, Thome Dennys, militi, Johanni Hollis, militi, Willelmo Godolphin,
militi, Thome Mounson, militi, Thome Ridgeway, militi, Johanni Brooke,
militi, Roberto Killigrewe, militi, Henrico Peyton, militi, Ricardo William-
son, militi, fferdinando Waynman, militi, Willelmo St. John, militi,
Thome Holcroft, militi, Johanni Mallory, militi, Rogero Aston, militi,
Waltero Cope, militi, Ricardo Wigmore, militi, Willelmo Cooke, militi,
Herberto Crofte, militi, Henrico ffanshawe, militi, Johanni Smyth, militi,
ffrancisco Wolley, militi, Edwardo Waterhouse, militi, Henrico Sokeforde,
militi, Edwino Sandis, militi, Thome Wenman, militi, Johanni Trevor,
militi, Warwicke Hebe, militi, Roberto Wrothe, militi, Johanni Townsende,
militi, Christophero Perkins, militi, Daniele Donne, militi, Henrico Hub-
berte, militi, ffrancisco Bacon, militi, Henrico Mountague, militi, Georgio
Coppin, militi, Samueli Sandis, militi, Thome Rowe, militi, Georgio Sandis,
militi, Thome ffreake, militi, Thome Horwell, militi, Carolo Kewe, militi,
Baptiste Hicks, militi, Johanni Watts, militi, Roberto Carey militi, Wil-
lelmo Romney, militi, Thome Middleton, militi, Hatton Cheeke, militi,
Johanni Ogle, militi, Cavaller Meacocke, militi, Stephano Biddlesdon,
militi, Thome Elmder, militi, Anthonio Awcher, militi, Roberto Johnson,
militi, Thome Panton, militi, Charolo Morgan, militi, Stephano Powle,
militi, Johanni Burlace, militi, Christofero Cleave, militi, Georgio Hay-
ward, militi, Thome Dauks militi, Thome Dutton, militi, Anthonio
fforest, militi, Roberto Payne, militi, Johanni Digby, militi, Dudley Digs,
militi, Rowland Cotton, militi, doctori, Matheo Sutcliffe, doctori, Medowes,
doctori, Turner, doctori, Poe, duci, anglice, captaine, Pagman, duci,
Galfrido Holcrofte, duci, Raine, duci, Henrico Sprye, duci, Shelpton, duci,
Sparke, duci, Thome Wyatt, duci, Brinsley, duci, Willelmo Courtney, duci,
Harberte, duci, Clerke, duci, Dewhurste, duci, Johanni Blundell, duci,
ffryer, duci, Lodovico Orwell, duci, Edwardo ffloyde, duci, Shusby, duci,
Huntley, duci, Orme, duci, Woodhouse, duci, Mason, duci, Thome Hol-
crofte, duci, Johanni Cooke, duci, Hollis, duci, Willelmo Prowde, duci,
Henrico Woodhouse, duci, Linley, duci, Dexter, duci, Willelmo Winter,
duci, Herle, duci, Johanni Bingham, duci, Burras, duci, Thome Conway,
duci, Rookewood, duci, Willelmo Lovelace, duci, Johanni Ashley, duci,
Thome Wynne, duci, Thome Mewtis, duci, Edwardo Horwood, duci,
Michaeli Evered, duci, Connocke, duci, Miles, duci, Pyggott, duci, Ed-
wardo Maria Wingfeilde, duci, Christofero Newporte, duci, Johanni Stile-
more alias Ratcliffe, duci, Johanni Smythe, duci, Johanni Martine, Petro
Wynne, duci, Waldoe, duci, Thome Wood, duci, Thomas Buttone, Georgio
Bolles, armigero, vicecomiti Londonie, Willelmo Crashawe, clerico, bachi-
lario sacre theologie, Willelmo Sebright, armigero, Christofero Brooke,
armigero, Johanni Bingley, armigero, Thome Watson, armigero, Ricardo
Parcivalt, armigero, Johanni Moons, armigero, Hugoni Brooke, armigero,
Davidi Waterhouse, armigero, Anthonio Awcher, armigero, Roberto Bow-
yer, armigero, Radulfo Ewens, armigero, Zacharie Jones, armigero, Georgio
Calvert, armigero, Willelmo Dobson, armigero, Henrico Reynolds, armi-
gero, Thome Walker, armigero, Anthonio Barnard, armigero, Thome
Sandis, armigero, Henrico Sandis, armigero, Ricardo Sandis, filio Edwini
Sandis, militis, Willelmo Oxenbridge, armigero, Johanni Parsons, armigero,
Thome Willson, armigero, Johanni Bullocke, armigero, Johanni Waller,
Thome Webb, Johanni Robinson, Willelmo Brewster, Roberto Evelyn,
Henrico Daubeney, Ricardo Hacklyut, clerico, Johanni Eldred, mercatori,
Willelmo Russell, mercatori, Johanni Merrick, mercatori, Ricardo Banys-
ter, mercatori, Carolo Antony, aurifabro, Johanni Bancks, Willelmo Evans,
Ricardo Humble, Roberto Chamberlayne, mercatori, Thome Barber,
mercatori, Ricardo Poyntell, mercatori, Johanni ffletcher, mercatori,
Thome Nicholls, mercatori, Johanni Stokes, mercatori, Gabrieli Archer,
generoso, ffrancisco Covell, Willelmo Bonham, Edwardo Harrison,
Johanni Wolstenholme, Nicholao Salter, Hugoni Evans, Willelmo Barners,
Othoni Mawditt, Ricardo Staper, mercatori, Johanni Elkyn, mercatori,
Willelmo Coyse, Thome Perkin, cooper, Humfrido Rainett, cooper, Hen-
rico Jackson, Roberto Shingleton, Christofero Nicholls, Johanni Harper,
Abrahamo Chamberline, Thome Shipton, Thome Carpenter, Anthonio
Crewe, Georgio Holman, Roberto Hill, Cleophas Smyth, Radulfo Harryson,
Johanni ffarmer, Jacobo Brearley, Willelmo Crosley, Ricardo Coxe,
Johanni Gerringe, Ricardo Strongetharme, Iremonger, Thome Langton,
Griffith Hinton, Ricardo Ironside, Ricardo Deane, Ricardo Turner, Wil-
lelmo Leveson, mercer, Jacobo Chatfeilde, Edwardo Allen, Tedder Robert,
Hildebrand Sprinson, Arthuro Mouse, Johanni Gardiner, Jacobo Russell,
Ricardo Casewell, Ricardo Evans, Johanni Hawkens, Ricardo Kirrell,
Ricardo Brooke, Matheo Scriven, generoso, Willelmo Stallenge, generoso,
Arthuro Venn, generoso, Sandis Webb, generoso, Michaeli Phettiplace,
generoso, Willelmo Phettiplace, generoso, Ambrosio Drusey, generoso,
Johanni Taverner, generoso, Georgio Prettie, generoso, Petro Latham,
generoso, Thome Mounfird, generoso, Willelmo Cantrell, generoso, Ricardo
Wyffine, generoso, Radulfo Moreton, generoso, Johanni Cornellis, generoso,
Martino ffreeman, Adriano Moore, Thome White, Edwardo Parkins,
Roberto Offley, Thome Whitley, Georgio Pytt, Roberto Parkhurst,
Thome Morris, Petro Vaulore, Galfrido Duffe, Johanni Gilbert, Willelmo
Hancocke, Matheo Brownerigg, ffrancisco Turrell, Ranulpho Carter,
Othwell Smyth, Thome Honneyman, Martino Bond, haberdasher, Roberto
Johnson, Willelmo Younge, Johanni Woodall, Willelmo Holgate, Humfrido
Westwoode, Ricardo Champion, Henrico Robinson, ffrancisco Mapps,
Willelmo Sambatche, Rauley Crawshawe, Danieli Ducker, Thome Grave,
Hugoni Willestone, Thome Culpepper de Wigsell, armigero, Johanni Cul-
pepper, generoso, Henrico Lee, Josie Kirton, generoso, Johanni Porey,
generoso, Henrico Collins, generoso, Georgio Burton, Willelmo Atkinson,
Thome fforrest, Johanni Russell, Johanni Holte, Harman Harrison,
Gabrieli Beadle, Johanni Beadle, Henrico Daucks, Georgio Scott, Edwardo
ffleetewood, generoso, Ricardo Rogers, generoso, Arthuro Robinson,
Roberto Robinson, Johanni Huntley, Johanni Grey, Willelmo Payne,
Willelmo ffeilde, Willelmo Wattey, Willelmo Webster, Johanni Digley,
Willelmo Carpenter, Thome Draper, Ricardo Glanviell, Arnaldo Lulls,
Henrico Rowe, Willelmo Moore, Nicholao Grice, Jacobo Mounger, Nicholao
Andrewes, Jerome Heydon, Iremonger, Johanni Durant, Johanni Quarles,
Johanni West, Matheo Springham, Johanni Johnson, Christofero Hoare,

Tobie Sneede, Georgio Barkley, Arthuro Pott, Thome Carles, Willelmo
Barkley, Thome Johnson, Alexandro Bentts, duci, Willelmo Kinge, Georgio
Sands, generoso, Jacobo White, generoso, Edwardo Wynn, Charolo Towler,
Ricardo Reynolds, Edwardo Webb, Ricardo Maplesden, Thome Levers,
Davidi Bone, Thome Wood, Roberto Hamore, Edwardo Barnes, mercer,
Johanni Wright, mercer, Roberto Middleton, Edwardo Littffeild, Thome
Webb, Radulfo Kinge, Roberto Coppyn, Jacobo Askewe, Christofero
Nicholls, Willelmo Bardwell, Alexandro Childe, Lodovico Taite, Edwardo
Ditchfeilde, Jacobo Swifte, Ricardo Widowes, aurifabro, Edwardo Brid-
nell, Johanni Handforde, Edwardo Woller, Willelmo Palmer, haberdasher,
Johanni Badger, Johanni Hodgson, Petro Mounsell, Johanni Corill,
Johanni Busbridge, Willelmo Dun, Thome Johnson, Nicholao Venson,
Thome Shipton, Nathanieli Wade, Ranulpho Wetwood, Matheo Deques-
ter, Charolo Hawkins, Hugoni Hamersley, Abrahamo Cartwright, Georgio
Bennett, Willelmo Cater, Ricardo Goddert, Henrico Cromewell, Phinee
Pett, Roberto Cooper, Johanni Cooper, Henrico Neice, Edwardo Wilks,
Roberto Bateman, Nicholas ffarrer, Johanni Newhouse, Johanni Cason,
Thome Harris, generoso, Georgio Etherd, Thome Male, generoso, Ricardo
Stratforde, Thome Richards, cooper, Johanni Westrowe, Edwardo Welch,
Thome Brittayne, Thome Knowles, Octaviano Thorne, Edmundo Smyth,
Johanni Marshe, Edwardo Carewe, Thome Pleydall, Ricardo Ley, Miles
Palmer, Henrico Price, Johanni Josuah, generoso, Willelmo Clandy,
Jeromie Pearcey, Johanni Bree, generoso, Willelmo Hamlson, Christofero
Peckforde, Thome Huntt, Thome Tirnstone, Christofero Lamman, Johanni
Haywarde, clerico, Ricardo Partridge, Allano Cotton, ffelici Wilson,
Thome Colthrust, Georgio Wilmer, Andree Wilmer, Mauricio Llewellin,
Thome Jedwin, Petro Burgoyne, Thome Burgoyne, Roberto Burgoyne,
Roberto Smyth, Merchant Tayler, Edwardo Cage, Grocer, Thome Cannon,
generoso, Willelmo Wilby, stationer, Clementi Wilmer, generoso, Johanni
Clapham, generoso, Egidio ffrancis, generoso, Georgio Walker, sadler,
Johanni Swinhowe, stationer, Edwardo Bushop, stationer, Leo White,
generoso, Christofero Barton, Petro Benson, Ricardo Smyth, Georgio
Procter, clerico, Millicent Ramsden, vidue, Josepho Soan, Thome Hin-
shawe, Johanni Baker, Roberto Thornton, Johanni Davis, Edwardo ffacett,
Georgio Nuce, generoso, Johanni Robinson, duci, Thome Wood, Willelmo
Browne, shoemaker, Roberto Barker, shoemaker, Roberto Pennington,
ffrancisco Burlye, clerico, Willelmo Quick, Grocer, Edwardo Lewis, grocer,

Laurencio Campe, draper, Adamo Perkins, grocer, Ricardo Sheepheard,
preacher, Willelmo Shekeley, haberdasher, Willelmo Tayler, haberdasher,
Edwardo Lukyn, generoso, Johanni ffrancklyn, haberdasher, Johanni
Southicke, Petro Peate, Georgio Isham, Ironmonger, Georgio Yardley,
generoso, Henrico Shelley, Johanni Pratt, Thome Church, draper, Willelmo
Powell, generoso, Ricardo ffrith, generoso, Thome Wheeler, draper,
ffrancisco Hasellrigg, generoso, Hugoni Shipley, generoso, Johanni An-
drews, seniori de Cambridge, ffrancisco Whister, generoso, Johanni Vassell,
generoso, Ricardo Howle, Edwardo Barkley, generoso, Ricardo Knaris-
brough, generoso, Nicholao Exton, draper, Willelmo Bennett, ffyshmonger,
Jacobo Haywood, mercatori, Nicholao Isacke, mercatori, Willelmo Gibbs,
mercatori,[317] Bushop, Barnard Michell, Isack Mighell, Johanni Streate,
Edwardo Gale, Johanni Martine, generoso, Thome ffox, Luke Lodge,
Johanni Woodlife, generoso, Riceo Webb, Vincent Lowe, Samueli Burnand,
Edmundo Pears, haberdasher, Josue Gouge, Johanni St. John, Edwardo
Vaughan, Willelmo Dun, Thome Alcocke, Johanni Andrewes, juniori de
Cambridge, Samueli Smyth, Samueli Smyth [sic], Thome Gerrard, Thome
Whittingham, Willelmo Canninge, Paulo Cannyng, Georgio Chandler,
Henrico Vincent, Thome Keitley, Jacobo Skelton, Jacobo Mawtam, Georgio
Webb, generoso, Josepho Newrough Smyth, Josie Maude, Radulfo Hamor,
juniori, Edwardo Brewster filio Willelmi Brewster, Leonardo Harwood,
mercer, Philippo Dreverdent, Willelmo Carpenter, Roberto Cookes, grocer,
Laurencio Greene, grocer, Danieli Wynch, grocer, Humfrido Stike, grocer,
Avery Dransfeild grocer, Johanni Hodges, grocer, Edwardo Beale, grocer,
Thome Cutler, grocer, Radulfo Bisby, grocer, Johanni Whittingham,
grocer, Johanni Hide, grocer, Matheo Shepheard, grocer, Thome Allen,
grocer, Ricardo Hocker, grocer, Laurencio Mouncks, grocer, Johanni Tan-
ner, grocer, Petro Gate, grocer, Johanni Blunt, grocer, Roberto Phillips,
grocer, Roberto Berrisford, grocer, Thome Wells, generoso, Johanni Ellis,
grocer, Henrico Colthurst, grocer, Johanni Crannedge, grocer, Thome
Jenings, grocer, Edmundo Peshall, grocer, Timotheo Bathurst, grocer,
Egidio Parslowe, grocer, Roberto Mildmay, grocer, Roberto Johnson,
grocer, Willelmo Jansen, vintner, Ezechieli Smyth, Ricardo Murreton,
Willelmo Sharpe, Roberto Ritch, Willelmo Stannard, inholder, Johanni
Stockin, Willelmo Strachy, generoso, Georgio ffarmer, generoso, Thome
Gills, clothworker, Abrahamo Daws, generoso, Thome Brockett, generoso,
Georgio Batch, ffishmonger, Johanni Dike, ffishmonger, Henrico Spranger,
Ricardo ffarryngton, Christofero Vertue, vintner, Thome Baylye, vintner,
Georgio Robins, vintner, Tobie Hanson, grocer, Briano Spencer, Clementi
Chitcheley, Johanni Starpe, generoso, Jacobo Cambell, iremonger, Cris-
tofero Cletherowe, iremonger, Philippo Jacobson, Petro Jacobson de
Antwerp, Willelmo Brakley, Miles Bankes, cutler, Petro Highley, grocer,
Henrico John, generoso, Johanni Stikeley, merchant tayler, Johanni Levett,
merchant, Thome Norincott, clothworker, Ricardo Venn, haberdasher,
Thome Scott, generoso, Thome Jackson, merchant tayler, Georgio Hankyn-
son, Thome Leyre, generoso, Matheo Cooper, Georgio Butler, generoso,
Thome Lawson, generoso, Edwardo Smyth, haberdasher, Stephano Spar-
rowe, Johanni Jones, merchant, Reynold Brewer, Thome Plomer, merchant,
Jacobo Duppa, brewer, Rowland Coytmore, Willelmo Southerne, Georgio
Whitmore, haberdasher, Anthonio Gosnold, juniori, Johanni Allen, ffish-
monger, Simoni Yeomans, ffishmonger, Launceloto Davis, generoso,
Johanni Hopkins, Aldermanno de Bristoll, Johanni Keatleby, generoso,
Ricardo Cheny, goldsmith, Georgio Hooker, generoso, et Roberto Shen-
inge, yeoman et aliis in eisdem litteris patentibus nominatis et talibus et
tot, quales et quot ipsi tunc imposterum admittent coniungi eis sub modo
in eisdem litteris patentibus expresso utrum illi migrarent in personis
suis esse plantatores ibidem in plantacione predicta vel non migrarent sed
periclitarentur pecunias, bona vel catalla sua quod ipsi essent unum corpus
vel communitas perpetua et haberent perpetuam successionem et unum
commune sigillum deserviendum eidem corpori vel communitati et quod
ipsi et sucessores sui cognoscerentur, vocarentur et incorporati essent per
nomen thesaurarii et societatis periclitatorum et plantatorum civitatis
Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia et quod ipsi et successores sui extunc
in perpetuum essent habiles capere, acquirere et perquirere, Anglice,
purchase, per predictum nomen (licencia adinde ab eodem domino Rege,
heredibus et successoribus suis prius habita et obtenta) qualiacunque
terras, tenementa et hereditamenta, bona et catalla infra regnum ipsius
domini Regis Anglie et dominium Wallie et quod ipsi et successores sui
similiter essent habiles per nomen predictum placitare et implacitari coram
aliquibus judicibus vel justiciariis dicti domini Regis in aliquibus curiis
dicti domini Regis et in aliquibus accionibus vel sectis quibuscunque
prout per easdem litteras patentes inter alia plenius liquet et apparet
Quorum quidem premissorum pretextu iidem Nicholaus ffarrer, [et al.—the
same 24 names, "liberi homines", etc., "et alii liberi homines", etc.], ante
predictum tempus in informacione predicta specificatum fuerunt et adhuc
sunt incorporati per nomen Thesaurarii et Societatis periclitatorum et
plantatorum civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia. Et eo
warranto virtute litterarum patentium predictarum iidem Nicholaus
ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "liberi homines", etc., "et alii liberi
homines", etc.], per tempus predictum in informacione predicta specifica-
tum fuerunt et sunt et clamant esse corpus incorporatum per nomen
Thesaurarii et Societatis periclitatorum et plantatorum predicte civitatis
Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia ac clamant et utuntur per illud
nomen placitare et implacitari in omnibus curiis et locis quibuscunque ac
coram quibuscunque judicibus, justiciariis vel aliis personis quibuscun-
que tam in omnibus et singulis accionibus, sectis et querelis quam in
omnibus et singulis aliis causis, negotiis, materiis et demandis quibus-
cunque cuiuscunque sint generis, nature sive speciei ac per idem nomen
clamant fore personas habiles et in lege capaces ad perquirendum, haben-
dum, recipiendum, capiendum et possidendum sibi et successoribus suis
tam de dicto domino Rege quam de aliquibus aliis personis vel corporibus
corporatis aliqua dominia, maneria, terras tenementa, redditus, rever-
ciones, revenciones, servicia possessiones, hereditamenta, bona et catalla
licencias, libertates, franchesias, proficua commoditates quecunque eis per
prefatum nomen sive aliis personis vel alicui alie persone ad eorum usum
data, facta, habita, concessa sive confirmata ac per dictum nomen dare,
concedere, dimittere, locare, disponere, assignare et alienare bona et
catalla, terras, tenementa et hereditamenta sua quecunque cuicunque per-
sone vel quibuscunque personis ad eorum libitum prout eis bene licuit et
licet. Et quoad habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et ffran-
chesias sequentes, videlicet, habere unum consilium infra hoc regnum
Anglie continue residens consistere de diversis hominibus eiusdem Societatis
et nominare, eligere et jurare quoscunque voluerint fore de consilio illo,
necnon habere unum consilium continue residens in dictis partibus trans-
marinis in Virginia consistere de diversis hominibus per ipsos nominandis
et eligendis et nominare, eligere et jurare quoscunque voluerint fore de
consilio illo iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "liberi
homines", etc., "et alii liberi homines", etc.], dicunt quod ante predictum
tempus in informacione predicta specificatum, scilicet, decimo die Aprilis
anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. quarto idem dominus Rex
nunc per litteras suas patentes debito modo confectas magno sigillo suo
Anglie sigillatas gerentes datum apud Westmonasterium eodem decimo die
Aprilis anno regni sui quarto supradicto ac in curia cancellarie predicti
domini Regis nunc apud Westmonasterium in comitatu Middlesexie tunc
existentes debito modo de recordo irrotulatas, tenorem irrotulamenti
quarumquidem litterarum patentium iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.—the
same 24 names, "liberi homines", etc., "et alii liberi homines", etc.], hic in
curia proferunt recitandum quod cum dilecti et bene dispositi subditi
ipsius domini Regis Thomas Gates, miles, Georgius Sommers, miles,
Ricardus Hackluite, clericus, prebendarius de Westmonasterio, Edwardus
Maria Winckfeild, Thomas Hannam, Rawleighe Gilbert, armiger, Wil-
lelmus Parker et Georgius Popham, generosi et diversi alii dilectorum
subditorum ipsius domini Regis extitissent humiles supplicatores eidem
domino Regi quod idem dominus Rex dignaretur concedere eis licenciam
facere habitacionem et plantacionem et deducere coloniam de diversis
populi eiusdem domini Regis in illa parte Americe communiter vocata
Virginia et aliis partibus et territoriis in America vel spectantibus eidem
domino Rege vel que non fuerunt actualiter possessa per aliquem Chris-
tianum principem vel populum scituatis, jacentibus et existentibus per
oram maritimam, Anglice, all alonge the sea coast, inter triginta quatuor
gradus borealis latitudinis et alia equinoctialia linea et quadraginta
quinque gradus eiusdem latitudinis et in continenti, Anglice, in the mayne
land, inter predictos triginta quatuor et quadraginta quinque gradus et
insulam adinde adjacentem vel infra centum milliaria ore illius, Anglice,
of the coast thereof, et ad finem illum et pro celeriori accomplemento predicte
proposite plantacionis et habitacionis ibidem ipsi desiderabant dividere
seipsos in duas colonias et societates una earum consistente de quibusdam
militibus, generosis, mercatoribus et aliis periclitatoribus ipsius domini
Regis de civitate sua Londonie et alibi qui tunc fuerunt vel de tempore in
tempus essent conjuncti eis qui desiderabant incipere eorum plantaciones
et habitaciones in aliquo idoneo et convenienti loco inter trecesimum quar-
tum et quadragesimum primum gradus predicte latitudinis per oram,
Anglice, all alonge the coast, de Virginia et oram de America predicta,
Et altera earundem coloniarum consistente de diversis militibus, generosis,
mercatoribus et aliis periclitatoribus de civitatibus ipsius domini Regis
Bristollie et Exonie et villa sua de Plymouth et aliis locis qui coniungebant
se eidem colonie qui desiderabant incipere eorum plantaciones et habita-
ciones in aliquo idoneo et convenienti loco inter triginta octo et quadraginta
quinque gradus predicte latitudinis per predictam oram de Virginia et
America prout ora illa jacet, idem Dominus Rex multum laudans et gratiose
acceptans eorum peticiones in sublevamen, Anglice, to the furtherance, adeo
nobilis operis quod per providenciam dei omnipotentis proveniret ad glo-
riam sue divine maiestatis in propagacione Christiane religionis tali populo
quales tunc vixerunt in tenebris et miserabili ignorantia vere scientie et
cultus dei et potuissent in tempore adducere infideles et barbaros degentes
in illis partibus ad humanam civilitatem et ad quietam et pacificam guber-
nacionem idem Dominus Rex per easdem litteras patentes suas gratiose
accepit et consensum suum dedit eorum humilimis et bene propositis
desideriis et idcirco pro se, heredibus et successoribus suis concessit et
agreavit quo predicti Thomas Gates, miles, Georgius Summers, miles,
Ricardus Hackluit et Edwardus Maria Winckfeild periclitatores predicte
civitatis Londonie et omnes tales alii quales tunc fuerunt vel essent con-
iuncti eis de eadem colonia vocarentur prima colonia Et quod ipsi potuis-
sent incipere eorum primam plantacionem et locum prime commoracionis et
inhabitacionis suarum in aliquo loco super predictam oram de Virginia vel
America ubi existimarent idoneum et conveniens inter predictos triginta
quatuor et quadraginta unum gradus predicte latitudinis. Et ulterius idem
Dominus Rex per easdem litteras patentes suas ordinavit, stabilivit et
agreavit pro se, heredibus et successoribus suis quod utraque earundem
coloniarum haberet consilium utrumque quorum quidem consiliorum con-
staret de tredecim personis et haberent separale sigillum pro omnibus
materiis que tangerent eadem separalia consilia in utroque quorum quidem
sigillorum arma et insignia eiusdem domini Regis insculparentur in una
parte inde, Anglice, on the one side thereof, Et effigies, Anglice, the por-
trature, eiusdem domini Regis ex altera parte inde, Et quod in circuitu
sigilli pro consilio predicte prima colonie insculparentur ex una parte
eiusdem hec verba, sigillum Regis Magne Britanie, ffrancie et Hibernie,
et in altera parte eiusdem esset hec inscripcio, pro consilio prime colonie
Virginie, Et etiam quod consilium stabiliretur hic in Anglia quod similiter
constaret de tredecim personis ea de causa constituendis per ipsum
dominum Regem, heredes vel successores suos quod vocaretur consilium
domini Regis de Virginia. Quodquidem consilium similiter haberet
sigillum pro materiis concernentibus idem consilium cum similibus
insignibus et effigie ut prefertur cum hac inscripcione insculpta in circuitu
unius partis, Anglice, round about on the one side, eiusdem, sigillum Regis
Magne Britanie, ffrancie et Hibernie, et in circuitu alterius partis inde,
pro consilio suo Virginie, prout per exemplificacionem irrotulamenti dic-
tarum litterarum patentium quam quidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.—the
same 24 names, "liberi homines", etc., "et alii liberi homines", etc.],
magno sigillo dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie sigillatam hic in curia pro-
ferunt secundum formam statuti in huiusmodi casu inde nuper editi et
provisi cuiusquidem exemplificacionis datum est apud Westmonasterium
vicesimo die Decembris anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc
vicesimo primo plenius apparet. Et ulterius iidem Nicholaus ffarrer
[et al.—the same 24 names, "liberi homines", etc., "et alii liberi homines",
etc.], dicunt quod ante predictum tempus in informacione predicta superius
specificatum, scilicet, predicto vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni dicti
domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. septimo supradicto idem Dominus Rex
nunc per predictas litteras suas patentes gerentes datum apud Westmon-
asterium eodem vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni sui Anglie etc. septimo
supradicto secum reputans bonum et felicem successum predicte planta-
cionis predicte prime colonie in Virginia precipue pendere proxime sub
benediccione dei et sullevamine regie sue authoritatis super provida et
bona directione totius conatus, Anglice, enterprise, per sollicitudinem et
prudentiam consilii et quod non fuit conveniens quod omnes periclitatores
tam sepe cogerentur convenire et congregare prout requisitum foret eis
convenire et colloqui, Anglice, conferre, circa eorum negotia idcirco per
easdem litteras patentes ordinavit, stabilivit et confirmavit quod esset
imperpetuum unum consilium residens in Anglia juxta tenorem predic-
tarum priorum litterarum patentium eiusdem domini Regis quodquidem
consilium haberet sigillum pro melioribus gubernacione et administracione
predicte plantacionis preterquam predictum legale sigillum predicte
societatis vel corporacionis.

Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex per easdem litteras patentes suas stabi-
livit et ordinavit quod Henricus, Comes Southamptonie, Willelmus,
comes Pembroke, Henricus, comes Lincolnie, Thomas, comes Exonie,
Robertus, Dominus vicount Lisle, Dominus Theophilus Howard, Jacobus,
Dominus Episcopus Bathoniensis et Wellensis, Edwardus, Dominus
Zouche, Thomas, Dominus la Warr, Willelmus, Dominus Mounteagle,

Edmundus, Dominus Sheffeild, Gray, Dominus Chandois, Johannes,
Dominus Stanhope, Georgius Dominus Carewe, Humfridus Weld, Dominus
maior de Londonia, Edwardus Cecill, miles, Willelmus Wade, miles,
Henricus Nevill, miles, Thomas Smyth, miles, Oliverus Cromewell, miles,
Petrus Manwood, miles, Thomas Challoner, miles, Henricus Hobarte,
miles, ffranciscus Bacon, miles, Georgius Coppin, miles, Johannes Scott,
miles, Henricus Cary, miles, Robertus Drury, miles, Horatio Vere, miles,
Edwardus Conway, miles, Mawricius Barkley, miles, Thomas Gattes,
miles, Michael Sandis, miles, Robertus Mansell, miles, Johannis Trevor,
miles, Amias Preston, miles, Willelmus Godolphin, miles, Walterus Cope,
miles, Robertus Killigrue, miles, Henricus ffanshawe, miles, Edwinus
Sandis, miles, Johannes Watts, Henricus Mountague, miles, Willelmus
Romney, miles, Thomas Rowe, miles, Baptistes Hicks, miles, Ricardus
Williamson, miles, Stephanus Poole, miles, Dudleus Digs, miles, Christo-
ferus Brooke, Johannes Eldred et Johannes Wolstenholme essent consi-
lium eiusdem domini Regis pro predicta societate periclitatorum et plan-
tatorum in Virginia Et quod Thesaurarius Societatis predicte haberet
authoritatem dandi ordinem pro summonicione consilii et summonicione
Societatis predicte ad eorum curias et congregaciones, Anglice, meetings,
Et quod predictum consilium vel aliquie eorum essent extunc nominati,
electi, continuati, amoti, Anglice, displaced, mutati, alterati et suppedi-
tati, Anglice, supplyed, prout mors vel alie separales occasiones requirerent
e societate predicta periclitatorum predictorum per voces maioris partis
predicti consilii et periclitatorum in eorum congregacione ea de causa.
Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex de sua speciali gratia, certa scientia et
mero motu suis pro se, heredibus et successoribus suis per easdem litteras
patentes dedit et concessit plenas potestatem et authoritatem predicto
consilio eiusdem domini Regis residenti in Anglia tam ad idem presens
tempus quam tunc imposterum de tempore in tempus nominare, facere,
constituere, ordinare et confirmare per talia nomen et nomina, appellacio-
nem vel appellaciones, Anglice, stile or stiles, qualia eis viderentur idonea et
similiter revocare, exonerare, mutare et alterare tam omnes et singulos
gubernatores, officiarios et ministros qui antetunc facti fuissent quam qui
extunc existimarentur idonei et necessarii fiendi vel utendi pro guberna-
cione predicte colonie et plantacionis, acetiam facere, ordinare et stabilire
omnimodos ordines, leges, directiones, instrucciones, formas et ceremonias,
gubernaciones et magistratus idoneos et necessarios pro et tangentes gu-
bernacionem predicte colonie et plantacionis Et eosdem ad omnia tempora
tunc postea abrogare, revocare, vel mutare non solum infra precinctus
eiusdem prime colonie sed etiam super maria in transfretacione ad eandem
coloniam et ab eadem quales ipsi in eorum sana discretione existimarent
aptissimos pro bono periclitatorum et inhabitancium ibidem prout per eas-
dem litteras patentes inter alia plenius liquet et apparet. Et ulterius
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer, [et al.—the same 24 names, "liberi homines", etc.,
"et alii liberi homines", etc.], dicunt quod ante predictum tempus in
Informacione predicta superius specificatum scilicet duodecimo die Martii
anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. nono idem Dominus Rex
per litteras suas patentes debito modo confectas magno sigillo suo Anglie
sigillatas curieque dicti domini Regis nunc hic prolatas gerentes datum
apud Westmonasterium eodem duodecimo die Martii anno regni sui
Anglie etc nono supradicto pro seipso, heredibus et successoribus suis con-
cessit prefato Thesaurario et Societati et Successoribus suis quod licitum
esset prefato Thesaurario vel Deputato suo pro tempore existenti vel
aliquibus duobus aliis de consilio eiusdem domini Regis pro predicta prima
colonia in Virginia pro tempore existenti de tempore in tempus ad omnia
tempora tunc imposterum ministrare tale formale iuramentum quale per
eorum discretionem rationabiliter devisaretur tam aliquibus persone vel
personis use vel usis, utende vel utendis in pro vel tangens predictam plan-
tacionem pro eorum honesta, fideli et justa exoneracione eorum servicii in
omnibus talibus materiis qualia committentur eis pro bono et beneficio
predicte Societatis, colonie et plantacionis quam talibus aliis persone vel
personis quales predictus Thesaurarius vel eius Deputatus cum duobus
aliis de predicto consilio existimarent idoneos pro examinacione vel
manifestacione veritatis in aliqua causa quacunque concernente predictam
plantacionem vel aliquod negotium exinde proveniens vel adinde spectans.

Et eo Warranto iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "liberi
homines", etc., "et alii liberi homines", etc.], per tempus predictum in
Informacione predicta superius specificatum habuerunt et usi fuerunt et
clamant habere unum consilium infra hoc regnum Anglie continue residens
consistere de diversis hominibus eiusdem societatis et nominare eligere et
jurare quoscunque voluerint de Societate predicta fore de consilio illo et
non aliter neque alio modo.

Et eo Warranto habuerunt et clamant etiam habere unum consilium con-
tinue residens in dictis partibus transmarinis in Virginia consistere de
diversis hominibus per ipsos nominandis et eligendis et nominare, eligere
et jurare quoscunque voluerint de Societate predicta fore de consilio illo et
non aliter neque alio modo prout eis bene licuit et licet cum quod
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer, [et al.—the same 24 names, "liberi homines",
etc., "et alii liberi homines", etc.], verificare volunt quod predicte
littere patentes predicti domini Regis gerentes datum predicto decimo
die Aprilis anno regni sui quarto supradicto adhuc in plenis robore,
effectu et vigore existunt et remanent non legitime sursumreddite neque
cancellate. Et quoad habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et
ffranchesias sequentes, videlicet, habere diversa communia sigilla pro
omnibus et singulis causis et negotiis suis agendis et illa ad libitum suum
frangere, mutare et de novo facere iidem Nicholaus ffarrer, [et al.—the same
24 names, "liberi homines", etc., "et alii liberi homines", etc.], dicunt
quod ante predictum tempus in Informacione predicta specificatum,
scilicet, predicto vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni dicti domini Regis
nunc Anglie etc. septimo supradicto idem Dominus Rex per predictas
litteras suas patentes gerentes datum apud Westmonasterium eodem
vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni sui Anglie etc. septimo supradicto
concessit Thesaurario et Societati predictis quod ipsi haberent unum com-
mune sigillum ad deserviendum eidem corpori et communitati. Et ulterius
idem Dominus Rex secum reputans bonum et felicem successum predicte
plantacionis precipue pendere proxime sub benediccione dei et subleva-
mine regie sue authoritatis super provida et bona directione totius conatus,
Anglice, enterprize, per sollicitudinem et prudentiam consilii et quod non
fuit conveniens quod omnes periclitatores tam sepe cogerentur convenire et
congregare prout requisitum foret eis convenire et colloqui, Anglice, con-
ferre, circa eorum negocia per easdem litteras patentes ordinavit stabilivit et
confirmavit quod esset imperpetuum unum consilium residens in Anglia
juxta tenorem priorum litterarum patentium ipsius domini Regis quod
quidem consilium haberet sigillum pro meliore gubernacione et adminis-
tracione predicte plantacionis preterquam legale sigillum Societatis vel
corporacionis predicte prout in predictis litteris patentibus fuit expressum
prout per easdem litteras patentes gerentes datum predicto vicesimo tercio
die Maii anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. septimo supradicto

inter alia plenius liquet Et ulterius iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt
quod in predictis prioribus litteris patentibus ipsius domini Regis gerentibus
datum predicto decimo die Aprilis anno regni ipsius domini Regis Anglie
quarto supradicto in hoc placito superius mencionato predictus Dominus
Rex concessisset quod consilium ipsius domini Regis in Anglia per easdem
litteras patentes gerentes datum eodem decimo die Aprilis anno quarto
supradicto stabilitum pro Virginia haberet sigillum pro materiis concernen-
tibus predictum consilium cum armis et insignibus ipsius domini Regis
insculptis ex una parte, Anglice, on the one side, et effigie ipsius domini Regis
ex altera parte inde cum inscripcione in circuitis unius partis, Anglice,
round about on the one side sigillum Regis Magne Britanie, ffrancie et
Hibernie, et in circuitu alterius partis eiusdem sigilli, pro consilio suo
Virginie, prout in hoc placito superius specificatum existit.

Et eo Warranto virtute predictarum litterarum patentium ipsius domini
Regis gerentium datum predicto vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni dicti
domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. septimo supradicto iidem Nicholaus ffarrer
[et al.] per tempus predictum in Informacione predicta superius specificatum
habuerunt et usi fuerunt habere et clamant habere et uti diversa communia
sigilla videlicet unum ad deserviendum predicto corpori et communitati
et societati predicto et aliud pro consilio ipsius domini Regis pro Virginia
residenti in Anglia sub forma superius recitata Et similiter clamant sigilla
illa ad libitum suum frangere, mutare et de novo facere prout eis bene
licuit et licet.

Et quoad libertates privilegia et ffranchesias videlicet eosdem Nicholaum
ffarrer [et al.] habere potestatem et authoritatem quandocunque eis pla-
cuerit nominare, constituere et jurare unum de seipsis fore Thesaurarium
eiusdem Societatis ac unum alium de seipsis fore Deputatum Thesaurarii
eiusdem Societatis acetiam nominare constituere et jurare de seipsis tot
et tales alios officiarios et ministros tam infra hoc regnum Anglie residentes
quam in patria de Virginia in partibus transmarinis inhabitantes et resi-
dentes quot et quales eis placuerit et Gubernatorem, Thesaurarium, Depu-
tatum et alios officiarios et ministros illos ad libitum suum proprium
exonerare, amovere, alterare et mutare iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.]
dicunt quod ante predictum tempus in Informacione predicta superius
specificatum scilicet predicto vicesimo tercio die Maii Anno regni dicti

domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. septimo supradicto idem Dominus Rex
Jacobus per predictas litteras suas patentes gerentes datum apud West-
monasterium predicto vicesimo tercio die Maii Anno regni sui septimo
supradicto ordinavit Thomam Smyth militem fore Thesaurarium Societatis
predicte Et quod Thesaurarius extunc nominaretur, eligeretur, continuere-
tur, amoveretur, mutaretur, alteraretur et compleretur prout mors vel
alie occasiones requirerent extra predictam Societatem periclitatorum pre-
dictorum per voces maioris partis consilii et periclitatorum in eorum con-
gregacione, Anglice, assemblie, ea de causa. Et ulterius idem Dominus
Rex per easdem litteras patentes suas ex suis speciali gratia, certa scientia
et mero motu pro se, heredibus et successoribus suis concessit prefato
Thome Smyth, militi, Thesaurario antedicto et Societati et eorum succes-
soribus quod si continget ad aliquod tempus vel aliqua tempora Thesau-
rarium pro tempore existente aegrotare vel habere aliquam talem causam
absentie a civitate Londonie qualis approbaretur per consilium vel maiorem
partem eiusdem congregatum Ita quod adesse non posset negotiis Societatis
predicte in quolibet tali casu liceret et licitum esset tali Thesaurario pro
tempore existenti assignare, constituere et substituere, anglice, to appointe,
unum de consilio pro eadem Societate similiter approbandum per idem
consilium vel maiorem partem eiusdem congregatum fore Deputatum
Thesaurarii pro eadem Societate qui quidem Deputatus haberet potesta-
tem ad faciendum et exequendum omnia spectantia predicto Thesaurario
durante tali tempore quali talis Thesaurarius vel aegrotaret vel aliter
abesset ex causa approbata per predictum consilium vel maiorem partem
eiusdem, ut profertur, adeo plene, totaliter et in tam largis et amplis
modo et forma ad omnia intenciones et preposita qualiter predictus Thesau-
rarius si ipse adesset potuisset exequi eadem.

Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex ex suis speciali gratia, certa scientia et mero
motu pro se, heredibus et successoribus suis per easdem litteras patentes
dedit et concessit plenas potestatem et authoritatem predicto consilio
ipsius domini Regis in Anglia residenti tam tunc quam extunc imposterum
de tempore in tempus nominare, facere, constituere, ordinare et confirmare
per talia nomen et nomina, appellacionem vel appellaciones, Anglice,
stile or stiles, qualia eis viderentur fore expedientia et similiter revocare,
exonerare, mutare et alterare tam omnes et singulos gubernatores, offi-
ciarios et ministros qui preantea facti fuissent quam eos qui extunc imposte-

rum existimarentur idonei et necessarii fiendi vel utendi pro gubernacione
predicte colonie et plantacionis prout per easdem litteras patentes inter alia
plenius liquet et apparet. Et ulterius iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.]
dicunt quod ante predictum tempus in Informacione predicta superius
specificatum scilicet duodecimo die Martii anno regni dicti domini Regis
nunc Anglie etc. nono idem Dominus Rex per predictas litteras patentes
suas gerentes datum apud Westmonasterium eodem duodecimo die Martii
anno regni sui Anglie etc. nono supradicto per ipsum dominum Regem
prefato Thesaurario et Societati periclitatorum et plantatorum predicte
Civitatis Londonie pro predicta colonia in Virginia concessas pro meliori
regimine predicte Societatis et colonie ordinavit et concessit eisdem The-
saurario et Societati periclitatorum et plantatorum predictorum quod pro
tractacione, ordinacione et dispositione materiarum et negotiorum maiorum
valoris et momenti, Anglice, of weight and importance, et talium qualia
quovismodo tangerent rem publicam et generale bonum predicte Societatis
et plantacionis veluti modi gubernacionis de tempore in tempus utendi,
ordinacionis et dispositionis terrarum et possessionum et positionis,
Anglice, setlinge, et Stabilimenti commertii ibidem vel huius modi teneretur
et haberetur quolibet anno in penultimo die mercurii Terminorum Sancti
Hillarii, Pasche, Sancte Trinitatis et Sancti Michaelis imperpetuum una
magna generalis et solennis congregacio que quidem quatuor generales
congregaciones nuncuparentur et vocarentur quatuor magne et generales
curie consilii et societatis periclitatorum pro Virginia in omnibus et singulis
quibus magnis et generalibus curiis ita congregatis idem Dominus Rex
voluit et celsitudini sue placebat et pro se, heredibus et successoribus suis
imperpetuum dedit et concessit prefato Thesaurario et Societati et suc-
cessoribus suis per easdem litteras patentes quod ipsi predicti Thesaura-
rius et Societas vel maior numerus eorum ita congregatorum haberent
plenas potestatem et authoritatem de tempore in tempus et ad omnia
tempora extunc imposterum nominare et constituere, Anglice, appoint,
tales officiarios quales eis viderentur idonei et requisiti pro regimine,
gubernacione, ordinacione et dispositione negotiorum eiusdem Societatis.
Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex pro se ipso, heredibus et successoribus suis
per easdem litteras patentes suas concessit prefato Thesaurario et Socie-
tati et eorum successoribus imperpetuum quod licitum esset predicto
Thesaurario vel eius deputato pro tempore existenti vel aliquibus duobus
aliis de predicto consilio pro predicta prima colonia in Virginia pro tempore
existente de tempore in tempus ad omnia tempora tunc imposterum
ministrare tale formale juramentum quale per eorum discretiones ratio-
nabiliter devisaretur tam aliquibus persone vel personis usis vel utendis,
Anglice, employed or to be employed, in, per vel tangens predictam planta-
cionem pro eius vel eorum honesta, fideli et iusta exoneracione servicii sui
in omnibus talibus materiis quales ei vel eis committentur pro bono et
beneficio predicte societatis, colonie, et plantacionis quam talibus persone
vel personis quales predictus Thesaurarius vel Deputatus eius cum duobus
aliis predicti consilii existimarent convenientes pro examinacione vel
manifestacione veritatis in aliqua causa quacunque concernente predictam
plantacionem vel aliquod negotium exinde progrediens vel adinde spectans
prout per easdem litteras patentes ultime mencionatas inter alia plenius
liquet et apparet. Et eo Warranto virtute separalium litterarum paten-
tium predictarum iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] usi fuerunt et utuntur et
clamant habere potestatem et authoritatem prout mors vel alie occasiones
requirunt extra predictam societatem periclitatorum per voces maioris
partis predicti consilii et periclitatorum in eorum congregacionibus ea de
causa nominare, eligere, continuare, amovere vel suppeditare et constituere
Thesaurarium Societatis predicte et similiter super aegrotacione Thesau-
rarii vel alia tali causa absentie sue a predicta civitate Londonie qualis
approbata fuerit per predictum consilium vel maiorem partem inde con-
gregatam assignare, constituere et substituere unum de predicto consilio
pro eadem Societate approbatum per maiorem partem predicti consilii
fore Deputatum Thesaurarii eiusdem Societatis. Et similiter in eorum
congregacionibus ea de causa Thesaurarius et Societas vel maior numerus
eorum ita congregatorum per totum tempus in Informacione predicta
specificatum usi fuerunt clamant et utuntur nominare et constituere,
anglice, to appointe, tales officiarios et ministros de eadem societate quales
eis videbantur idonei et requisiti pro regimine et gubernacione, ordinacione
et dispositione negotiorum eiusdem Societatis et non aliter neque alio
modo, Et quod super quibuslibet huius modi nominacione et constitucione
alicuius huius modi Thesaurarii vel Deputati vel alterius officiarii vel
ministri Thesaurarius Societatis predicte vel eius Deputatus pro tempore
existenti vel duo alii de consilio pro predicta prima colonia in Virginia pro
tempore existenti per totum tempus in Informacione predicta specificatum
ministrabant tale formale juramentum quale pro eorum discretione
rationabiliter divisatum fuit huiusmodi Thesaurario vel Deputato The-
saurarii vel alio officario vel ministro sic nominato et electo utendo
anglice, to be employed, in, pro vel tangenti predictam plantacionem pro
eius vel eorum honesta, fideli et justa exoneracione servicii sui in omnibus
talibus materiis quales ei vel eis comittebantur pro bono et beneficio pre-
dictarum Societatis, colonie et plantacionis Et non aliter neque alio modo.
Et similiter iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] eo Warranto clamant habere
potestatem huius modi Gubernatorem, Deputatum et alios officiarios et
ministros ad libitum suum proprium exonerare, amovere, alterare et mutare.

Et quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias sequentes, videlicet,
eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] habere sibi et successoribus suis totas
illas terras, patrias et territoria dicti domini Regis vocata Virginia et
terras, patrias et territoria illa ad libitum suum proprium assignare, dare,
vendere, alienare et disponere cuicunque persone et quibuscunque personis
eis placuerit, Necnon habere regimen et solam gubernacionem omnium
terrarum, patriarum et territoriorum predictorum iidem Nicholaus ffarrer
[et al.] dicunt quod Dominus Jacobus nunc Rex Anglie fuit seisitus de
tot illis terris, patriis et territoriis dicti domini Regis vocatis Virginia in
Informacione predicta specificatis in dominico suo ut de feodo ipsoque
domino Rege sic inde seisito existenti idem Dominus Rex ante predictum
tempus in Informacione predicta specificatum scilicet predicto vicesimo
tercio die Maii anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. septimo
supradicto per predictas litteras suas patentes gerentes datum apud
Westmonasterium predicto vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni sui septimo
supradicto de speciali gratia, certa scientia et mero motu suis dedit, con-
cessit et confirmavit prefato Thesaurario et Societati et eorum successoribus
subter reservaciones, limitaciones et declaraciones in eisdem litteris paten-
tibus postea specificatas omnes illas terras, patrias et territoria scituata,
jacentia et existentia in illa parte Americe vocata Virginia a promontorio,
Anglice, from the pointe of land, vocato Cape vel pointe Comforte per oram
maritimam versus boream per ducenta milliaria et ab eodem promontorio
vocato Cape Comforte per oram maritimam versus meridiem per ducenta
milliaria ac totum illud spatium et circuitum terre jacens ab ora maritima
precinctus predicti altius in terra trans, Anglice, throughout, a mari in mare
versus occidentem et Boream Zephyrum, Anglice, Northwest, acetiam
omnes insulas jacentes intra centum milliaria per oram maritimam utrius-

que maris de precinctu predicto simulcum toto illo solo, fundo, portubus,
mineris tam regalibus mineris auri et argenti quam aliis mineralibus,
gemmis et preciosis lapidibus, quarreis, boscis, fluminibus, aquis, piscariis,
commoditatibus, jurisdiccionibus, regalitatibus, privilegiis, ffranchesiis et
preheminensiis intra eadem territoria et precinctus eorundem quorum-
cunque et eisdem vel circa ea tam per mare quam per terram existentibus
vel aliquo modo spectantibus vel pertinentibus que idem Dominus Rex per
litteras suas patentes potuisset concedere et in tam amplis modo et forma
quam idem Dominus Rex per litteras suas patentes potuisset concedere
et in tam amplis modo et forma quam idem Dominus Rex vel aliquis pro-
genitorum suorum preantea concessisset vel concessissent alicui Societati,
corpori politico vel corporato, vel alicui periclitatori vel aliquibus periclita-
toribus, sumenti vel sumentibus, super se aliquas investigationes, Anglice,
discoveries, plantaciones vel commertium de, in vel[327] aliquas terras remotas
vel extraneas quascunque in tam largo et amplo modo ac si eadem in eisdem
litteris patentibus particulariter mencionata, et expressa fuissent habendum
et tenendum possidendum et gaudendum, omnia et singula predicta terras,
patrias et territoria cum omnibus et singulis aliis premissis superius per
easdem litteras patentes concessis vel mencionatis concedi ipsis prefatis
Thesaurario et Societati eorum Successoribus et assignibus imperpetuum
ad solum et proprium usum eorundem Thesaurii et Societatis Successorum
et assignorum suorum tenenda de eodem domino Rege, heredibus et
successoribus suis ut de manerio suo de Eastgreenewich in libero et com-
muni socagio et non in capite reddendo et solvendo pro eisdem prefato
domino Rege, heredibus et successoribus suis quintam partem tantummodo
totius metalli, Anglice, Oare, auri et argenti quod de tempore in tempus et
ad omnia tempora tunc postea ibidem foret aquisitum, habitum et obten-
tum pro omnimodis serviciis.

Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex voluit et sibi placebat quod in omnibus
questionibus et dubiis que orirentur super aliqua difficultate construccionis
vel interpretacionis alicuius rei contente vel in eisdem litteris patentibus
suis vel in aliquibus suis prioribus litteris patentibus eadem acciperentur et
interpretarentur in magis amplo et beneficiali modo pro predictis The-
saurario et Societate et successoribus suis et quolibet membro inde licet

expressa mencio de vero annuo valore vel certitudine premissorum vel
eorum aliquo vel de aliquibus aliis donis vel concessionibus per ipsum
dominum Regem vel aliquem progenitorum vel predecessorum suorum pre-
fato Thesaurario et Societati preantea factis in eisdem litteris patentibus
non fuit facta vel aliquibus statuto, actu, ordinacione, provisione, procla-
macione vel restriccione in contrarium inde habitis, factis, ordinatis vel pro-
visis vel aliquibus aliis causa vel materia quibuscunque nonobstantibus
prout per easdem litteras patentes inter alia plenius liquet et apparet;
virtute quarumquidem litterarum patentium ultimo mencionatarum
predicti Thesaurarius et Societas predicte prime colonie in Virginia fuerunt
et adhuc sunt seisiti de et in terris, patriis et territoriis predictis et ceteris
premissis cum pertinenciis eis et successoribus suis ut prefertur per easdem
litteras patentes concessis in dominico suo ut de feodo et ulterius iidem
Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt quod ante predictum tempus in Informacione
predicta superius specificatum scilicet duodecimo die Martii anno regni
dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. nono idem Dominus Rex per predictas
litteras suas patentes gerentes datum eodem duodecimo die Martii anno
regni sui Anglie etc. nono supradicto recitantes quod cum ad humilem
peticionem diversorum separalium dilectorum subditorum suorum tam peri-
clitatorum quam plantatorum prime colonie in Virginia et pro propaga-
cione christiane religionis et pro adducendo rudi populo ad civilitatem et
humanitatem idem dominus Rex per suas litteras patentes gerentes datum
apud Westmonasterium vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni sui Anglie,
ffrancie et Hibernie septimo et Scotie quadragesimo secundo dedisset et
concessisset eis quod ipsi et omnes tales et tot eorundem dilectorum sub-
ditorum eiusdem domini Regis qui de tempore in tempus imperpetuum
coniungerentur eis ut plantatores vel periclitatores in predicta plantacione
et eorum successores imperpetuum essent unum corpus politicum incor-
poratum per nomen Thesaurarii et Societatis periclitatorum et plantatorum
de predicta civitate Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia cumque etiam
pro maiori bono et beneficio predicte Societatis et pro melioribus adiuva-
mine, Anglice, furtherance, coroboracione, Anglice, strengthninge, et stabili-
mento predicte plantacionis idem Dominus Rex ulterius dedisset, conces-
sisset et confirmasset per easdem litteras patentes prefato Thesaurario et
Societati et eorum Successoribus imperpetuum omnes illas terras, patrias
vel territoria scituata, iacentia et existentia in illa parte Americe vocata
Virginia a promontorio, Anglice, the pointe of lande, vocato Cape vel pointe
Comforte per oras maritimas versus boream per ducenta milliaria et ab eodem
promontorio de Cape Comforte per oram maritimam versus meridiem per
ducenta milliaria et totum illud spatium et circuitum terre jacentis ab ora
maritima precinctus predicti altius in patriam trans, Anglice, throughout,
a mari ad mare per occidentem, boream zephyrum, Anglice, Northwest,
acetiam omnes insulas jacentes intra centum milliaria per oram mariti-
mam utriusque maris precinctus predicti cum diversis aliis concessionibus,
libertatibus, ffranchesiis, preeminenciis, privilegiis, proficuis, beneficiis
et commoditatibus concessis in et per predictas litteras patentes eiusdem
domini Regis prefato Thesaurario et Societati et eorum Successoribus
imperpetuum tunc idem Dominus Rex pro eo quod datum fuit celsitudini
suo intelligi quod in predictis maribus, Anglice, in those Seas, adiacentibus
predictis oris de Virginia et extra predictum spatium predictorum ducentor-
um milliariorum per ipsum dominum Regem sic, ut prefertur, concessum
prefatis Thesaurario et Societati et tamen non procul distantes a predicta
colonia in Virginia fuerunt vel esse potuerunt diverse Insule iacentes
desolate et minime inhabitate quarum alique tunc fuerunt cognite et
investigate, Anglice, discovered, per industriam laborem, Anglice, travaile,
et expenciam predicte societatis et alie Insule imaginantur esse et remanere
eo usque incognite et minime patefacte, Anglice, undiscovered, omnes et
singule quarum expediens esse posset, Anglice, it might importe, predicte
colonie et in tutamine et in politia commertii, Anglice, both in safety and
policy of trade, cum populo frequentare, Anglice, to populate, et plantare
quo respectu tam pro evitacione periculi quam pro meliore commoditate
et prosperitate predicte colonie ipsi humiliter supplicassent eundem
dominum Regem quod idem Dominus Rex dignaretur concedere eis auc-
tionem, Anglice, an enlargment, predictarum litterarum patentium eius-
dem domini Regis tam pro magis ampla extencione limitum et terri-
toriorum in maria adjacentia ad et super oram de Virginia quam pro
quibusdam aliis materiis et articulis concernentibus melius regimen predicte
Societatis et colonie in quo predicte littere patentes eiusdem domini Regis
non in tantum se extendebant prout per tempus et experientiam compertum
fuit fore necessarium et conveniens idem Dominus Rex idcirco suscipiens
curam boni et felicis successus predicte plantacionis tam intuitu, Anglice
in regard, generalis boni humane Societatis quam intuitu status eiusdem
domini Regis et regnorum suorum et volens sublevare omnia bona media
que augerent beneficium eiusdem Societatis et que securarent et tutos
redderent predictos dilectos subditos eiusdem domini Regis plantatos in
predicta colonia sua sub favore et proteccione dei omnipotentis et regalis
potestatis et authoritatis ex eiusdem domini Regis speciali gratia, certa
scientia et mero motu suis dedisset, concessisset et confirmasset et pro se,
heredibus et successoribus suis per easdem tunc presentes litteras patentes
dedit, concessit et confirmavit prefatis Thesaurario et Societati periclita-
torum et plantatorum predicte civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in Vir-
ginia et heredibus et successoribus suis imperpetuum omnes et singulas illas
Insulas quascumque scituatas et existentes in aliqua parte oceani finitimi
ore predicte prime colonie in Virginia et existentes intra trecentas leu-
catas, Anglice, leagues, aliquarum partium patrie preantea concesse prefatis
Thesaurario et Societati in predictis prioribus litteris patentibus, ut pre-
fertur, et existentes intra vel inter quadragesimum primum et tricesimum
gradus borealis latitudinis simulcum omnibus et singulis solo, terra, fundo,
portubus, fluminibus, aquis, piscariis, mineris, Anglice, mynes, et minerali-
bus, gemmis, Anglice, pearles, lapidibus preciosis, quarriis et omnibus et
singulis aliis commoditatibus, jurisdiccionibus, regalitatibus, privilegiis,
ffranchesiis et preeminenciis tam in predicto tractu terre super continen-
tem, Anglice, the mayne, quam in predictis Insulis et maribus, Anglice, seas,
adjacentibus quibuscunque et ad easdem vel circa ea tam per mare et
terram existentibus vel scituatis Et que per litteras suas patentes idem
Dominus Rex concedere potuisset et in tam amplis modo et forma prout
idem Dominus Rex vel aliqui nobilissimorum progenitorum suorum ante-
tunc concessisset vel concessissent alicui persone vel aliquibus personis
vel alicui Societati, corpori politico vel corporato vel alicui periclitatori
vel aliquibus periclitatoribus sumenti vel sumentibus super se aliqua in-
vestigaciones, plantaciones vel commertium de, in vel ad aliquas patrias
remotas et forinsecas quascunque et in tam largo et amplo modo ac si
eadem in eisdem litteris patentibus particulariter nominata, mencionata
et expressa fuissent proviso semper quod predicte Insule vel aliquod
premissorum in eisdem litteris mencionatorum vel per easdem litteras
patentes propositorum et determinatorum, Anglice, meant, concedi non
fuissent nec fuisset actualiter possessa vel inhabitata per aliquem alium
christianum principem vel potestatem, Anglice, state, nec essent vel esset
infra metas, limites vel territoria septentrionalia colonie preantea per
ipsum dominum Regem concesse plantari per diversos dilectos subditos
dicti domini Regis in borealibus partibus de Virginia habendum et tenen-
dum possidendum et gaudendum omnes singulas predictas Insulas in
predictis maribus, Anglice, ocean seas, sic adiacentes et appropinquantes
predictis littori vel littoribus territoriorum predicte prime colonie in
Virginia, ut prefertur, cum omnibus et singulis predictis solo, terris et
fundis et omnibus et singulis aliis premissis preantea per easdem litteras
patentes concessis vel mencionatis concedi eis prefatis Thesaurario et
Societati periclitatorum et plantatorum civitatis Londonie pro prima
colonia in Virginia et heredibus, successoribus et assignatis suis imper-
petuum ad solum et proprium usum et opus eorundem Thesaurarii et
Societatis et heredum successorum et assignorum suorum imperpetuum
tenenda de dicto domino Rege, heredibus et successoribus suis ut de
manerio suo de Eastgreenewich in libero et communi socagio et non in
capite reddendo et solvendo pro eisdem dicto domino Regi, heredibus
et successoribus suis quintam partem metalli, Anglice, of the Oare, totius
auri et argenti que ibidem acquirerentur, haberentur vel obtinerentur
pro omnimodis serviciis quibuscunque.

Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex voluit et sibi placebat quod in omnibus
questionibus et dubiis que orirentur super aliqua difficultate construc-
cionis vel interpretacionis alicuius rei contente in eisdem litteris patentibus
suis vel in aliquibus suis prioribus litteris patentibus eadem acciperentur
et interpretarentur in magis amplo et beneficiali modo pro predictis The-
saurario et Societate et Successoribus suis et quolibet membro inde.

Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex per easdem litteras patentes ratificavit et
confirmavit prefato Thesaurario et Societati et successoribus suis omnia
et omnimoda privilegia ffranchesias libertates Immunitates proficua et
commoditates quecunque concessa in aliquibus prioribus litteris paten-
tibus eiusdem domini Regis et non in eisdem tunc presentibus litteris
patentibus revocata, alterata, mutata vel diminuta licet expressa mencio
de vero valore annuo vel certitudine premissorum vel alicuius eorum
vel de aliquo alio dono vel concessione per ipsum dominum Regem vel
aliquem progenitorum vel predecessorum suorum prefato Thesaurario et
Societati preantea facto in eisdem litteris patentibus non fuit facta vel
aliquibus statuto, actu, ordinacione, provisione, proclamacione vel restric-
cione in contrarium inde ante tunc habitis, factis, ordinatis vel provisis
vel aliquibus aliis materia, causa vel re quibuscunque in contrarium inde
quovismodo non obstantibus prout per easdem litteras patentes inter

alia plenius liquet et apparet, virtute quarum quidem litterarum paten-
tium ultime mencionata predictus Thesaurarius et Societas predicte prime
colonie in Virginia fuerunt et adhuc sunt seisiti de et in predictis Insulis,
terris, territoriis et ceteris premissis eis et successoribus suis, ut prefertur,
per easdem litteras concessis in dominico suo ut de feodo.

Et ulterius iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt quod predicte Insule
specificate in predictis litteris patentibus ultime mencionatis et per easdem
litteras patentes ultime mencionatas prefato Thesaurario et Societati per
predictum Dominum Regem nunc concedi mencionate aut concedi pro-
posite aut earum aliqua aut predicta solum terre, funda, portus, flumina,
aque, piscaria, minera et mineralia similiter in eisdem litteris specificata aut
aliqua pars sive parcella inde aut aliquod aliud premissorum in eisdem
litteris patentibus mencionatorum et per easdem litteras patentes prefatis
Thesaurario et Societati per eundem dominum Regem nunc concedi
mencionatorum aut concedi propositorum tempore confeccionis earundem
litterarum patentium non fuerunt aut fuit actualiter possessa vel inhabi-
tata per aliquem alium christianum principem vel potestatem, Anglice,
state, nec fuerunt aut fuit infra limites et territoria predicte Septentrio-
nalis Colonie per ipsum dominum Regem concessa plantari per diversos
dilectos subditos dicti domini Regis in borealibus partibus de Virginia cum
hoc quod iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] verificare volunt quod predictus
Dominus Rex tempore confeccionis predictarum litterarum patentium
ultime mencionatarum fuit actualiter seisitus de Insulis, terris et territoriis
predictis in eisdem litteris patentibus ultime mencionatis specificatis in
dominico suo ut de feodo, Et quod Insule, terre, patrie et territoria in
predictis separalibus litteris patentibus mencionata fore concessa sunt
eadem terre, patrie et territoria dicti domini Regis vocata Virginia in
Informacione predicta superius specificata et non alia neque diversa. Et
eo Warranto iidem Nicholaus [et al.] clamant habere sibi et Successoribus
suis tot illa terras, patrias et territoria dicti domini Regis vocata Virginia
eis per separales litteras patentes predictas, ut prefertur, concessa et terras,
patrias et territoria illa ad libitum suum proprium assignare, dare, vendere,
alienare et disponere cuicunque persone et quibuscunque personis eis
placuerit, Necnon habere regimen et solam gubernacionem omnium
terrarum, patriarum et territoriorum predictorum. Et quoad habendum
et clamandum omnia alia terras, patrias et territoria dicti domini Regis

vocata Virginia preter quod terras, patrias et territoria dicti domini
Regis vocata Virginia sic ut prefertur per predictas separales litteras
patentes concessa iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] penitus disclamant et
deadvocant.

Et quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias sequentes, videlicet, eosdem
Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] facere, eligere et admittere in Societatem illam
quascunque personas voluerint tam alienos quam alios et diversas dena-
riorum summas de eisdem personis capere, recipere et levare, pro eorum
admissione in Societatem predictam quodque persone sic in Societatem
predictam admisse et admittende erunt de Societate predicta et incorporate
unacum ceteris de eadem Societate, Necnon quascunque personas de eadem
Societate ad libitum suum proprium a libertatibus et ffranchesiis eiusdem
Societatis excludere et easdem personas disfranchesiare et a societate
illa amovere et exonerare iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] et periclitatores
et plantatores predicti et alii liberi homines existentes periclitatores et
plantatores civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia dicunt quod
ante predictum tempus in Informacione predicta superius specificatum
scilicet predicto vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni dicti domini Regis
nunc Anglie etc. septimo supradicto idem dominus Rex nunc per predictas
litteras suas patentes gerentes datum apud Westmonasterium predictum
eodem vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni sui septimo supradicto ordinavit
et stabilivit quod Thesaurarius Societatis predicte et consilium Societatis
illius residens in Anglia et eorum Successores vel aliqui quatuor eorum
congregati, Anglice, assembled, Thesaurario existenti uno eorum, de tem-
pore in tempore haberent plenas potestatem et authoritatem admittere et
recipere aliquas alias personas in eorum societatem corporationem et liberta-
tem, Et ulterius in generali congregacione periclitatorum cum consensu
maioris partis super racionabili causa disfranchesiare et amovere aliquam
personam vel aliquas personas a predicta libertate et Societate.

Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex voluit et ei placebat et per easdem litteras
patentes pro seipso heredibus et successoribus suis concessit et agreavit ad
et cum prefato Thesaurario et Societate et eorum Successoribus quod
omnes et singule persona vel persone que ad aliqua tempus vel tempora
extunc imposterum periclitarentur aliquam summam vel aliquas summas
pecunie in et erga predictam plantacionem predicte colonie in Virginia et

esset vel essent admissa vel admisse per predictum consilium et societatem
ut periclitator vel periclitatores eiusdem colonie in forma supradicta et
esset vel essent recordate, Anglice, inrolled, in libro vel recordo periclitato-
rum eiusdem Societatis estimarentur et acciperentur, caperentur, habe-
rentur et reputarentur periclitatores predicte colonie et gauderent omnibus
et singulis concessionibus, privilegiis, libertatibus, beneficiis, proficuis,
commoditatibus, advantagiis et emolumentis quibuscunque adeo plene,
large, ample et absolute ac si ipse et quelibet earum esset vel essent precise,
plane, singulariter et distincte nominate et inserte in eisdem litteris patenti-
bus prout per easdem litteras inter alia plenius liquet et apparet.

Et ulterius iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt quod ante predictum tem-
pus in Informacione predicta superius specificatum scilicet predicto duo-
decimo die Martii anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. nono
supradicto idem Dominus Rex nunc per predictas litteras suas patentes
gerentes datum apud Westmonasterium eodem duodecimo die Martii anno
regni sui Anglie etc. nono supradicto ordinavit et concessit quod predicti
Thesaurarius et Societas periclitatorum et plantatorum predictorum semel
qualibet septimana vel sepius ad eorum libitum tenerent et custodirent
curiam et congregacionem pro meliori regimine et gubernacione predicte
plantacionis et talium rerum que tangerent eadem, Et quod alique quinque
persone consilii dicti domini Regis pro predicta prima colonia in Virginia
pro tempore existenti e quorum numero Thesaurarius vel eius Deputatus
semper esset unus et numerus quindecim aliorum ad minimum de generali-
tate eiusdem Societatis simul congregati in tali curia vel congregacione tali
modo quali preantea usitatum et consuetum fuit nuncuparentur accipe-
rentur et reputarentur esse et essent sufficiens curia eiusdem Societatis pro
tratacione, ordinacione et expedicione omnium talium contingentium et
particularium occurrentium et accidentalium materiarum minoris sequele,
Anglice, consequence, et momenti qualia de tempore in tempus contingerent
tangentia et concernentia predictam plantacionem, Et tamen pro tracta-
cione, ordinacione et dispositione materiarum et negotiorum maioris
momenti et valoris, Anglice, of greater weight and importance, et talium
quovis modo tangerent rem publicam et generale bonum predicte Societatis
et plantacionis, veluti, modi gubernacionis de tempore in tempus utendi,
ordinis et dispositionis terre et possessionum et positionis et stabilimenti
commertii ibidem vel talium teneretur et haberetur quolibet anno super

penultimo die Mercurii Terminorum Sancti Hillarii, Pasche, Trinitatis et
Sancti Michaelis imperpetuum una magna generalis et solennis congregatio
que quidem separales congregaciones nuncuparentur, Anglice, shal be
stiled, et vocarentur quatuor magne et generales curie consilii et Societatis
periclitatorum pro Virginia.

Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex per easdem litteras patentes pro se, heredi-
bus et Successoribus suis dedit et concessit Thesaurario et Societati
predicte et Successoribus suis imperpetuum quod ipsi predictus Thesaura-
rius et Societas vel maior pars eorum pro tempore existenti in plena et
generali curia congregati ut prefertur de tempore in tempus et ad omnia
tempora imperpetuum extunc deinceps eligerent, asciscerent et admitte-
rent in eorum Societatem aliquam personam vel aliquas personas tam peri-
grinos et alienigenos natos in aliquo loco trans maria ubicunque existentes
in amicitia, Anglice, amity, cum eodem domino Rege quam naturales et
ligeos et subditos eiusdem domini Regis natos in aliquo regnorum et dominio-
rum suorum, Et quod quelibet tales persone ita electe, ascite, et admisse
de eadem Societate, ut prefertur, superinde caperentur, reputarentur et
tenerentur et essent libera membra predicte Societatis et haberent, tene-
rent et gauderent omnibus et singulis libertatibus, ffranchesiis, privilegiis,
immunitatibus, beneficiis, proficuis et commoditatibus quibuscunque
predicte Societati quovismodo spectantibus vel pertinentibus tam plene,
libere et ample quam aliquis alius periclitatorum vel aliqui alii periclitatores
tunc existentes vel qui extunc imposterum ad aliquod tempus esset vel
essent de predicta Societate habuit vel habuerunt vel habere debuit et
potuit, debuerunt aut potuerunt et gauderent eisdem ad omnia intenciones
et proposita quecunque prout per easdem litteras patentes inter alia plenius
liquet et apparet.

Et eo Warranto per tempus predictum in Informacione predicta superius
specificatum Thesaurarius Societatis predicte et Societas predicta vel maior
pars inde pro tempore existenti in plena et generali curia congregati cla-
mant et usi fuerunt et utuntur facere, eligere et admittere in Societatem
illam tam peregrinos et alienigenos natos in aliquo loco trans maria ubicun-
que existentes in amicitia cum eodem domino Rege quam naturales ligeos
subditos eiusdem domini Regis natos in aliquo regnorum et Domini-
orum eiusdem domini Regis et non aliter neque alio modo, acetiam eo

Warranto iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] clamant quod omnes tales per-
sone sic, ut prefertur, in Societatem predictam admisse vel admittende
erunt de Societate predicta et incorporate unacum ceteris de eadem,
acetiam eo Warranto iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] clamant habere potesta-
tem et authoritatem in generali congregacione periclitatorum cum consensu
maioris partis super rationabili causa disfranchesiare, amovere et exone-
rare aliquam personam vel personas a Societate predicta et non aliter neque
alio modo prout eis bene licuit et licet.

Et quoad predictas libertates, privilegia, et ffranchesias videlicet capere,
recipere et levare aliquas denariorum summas de aliquibus persona vel
personis pro eius vel eorum admissione in Societatem predictam iidem
Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] penitus disclamant et deadvocant.

Et quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias sequentes videlicet eosdem
Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] habere et tenere tam infra civitatem Londonie
predictam quam alibi infra hoc regnum Anglie acetiam in partibus transma-
rinis in Virginia predicta quasdam domos consiliares et in eisdem domibus
quandocunque eis videbitur expedire, habere et tenere curiam, congre-
gaciones sive convocaciones de quampluribus et diversis hominibus eiusdem
Societatis tot et talibus quot et quales eis placuerint ac in eisdem curiis,
congregacionibus et convocacionibus ad libitum suum proprium diversa
statuta, leges et constituciones ordinare, facere et constituere et omnes per-
sonas tam de Societate predicta quam alias personas non existentes de eadem
Societate que statutis, ordinacionibus, legibus et constitucionibus illis non
obedirent imprisonare ac fines et amerciamenta super eas ea de causa
taxare et imponere et ea ad usos suos proprios levare et convertere et
alias penas, penalitates et puniciones quascunque ad libitum suum proprium
super eisdem personis imponere et infligere iidem Nicholaus ffarrer, [et al.]
dicunt quod ante predictum tempus in Informacione predicta superius
specificatum scilicet predicto duodecimo die Martii anno regni dicti
domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. nono supradicto idem Dominus Rex per
predictas litteras suas patentes gerentes datum apud Westmonasterium
eodem duodecimo die martii anno regni sui Anglie nono supradicto ordi-
navit et concessit prefato Thesaurario et Societati quod iidem The-
saurarius et Societas periclitatorum et plantatorum predictorum semel
qualibet septimana vel sepius ad eorum voluntatem tenerent et haberent

curias et congregaciones pro meliore ordinacione et regimine predicte
plantacionis et talium rerum que adinde pertinerent, Anglice, which should
concerne the same, et quod quinque persone de consilio dicti domini Regis
pro predicta prima colonia in Virginia pro tempore existenti e quorum
numero Thesaurarius vel eius Deputatus semper esset unus et numerus
quindecim aliorum ad minimum de generalitate predicte Societatis insimul
congregati in tali curia vel congregacione in tali modo quali preantea usita-
tum et consuetum fuit diceretur, acciperetur, teneretur et reputaretur esse
et esset sufficiens curia predicte Societatis pro tractacione, ordinacione, et
expedicione omnium talium casualium et particularium occurentium et
materiarum contingentium, Anglice, accidentall matters, minoris sequele et
momenti, Anglice, of lesse consequence and waight, quales de tempore in
tempus acciderent tangentes et concernentes predictam plantacionem Et
quod nihilominus pro tractacione, ordinacione et dispositione materiarum
et negotiorum maioris momenti et valoris, et talium, qualia aliquo modo
tangerent rempublicam et generale bonum predicte Societatis et planta-
cionis veluti modi gubernacionis de tempore in tempus utendi ordinacionis
et dispositionis et possessionis et positionis, Anglice, the setlinge, et sta-
bilimento[335] commertii ibidem vel talium teneretur et haberetur quolibet
anno super penultimo die Mercurii Terminorum Sancti Hillarii, Pasche,
Sancte Trinitatis et Sancti Michaelis imperpetuum una magna generalis
et solennis congregacio quequidem quatuor separales congregaciones nun-
cuparentur, Anglice, shal be stiled, et vocarentur quatuor magne et
generales curie Consilii et Societatis periclitatorum pro Virginia in omni-
bus et singulis quarum predictarum magnarum generalium curiarum ita
congegatarum animus et voluntas ipsius domini Regis fuerunt et idem
Dominus Rex pro seipso, heredibus et Successoribus suis imperpetuum
dedit et concessit prefato Thesaurario et Societati et eorum Successoribus
imperpetuum per easdem litteras patentes quod ipsi Thesaurarius et
Societas vel maior numerus eorum ita congregatus haberent plenam potes-
tatem et authoritatem de tempore in tempus et ad omnia tempora tunc
imposterum ordinare et facere tales leges et constituciones, Anglice, Ordi-
nances, pro bono et prosperitate, Anglice, Welfare, predicte plantacionis
quales eis de tempore in tempus estimarentur fore requisite et idonee Ita
tamen quod leges et constituciones ille non essent contrarie legibus et
statutis regni dicti domini Regis Anglie prout per predictas litteras
patentes inter alia plenius liquet et apparet. Et iidem Nicholaus ffarrer
[et al.] dicunt quod ipsi sepe per tempus predictum in Informacione pre-
dicta superius specificatum virtute litterarum patentium predictarum
ultimo mencionatarum tenuerunt et habuerunt curiam et congregacionem
pro melioribus ordinacione et regimine predicte plantacionis et talium
rerum que adinde pertinebant et materiarum contingentium, Anglice,
accidentall matters, minoris sequele et momenti quales de tempore in
tempus accidebant contingentes et concernentes predictam plantacionem
tam in Anglia quam in partibus transmarinis in Virginia Et quod iidem
liberi homines et periclitatores et plantatores predicti per tempus
predictum in Informacione predicta superius specificatum habuerunt
quasdam domos consiliares tam in predicta civitate Londonie quam alibi
infra hoc regnum Anglie quam in partibus transmarinis in Virginia predicta
pro predictis curiis et congregacionibus ad convenciones et congregaciones
suas in eisdem faciendis eedemque congregaciones in domibus illis consili-
ariis quoties conveniens et necesse fuit convenerunt et curie in eisdem tente
fuerunt et in et per easdem congregaciones et curias diverse leges et ordi-
naciones pro melioribus ordinacione et regimine predicte plantacionis et
talium rerum quales adinde pertinebant et materiarum contingentium
minoris sequele et momenti quales de tempore in tempus accidebant tan-
gentes et concernentes predictam plantacionem quales eis de tempore in
tempus estimate fuerunt idonee et requisite et que fuerunt consone et
congruentes legibis et statutis huius regni Anglie et non contrarie eisdem
facte et constitute fuerunt et preter curias et congregaciones illas pro
tractacione, ordinacione et dispositione materiarum et negotiorum maioris
momenti et valoris que aliquo modo tangebant rem publicam et generale
bonum predicte Societatis et plantacionis quolibet anno per tempus predic-
tum in Informacione predicta specificatum super penultimo die Mercurii
Terminorum Sancti Hillarii, Pasche, Sancte Trinitatis et Sancti Michaelis
una magna generalis et solennis congregacio habita et tenta fuit eedemque
quatuor separales congregaciones nuncupate fuerunt quatuor magne et
generales curie consilii et Societatis periclitatorum pro Virginia Iidem liberi
homines et periclitatores et plantatores predicti per tempus predictum in
Informacione predicta superius specificatum habuerunt quandam domum
consiliarem in predicta civitate Londonie in parochia Sancti Benedicti
Sherebogge pro predictis magnis generalibus et solennibus congregacioni-
bus ad convenciones et congregaciones suas in eadem faciendis eedemque
generales congregaciones in domo illo consiliari temporibus illis convene-
runt et magne et generales curie consilii et Societatis periclitatorum pro
Virginia in eadem domo consiliari tente fuerunt et in et per easdem gen-
erales curias et congregaciones in domo consiliari illa in temporibus illis
diverse leges et ordinaciones pro bono et prosperitate, Anglice, Welfare,
predicte plantacionis quales eis de tempore in tempus existimate fuerunt
idonee et requisite que fuerunt consone et congruentes legibus et statutis
huius regni Anglie et non contrarie eisdem facte et constitute fuerunt.
Et eo Warranto iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per tempus predictum in
Informacione predicta specificatum habuerunt et tenuerunt et clamant
habere et tenere tam infra civitatem Londonie predicte quam alibi infra
hoc regnum Anglie Acetiam in partibus transmarinis in Virginia predicta
quasdam domos consiliares et in eisdem domibus quandocunque eis visum
fuit vel videbitur expedire, habere, et tenere curias congregaciones sive
convocaciones de quampluribus et diversis hominibus eiusdem Societatis tot
et talibus quot et qualibus eis placuerit ac in eisdem curiis, congregacionibus
et convocacionibus ad libitum suum proprium huiusmodi statuta, leges et
constituciones ordinare, facere et constituere. Et quoad libertates, privi-
legia et ffranchesias predictas videlicet omnes personas tam de Societate
quam alias personas non existentes de eadem Societate que statutis,
ordinacionibus, legibus et constitucionibus ordinatis, factis et constitutis
per curias, congregaciones sive convocaciones de quampluribus hominibus
eiusdem Societatis non obedirent imprisonare ac fines et amerciamenta
super eas ea de causa taxare et imponere et ad usus suos proprios levare et
convertere et alias penas et penalitates et punitiones quascunque ad libi-
tum suum proprium super eisdem personis imponere et infligere iidem
Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt quod ipsi non clamant nec usi fuerunt nec
utuntur libertatibus, privilegiis et ffranchesiis illis seu eorum aliquo sed in
eisdem et in eorum quolibet penitus deadvocant et disclamant.

Et quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias sequentes videlicet eosdem
Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] ad libitum suum proprium exportare et trans-
portare extra hoc regnum Anglie in partes transmarinas predictas quascun-
que personas eis placuerit tam subditos dicti domini Regis existentes quam
alias personas quascunque eosque [ad] libitum suum proprium regere et
gubernare tam in itinere suo super mare quam in partibus transmarinis

predictis, Acetiam habere libertatem, potestatem et authoritatem contra
leges et statuta huius regni Anglie transportare extra hoc regnum Anglie
in partes transmarinas predictas omnes et omnimodas mercandizas, mer-
cimonia et alias res quascunque per leges et statuta huius regni Anglie
prohibita transportari, Acetiam transportare extra hoc regnum Anglie in
partes transmarinas predictas omnia genera armorum, armamentorum,
instrumentorum bellicosorum, pulveris bombardici, victualium, pecorum,
equorum, equarum, et omnium aliarum mercandizarum et rerum quarum-
cunque absque reddicione vel solucione subsidii, custume, imposicionis vel
alie taxacionis quarumcunque dicto domino Regi vel ad usum eiusdem
domini Regis, Necnon habere sibi et Successoribus suis regimen et solam
gubernacionem omnium personarum inhabitancium, commorantium et
residentium in totis illis terris, patriis et territoriis dicti domini Regis vo-
cata Virginia seu in partes illas venientium seu negotiantium et easdem
personas regere et gubernare secundum ordinaciones et constituciones
Societatis illius, Necnon habere potestatem et authoritatem uti et exercere
tam infra partes transmarinas predictas quam super altum mare, jus
militare quandocunque eis placuerit iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt
quod idem Dominus Rex ante predictum tempus in Informacione predicta
specificatum scilicet predicto Vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni eiusdem
domini Regis Anglie etc. septimo supradicto per predictas litteras suas
patentes gerentes datum apud Westmonasterium eodem vicesimo tercio
die Maii anno regni sui septimo supradicto de suis speciali gratia, certa
scientia et mero motu pro se, heredibus et successoribus suis per easdem
litteras patentes dedit et concessit plenas potestatem et authoritatem
predicto consilio ipsius domini Regis pro predicta Societate periclitatorum
et plantatorum in Virginia hic in Anglia residenti tam ad idem presens
tempus quam extunc imposterum de tempore in tempus nominare, facere,
constituere, ordinare et confirmare, et per talia nomen et nomina, appella-
cionem et appellaciones qualia eis viderentur bona et similiter revocare,
exonerare, mutare et alterare tam omnes et singulos gubernatores, offi-
ciarios et ministros qui antetunc facti fuissent quam qui extunc per eos
estimarentur idonei et necessarii fiendi vel utendi pro gubernacione pre-
dicte colonie et plantacionis, acetiam facere, ordinare et stabilire omni-
modos ordines, leges, directiones, instrucciones, formas et ceremonias,
gubernaciones et magistratus idoneos et necessarios pro et concernentes
gubernacionem predicte colonie et plantacionis et eosdem ad omnia tem-
pora extunc imposterum abrogare, revocare vel mutare non solum infra
precinctus predicte colonie sed etiam super mare in transfretacione ad
patriam illam et ab eadem patria prout ipsi in sua bona discretione
estimarent fore aptissimum pro bono periclitatorum et inhabitatorum
ibidem; Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex de suis speciali gratia, certa scientia
et mero motu pro se, heredibus et successoribus suis concessit per easdem
litteras patentes prefato Thesaurario et Societati et eorum Successoribus
quod licitum et liberum esset eis et assignis suis ad omnia et quelibet tempus
et tempora extunc imposterum extra regnum ipsius domini Regis Anglie
et extra omnia alia dominia ipsius domini Regis exportare et adducere in
viagium illud et pro et erga predictam plantacionem et transportacionem
versus eas partes et commoracionem et inhabitacionem ibidem in predicta
colonia et plantacione omnes tales et tot de dilectis subditis dicti domini
Regis vel aliquos alios alienigenos qui vellent devenire dilecti subditi
eiusdem domini Regis et vellent vivere sub ligeancia eiusdem domini Regis
quales lubenter associarent eos in eodem viagio et plantacione cum suffi-
cienti navigio, Anglice, shippinge, armis, telis, tormentis, Anglice, ordi-
nance, munitione, pulvere et glandinibus, Anglice, power and shott, victua-
libus et talibus mercandizis vel mercibus qualia estimarentur per rudem
et ferum populum in patria illa, Anglice, in those partes, vestitu, imple-
mentis, supplementis, Anglice, furniture, pecore, Anglice, cattle, equis et
equabus et omnibus aliis rebus necessariis pro predicta plantacione et pro
eorum usu et defencione et commertio cum populo ibidem et in trans-
fretacione ad patriam illam et ab eadem patria absque reddicione et sol-
vendo subsidium, custumam, imposicionem vel aliquam aliam taxacionem
vel vectigal, Anglice, duty, eidem domino Regi, heredibus et Successoribus
suis pro spatio septem annorum a dato earundem litterarum patentium
proviso quod nulla earundem personarum esset talis qualis extunc impo-
sterum per speciale nomen restricta esset per dictum dominum Regem,
heredes vel Successores suos.

Et pro eorum ulteriori incitamento, Anglice, encoragement, idem Dominus
Rex de suis specialibus gratia et favore per easdem litteras patentes pro
se, heredibus et successoribus suis dedit et concessit prefato Thesaurario
et Societati et eorum Successoribus et quibuslibet eorum suis factoribus et
assignatis suis quod ipsi et quilibet eorum essent liberi et quieti de omni-
bus subsidiis et custumis in Virginia pro spatio viginti et unius annorum
et aliis omnibus taxacionibus et imposicionibus imperpetuum super

aliquibus bonis vel mercandizis ad aliqua tempus vel tempora extunc
imposterum vel super importacione illuc vel exportacione illinc in regnum
domini Regis Anglie vel in aliqua alia dominia ipsius domini Regis per
predictum Thesaurarium et Societatem et' eorum Successores, eorum
Deputatos, factores et assignatos vel aliquos eorum (exceptis tantummodo
quinque libris per centum debitis pro custuma super omnibus talibus
bonis et mercandizis que adveherentur vel importarentur in regnum
domini Regis Anglie vel aliqua alia dominia eiusdem domini Regis eidem
regno Anglie confinia juxta antiquum usum mercatorum).

Et pro eo quod necessarium esset pro omnibus talibus dilectis subditis
ipsius domini Regis quales inhabitarent infra predictum precinctum de
Virginia statuere, vivere insimul in timore et vero cultu dei nostri omni-
potentis pacis christiane et civilis concordie inter se per que quilibet eorum
potuisset cum maioribus securitate, voluptate et proficuo gaudere ea que
acquirerent magnis labore et periculo idem Dominus Rex pro seipso, here-
dibus et Successoribus suis per easdem litteras patentes dedit et concessit
prefato Thesaurario et Societati et eorum Successoribus et talibus Guber-
natoribus, officiariis et ministris quales per dictum consilium dicti domini
Regis constituerentur et appunctuarentur iuxta naturas et limites suorum
officiorum et locorum respective quod ipsi de tempore in tempus extunc
imperpetuum infra eosdem precinctus de Virginia vel in via per maria
illuc et abinde haberent plenas et absolutas potestatem et authoritatem
corrigere, punire, remittere, Anglice, pardon, gubernare et regere omnes
tales subditos eiusdem domini Regis, heredum et Successorum suorum
quales de tempore in tempus periclitarentur sese, Anglice, should adventure
themselves, in aliquo viagio illuc vel qui ad aliquod tempus extunc impos-
terum inhabitarent in precinctis et territoriis predicte colonie, ut pre-
fertur, iuxta tales ordines, ordinaciones, constituciones, directiones et
instrucciones quales per consilium ipsius domini Regis stabilirentur et in
defectu inde in casu necessitatis iuxta bonam discretionem predictorum
Gubernatorum et officiariorum respective tam in casubus capitalibus et
criminalibus quam civilibus tam maritimis, Anglice, marine, quam aliis,
Ita tamen quod eadem statuta, ordinaciones et processus tam prope quam
convenienter fieri potuisset essent congruentes legibus, statutis, guber-
nacionibus et politicis predicti regni dicti domini Regis Anglie.

Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex de suis speciali gratia, certa scientia et
mero motu concessit, declaravit et ordinavit quod talis principalis Guber-
nator qualis de tempore in tempus debite et legittime authorizatus et
constitutus esset modo et forma in eisdem litteris patentibus preantea
expressis haberet plenas potestatem et authoritatem ad utendum et exer-
cendum leges belli, Anglice, martiall lawe, in casubus rebellionis vel sedi-
tionis, Anglice, mutiny, in tam largo et amplo modo quam locum tenentes
ipsius domini Regis in comitatibus ipsius domini Regis in regno suo Anglie
habuerunt vel debuerunt habere virtute commissionis locumtenentis
aliquibus statuto, actu, ordinacione, provisione, proclamacione vel restric-
cione in contrarium inde habitis, factis, ordinatis vel provisis vel aliquibus
aliis causa vel materia quibuscunque nonobstantibus prout per easdem
litteras patentes in alia plenius liquet et apparet.

Et ulterius iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt quod ante predictum
tempus in Informacione predicta specificatum scilicet predicto duodecimo
die Martii anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. nono supradicto
idem Dominus Rex per predictas litteras suas patentes gerentes datum
apud Westmonasterium eodem duodecimo die Martii anno regni sui Anglie
etc. nono supradicto de suis speciali gratia, certa scientia et mero motu
pro se, heredibus et Successoribus suis dedit et concessit prefato The-
saurario et Societati et Successoribus suis imperpetuum per easdem litteras
patentes quod licitum esset et liberum pro ipsis et eorum assignatis ad omnia
et quelibet tempus et tempora extunc imposterum extra aliquod regnorum
et dominiorum ipsius domini Regis quorumcunque capere, ducere, ferre
et transportare in viagio predicto et per et erga predictam plantacionem
predicte prime colonie ipsius domini Regis in Virginia omnes tales et tot
dilectorum subditorum ipsius domini Regis vel aliquos alios alienos qui
vallent devenire dilecti subditi ipsius domini Regis et vellent vivere sub
ligeancia ipsius domini Regis quot et quales lubenter associarent eos in
predicto viagio et plantacione cum navigio, Anglice, with shippinge, armis,
Anglice, armour, telis bombardicis, Anglice, ordinance, munitione, pulvere,
Anglice, powder, glandinibus, Anglice, shott, victualibus et omnimodis aliis
mercandizis et mercibus et omnimodo vestitu, implementis, apparatu,
Anglice, furniture, pecoribus, Anglice, beasts, averiis, Anglice, cattle, equis,
equabus et omnibus aliis rebus necessariis pro predicta plantacione et pro
eorum usu et defencione et pro commertio cum populo ibidem Et in eundo

et redeundo, Anglice, in passinge to and fro, absque solucione vel reddicione
aliquorum subsidii, custume vel imposicionis vel intra vel extra, Anglice,
inward or outward, vel alicuius alterius vectigalis, Anglice, Duty, eidem
domino Regi, heredibus, vel successoribus suis pro eisdem pro spatio septem
annorum a dato earundem litterarum patentium aliquibus statuto, actu,
ordinacione, provisione, proclamacione vel restriccione in contrarium inde
antetunc habitis, factis, ordinatis vel provisis vel alquibus aliis materia,
cause vel re quibuscunque in contrarium inde quovismodo non obstantibus,
prout per easdem litteras patentes inter alia plenius liquet et apparet.
Et eo Warranto iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per tempus predictum in
Informacione predicta superius specificatum clamant et usi fuerunt et
utuntur libertate, potestate et authoritate ad libitum suum exportare et
transportare extra hoc regnum Anglie in partes transmarinas predictas tot
et tales subditos ipsius domini Regis vel alienos qui voluerunt vivere sub
ligeancia eiusdem domini Regis quales lubenter associaverunt eos in eodem
viagio et plantacione et quales non fuerunt restricte nec earum aliqua fuit
per speciale nomen restricta per dictum dominum Regem et non aliter
nec alio modo ac etiam clamant et usi fuerunt et utuntur libertatibus, privi-
legiis et ffranchesiis easdem personas regere et gubernare tam in itinere suo
super mare quam in partibus transmarinis predictis juxta tales ordines,
ordinaciones, constituciones, directiones et instrucciones quales per predic-
tum consilium ipsius domini Regis stabilite fuerunt et non aliter neque alio
modo; Acetiam clamant et usi fuerunt et utuntur a tempore confeccionis
separalium litterarum patentium predictarum usque diem exhibicionis In-
formacionis predicte virtute earundem litterarum patentium predictarum
respective habere libertatem, potestatem et authoritatem transportare extra
hoc regnum Anglie in partes transmarinas illas pro negotiis suis sufficiens
navigium, omnia genera armorum, armamentorum, instrumentorum belli-
cosorum, pulveris bombardici, victualium, pecorum, equos, equas et alias
mercandizas et res necessarias pro predicta plantacione et pro eorum usu
et defencione et commertio cum populo ibidem absque reddicione vel
solucione subsidii, custume, imposicionis vel aliarum taxacionum quarun-
cunque dicto domino Regi vel ad usum eiusdem Regis per separalia tempora
separalium septem annorum in predictis separalibus litteris patentibus
mencionatorum et absque reddicione vel solucione subsidii, custume, impo-
sicionis vel taxacionis quaruncunque dicto domino Regi vel ad usum ipsius
domini Regis in Virginia a tempore confeccionis predictarum litterarum
patentium ipsius domini Regis gerentium datum predicto vicesimo tercio
die Maii anno septimo supradicto usque diem exhibicionis Informacionis
predicte super aliquibus bonis vel mercandizis per tempus predictum
importatis in predictam patriam de Virginia vel exportatis illinc in regnum
dicti domini Regis Anglie vel in aliqua alia dominia ipsius domini Regis
exceptis tantummodo quinque libris per centum debitis pro custuma super
omnibus talibus bonis et mercandizis que advecta vel importata fuerunt in
regnum dicti domini Regis Anglie vel aliqua alia dominia eiusdem domini
Regis juxta antiquum usum mercatorum et non aliter neque alio modo;
Acetiam eo Warranto iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] clamant et usi fuerunt
per tempus in Informacione predicta specificatum et utuntur habere sibi et
Successoribus suis regimen et solam gubernacionem omnium personarum
inhabitantium, commorantium et residentium in tot illis terris, patriis et
territoriis dicti domini Regis vocatis Virginia per predictas separales litteras
patentes Societati periclitatorum et plantatorum civitatis Londonie pro
prima colonia in Virginia concessis seu in partes illas cum eis venientium
et easdem personas regere et gubernare secundum ordinaciones et consti-
tuciones Societatis illius, Necnon clamant habere potestatem et authori-
tatem uti et exercere tam infra partes transmarinas predictas quam super
altum mare jus militare in casubus rebellionis vel seditionis in tam largo et
amplo modo quam locumtenentes ipsius domini Regis in comitatibus infra
hoc regnum Anglie habuerunt vel debuerunt habere virtute commissionum
suarum locumtenentis et non aliter neque alio modo prout eis virtute
litterarum patentium predictarum bene licuit et licet, sed iidem Nicholaus
ffarrer [et al.] dicunt quod ipsi nunquam usi fuerunt jure militari cum hoc
quod iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] verificare volunt quod nulla persona
per eos exportata et transportata extra hoc regnum Anglie vel aliqua
dominia ipsius domini Regis in predictis partibus transmarinis vocatis
Virginia fuit restricta per speciale nomen per dictum dominum Regem.

Et quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias sequentes videlicet eosdem
Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] de omnibus personis tam subditis dicti domini
Regis quam aliis negotiantibus, Anglice, tradinge, in partibus transmarinis
illis tam non existentibus de Societate sua predicta quam aliis diversas
pecuniarum summas ad libitum suum proprium exigere omnesque qui
dictas exacciones solvere negaverint vel neglexerint imprisonare Necnon

fines et Amerciamenta ad libitum suum taxare et imponere super qui-
buslibet personis negotiantibus, Anglice, tradinge, cum aliquibus mercan-
dizis vel aliis rebus quibuscunque in partibus transmarinis illis et easdem
personas absque ballio vel manucapcione ad libitum suum imprisonare
Acetiam quascunque imposiciones eis placuerint super mercandizis et aliis
rebus per aliquam personam vel aliquas personas non existentes de Societate
sua predicta in partes transmarinas predictas extra hoc regnum Anglie
transportatis vel transportandis vel a partibus transmarinis predictis in
hoc regnum Anglie adductis vel adducendis imponere et Naves et mercan-
dizas et alias res predictas capere, seisire et retinere irreplegiabiles quousque
ipsi satisfacti sunt de imposicionibus sic per ipsos super mercandizis et
aliis rebus illis impositis iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt quod idem
Dominus Rex nunc ante predictum tempus in Informacione predicta
superius specificatum scilicet predicto vicesimo tercio die Maii anno regni
eiusdem domini Regis Anglie septimo supradicto per predictas litteras suas
patentes gerentes datum apud Westmonasterium eodem vicesimo tercio
die Maii anno regni sui Anglie septimo supradicto concessit prefato The-
saurario et Societati et eorum Successoribus quod licitum esset eisdem
Thesaurario et Societati et Successoribus suis et cuilibet eorum de tempore
in tempus et ad omnia tempora extunc in posterum et quod ipsi haberent
plenas potestatem et authoritatem omnibus viis et mediis quibuscunque
capere et sub potestatem suam redigere, Anglice, to surprise, omnes et
quaslibet personam et personas quascunque cum eorum navibus, bonis et
alio apparatu, Anglice, furniture, negotiantes, Anglice, traffiquing, in aliquo
portu, Anglice, harbour, sinu, Anglice, Creeke, vel loco infra limites et
precinctus predicte colonie et plantacionis non existentes allocatas per
predictam Societatem esse periclitatores vel plantatores predicte colonie
quousque illi existentes de aliquo regnorum vel Dominiorum sub obedientia
ipsius domini Regis solverent vel agrearent solvere manibus Thesaurarii
vel alicui alio officiario Deputato per Gubernatores in Virginia ultra et
supra talia subsidium et custumam, qualia predicta Societas tunc vel
extunc imposterum solvere debuit, quinque libras per centum super omnibus
bonis et mercandizis ita importatis illuc, acetiam quinque libras per
centum super omnibus bonis per ipsos per naves illinc exportatis, et exis-
tentes alienigeni et non sub obedientia ipsius domini Regis quousque sol-
verent ultra et supra talia subsidium et custumam, qualia predicti The-
saurarius et Societas et eorum Successores tunc vel imposterum debuissent
solvere, decem libras per centum super omnibus talibus bonis simili modo
importatis vel exportatis in patriam illam vel a patria illa, aliquo in priori-
bus litteris patentibus ipsius domini Regis in contrarium non obstante, et
eadem summa pecunie et beneficia supradicta pro et durante spatio viginti
et unius annorum totaliter impenderentur ad beneficium et opus predicte
colonie et plantacionis prout per easdem litteras patentes inter alia plenius
liquet et apparet.

Et eo Warranto iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] clamant habere potestatem
et authoritatem per tempus predictum in Informacione predicta specificatum
exigere de omnibus personis tam subditis dicti domini Regis quam
aliis negotiantibus in aliquo portu, Anglice, harbour, sinu, Anglice, creeke,
vel loca [sic] infra limites vel precinctus predicte prime colonie non existenti-
bus de Societate periclitatorum predictorum nec existentibus allocatis per
predictam Societatem esse periclitatores vel plantatores predicte prime
Colonie diversas denariorum summas sequentes videlicet de aliqua huius-
modi persona vel personis sic ibidem negotiante vel negotiantibus et
existente vel existentibus de aliquo regnorum vel Dominiorum sub obe-
dientia ipsius domini Regis quinque libras per centum super omnibus bonis
et mercandizis per huiusmodi personam vel personas importatis illuc,
Acetiam quinque libras per centum super omnibus bonis per ipsos per naves
illinc exportatis ultra et supra tale subsidium quale predicta Societas tunc
solvere debuit et de huiusmodi persona vel personis sic ibidem negotiante
vel negotiantibus et existente vel existentibus alienigena vel alienigenis et
non sub obedientia ipsius domini Regis decem libras per centum super
omnibus bonis et mercandizis per huiusmodi personam vel personas exis-
tentes alienigenas et non sub obedientia ipsius domini Regis importatis
vel exportatis in patriam illam vel a patria illa ultra tale subsidium et
custumam quale predicti Thesaurarius et Societas tunc debuerunt solvere
et non aliter nec alio modo nec de aliquibus personis de Societate predicta,
ac etiam clamant habere potestatem et authoritatem per tempus predictum
in Informacione predicta specificatum omnes huiusmodi personas sic ibidem
negotiantes (non existentes de predicta Societate nec sic, ut prefertur,
allocatas) qui predictas denariorum summas respective solvere negaverint
vel neglexerint vel non agrearent solvere manibus Thesaurarii vel alicui alio
officiario deputato per gubernatorem in Virginia imprisonare et naves et
mercandizas et alias res predictas capere, seisire et retinere quousque ipsi
satisfacti essent de predictis separalibus denariorum summis respective pro

mercandizis et bonis sic importatis illuc vel exportatis illinc per huiusmodi
personas et non aliter neque alio modo, Et summas pecunie et beneficia
predicta sic capienda iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] clamant a tempore con-
feccionis predictarum litterarum patentium ultimo mencionatarum pro
spatio viginti et unius annorum totaliter impendi ad beneficium et opus
predicte colonie et plantacionis et non aliter neque alio modo. Et quoad
predicta libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias videlicet ffines et amerciamenta
ad libitum suum taxare et imponere super quibuslibet personis negotianti-
bus, Anglice, tradinge, cum aliquibus mercandizis vel aliis rebus quibus-
cunque in partibus transmarinis illis et easdem personas absque ballio sine
manucapcione ad libitum suum imprisonare, Ac etiam quascunque imposi-
ciones eis placuerint super mercandizis et aliis rebus per aliquem personam
vel aliquas personas non existentes de Societate sua predicta in partes
transmarinas predictas extra hoc regnum Anglie transportatis vel transpor-
tandis vel a partibus transmarinis predictis in hoc regnum Anglie adductis
vel adducendis imponere et omnes alias exactiones in Informacione pre-
dicta superius specificatas et in hoc placito per ipsos non clamatas iidem
Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt quod ipsi libertatibus, privilegiis et ffran-
chesiis illis seu eorum aliquo nunquam usi fuerunt nec utuntur nec
clamant uti sed in eisdem et in eorum quolibet penitus deadvocant et
disclamant.

Et quoad habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias
sequentia videlicet habere potestatem et authoritatem iurare et super
sacramentum examinare quascunque personas iis placuerit in aliqua
causa quacunque tangente vel concernente plantacionem predictam vel
aliquam negociacionem quamcunque pertinentem ad eandem plantacionem
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] dicunt quod ante predictum tempus in
Informacione predicta superius specificatum scilicet predicto duodecimo
die Martii anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc Anglie etc. nono supradicto
idem Dominus Rex per predictas litteras suas patentes datas apud West-
monasterium eodem duodecimo die Martii anno regni sui Anglie etc,
nono supradicto pro se ipso, heredibus et successoribus suis concessit prefato
Thesaurario et Societati et Successoribus suis quod licitum esset prefato
Thesaurario vel Deputato suo pro tempore existente vel aliquibus duobus
aliis de consilio eiusdem domini Regis pro predicta prima Colonia in Vir-
ginia pro tempore existente de tempore in tempus et ad omnia tempora

tunc imposterum ministrare tale formale iuramentum quale per eorum
discretionem racionabiliter devisaretur tam aliquibus persone vel personis
use vel usis utende vel in, pro vel tangens predictam plantacionem pro
eorum honesta, fideli et iusta exoneracione eorum servicii in omnibus
talibus materiis quales committerentur eis pro bono et beneficio predicte
Societatis, Colonie et plantacionis quam talibus aliis persone vel personis
quales predictus Thesaurarius vel eius Deputatus cum duobus aliis de
predicto consilio existimarent idoneos pro examinacione vel manifestacione
veritatis in aliqua causa quacunque concernente predictam plantacionem
vel aliquod negotium exinde progrediens vel adinde spectans prout per
easdem litteras patentes inter alia plenius liquet et apparet. Et eo War-
ranto iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per totum tempus in Informacione
predicta superius specificatum usi fuerunt et adhuc utuntur et clamant
habere et uti potestate et authoritate iurare et super sacramentum exam-
inare tales personas quales predictus Thesaurarius vel eius Deputatus cum
duobus aliis de predicto consilio existimaverunt idoneos pro examinacione
vel manifestacione veritatis in aliqua causa quacunque tangente vel con-
cernente predictam plantacionem vel aliquam negociacionem ad eandem
plantacionem pertinentem et non aliter neque alio modo prout eis virtute
litterarum patentium predictarum bene licuit et licet absque hoc quod
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per tempus predictum in Informacione
predicta superius specificatum de libertatibus, privilegiis, et ffranchesiis
predictis in isto placito superius specificatis de libertatibus, privilegiis et
ffranchesiis predictis in isto placito superius specificatis et per ipsos modo
et forma predicta clamatis seu eorum aliquo super dictum dominum
Regem nunc usurpaverunt seu adhuc usurpant modo et forma prout per
Informacionem predictam superius supponitur; Que omnia et singula
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer, [et al.] parati sunt verificare prout curia etc. unde
petunt judicium, Et quod omnia et singula libertates privilegia et ffran-
chesias in hoc placito superius specificata et per ipsos ut prefertur clamata
iuxta litteras patentes predictas eisdem liberis hominibus et periclitatoribus
et plantatoribus predictis et Successoribus suis allocentur et adiudicentur,
Et quod ipsi ab hac curia proinde dimittantur etc.

Et quoad residuum libertatum privilegiorum et ffranchesiarum predictarum
in Informacione predicta superius specificatorum iidem Nicholaus ffarrer
[et al.] dicunt quod ipsi libertatibus, privilegiis et ffranchesiis illis seu eorum

aliquo nunquam usi fuerunt nec utuntur nec clamant uti sed in eisdem
et in eorum quolibet deadvocant et disclamant. Et prefatus Thomas
Coventrye, miles, attornatus domini Regis nunc generalis, qui pro eodem
domino Rege in hac parte sequitur pro eodem domino Rege petit inde diem
loquendi usque in octavis Sancti Hillarii, Et ei conceditur coram domino
Rege ubicunque etc. idem dies datus est tam prefato Thome Coventrye
qui sequitur etc. quam prefatis Nicholao ffarrer, [et al.].

Ad quas quidem octavas Sancti Hillarii coram domino Rege apud West-
monasterium venerunt tam prefatus Thomas Coventrye, miles, attornatus
dicti domini Regis generalis, qui sequitur etc. quam predicti Nicholaus
ffarrer, [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum.

Et prefatus Thomas Coventrye, miles, attornatus dicti domini Regis
nunc generalis, qui pro eodem domino Rege in hac parte sequitur pro
eodem domino Rege dicit quod dictus dominus Rex nunc pro aliqua per
prefatos Nicholaum ffarer [et al.] superius placitando allegata ab infor-
macione sua predicta versus ipsos Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] habend[a]
precludi non debet Quia dicit quod placitum predictum per ipsos in forma
predicta superius placitatum quoad habendum et clamandum libertates,
privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius mencionata et hic postea
recitata videlicet eosdem liberos homines et periclitatores et plantatores
civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia fore incorporatos per
nomen Thesaurarii et Societatis periclitatorum et plantatorum civitatis
Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia ac per illud nomen placitare et
implacitari in omnibus curiis et locis quibuscunque ac coram quibus-
cunque judicibus, justiciariis vel aliis personis quibuscunque tam in
omnibus et singulis accionibus, sectis et querelis quam in omnibus
et singulis aliis causis, negotiis materiis et demandis quibuscunque
cuiuscunque sint generis, mature sive speciei ac per idem nomen fore
personas habiles et in lege capaces ad perquirendum, habendum, recipien-
dum, capiendum et possidendum sibi et successoribus suis tam de dicto
domino Rege quam de aliquibus aliis personis vel corporibus corporatis
aliqua dominia, maneria, terras, tenementa, redditus, reverciones, reven-
ciones, servicia, possessiones, hereditamenta, bona et catalla, licencias,
libertates, ffranchesias, proficua, commoditates quecunque eis per prefa-
tum nomen sive aliis personis sive alicui alie persone ad eorum usum data,
facta, habita, concessa sive confirmata ac per idem nomen dare, concedere,

admittere, locare, disponere, assignare et alienare bona, catalla, terras,
tenementa et hereditamenta sua quecunque cuicunque persone vel quibus-
cunque personis ad eorum libitum materiaque in eodem placito contenta
minus sufficientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum Regem ab infor-
macione sua predicta quoad libertates privilegia et ffranchesias illa
precludendum unde pro defectu sufficientis responsionis ipsorum Nicholai
ffarrer [et al.] in hac parte petit judicium et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus
ffarrer [et al.] de et pro usurpacione libertatum, privilegiorum et ffranche-
siarum illarum ultimo recitatorum convincantur etc.

Et idem Thomas Coventrye qui sequitur etc. pro eodem domino Rege
ulterius dicit quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placita-
tum quoad habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias
predicta superius mencionata et hic postea recitata, videlicet, habere
unum consilium infra hoc regnum Anglie continue residens consistere de
diversis hominibus eiusdem Societatis et nominare, eligere et iurare quos-
cunque voluerint fore de consilio illo, Necnon habere unum consilium con-
tinue residens in dictis partibus transmarinis in Virginia consistere de
diversis hominibus per ipsos nominandis et eligendis et nominare, eligere
et iurare quoscunque voluerint fore de consilio illo materiaque in eodem
placito contenta minus sufficientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum
Regem ab informacione sua predicta quoad libertates, privilegia et ffran-
chesias illa precludendum unde pro defectu sufficientis responsionis
ipsorum Nicholai ffarrer [et al.] in hac parte petit judicium Et quod ipsi
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] de et pro usurpacione libertatum, privile-
giorum et ffranchesiarum illorum ultima recitatorum convincantur etc.

Et idem attornatus generalis qui sequitur etc. ulterius dicit quod placitum
superius, ut prefertur, placitatum quoad habendum et clamandum liber-
tates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius mencionata et hic postea
recitata videlicet habere diversa communia sigilla pro omnibus et singulis
causis et negotiis suis agendis et illa ad libitum suum frangere, mutare et
de novo facere materiaque in eodem placito contenta minus sufficientia in
lege existunt ad ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua predicta
quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa precludendum unde pro
defectu sufficientis responsionis ipsorum Nicholai ffarrer [et al.] in hac
parte petit judicium et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] de et pro

usurpacione libertatum, privilegiorum et ffranchesiarum illorum ultimo
recitatorum convincantur etc.

Et idem attornatus generalis qui sequitur etc. pro eodem domino Rege
ulterius dicit quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placita-
tum quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius men-
cionata et hic postea recitata videlicet eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.]
habere potestatem et authoritatem quandocunque eis placuerit nominare,
constituere et iurare unum de seipsis fore Thesaurarium eiusdem Societatis
ac unum alium de seipsis fore Deputatum Thesaurarii eiusdem Societatis,
Acetiam nominare, constituere et iurare de se ipsis tot et tales alios offici-
arios et ministros tam infra hoc regnum Anglie residentes quam in patria
de Virginia in partibus transmarinis inhabitantes et residentes quot et
quales eis placuerit et Gubernatorem, Thesaurarium, Deputatum et alios
officiarios et ministros illos ad libitum suum proprium exonerare, amovere,
alterare et mutare materiaque in eodem placito contenta minus sufficientia
in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua predicta
quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa precludenda unde pro defectu
sufficientis responsionis ipsorum Nicholai ffarrer [et al.] in hac parte petit
Judicium Et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] de et pro usurpacione
libertatum, privilegiorum et ffranchesiarum illorum ultimo recitatorum
convincantur etc.

Et idem attornatus generalis qui sequitur etc. pro eodem domino Rege
ulterius dicit quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placita-
tum quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius mencionata
et hic postea recitata videlicet eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] habere
sibi et successoribus suis totas illas terras, patrias, et territoria dicti domini
Regis vocata Virginia et terras, patrias et territoria illa ad libitum suum
proprium assignare, dare, vendere, alienare et disponere cuicunque persone
et quibuscunque personis eis placuerit, Necnon habere regimen et solam
gubernacionem omnium terrarum, patriarum et territoriorum predictorum
materiaque in eodem placito contenta minus sufficientia in lege existunt ad
ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua predicta quoad libertates,
privilegia et ffranchesias illa precludendum unde pro defectu sufficientis
responsionis ipsorum Nicholai ffarrer [et al.] in hac parte petit judicium
Et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] de et pro usurpacione libertatum,

privilegiorum et ffranchesiarum illorum ultimo recitatorum convincantur
etc.

Et idem Attornatus generalis qui sequitur etc. pro eodem domino Rege
ulterius dicit quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placi-
tatum quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius men-
cionata et hic postea recitata videlicet eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.]
facere, eligere et admittere in Societatem illam quascunque personas volue-
rint tam alienas quam alios et diversas denariorum summas de eisdem
personis capere, recipere et levare pro eorum admissione in Societatem pre-
dictam quodque persone sic in Societatem predictam admisse et admittende
erunt de Societate predicta et incorporate unacum ceteris de eadem Socie-
tate, Necnon quascunque personas de eadem Societate ad libitum suum pro-
prium a libertatibus et ffranchesiis eiusdem Societatis excludere et easdem
personas disfranchesiare et a Societate illa amovere et exonerare materiaque
in placito contenta minus sufficientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum
Regem ab informacione sua predicta quoad libertates, privilegia et
ffranchesias illa precludendum unde pro defectu sufficientis responsionis
ipsorum Nicholai ffarrer [et al.] in hac parte petit judicium, Et quod ipsi
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] de et pro usurpacione libertatum, privilegi-
orum et ffranchesiarum illorum ultimo recitatorum convincantur etc.

Et idem Attornatus generalis qui sequitur etc. pro eodem domino Rege
ulterius dicit quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius
placitatum quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius
mencionata et hic postea recitata videlicet eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer
[et al.] habere et tenere tam infra civitatem Londonie predictam quam
alibi infra hoc regnum Anglie Acetiam in partibus transmarinis in Virginia
predicta quasdam domos consiliares et in eisdem domibus quandocunque
eis videbitur expedire, habere et tenere curias, congregaciones sive
convocaciones de quampluribus et diversis hominibus eiusdem Societatis
tot et talibus quot et qualibus eis placuerit ac in eisdem curiis, congregacio-
nibus et convocacionibus ad libitum suum proprium diversa statuta, leges
et constituciones ordinare, facere et constituere et omnes personas tam de
Societate predicta quam alias personas non existentes de eadem societate
que statutis, ordinacionibus, legibus et constitucionibus illis non obedirent
imprisonare ac fines et amerciamenta super eas ea de causa taxare et

imponere et ea ad usus suos proprios levare et convertere et alias penas,
penalitates et puniciones quascunque ad libitum suum proprium super
easdem personas imponere et infligere materiaque in eodem placito contenta
minus sufficientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum Regem ab
informacione sua predicta quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa
precludenda unde pro defectu sufficientis responsionis ipsorum Nicholai
ffarrer [et al.] in hac parte petit judicium Et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus
ffarrer [et al.] de et pro usurpacione libertatum, privilegiorum et ffran-
chesiarum illarum ultimo recitatorum convincantur etc.

Et idem attornatus generalis qui sequitur etc. pro eodem domino Rege
ulterius dicit quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placi-
tatum quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predictas superius
mencionata et hic postea recitata videlicet eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer
[et al.] ad libitum suum proprium exportare et transportare extra hoc
regnum Anglie in partes transmarinas predictas quascunque personas eis
placuerit tam subditos dicti domini Regis quam alias personas quascunque
eosque ad libitum suum proprium regere et gubernare tam in itinere suo
super mare quam in partibus transmarinis predictis, Acetiam habere
libertatem, potestatem et authoritatem contra leges et statuta huius regni
Anglie transportare extra hoc regnum Anglie in partes transmarinas
predictas omnes et omnimodas mercandizas, mercimonia et alias res quas-
cunque per leges et statuta huius regni Anglie prohibitas transportari,
Acetiam transportare extra hoc regnum Anglie in partes transmarinas
predictas omnia genera armorum, armamentorum, instrumentorum
bellicosorum, pulveris bombardici, victualium, equorum, equarum et
omnium aliarum mercandizarum et rerum quarumcunque absque
reddicione vel solucione subsidii, custume, imposicionis vel alie taxacionis
quarumcunque dicto domino Regi vel ad usum eiusdem domini Regis,
Necnon habere sibi et Successoribus suis regimen et solam gubernacionem
omnium personarum inhabitantium, commorantium et residentium in totis
illis terris, patria et territoriis dicti domini Regis vocatis Virginia seu in
partes illas venientium seu negotiantium et easdem personas regere et
gubernare secundum ordinaciones et constituciones Societatis illius
Necnon habere potestatem et authoritatem uti et exercere tam infra partes
transmarinas predictas quam super altum mare jus militare quandocunque
eis placuerit materiaque in eodem placito contenta minus sufficientia in

lege existunt ad ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua predicta
quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa precludendum unde pro
defectu sufficientis responsionis ipsorum Nicholai ffarrer [et al.] in hac
parte petit judicium Et quod iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] de et pro
usurpacione libertatum, privilegiorum et ffranchesiarum illorum ultimo
recitatorum convincantur etc.

Et idem attornatus generalis qui sequitur etc. pro eodem domino Rege
ulterius dicit quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placita-
tum quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius mencionata
et hic postea recitata videlicet eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] de omnibus
personis tam subditis dicti domini Regis quam aliis negotiantibus, Anglice,
tradinge, in partibus transmarinis illis tam non existentibus de Societate
sua quam aliis diversas pecuniarum summas ad libitum suum proprium
exigere omnesque qui dictas exacciones solvere negaverint vel neglexerint
imprisonare, Necnon fines et amerciamenta ad libitum suum taxare et
imponere super quibuslibet personis negotiantibus, Anglice, tradinge,
cum aliquibus mercandizis vel aliis rebus quibuscunque in partibus trans-
marinis illis et easdem personas absque ballio vel manucapcione ad libitum
suum imprisonare, Acetiam quascunque imposiciones eis placuerit super
mercandizis et aliis rebus per aliquam personam vel aliquas personas non
existentes de societate sua predicta in partes transmarinas predictas extra
hoc regnum Anglie transportatis vel transportandis vel a partibus trans-
marinis predictis in hoc regnum Anglie adductis vel adducendis imponere
et naves et mercandizas et alias res predictas capere, seisire et retinere
irreplegiabiles quousque ipsi satisfacti sunt de imposicionibus sic per
ipsos super mercandizis et aliis rebus illis impositis materiaque in eodem
placito contenta minus sufficientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum
Regem ab informacione sua predicta quoad libertates, privilegia et
ffranchesias illa precludendum unde pro defectu sufficientis responsionis
ipsorum Nicholai ffarrer [et. al.] in hac parte petit judicium et quod ipsi
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] de et pro usurpacione libertatum privi-
legiorum et ffranchesiarum illorum ultimo recitatorum convincantur etc.

Et idem Attornatus generalis qui sequitur etc. pro eodem domino Rege
ulterius dicit quod placitum predictum modo et forma predictis superius
placitatum quoad habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et ffran-
chesias predicta superius mencionata et hic postea recitata videlicet habere

potestatem et authoritatem iurare et super sacramentum examinare quas-
cunque personas eis placuerit in aliqua causa quacunque tangente vel
concernente plantacionem predictam vel aliquam negociacionem quam-
cunque pertinentem ad eandem plantacionem materiaque in eodem placito
contenta minus sufficientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum Regem ab
informacione sua predicta quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa
precludendum unde pro defectu sufficientis responsionis ipsorum Nicholai
ffarrer [et al.] in hac parte petit judicium Et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus
ffarrer [et al.] de et pro usurpacione libertatum privilegiorum et ffranche-
siarum illorum ultimo recitatorum convincantur etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum dicunt
quod placitum predictum per ipsos in forma predicta superius placitatum
quoad habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias pre-
dicta superius mencionata et hic postea recitata videlicet eosdem liberos
homines et periclitatores et plantatores predicte civitatis Londonie pro
prima colonia in Virginia fore incorporatos per nomen Thesaurarii et
Societatis periclitatorum et plantatorum civitatis Londonie pro
prima colonia in Virginia ac per illud nomen placitare et implacitari in omnibus
curiis et locis quibuscunque ac coram quibuscunque judicibus, justiciariis
vel aliis personis quibuscunque tam in omnibus et singulis accionibus,
sectis et querelis quam in omnibus et singulis aliis causis, negotiis, materiis
et demandis quibuscunque cuiuscunque sint generis, nature, sive speciei
ac per idem nomen fore personas habiles ac in lege capaces ad perquirendum,
habendum, recipiendum, capiendum et possidendum sibi et Successoribus
suis tam de dicto domino Rege quam de aliquibus aliis personis vel cor-
poribus corporatis aliqua dominia, maneria, terras, tenementa, redditus,
reverciones, revenciones, servicia, possessiones, hereditamenta, bona et
catalla, licencias, libertates, ffranchesias, proficua, commoditates quecun-
que eis per prefatum nomen sive aliis personis sive alicui alie persone ad
eorum usum data, facta, habita, concessa sive confirmata ac per dictum
nomen dare concedere, dimittere, locare, disponere, assignare et alie-
nare bona, catalla, terras, tenementa et hereditamenta sua quecunque
cuicunque persone vel quibuscunque personis ad eorum libitum materia-
que in eodem placito contenta bona et sufficientia in lege existunt ad ipsum
dominum Regem ab informacione sua predicta versus ipsos Nicholaum
ffarrer [et al.] quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa habenda pre-

cludendum Quodquidem placitum materiamque in eodem contentam
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] parati sunt verificare unde ex quo idem
attornatus dicti domini Regis pro eodem domino Rege ad placitum illud
non respondit nec illud aliqualiter dedicit sed verificacionem illam ad-
mittere omnino recusat in hac parte petunt judicium Et quod ipsi iidem
Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa per
curiam hic dimittantur etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum
ulterius dicunt quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius
placitatum quoad habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et
ffranchesias predicta superius mencionata et hic postea recitata, videlicet,
habere unum consilium infra hoc regnum Anglie continue residens consistere
de diversis hominibus eiusdem Societatis et nominare, eligere et jurare
quoscunque voluerint fore de consilio illo necnon habere unum consilium
continue residens in dictis partibus transmarinis in Virginia consistere de
diversis hominibus per ipsos nominandis et eligendis et nominare, eligere
et iurare quoscunque voluerint fore de consilio illo materiaque in eodem
contenta bona et sufficientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum Regem
ab informacione sua predicta versus ipsos quoad libertates, privilegia et
franchesias illa habenda, precludendum; Quodquidem placitum materiam-
que in eodem contentam iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] parati sunt verificare
unde ex quo idem attornatus dicti domini Regis pro eodem domino Rege
ad placitum illud non respondit nec illud aliqualiter dedicit Sed verifica-
cionem illam admittere omnino recusat in hac parte petunt judicium Et
quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] quoad libertates, privilegia et
ffranchesias illa per curiam hic dimittantur etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum
ulterius dicunt quod placitum predictum superius, ut prefertur, placitatum
quoad habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias
predicta superius mencionata et hic postea recitata videlicet habere
diversa communia sigilla pro omnibus et singulis causis et negotiis suis
agendis et illa ad libitum suum frangere, mutare et de novo facere, mate-
riaque in eodem placito contenta bona et sufficientia in lege existunt ad
ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua predicta quoad libertates,
privilegia et ffranchesias illa versus ipsos habenda precludendum; Quod-

quidem placitum materiamque in eodem contentam iidem Nicholaus
ffarrer [et al.] parati sunt verificare, Unde ex quo idem attornatus dicti
domini Regis ad placitum illud non respondit nec illud aliqualiter dedicit
sed verificacionem illam admittere omnino recusat in hac parte petunt
judicium, Et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] quoad libertates,
privilegia et ffranchesias illa per curiam hic dimittantur etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum ulterius
dicunt quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placitatum
quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius mencionata
et hic postea recitata, videlicet, eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] habere
potestatem et authoritatem quandocunque eis placuerit nominare, con-
stituere et iurare unum de seipsis fore Thesaurarium eiusdem Societatis ac
unum alium de seipsis fore deputatum Thesaurarii eiusdem Societatis,
Acetiam nominare, constituere et iurare de seipsis tot et tales alios offi-
ciarios et ministros tam infra hoc regnum Anglie residentes quam in patria
de Virginia in partibus transmarinis inhabitantes et residentes quot et
quales eis placuerit et Gubernatorem, Thesaurarium, Deputatum, et alios
officiarios et ministros illos ad libitum suum proprium exonerare, amovere,
alterare et mutare, materiaque in eodem placito contenta bona et suffi-
cientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua
predicta quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa versus ipsos habenda
precludendum Quodquidem placitum materiamque in eodem contentam
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] parati sunt verificare, unde ex quo idem
attornatus dicti domini Regis pro eodem domino Rege ad placitum illud
non respondit nec illud aliqualiter dedicit Sed verificacionem illam admit-
tere omnino recusat in hac parte petunt judicium, Et quod ipsi iidem
Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa per
curiam hic dimittantur etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum ulte-
rius dicunt quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placitatum
quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius mencionata et
hic postea recitata, videlicet, eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] habere Sibi
et Successoribus suis totas illas terras, patrias et territoria dicti domini
Regis vocata Virginia et terras, patrias et territoria illa ad libitum suum
proprium assignare, dare, vendere, alienare et disponere cuicunque persone

et quibuscunque personis eis placuerit, necnon habere regimen et solam
gubernacionem omnium terrarum, patriarum et territoriorum predictorum,
materiaque in eodem placito contenta bona et sufficientia in lege existunt
ad ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua predicta quoad libertates,
privilegia et ffranchesias illa versus ipsos habenda precludendum Quod-
quidem placitum materiamque in eodem contentam iidem Nicholaus ffarrer
[et al.] parati sunt verificare unde ex quo idem attornatus dicti domini
Regis pro eodem domino Rege ad placitum illud non respondit nec illud
aliqualiter dedicit Sed Verificacionem illam admittere omnino recusat in hac
parte petunt judicium Et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] quoad
libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa per curiam hic dimittantur etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et. al.] per attornatum suum predictum
ulterius dicunt quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placi-
tatum quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius men-
cionata et hic postea recitata, videlicet, eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.]
facere, eligere et admittere in Societatem illam quascunque personas
voluerint tam alienas quam alias et diversas denariorum summas de eisdem
personis capere, recipere et levare pro eorum admissione in Societatem pre-
dictam quodque persone sic in Societatem predictam admisse et admittende
erunt de Societate predicta et incorporate unacum ceteris de eadem Socie-
tate, Necnon quascunque personas de eadem Societate ad libitum suum
proprium a libertatibus et ffranchesiis eiusdem Societatis excludere et
easdem personas disfranchesiare et a societate illa amovere et exonerare,
materiaque in eodem placito contenta bona et sufficientia in lege existunt
ad ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua predicta quoad libertates,
privilegia et ffranchesias illa versus ipsos habenda precludendum Quodqui-
dem placitum materiamque in eodem contentam iidem Nicholaus ffarrer
[et al.] parati sunt verificare, unde ex quo idem attornatus dicti domini
Regis pro eodem domino Rege ad placitum illud non respondit nec illud
aliqualiter dedicit Sed verificacionem illam admittere omnino recusat in
hac parte petunt judicium, Et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.]
quoad libertates privilegia et ffranchesias illa per curiam hic dimittantur
etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum
ulterius dicunt quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius placi-

tatum quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta superius mencio-
nata et hic postea recitata, videlicet, eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] ha-
bere et tenere tam infra civitatem Londonie predictam quam alibi infra hoc
regnum Anglie Acetiam in partibus transmarinis in Virginia predicta quas-
dam domos consiliares et in eisdem domibus quandocunque eis videbitur
expedire habere et tenere curias, congregaciones sive convocaciones de
quampluribus et diversis hominibus eiusdem Societatis tot et talibus quot
et qualibus eis placuerit ac in eisdem curiis, congregacionibus et convoca-
cionibus ad libitum suum proprium diversa statuta, leges et constituciones
ordinare, facere et constituere et omnes personas tam de Societate predicta
quam alias personas non existentes de eadem Societate que statutis, ordi-
nacionibus, legibus et constitucionibus illis non obedirent imprisonare ac
fines et amerciamenta super eas ea de causa taxare et imponere et ea ad
usus suos proprios levare et convertere ac alias penas, penalitates et puni-
ciones quascunque ad libitum suum proprium super eisdem personis
imponere et infligere materiaque in eodem placito contenta bona et suffi-
cientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua pre-
dicta quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa versus ipsos habenda
precludendum Quodquidem placitum materiamque in eodem contentam
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] parati sunt verificare unde ex quo idem
attornatus dicti domini Regis pro eodem domino Rege ad placitum illud
non respondit nec illud aliqualiter dedicit sed verificacionem illam superinde
admittere omnino recusat in hac parte petunt judicium. Et ipsi iidem
Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] quoad libertates privilegia et ffranchesias illa per
curiam hic dimittantur etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer, [et al.] colonia in Virginia per attornatum
suum predictum ulterius dicunt quod placitum predictum in forma predicta
superius placitatum quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta
superius mencionata et hic postea recitata videlicet eosdem Nicholaum
ffarrer [et al.] ad libitum suum proprium exportare et transportare extra
hoc regnum Anglie in partes transmarinas predictas quascunque personas
eis placuerit tam subditas dicti domini Regis existentes quam alias personas
quascunque eosque ad libitum suum proprium regere et gubernare tam in
itinere suo super mare quam in partibus transmarinis predictis, Acetiam
habere libertatem, potestatem et authoritatem contra leges et statuta
huius regni Anglie transportare extra hoc regnum Anglie in partes trans-

marinas predictas omnes et omnimodas mercandizas, mercimonia et
alias res quascunque per leges et statuta huius regni Anglie prohibitas
transportari, acetiam transportare extra hoc regnum Anglie in partes
transmarinas predictas omnia genera armorum, armamentorum, instru-
mentorum bellicosorum, pulveris bombardici, victualium, pecorum,
equorum, equarum et omnium aliarum mercandizarum et rerum qua-
rumcunque absque reddicione vel solvicione subsidii, custuma, impo-
sicionis vel aliarum taxacionum quarumcunque dicto domino Regi vel
ad usum eiusdem domini Regis, Necnon habere sibi et successoribus suis
regimen et solam gubernacionem omnium personarum inhabitantium,
commorantium et residentium in totis illis terris, patria et territoriis
dicti domini Regis vocatis Virginia seu in partes illas venientium seu
negotiantium et easdem personas regere et gubernare secundum ordina-
ciones et constituciones societatis illius, Necnon habere potestatem et
authoritatem uti et exercere tam infra partes transmarinas predictas
quam super altum mare jus militare quandocunque eis placuerit, ma-
teriaque in eodem placito contenta bona et sufficientia in lege existunt
ad ipsum dominum Regem ab Informacione sua predicta quoad libertates,
privilegia et ffranchesias illa versus ipsos habenda, precludendum Quod
quidem placitum materiamque in eodem contentam idem Nicholaus ffar-
rer [et al.] parati sunt verificare unde ex quo idem attornatus dicti domini
Regis pro eodem domino Rege ad placitum illud non respondit nec illud
aliqualiter dedicit sed verificacionem illam superinde admittere omnino
recusat in hac parte petunt judicium, et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer,
[et al.] quoad libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa per curiam hic di-
mittantur etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum
ulterius dicunt quod placitum predictum in forma predicta superius
placitatum quoad libertates, privilegia et franchesias predicta superius
mencionata et hic postea recitata, videlicet, eosdem Nicholaum ffarrer
[et al.] de omnibus personis tam subditis dicti domini Regis quam aliis
negotiantibus, Anglice, tradinge, in partibus transmarinis illis tam non
existentibus de societate sua quam aliis diversas pecuniarum summas ad
libitum suum proprium exigere omnesque qui dictas exacciones solvere
negaverint vel neglexerint imprisonare necnon fines et amerciamenta ad libi-
tum suum taxare et imponere super quibuslibet personis negotiantibus,

Anglice, tradinge, cum aliquibus mercandizis vel aliis rebus quibuscunque
in partibus transmarinis illis et easdem personas absque ballio vel manu-
capcione ad libitum suum imprisonare, acetiam quascunque imposiciones
eis placuerint super mercandizis et aliis rebus per aliquam personam vel
aliquas personas non existentes de societate sua predicta in partes trans-
marinas predictas extra hoc regnum Anglie transportatis vel transportandis
vel a partibus transmarinis predictis in hoc regnum Anglie adductis vel
adducendis imponere, et naves et mercandizas et alias res predictas capere,
seisire et retinere irreplegiabiles quousque ipsi satisfacti sunt de imposi-
cionibus sic per ipsos super mercandizis et aliis rebus illis impositis, mate-
riaque in eodem placito contenta bona et sufficientia in lege existunt ad
ipsum dominum Regem ab informacione sua predicta versus ipsos habenda
precludendum Quodquidem placitum materiamque in eodem contentam
iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] parati sunt verificare, unde ex quo idem
attornatus dicti domini Regis pro eodem domino Rege ad placitum illud
non respondit nec illud aliqualiter dedicit sed verificacionem illam
superinde admittere omnino recusat in hac parte petunt judicium, Et quod
ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] quoad libertates, privilegia et ffran-
chesias illa per curiam hic dimittantur etc.

Et predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum
Ulterius dicunt quod placitum predictum modo et forma predictis superius
placitatum quoad habendum et clamandum libertates, privilegia et ffran-
chesias predicta superius mencionata et hic postea recitata, videlicet,
habere potestatem et authoritatem iurare et super sacramentum examinare
quascunque personas eis placuerit in aliqua causa quacunque tangente
vel concernente plantacionem predictam vel aliquam negociacionem
quamcunque pertinentem ad eandem plantacionem, materiaque in eodem
placito contenta bona et sufficientia in lege existunt ad ipsum dominum
Regem ab informacione sua predicta quoad libertates, privilegia et ffran-
chesias illa versus ipsos habenda precludendum Quodquidem placitum
materiamque in eodem contentam iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] parati
sunt verificare, unde ex quo idem attornatus dicti domini Regis pro eodem
domino Rege ad placitum illud non respondit nec illud aliqualiter dedicit
sed verificacionem illam superinde admittere omnino recusat in hac parte
petunt judicium et quod ipsi iidem Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] quoad liber-
tates, privilegia et ffranchesias illa per curiam hic dimittantur etc.

Et quia curia domini Regis hic de judicio suo de et super premissis reddendo
nondum advisatur dies inde data est tam prefato Thome Coventrye attor-
nato generali qui sequitur etc quam prefato Nicholao ffarrer [et al.] coram
domino Rege usque a die pasche in quintam decimam diem—–
ubicunque etc. de judicio suo inde audiendo etc. ad quamquidem quintam
decimam pasche coram domino Rege apud Westmonasterium venerunt
tam prefatus Thomas Coventrye qui sequitur etc quam predicti Nicholaus
ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum suum predictum,

Et quia curia domini Regis hic de judicio suo de et super premissis reddendo
nondum advisatur dies inde data est tam prefato Thome Coventrye qui
sequitur etc. quam predictis Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] coram domino Rege
usque crastinum sancte Trinitatis ubicunque etc. de iudicio suo inde
audiendo etc. ad quodquidem crastinum sancte Trinitatis coram domino
Rege apud Westmonasterium venerunt tam prefatus Thomas Coventrye
qui sequitur etc. quam predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] per attornatum
suum predictum.

Et idem attornatus dicti domini Regis pro eodem domino Rege petit
iudicium, Et quod predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] de premissis per curiam
hic convincantur etc.

Super quo visis et per curiam dicti domini Regis hic intellectis tam materia
in Informacione predicta per prefatum Thomam Coventrye pro ipso
domino Rege hic in curia exhibita quam placito predicto prefatorum
Nicholai ffarrer [et al.] ad informacionem predictam per ipsos superius
placitato ac omnibus et singulis premissis maturaque deliberacione inde
prius habita pro eo quod videtur curie domini Regis hic quod placitum
predictum prefatorum Nicholai ffarrer [et al.] in forma predicta superius
placitatum quoad habendum, utendum, gaudendum seu clamandum
libertates, privilegia et ffranchesias predicta in Informacione predicta
superius specificata ac per prefatum Nicholaum ffarrer [et al.] per placitum
suum predictum superius clamata et vindicata minus sufficiens in lege
existit ad precludendum dictum dominum Regem de Informacione sua
predicta pro usurpacione libertatum, privilegiorum et ffranchesiarum
predictorum in Informacione predicta specificatorum super dictum
dominum Regem consideratum est quod predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.]
de usurpacione super dictum dominum Regem omnium et singulorum

libertatum, privilegiorum et ffranchesiarum predictarum in Informacione
predicta specificatorum modo et forma prout per informacionem pre-
dictam superius versus eos supponitur et per ipsos in forma predicta
clamatorum convincantur, Et quod eedem libertates privilegia et ffran-
chesie in manus dicti domini Regis nunc capiantur et seisiantur, Et quod
predicti Nicholaus ffarrer [et al.] de et in libertates privilegias et ffranche-
sias predicta amodo nullatenus se intromittant nec eorum aliquis intro-
mittat sed ab omni usu et clameo eorundem et eorum cuiuslibet exclu-
dantur et eorum quilibet excludatur, quodque predicti Nicholaus ffarrer,
Johannes Danvers, miles, Johannes ffarrer, Thomas Wheatelye, Ricardus
Caswell, Thomas Sheapheard, Johannes Cuffe, Gabriel Barber, Anthonius
Withers, Georgius Scott, Johannes Kirrell, Thomas Morrys, Willelmus
Webb, Ricardus Bull, Willelmus Nicholls, Patricius Copeland, Georgius
Smythe, Ricardus Tomlyns, Edwardus Brewster, Willelmus Ewens,
Georgius Swinehowe, Edwardus Ryder, Gilbertus Morewood et Ed-
mundus Morgan liberi homines et periclitatores et plantatores, Anglice,
Adventurers and planters, civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in
Virginia et alii liberi homines existentes periclitatores et plantatores
civitatis Londonie pro prima colonia in Virginia pro usurpacione liber-
tatum, privilegiorum et ffranchesiarum predictorum super dictum dominum
Regem capiantur ad satisfaciendum dicto domino Regi de fine suo pro
usurpacione libertatum, privilegiorum et ffranchesiarum illorum etc.

[Translation]

Yet of Michaelmas Term: King['s Roll]: Be it remembered that Sir Thomas Coven-
trye, attorney general of our lord the King who now is, who for our same lord the
King in this cause sues in his own proper person, came here in the court of our said
lord the King before the King himself at Westminster on Tuesday next after the
morrow of All Souls in that same term and for our same lord the King produced here
in the court of our said lord the King before the King himself then there a certain
information against Nicholas ffarrer, Sir Edwin Sandis, Sir John Danvers, John
ffarrer, Thomas Kiteley, Thomas Wheatley, Richard Caswell, Thomas Shepheard,
John Cuffe, Gabriel Barber, William Deereblocke, Anthony Withers, George Scott,
Edward Hacket, John Kirrell, Thomas Morris, William Webb, Richard Bull, William
Nicholls, Patrick Copeland, William Browne, George Smythe, Richard Tomlyns,
Edward Brewster, William Ewens, Thomas Winston, doctor of medicine, George
Swinehowe, Edward Ryder, Gilbert Morewood, and Edmund Morgan, free men and
adventurers and planters of the city of London for the first colony in Virginia, and
other free men being adventurers and planters of the city of London for the first
colony in Virginia, which follows in these words London, to wit, Be it remembered
that Sir Thomas Coventrye, attorney general of our lord the King, who now is, who

for our same lord the King in this cause sues in his own proper person, comes here
in the court of our said lord the King before the King himself at Westminster on
Tuesday next after the morrow of All Souls in that same term and for our same lord
the King gives the court here to understand and to be informed that Nicholas ffarrer,
Sir Edwin Sandis, Sir John Danvers, John ffarrer, Thomas Kiteley, Thomas Wheatley,
Richard Caswell, Thomas Shepheard, John Cuffe, Gabriel Barber, William Deere-
blocke, Anthony Withers, George Scott, Edward Hackett, John Kirrell, Thomas
Morris, William Webb, Richard Bull, William Nicholls, Patrick Copeland, William
Browne, George Smyth, Richard Tomlyns, Edward Brewster, William Ewens,
Thomas Winston, doctor of medicine, George Swinhowe, Edward Ryder, Gilbert
Morewood, and Edmund Morgan, free men and adventurer and planters, of the city
of London for the first colony in Virginia, and other free men being adventurers and
planters of the city of London for the first colony in Virginia, for the space of three
years now last past and more used and still use and claim to have and use within the
city of London and the liberty of the same and in all places outside the city aforesaid
within this realm of England and in several parts over sea outside this realm of Eng-
land, without any warrant or regular grant, the following liberties, privileges, and
franchises, namely, to be incorporated by the name of Treasurer and Company of
Adventurers and Planters of the City of London for the First Colony in Virginia,
and by that name to plead and be impleaded in all courts and places whatsoever and
before whatsoever judges, justices, and other persons whatsoever, both in all and
singular actions, suits, and pleas and in all and singular other causes, businesses,
matters, and demands whatsoever of whatsoever kind, nature, or species they may
be, and, by the same name, to be persons able and in law capable of acquiring, holding,
receiving, taking, and possessing to themselves and their successors, both of our said
lord the King and of any other persons or bodies corporate, any demesnes, manors,
lands, tenements, rents, reversions, reventions, services, possessions, hereditaments,
goods and chattels, licenses, liberties, franchises, profits, and commodities what-
soever to them by the aforesaid name or to other persons or to any other person for
their use given, made, held, granted, or confirmed, and, by the said name, to give,
grant, demise, let, dispose, assign, and alienate any of their goods, chattels, lands,
tenements, and hereditaments whatsoever to any person or persons at their pleasure,
and also, to have divers common seals for all and singular causes and businesses
requiring to be transacted, and to break, change, and make anew these at their
pleasure, and also to have power and authority whensoever it shall please them to
nominate, appoint, and swear one of themselves to be Treasurer of the same Com-
pany and another of themselves to be Deputy Treasurer of the same Company, and
also to nominate, appoint, and swear from among themselves as many officers and
ministers both residing within this realm of England and dwelling and residing in the
country of Virginia in parts across the sea as it shall please them, and at their will to
discharge, remove, alter, and change the governor, deputy treasurer, and other officers
and ministers, and to make, elect, and admit into that company whatsoever persons
they wish, both foreign and others, and from the same persons to take, receive, and
levy sums of money for their admission into the aforesaid Company, and that the
persons admitted into the aforesaid Company and to be admitted shall be of the
aforesaid Company and incorporated together with the others of the same Company,
and to exclude at their own will any persons whatsoever of the same Company from
the liberties and franchises of the same Company and to disfranchise the same persons
and to remove and discharge them from that Company, and to hold to themselves
and their successors all these lands, parts, and territories of the said lord King called
Virginia, and these lands, countries, and teritories at their own pleasure to assign,
give, sell, alienate, and dispose to any person or persons they please, and to have the
direction and sole governance of all the lands, countries, and territories aforesaid and
of all persons dwelling, remaining, and residing in the same or coming into these
parts or trading, and to direct and govern the same persons according to the ordi-
nances and constitutions of that Company, and to have a council within this realm
of England continually residing, to consist of divers men of the same Company and
to nominate, elect, and swear whomsoever they shall wish to be of that council, and
to have a council continuously residing in the said parts beyond the sea in Virginia
to consist of divers men nominated and elected by themselves, and to nominate, elect,
and swear whomsoever they shall wish to be of that council, and to have and to hold
both within the city of London aforesaid and elsewhere within this realm of England
and also in the parts across the sea in Virginia aforesaid certain council houses and
in the same houses, whensoever it shall seem to them to be expedient, to have and
to hold courts, assemblies, or convocations of several and divers men of the same
Company as many and of such sort as it shall please them, and in the same courts,
assemblies, and convocations at their own pleasure to ordain, make, and constitute
divers statutes, laws, and constitutions, and to imprison all persons both of the
Company aforesaid and other persons not being of the same Company who should
not obey these statutes, ordinances, laws, and constitutions, and to impose fines
and amercements upon them for the same reason, and to levy and convert these to
their own proper uses, and to impose and inflict upon the same persons any other
pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever at their own pleasure, and, also, at
their own pleasure to export and transport outside this realm of England into the
aforesaid parts across the sea whatsoever persons it shall please them, both subjects
of our said lord the King and any other persons whatsoever, and to rule and govern
them at their own pleasure both in their voyage upon the sea and in the parts across
the sea aforesaid, and, also, to have the liberty, power, and authority, contrary to
the laws and statutes of this realm of England, to transport outside this realm of
England to the parts across the sea all and all kinds of merchandize and all other
things whatsoever forbidden to be transported by the laws and statutes of this realm
of England, and also to transport outside this realm of England into the parts across
the sea aforesaid all kinds of arms, armaments, instruments of war, guns, powder,
victuals, cattle, horses, mares, and all other merchandize and things whatsoever
without rendering or payment of subsidy, custom, imposition, or other taxation
whatsoever to our said lord the King or for the use of our same lord the King, and
also to exact divers sums of money at their own pleasure from all persons both sub-
jects of our said lord the King and others trading in those parts across the sea, both
those not being of their Company aforesaid and others, and to imprison all those who
refuse or neglect to pay the said exactions, and to have the sole and only right of import
of all and singular merchandize and things brought or to be brought from those parts
beyond the sea to this realm of England, and of their own authority to prohibit all
and singular persons whatsoever who are not of their Company aforesaid from trans-
porting outside this realm of England to those parts across the sea any merchandize
or other things whatsoever for trade there in those parts across the sea or to bring
any merchandize or any other things whatsoever from those parts across the sea into
this realm of England, and to tax and impose fines and amercements at their pleasure
upon any persons trading, with any merchandize or other things whatsoever, in those
parts across the sea and to imprison the same persons without bail or mainprise at
their pleasure, and also to impose whatsoever impositions they please upon mer-
chandise and other things transported or to be transported into the aforesaid parts
across the sea outside this kingdom of England or brought or to be brought from the
parts across the sea aforesaid into this kingdom of England by any person or persons
not being of their aforesaid Company, and to take, seize and retain irreplevisable the
ships, merchandise, and other things aforesaid until they themselves are satisfied of
the impositions so imposed by themselves upon this merchandize and those other
things, and to have power and authority to use and exercise military law whensoever
it shall please them, both within the parts across the sea aforesaid and upon the high
sea, and also to swear or examine upon oath whatsoever persons they please in any
cause whatsoever touching or concerning the plantation aforesaid or any negotiation
whatsoever pertaining to the same plantation, which liberties, all and singular,
privileges and franchises the same Nicholas ffarrer, Edwin Sandis, John Danvers,
John ffarrer, Thomas Kiteley, Thomas Wheatley, Richard Caswell, Thomas Shep-
heard, John Cuffe, Gabriel Barber, William Deereblocke, Anthony Withers, George
Scott, Edward Hackett, John Kirrell, Thomas Morris, William Webb, Richard Bull,
William Nicholls, Patrick Copeland, William Browne, George Smyth, Richard
Tomlyns, Edward Brewster, William Ewens, Thomas Winston, George Swinhowe,
Edward Ryder, Gilbert Morewood and Edmund Morgan and all other free men of
the Company aforesaid through the whole time aforesaid have usurped and still
usurp over our said lord the King to the grave loss and prejudice of our said lord the
King who now is and his royal prerogative and in great contempt of the crown and
dignity of our said lord the King who now is, whereupon the same attorney of our
said lord the King for our same lord the King seeks the advice of the court in the
premises and that a due process of law be made against the same Nicholas ffarrer,
Edwin Sandis, John Danvers, John ffarrer, Thomas Kiteley, Thomas Wheatley,
Richard Caswell, Thomas Shepheard, John Cuffe, Gabriel Barber, William Deere-
block, Anthony Withers, George Scott, Edward Hackett, John Kirrell, Thomas
Morris, William Webb, Richard Bull, William Nicholls, Patrick Copeland, William
Browne, George Smithe, Richard Tomlyns, Edward Brewster, William Ewens,
Thomas Winston, George Swinhowe, Edward Ryder, Gilbert Morewood, and Edmund
Morgan, and all other free men of the Company aforesaid in this part to answer to
our said lord the King by what warrant they claim to have the liberties, privileges,
and franchises aforesaid, etc., whereby the sheriff was directed that he should not
fail, etc., to make them come to answer, etc.

And now, to wit, on Friday next after the quindeme of St. Martin in that same term,
there came before our lord the King at Westminster the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrar,
Sir John Danvers, John ffarrar, Thomas Wheatley, Richard Caswell, Thomas Shep-
heard, John Cuffe, Gabriel Barber, Anthony Withers, George Scott, John Kirrell,
Thomas Morris, William Webb, Richard Bull, William Nicholls, Patrick Copeland,
George Smyth, Richard Tomlyns, Edward Brewster, William Ewens, George Swin-
howe, Edward Ryder, Gilbert Morewood, and Edmund Morgan,[366] free men and
adventurers and planters, of the city of London for the first colony in Virginia, and
other free men being adventurers and planters of the city of London for the first
colony in Virginia, by Edward Offley their attorney, and they seek the hearing of the
information aforesaid and it is read to them, etc., which having been read and heard
the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "free men", etc., "and other
free men", etc.], say that they themselves do not intend that our said lord the King
who now is should wish, or that he ought, by reason of the premises, further to
proceed against or trouble the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "free

men", etc., "and other free men", etc.], because, as to having and claiming the
following liberties, privileges, and franchises, namely, that the same free men and
adventurers and planters of the aforesaid city of London for the first colony in Vir-
ginia be incorporated by the name of Treasurer and Society of Adventurers and
Planters of the City of London for the First Colony in Virginia, and by that name
plead and be impleaded in all courts and places whatsoever and before whatsoever
judges, justices, or other persons whatsoever, both in all and singular actions, suits,
and pleas and in all and singular other causes, businesses, matters, and demands
whatsoever of whatsover kind, nature, or species they may be, and, by the same
name, be persons able and in law capable of acquiring, holding, receiving, taking,
and possessing to themselves and their successors, both from our said lord the King
and from any other persons or bodies corporate any demesnes, manors, lands, tene-
ments, rents, reversions, reventions, services, possessions, hereditaments, goods and
chattels, licences, liberties, franchises, profits, commodities whatsoever to them by
the aforesaid name, or to other persons, or to any other person for their use given,
made, held, granted or confirmed, and, by the said name, give, grant, demise, let,
dispose, assign and alienate their goods, chattels, lands, tenements, and heredita-
ments whatsoever to any person or persons whatsoever at their will, the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "free men", etc., "and other free men", etc.],
say that before the aforesaid time specified in the aforesaid information, to wit, the
twenty-third day of May in the seventh year of the reign of our said lord the King
who now is of England, etc., our same lord the King who now is, by his letters patent
in due manner completed, sealed under his great seal of England and produced in
the court of our said lord the King who now is, bearing date at Westminster on the
same twenty-third day of May in the seventh year of his reign of England, etc.,
aforesaid, reciting by the same letters patent that since, at the humble supplication
and petition of divers beloved and well affected subjects of our lord the King himself
intending to found a colony and to make a habitation and plantation of divers of
the people of our same lord the King in that part of America commonly called Vir-
ginia and in other parts and territories in America, either pertaining to our same
lord the King or which had not been possessed by any Christian prince or people,
within certain metes and regions, our same lord the King by his former letters patent
bearing date the tenth day of April in the fourth year of his reign of England, France,
and Ireland, and the thirty-ninth of Scotland, had granted to Sir Thomas Bates,
Sir George Summers, and others, for the quicker accomplishment of the aforesaid
plantation and habitation, that they themselves should divide themselves into
two colonies, one of them consisting of divers knights, gentlemen, merchants, and
others of our lord the King's city of London, called the first colony, and the other
of them of divers knights, gentlemen, and others of the cities of Bristol and Exeter
and the vill of Plymouth and other places, called the second colony, and had given
and granted very many and divers privileges and liberties to each colony for their
quiet settling and good ruling in the same, as by the same former letters patent then
more fully appeared, for that divers beloved subjects of our said lord the King,
adventurers and planters of the aforesaid first colony, who before the time of the
completion of the same letters patent of the aforesaid date of the twenty-third day
of May in the seventh year of the reign of our same lord the King had engaged them-
selves, in moving the business of the same plantation and with the help of God had
intended further to prosecute that business to a happy issue, then lately had humbly
prayed our same lord the King that, in respect of their great expenses and of the
risk and danger of the lives of very many of them which they had exposed to dangers
and risks in the investigation and plantation of the country aforesaid, our same
lord the King would deign to grant to them a further enlargement and explanation of
the aforesaid grant of privileges and liberties, and that such councillors and other
officers should be appointed among them to order and direct their businesses as were
prepared and willing to adventure with them and also whose dwellings were not so
far distant from the city of London that they would not at convenient times be
ready and prepared to afford counsel and help as occasions required, our same lord
the King, cordially desiring the effective prosecution and happy success of the afore-
said plantation, and thinking worthy of praise their desires in the same business to
progress more eagerly in the accomplishment of a work so excellent and pleasing to
God and useful to the realm of our lord the King, of his special grace, certain knowl-
edge, and mere motion, did for himself, his heirs and successors by his same letters
patent give and grant and confirm to his faithful and beloved subjects Robert, earl
of Salisbury, Thomas, earl of Suffolk, Henry, earl of Southampton, William, earl of
Pembroke, Henry, earl of Lincoln,[367] earl of Dorset, Thomas, earl of Exeter,
Philip, earl of Montgomery, Robert, lord viscount Lisle, Theophilus, lord Howard
de Walden, James Mountague, bishop of Bath and Wells, Edward, lord Zouche,
Thomas, lord Laware, William, lord Monteagle, Ralph, lord Eure, Edmund, lord
Sheffield, Grey lord Chandois,[368] lord Compton, John, lord Peter, John, lord
Stanhope, George, lord Carew, Sir Humfrey Welde, lord mayor of the city of London,
George Pearcey, esquire, Sir Edward Cecil, Sir George Wharton, Francis West,
esquire, Sir William Wade, Sir Henry Nevill, Sir Thomas Smith, Sir Oliver Crom-
well, Sir Peter Manwood, Sir Drue Drurye, Sir John Scott, Sir Thomas Challoner,
Sir Robert Druire, Sir Anthony Cope, Sir Horatio Vere, Sir Edward Conway, Sir
William Browne, Sir Maurice Barkley, Sir Robert Mansell, Sir Amias Preston, Sir
Thomas Bates, Sir Anthony Ashley, Sir Michael Sandys, Sir Henry Carey, Sir Stephen
Somes, Sir Calisothenes Brooke, Sir Edward Michelborne, Sir John Ratcliffe, Sir
Charles Wilmott, Sir George Moore, Sir Hugh Wirrall, Sir Thomas Dennys, Sir John
Hollis, Sir William Godolphin, Sir Thomas Mounson, Sir Thomas Ridgeway, Sir
John Brooke, Sir Robert Killigrewe, Sir Henry Peyton, Sir Richard Williamson,
Sir Ferdinand Waynman, Sir William St. John, Sir Thomas Holcroft, Sir John
Mallory, Sir Roger Aston, Sir Walter Cope, Sir Richard Wigmore, Sir William Cooke,
Sir Herbert Crofte, Sir Henry Fanshawe, Sir John Smyth, Sir Francis Wolley, Sir
Edward Waterhouse, Sir Henry Sokeforde, Sir Edwin Sandys, Sir Thomas Wenman,
Sir John Trevor, Sir Warwicke Hebe, Sir Robert Wrothe, Sir John Townsende, Sir
Christopher Perkins, Sir Daniel Donne, Sir Henry Hubberte, Sir Francis Bacon,
Sir Henry Mountague, Sir George Coppin, Sir Samuel Sandys, Sir Thomas Rowe,
Sir George Sandys, Sir Thomas Freake, Sir Thomas Horwell, Sir Charles Kewe, Sir
Baptist Hicks, Sir John Watts, Sir Robert Carey, Sir William Romney, Sir Thomas
Middleton, Sir Hatton Cheeke, Sir John Ogle, Sir Cavaller Meacocke, Sir Stephen
Biddlesdon, Sir Thomas Elmder, Sir Anthony Awcher, Sir Robert Johnson, Sir
Thomas Panton, Sir Charles Morgan, Sir Stephen Powle, Sir John Burlace, Sir
Christopher Cleave, Sir George Hayward, Sir Thomas Dauks, Sir Thomas Dutton,
Sir Anthony Forest, Sir Robert Payne, Sir John Digby, Sir Dudley Digges, Sir Rowland
Cotton, doctor, Doctor Mathew Sutcliffe, Doctor Medowes, Doctor Turner, Captain
Poe, Captain Pagman, Captain Geoffrey Holcrofte, Captain Raine, Captain Henry
Sprye, Captain Shelpton, Captain Sparke, Captain Thomas Wyatt, Captain Brins-
ley, Captain William Courtney, Captain Harberts, Captain Clerke, Captain Dew-
hurste, Captain John Blundell, Captain Fryer, Captain Louis Orwell, Captain
Edward Floyde, Captain Shusby, Captain Huntley, Captain Orme, Captain Wood-
house, Captain Mason, Captain Thomas Holcrofte, Captain John Cooke, Captain
Hollis, Captain William Prowde, Captain Henry Woodhouse, Captain Linley, Cap-
tain Dexter, Captain William Winter, Captain Herle, Captain John Bingham, Cap-
tain Burras, Captain Thomas Conway, Captain Rookewood, Captain William
Lovelace, Captain John Ashley, Captain Thomas Wynne, Captain Thomas Mewtis,
Captain Edward Horwood, Captain Michael Evered, Captain Connocke, Captain
Miles, Captain Pyggott, Captain Edward Maria Wingfeilde, Captain Christopher
Newporte, Captain John Stilemore alias Ratcliffe, Captain John Smythe, Captain
John Martine, Captain Peter Wynne, Captain Waldoe, Captain Thomas Wood,
Thomas Buttone, George Bolles, esquire, sheriff of London, William Crashawe,
clerk, bachelor of sacred theology, William Sebright, esquire, Christopher Brooke,
esquire, John Bingley, esquire, Thomas Watson, esquire, Richard Parcivalt, esquire,
John Moone, esquire, Hugh Brooke, esquire, David Waterhouse, esquire, Anthony
Awcher, esquire, Robert Bowyer, esquire, Ralph Ewens, esquire, Zachary Jones,
esquire, George Calvert, esquire, William Dobson, esquire, Henry Reynolds, esquire,
Thomas Walker, esquire, Anthony Barnard, esquire, Thomas Sandys, esquire, Henry
Sandys, esquire, Richard Sandys, son of Sir Edwin Sandys, William Oxenbridge,
esquire, John Parsons, esquire, Thomas Willson, esquire, John Bullocke, esquire,
John Waller, Thomas Webb, John Robinson, William Brewster, Robert Evelyn,
Henry Daubeney, Richard Hacklyut, clerk, John Eldred, merchant, William Russell,
merchant, John Merrick, merchant, Richard Banyster, merchant, Charles Antony,
goldsmith, John Banks, William Evans, Richard Humble, Robert Chamberlayne,
merchant, Thomas Barber, merchant, Richard Poyntell, merchant, John Fletcher,
merchant, Thomas Nicholls, merchant, John Stokes, merchant, Gabriel Archer,
gentleman, Francis Covell, William Bonham, Edward Harrison, John Wolsten-
holme, Nicholas Salter, Hugh Evans, William Barners, Otho Mawditt, Richard
Staper, merchant, John Elkyn, merchant, William Coyse, Thomas Perkin, cooper,
Humfrey Rainett, cooper, Henry Jackson, Robert Shingleton, Christopher Nicholls,
John Harper, Abraham Chamberline, Thomas Shipton, Thomas Carpenter, Anthony
Crewe, George Holman, Robert Hill, Cleophas Smyth, Ralph Harryson, John Farmer,
James Brearley, William Crosley, Richard Coxe, John Gerringe, Richard Strongeth-
arme, ironmonger, Thomas Langton, Griffith Hinton, Richard Ironside, Richard
Deane, Richard Turner, William Leveson, mercer, James Chatfeilde, Edward Allen,
Tedder Robert, Hildebrand Sprinson, Arthur Mouse, John Gardiner, James Russell,
Richard Casewell, Richard Evans, John Hawkens, Richard Kirrell, Richard Brooke,
Mathew Scriven, gentleman, William Stallenge, gentleman, Arthur Venn, gentle-
man, Sandis Webb, gentleman, Michael Phettiplace, gentleman, William Phettiplace,
gentleman, Ambrose Drusey, gentleman, John Taverner, gentleman, George Prettie,
gentleman, Peter Latham, gentleman, Thomas Mounfird, gentleman, William Can-
trell, gentleman, Richard Wyffine, gentleman, Ralph Moreton, gentleman, John
Cornellis, gentleman, Martin Freeman, Adrian Moore, Thomas White, Edward
Parkins, Robert Offley, Thomas Whitley, George Pytt, Robert Parkhurst, Thomas
Morris, Peter Vaulore, Geoffrey Duffe, John Gilbert, William Hancocke, Mathew
Brownerigg, Francis Turrell, Randolph Carter, Othwell Smyth, Thomas Honneyman,
Martin Bond, haberdasher, Robert Johnson, William Younge, John Woodall, William
Holgate, Humfrey Westwoode, Richard Champion, Henry Robinson, Francis Mapps,
William Sambatche, Rawleigh Crawshawe, Daniel Ducker, Thomas Grave, Hugh
Willestone, Thomas Culpepper of Wigsell, esquire, John Culpepper, gentleman,
Henry Lee, Josiah Kirton, gentleman, John Porey, gentleman, Henry Collins, gentle-
man, George Burton, William Atkinson, Thomas Forest, John Russell, John Holte,
Harman Harrison, Gabriel Beadle, John Beadle, Henry Daucks, George Scott,
Edward Fleetewood, gentleman, Richard Rogers, gentleman, Arthur Robinson,
Robert Robinson, John Huntley, John Grey, William Payne, William Feilde, William
Wattey, William Webster, John Digley, William Carpenter, Thomas Draper, Richard
Glanviell, Arnald Lulls, Henry Rowe, William Moore, Nicholas Grice, James Moun-
ger, Nicholas Andrewes, Jerome Heydon, ironmonger, John Durant, John Quarles,
John West, Mathew Springham, John Johnson, Christopher Hoare, Tobias Sneede,
George Barkley, Arthur Pott, Thomas Carles, William Barkley, Thomas Johnson,
Captain Alexander Bentts, William King, George Sands, gentleman, James White,
gentleman, Edward Wynn, Charles Towler, Richard Reynolds, Edward Webb,
Richard Maplesden, Thomas Levers, David Bone, Thomas Wood, Robert Hamore,
Edward Barnes, mercer, John Wright, mercer, Robert Middleton, Edward Litt-
ffeild, Thomas Webb, Ralph Kinge, Robert Coppyn, James Askewe, Christopher
Nicholls, William Bardwell, Alexander Childe, Lewis Taite, Edward Ditchfeilde,
James Swifte, Richard Widowes, goldsmith, Edward Bridnell, John Handforde,
Edward Woller, William Palmer, haberdasher, John Badger, John Hodgson, Peter
Mounsell, John Corill, John Busbridge, William Dun, Thomas Johnson, Nicholas
Venson, Thomas Shipton, Nathaniel Wade, Randolph Wetwood, Mathew Dequester,
Charles Hawkins, Hugh Hamersley, Abraham Cartwright, George Bennett, William
Cater, Richard Goddert, Henry Cromewell, Phineas Pett, Robert Cooper, John
Cooper, Henry Neice, Edward Wilks, Robert Bateman, Nicholas Farrer, John New-
house, John Cason, Thomas Harris, gentleman, George Etherd, Thomas Male,
gentleman, Richard Stratforde, Thomas Richards, cooper, John Westrowe, Edward
Welch, Thomas Brittayne, Thomas Knowles, Octavian Thorne, Edmund Smyth,
John Marshe, Edward Carewe, Thomas Pleydall, Richard Ley, Miles Palmer, Henry
Price, John Josuah, gentleman, William Clandy, Jerome Pearcey, John Bree, gentle-
man, William Hamson, Christopher Peckforde, Thomas Huntt, Thomas Tirnstone,
Christopher Lamman, John Haywarde, clerk, Richard Partridge, Allan Cotton,
Felix Wilson, Thomas Colthrust, George Wilmer, Andrew Wilmer, Maurice Llewellin,
Thomas Jedwin, Peter Burgoyne, Thomas Burgoyne, Robert Burgoyne, Robert
Smyth, merchant tailor, Edward Cage, grocer, Thomas Cannon, gentleman, William
Wilby, stationer, Clement Wilmer, gentleman, John Clapham, gentleman, Giles
Francis, gentleman, George Walker, sadler, John Swinhowe, stationer, Edward
Bushop, stationer, Leo White, gentleman, Christopher Barton, Peter Benson, Richard
Smyth, George Procter, clerk, Millicent Ramsden, widow, Joseph Soan, Thomas
Hinshawe, John Baker, Robert Thornton, John Davis, Edward Facett, George Nuce,
gentleman, Captain John Robinson, Thomas Wood, William Browne, shoemaker,
Robert Barker, shoemaker, Robert Pennington, Francis Burlye, clerk, William Quick,
grocer, Edward Lewis, grocer, Lawrence Campe, draper, Adam Perkins, grocer,
Richard Sheepheard, preacher, William Shekeley, haberdasher, William Tayler,
haberdasher, Edward Lukyn, gentleman, John Francklyn, haberdasher, John South-
icke, Peter Peate, George Isham, ironmonger, George Yardley, gentleman, Henry
Shelley, John Pratt, Thomas Church, draper, William Powell, gentleman, Richard
Frith, gentleman, Thomas Wheeler, draper, Francis Hasellrigg, gentleman, Hugh
Shipley, gentleman, John Andrews, senior, of Cambridge, Francis Whister, gentle-
man, John Vassett, gentleman, Richard Howle, Edward Barkley, gentleman, Richard
Knarisbrough, gentleman, Nicholas Exton, draper, William Bennett, fishmonger,
James Haywood, merchant, Nicholas Isacke, merchant, William Gibbs, merchant,

1Bushop, Barnard Michell, Isaack Mighell, John Streate, Edward Gale, John
Martine, gentleman, Thomas Fox, Luke Lodge, John Woodlife, gentleman, Rice
Webb, Vincent Lowe, Samuel Burnand, Edmund Pears, haberdasher, Joshua Gouge,

John St. John, Edward Vaughan, William Dun, Thomas Alcocke, John Andrewes,
junior, of Cambridge, Samuel Smyth, Samuel Smyth [sic], Thomas Gerrard, Thomas
Whittingham, William Canninge, Paul Cannyng, George Chandler, Henry Vincent,
Thomas Keitley, James Skelton, James Mawtam, George Webb, gentleman, Joseph
Newrough Smyth, Josiah Maude, Ralph Hamor, junior, Edward Brewster, son of
William Brewster, Leonard Harwood, mercer, Philip Dreverdent, William Carpenter,
Robert Cookes, grocer, Lawrence Greene, grocer, Daniel Wynch, grocer, Humphrey
Stike, grocer, Avery Dransfeild, grocer, John Hodges, grocer, Edward Beale, grocer,
Thomas Cutler, grocer, Ralph Bisby, grocer, John Whittingham, grocer, John Hide,
grocer, Mathew Shepheard, grocer, Thomas Allen, grocer, Richard Hocker, grocer,
Laurence Mouncks, grocer, John Tanner, grocer, Peter Gate, grocer, John Blunt,
grocer, Robert Phillips, grocer, Robert Berrisford, grocer, Thomas Wells, gentleman,
John Ellis, grocer, Henry Colthurst, grocer, John Crannedge, grocer, Thomas Jenings,
grocer, Edmund Peshall, grocer, Timothy Bathurst, grocer, Giles Parslowe, grocer,
Robert Mildmay, grocer, Robert Johnson, grocer, William Jansen, vintner, Ezekiel
Smyth, Richard Murreton, William Sharpe, Robert Ritch, William Stannard, inn-
holder, John Stockin, William Strachy, gentleman, George Farmer, gentleman, Thomas
Gills, clothworker, Abraham Daws, gentleman, Thomas Brockett, gentleman, George
Batch, fishmonger, John Dike, fishmonger, Henry Spranger, Richard Farryngton,
Christopher Vertue, vintner, Thomas Baylye, vintner, George Robins, vintner,
Tobias Hanson, grocer, Brian Spencer, Clement Chitcheley, John Starpe, gentleman,
James Cambell, ironmonger, Christopher Cletherowe, ironmonger, Philip Jacobson,
Peter Jacobson of Antwerp, William Brakley, Miles Bankes, cutler, Peter Highley,
grocer, Henry John, gentleman, John Stikeley, merchant tailor, John Levett, mer-
chant, Thomas Norincott, clothworker, Richard Venn, haberdasher, Thomas Scott,
gentleman, Thomas Jackson, merchant tailor, George Hankynson, Thomas Leyre,
gentleman, Mathew Cooper, George Butler, gentleman, Thomas Lawson, gentleman,
Edward Smyth, haberdasher, Stephen Sparrowe, John Jones, merchant, Reynold
Brewer, Thomas Plomer, merchant, James Duppa, brewer, Rowland Coytmore,
William Southerne, George Whitmore, haberdasher, Anthony Gosnold, junior, John
Allen, fishmonger, Simon Yeomans, fishmonger, Launcelot Davis, gentleman, John
Hopkins, alderman of Bristol, John Keatleby, gentleman, Richard Cheny, gold-
smith, George Hooker, gentleman, and Robert Sheninge, yeoman, and others named
in the same letters patent and as many as they themselves then in the future shall
admit to be joined with them in the manner expressed in the same letters patent,
whether they migrate in their own persons to be planters there in the plantation
aforesaid or do not migrate but adventure their money, goods or chattels, that they
themselves should be one body or perpetual community and have perpetual succession
and one common seal to serve the same body or community, and that they them-
selves and their successors should be known, called and incorporated by the name of
the Treasurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the City of London for
the First Colony in Virginia, and that they themselves and their successors hence-
forth for ever should be able to take, acquire, and purchase, by the aforesaid name
(licence for this having been first had and obtained from our same lord the King, his
heirs and successors) any lands, tenements, and hereditaments, goods and chattels
whatsoever within the realm of our said lord the King of England and the dominion
of Wales, and that they themselves and their successors should likewise be able by
the aforesaid name to plead and be impleaded before any judges or justices of our
said lord the King in any courts of our said lord the King and in any actions or suits
whatsoever, as by the same letters patent among other things is fully clear and appar-
ent, By pretext of which premises the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names,
"free men", etc., "and other free men", etc.], before the aforesaid time specified in
the information aforesaid, were and still are incorporated by the name of the Treas-
urer and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the City of London for the First
Colony in Virginia, and by that warrant, by virtue of the letters patent aforesaid,
the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "free men", etc., "and other
free men", etc.], for the time aforesaid specified in the information aforesaid, were
and are and claim to be a body incorporated by the name of the Treasurer and Company
of Adventurers and Planters of the aforesaid City of London for the First Colony in
Virginia, and they claim and are used by that name to plead and be impleaded in all
courts and places whatsoever and before any judges whatsoever, justices, or other
persons whatsoever, both in all and singular actions, suits, and pleas and in all and
singular other causes, businesses, matters, and demands whatsoever of whatsoever
kind, nature or species they may be, and by that name they claim to be persons able
and in law capable of acquiring, holding, receiving, taking, and possessing to them-
selves and their successors, both of our said lord the King and of any other persons
or bodies corporate, any demesnes, manors, lands, tenements, rents, reversions,
reventions, services, possessions, hereditaments, goods and chattels, licences, liber-
ties, franchises, profits, and commodities whatsoever, to them by the aforesaid name
or to other persons or to any other person for their use given, made, held, granted or
confirmed and, by the said name, to give, grant, demise, let, dispose, assign, and
alienate their goods and chattels, lands, tenements, and hereditaments whatsoever
to any person or persons whatsoever at their will, as it was lawful to them and is
lawful. And as to having and claiming the following liberties, privileges, and fran-
chises, namely, to have a council continually residing within this realm of England
to consist of divers men of the same company and to nominate, elect, and swear
whomsoever they shall wish to be of that council, and to have a council continually
residing in the said parts beyond the sea in Virginia to consist of divers men to be
nominated and elected by themselves and to nominate, elect, and swear whomsoever
they shall wish to be of that council, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.—the same 24
names, "free men", etc., "and other free men", etc.] say that before the aforesaid
time specified in the information aforesaid, to wit, on the tenth day of April in the
fourth year of our said lord the King who now is of England etc. our same lord the
King who now is, by his letters patent duly completed, sealed by his great seal of
England, bearing date at Westminster on the same tenth day of April in the afore-
said fourth year of his reign and in the Court of Chancery of our aforesaid lord the
King, who now is, at Westminster in the county of Middlesex, then being duly en-
rolled, the tenor of the enrolment of which letters patent the same Nicholas ffarrer
[et al.—the same 24 names, "free men", etc., "and other free men", etc.] produce
here in court, reciting that when the beloved and well disposed subjects of our lord
the King himself, Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Sommers, Richard Hackluite, clerk,
prebendary of Westminster, Edward Maria Winckfeild, Thomas Hannam, Rawleighe
Gilbert, esquire, William Parker, and George Popham, gentlemen, and divers others
of the beloved subjects of our lord the King himself, appeared as humble suppliants
to our same lord the King that our same lord the King should deign to grant to them
licence to make a dwelling-place and plantation and to found a colony of divers of the
people of our same lord the King in that part of America commonly called Virginia
and other parts and territories in America belonging to our same lord the King, or
which were not actually possessed by any Christian prince or people, situated, lying,
and being all along the sea coast between thirty-four degrees of northern latitude
and other equinoctial lines and forty-five degrees of the same latitude and in the
mainland between the aforesaid thirty-four and forty-five degrees, and the island
thereto adjacent or within a hundred miles of the coast thereof, and to that end and
for the swifter accomplishment of the aforesaid proposed plantation and dwelling-
place there they themselves desired to divide themselves into two colonies and com-
panies, one of them consisting of certain knights, gentlemen, merchants, and other
adventurers of our lord the King himself of his city of London and elsewhere, who
then were or from time to time should be joined with them, who desired to begin
their plantations and dwelling places in some suitable and convenient place between
the thirty-fourth and forty-first degrees of the aforesaid latitude all along the coast
of Virginia and the coast of America aforesaid, and the other of the same colonies
consisting of divers knights, gentlemen, merchants, and other adventurers of the
cities of our lord the King himself of Bristol and Exeter and his vill of Plymouth
and other places, who join themselves to the same colony, who desired to begin their
plantations and dwelling places in some suitable and convenient place between
thirty-eight and forty-five degrees of the aforesaid latitude, along the aforsaid coast of
Virginia and America according as that coast lies, our same lord the King, much
praising and graciously accepting their petitions to the furtherance of so noble a
work, which by the providence of Almighty God would redound to the glory of His
Divine Majesty in the propagation of the Christian religion to such people as then
lived in darkness and wretched ignorance of the true knowledge and worship of God
and would be able in time to lead the infidels and needy barbarians dwelling in those
parts to human civilisation and to quiet and peaceful government, our same lord the
King by his same letters patent graciously received and gave his consent to their
humble and well proposed desires and, therefore, for himself, his heirs and successors,
granted and agreed that the aforesaid Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Summers,
Richard Hackluit and Edward Maria Winckfeild, adventurers of the aforesaid city
of London, and all such others as then were or should be joined with them respecting
the same colony should be called the first colony and that they could begin their first
plantation and the place of their first sojourning and dwelling in any place along the
aforesaid coast of Virginia or America where they thought it suitable and conven-
ient, between the aforesaid thirty-four and forty-one degrees of the aforesaid latitude;
And further our same lord the King by his same letters patent ordained, established,
and agreed for himself, his heirs and successors, that each of the same colonies should
have a council, each of which councils should consist of thirteen persons and should
have a separate seal for all matters which touch the same separate councils, on both
of which seals the arms and insignia of our same lord the King should be engraved
on the one side thereof and the portraiture of our same lord the King on the other
side thereof, and that round about the seal for the council of the aforesaid first colony
should be engraved on the one side of the same these words, "Sigillum Regis Magnae
Britaniae, Franciae, et Hiberniae", and on the other side of the same this inscription,
"Pro Consilio Primae Coloniae Virginiae." And also that a council should be estab-
lished here in England which should consist likewise of thirteen persons for this
purpose to be appointed by our lord the King himself, his heirs or successors, which
should be called the council of our lord the King for Virginia; which council likewise
should have a seal for matters concerning the same council with like insignia and
portrait, as is shown, with this inscription engraved round about on the one side of
the same, "Sigillum Regis Magnae Britanniae, Franciae, et Hiberniae", and round
about on the other side thereof, "Pro Consilio Suo Virginiae", as more fully appears
by the exemplification of the enrolment of the said letters patent which Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "free men", etc., "and other free men", etc.] pro-
duce here in court sealed by the great seal of our said lord the King of England who
now is, according to the form of the statute in such case lately published and pro-
vided, of which exemplification the date is at Westminster on the twentieth day of
December in the twenty-first year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is
of England, etc. And further the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names,
"free men", etc., "and other free men", etc.] say that before the aforesaid time
specified above in the information aforesaid, to wit, on the aforesaid twenty-third
day of May in the aforesaid seventh year of the reign of our said lord the King who
now is of England, etc., our same lord the King who now is, by his aforesaid letters
patent bearing date at Westminster on the twenty-third day of May in the aforesaid
seventh year of his reign of England, etc., considering that the good and happy
success of the aforesaid plantation of the aforesaid first colony in Virginia chiefly
depended, next under the blessing of God and the support of his royal authority,
upon the prudent and good direction of the whole enterprise, through the care and
prudence of the planning, and that it was not convenient that all the adventurers
should be compelled to assemble and meet together as often as it should be necessary
for them to assemble and confer about their business, therefore by the same letters
patent he ordained, established, and confirmed that there should be for ever a coun-
cil residing in England, according to the tenor of the aforesaid former letters patent
of our same lord the King, which council should have a seal for the better govern-
ment and administration of the aforesaid plantation besides the aforesaid legal seal
of the aforesaid Company or corporation.

And further our same lord the King, by his same letters patent, established and
ordained that Henry, earl of Southampton, William, earl of Pembroke, Henry, earl
of Lincoln, Thomas, earl of Exeter, Robert, lord viscount Lisle, Lord Theophilus
Howard, James, lord bishop of Bath and Wells, Edward, lord Zouche, Thomas, lord
La Warr, William, lord Mounteagle, Edmund, lord Sheffeild, Gray, lord Chandois,
John, lord Stanhope, George, lord Carewe, Humphrey Weld, lord mayor of London,
Sir Edward Cecill, Sir William Wade, Sir Henry Nevill, Sir Thomas Smyth, Sir
Oliver Cromewell, Sir Peter Manwood, Sir Thomas Challoner, Sir Henry Hobarte,
Sir Francis Bacon, Sir George Coppin, Sir John Scott, Sir Henry Cary, Sir Robert
Drury, Sir Horatio Vere, Sir Edward Conway, Sir Mawrice Barkley, Sir Thomas
Gattes, Sir Michael Sandis, Sir Robert Mansell, Sir John Trevor, Sir Amias Preston,
Sir William Godolphin, Sir Walter Cope, Sir Robert Killigrue, Sir Henry ffanshawe,
Sir Edwin Sandis, Sir John Watts, Sir Henry Mountague, Sir William Romney, Sir
Thomas Rowe, Sir Baptist Hicks, Sir Richard Williamson, Sir Stephen Poole, Sir
Dudley Digs, Christopher Brooke, John Eldred, and John Wolstenholme should
be the council of our same lord the King for the aforesaid Company of Adventurers
and Planters in Virginia, and that the Treasurer of the Company aforesaid should
have authority to give order for the summoning of the council and the summoning
of the Company aforesaid to their courts and meetings, and that the aforesaid council
or any of them should be thenceforth nominated, elected, continued, displaced,
changed, altered, and supplied, as death or other several occasions should require,
from the Company aforesaid of Adventurers aforesaid by the votes of the majority
of the aforesaid council and adventurers in their meeting for that purpose. And
further our same lord the King, of his own special grace, certain knowledge, and mere
motion, for himself his heirs and his successors, by the same letters patent gave
and granted full power and authority to the aforesaid council of our same lord the
King residing in England, both at the same present time and thereafter in the future
from time to time, to nominate, make, appoint, ordain, and confirm by such name
and names, style or styles, as should seem suitable to them and likewise to recall,
discharge, change, and alter both all and singular governors, officers, and ministers

who before that time had been made and those who from that time should be thought
suitable and necessary to be appointed or used for the government of the aforesaid
colony and plantation, and also to make, ordain, and establish all kinds of orders,
laws, directions, instructions, forms and ceremonies, governments, and magistracies
suitable and necessary for and touching the government of the aforesaid colony and
plantation, and the same at all times thereafter to abrogate, recall, or change, not
only within the precincts of the same first colony, but also upon the seas in the
crossing to the same colony and from the same, as they themselves in their sane
discretion think to be most suitable for the good of the adventurers and the inhabit-
ants there, as by the same letters patent among other things is fully clear and ap-
parent. And further the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.—the same 24 names, "free
men", etc., "and other free men", etc.] say that before the aforesaid time specified
above in the information aforesaid, to wit, on the twelfth day of March in the
ninth year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is of England, etc., our
same lord the King by his letters patent duly completed, sealed with his great seal
of England and produced here in the court of our said lord the King who now is,
bearing date at Westminster on the same twelfth day of March in the aforesaid
ninth year of his reign of England, etc., for himself, his heirs and successors, granted
to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company and their successors that it should be lawful
for the aforesaid Treasurer or his Deputy for the time being, or any two others of the
council of our same lord the King for the aforesaid first colony in Virginia, for the
time being from time to time at all times then in the future, to administer such a
formal oath as by their discretion should reasonably be devised both to any person or
persons, used, or to be used, in, for, or touching the aforesaid plantation for their
honourable, faithful, and just discharge of their service in all such matters as should
be entrusted to them for the good and benefit of the aforesaid Company, colony, and
plantation, and to such other person or persons as the aforesaid Treasurer or his
Deputy with two others of the aforesaid council should consider suitable, for the
examination or manifestation of the truth in any cause whatsoever concerning
the aforesaid plantation or any business arising from it or belonging to it.

And by that warrant the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], for the time aforesaid specified
above in the information aforesaid, had and were used and claim to have a council
within this realm of England continually residing, to consist of divers men of the same
Company and to nominate, elect, and swear whomsoever they wish of the Company
aforesaid to be of that council and not otherwise or in any other way.

And by that warrant they had and claim also to have a council continually residing
in the said parts across the sea in Virginia, to consist of divers men to be nominated
and elected by themselves and to nominate, elect, and swear whomsoever they wish
of the Company aforesaid to be of that council and not otherwise or in any other
manner, as was well lawful for them and is lawful. And also the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.] wish to verify that the aforesaid letters patent of our aforesaid lord
the King, bearing date on the aforesaid tenth day of April in the aforesaid fourth
year of his reign, are still in full strength, effect, and vigor, and remain, not legally
surrendered or cancelled; And as to having and claiming the following liberties,
privileges, and franchises, namely, to have divers common seals for transacting all
and singular their causes and businesses and these at their pleasure to break, change,
and make anew, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that before the aforesaid time
specified, in the aforesaid information, to wit, on the aforesaid twenty-third day of
May in the aforesaid seventh year of the reign of our said lord the King, who now is,

of England, etc., our same lord the King, by his aforesaid letters patent bearing date
at Westminster on the same twenty-third day of May in the aforesaid seventh year
of his reign of England, etc., granted to the Treasurer and Company aforesaid that
they themselves should have a common seal to serve the same body and community;
And further our same lord the King, considering that the good and happy success of
the aforesaid plantation chiefly depend next under the blessing of God and the support
of his royal authority upon the provident and good direction of the whole enterprise,
through the care and prudence of the planning, and that it was not convenient that
all the adventurers should be compelled to come together and meet as often as it
should be necessary for them to come together and confer about their businesses,
by the same letters patent ordained, established, and confirmed that there should
be for ever a council residing in England, in accordance with the tenor of former
letters patent of our lord the King himself, that the council should have a seal for
the better government and administration of the aforesaid plantation besides the
legal seal of the society or corporation aforesaid, as in the aforesaid letters patent was
expressed, as by the same letters patent bearing date on the aforesaid twenty-third
day of May in the aforesaid seventh year of the reign of our said lord the King who
now is of England, etc., among other things is more fully set forth. And further the
same Nicholas ffarrer, [et al.] say that in the aforesaid former letters patent of our
lord the King himself, bearing date on the aforesaid tenth day of April in the afore-
said fourth year of the reign of our lord the King himself of England, in this plea
above mentioned, our aforesaid lord the King had granted that the council of our
lord the King himself established in England for Virginia by the same letters patent
bearing date on the same tenth day of April in the aforesaid fourth year should have
a seal for matters concerning the aforesaid council with the arms and insignia of
our lord the King himself engraved on the one side, and the portrait of our lord the
King himself on the other side thereof, with the inscription round about on the one
side, "Sigillum Regis Magnae Britanniae, Franciae, et Hiberniae", and round about
on the other side of the same seal, "Pro Consilio Suo Virginiae", as in this plea is
specified above.

And by that warrant by virtue of the aforesaid letters patent of our lord the King
himself bearing date on the aforesaid twenty-third day of May in the aforesaid
seventh year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is of England, etc., the
same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], for the time aforesaid specified above in the informa-
tion aforesaid, had and were used to have and claim to have and use divers common
seals, namely, one to serve the aforesaid body and community and Company afore-
said and another for the council of our lord the King himself for Virginia residing
in England under the form above recited, and likewise they claim to break, change,
and make anew these seals at their pleasure as was and is well lawful to them.

And as to the liberties, privileges, and franchises, namely, that the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.] have the power and authority whensoever it shall please them to nomi-
nate, appoint, and swear one of themselves to be Treasurer of the same Company
and another of themselves to be Deputy Treasurer of the same Company and also
to nominate, appoint, and swear from themselves as many other officers and ministers
both residing within this realm of England and inhabiting and residing in the country
of Virginia in the parts across the sea as it shall please them, and to discharge, remove,
alter, and change the governor, treasurer, deputy, and those other officers and min-
isters at their own proper pleasure, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that before
the aforesaid time specified above in the information aforesaid, to wit, on the afore-

said twenty-third day of May in the aforesaid seventh year of the reign of our said
lord the King who now is of England, etc., our same lord the King James, by his
aforesaid letters patent bearing date at Westminster on the aforesaid twenty-third
day of May in the aforesaid seventh year of his reign, ordained that Sir Thomas
Smyth, should be Treasurer of the aforesaid Company and that the Treasurer should
thenceforth be nominated, elected, retained, discharged, changed, altered, and
replaced, as death or other occasions should require, outside the aforesaid Company
of Adventurers aforesaid by the votes of the majority of the council and adventurers
in their assembly, for that purpose. And, further, our same lord the King, by his
same letters patent, of his special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, for
himself, his heirs and successors, granted to the aforesaid Sir Thomas Smyth, Treas-
urer aforesaid, and the Company and their successors, that if it were to happen at
any time or any times that the Treasurer for the time being should be ill or have
any such cause of absence from the city of London as should be approved by the
council or the majority of the same assembled, so that he could not be present at the
businesses of the Company aforesaid, in any such case it would be lawful and would
have been lawful for such Treasurer for the time being to assign, constitute, and
appoint one of the council for the same Company, likewise to be approved by the
same council or the majority of the same assembled, to be Deputy of the Treasurer
for the same Company, which Deputy should have the power to do and execute every-
thing belonging to the aforesaid Treasurer during such time as such Treasurer either
should be ill or otherwise absent for a cause approved by the aforesaid council or a
majority of the same, as mentioned, so fully, wholly, and in such large and ample
manner and form, to all intents and purposes as the aforesaid Treasurer if he were
present would have been able to execute the same.

And further our same lord the King, of his special grace, certain knowledge, and mere
motion, for himself, his heirs and successors, by the same letters patent gave and granted
full power and authority to the aforesaid council of our lord the King himself resid-
ing in England, both then and thereafter in the future from time to time, to nominate,
appoint, constitute, ordain, and confirm by such name and names, style or styles,
as should seem to them to be expedient, and likewise to recall, discharge, change, and
alter both all and singular governors, officers, and ministers who previously had been
appointed and those who thereafter in the future should be considered suitable and
necessary to be appointed or used for the government of the aforesaid colony and
plantation, as by the same letters patent among other things is more fully clear and
apparent. And further the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that before the aforesaid
time specified above in the aforesaid information, to wit, on the twelfth day of March
in the nineth year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is of England, etc.,
our lord the King by his aforesaid letters patent dated at Westminster on the same
twelfth day of March in the aforesaid ninth year of his reign of England, etc., granted
by our said lord the King to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company of the Adven-
turers and Planters of the aforesaid City of London for the aforesaid Colony of
Virginia, for the better government of the aforesaid Company and colony, ordained
and granted to the same Treasurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters
aforesaid that for the handling, order, and disposition of matters and businesses of
greater weight and importance, and such as in any way should touch the common-
wealth and general good of the aforesaid Company and plantation, such as the
manner of government to be used from time to time, the order and disposition of
the lands and possessions and the settling and establishment of commerce there or
anything of that kind, there should be held and had every year on the last Wednesday

of the terms of Saint Hilary, Easter, Holy Trinity, and Saint Michael, for ever, a great
general and solemn assembly, which four general assemblies shall be named and called
the four great and general courts of the Council and Company of Adventurers for
Virginia, in which great and general courts all and singular so assembled our same
lord the King wished and it was pleasing to his Highness and he gave and granted for
himself, his heirs and successors for ever to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company
and their successors by the same letters patent that they themselves aforesaid, the
Treasurer and Company or the greater number of them so assembled should have full
power and authority, from time to time and at all times thenceforward in the future,
to nominate and appoint such officers as should seem to them suitable and necessary
for the ruling, government, ordering, and disposition of the businesses of the same
Company. And further our same lord the King, for himself, his heirs and successors,
by his same letters patent granted to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company and their
successors for ever that it should be lawful for the aforesaid Treasurer or his Deputy
for the time being or any two others of the aforesaid council for the aforesaid first
colony in Virginia for the time being, from time to time at all times for the future, to
administer such a formal oath as by their discretion should reasonably be devised,
both to any person or persons employed or to be employed, in, through, or touching
the aforesaid plantation for his or their honorable, faithful, and just discharge of their
service in all such matters as may be entrusted to him or them for the good and
benefit of the aforesaid Company, colony, and plantation, and to such person or
persons as the aforesaid Treasurer or his Deputy, with two others of the aforesaid
council, should consider suitable for the examination or manifestation of the truth
in any cause whatsoever concerning the aforesaid plantation or any business arising
from it or belonging to it, as by the same letters patent last mentioned is among other
things fully set forth and apparent. And by that warrant, by virtue of the several
letters patent aforesaid, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] were used and are used and
claim to have power and authority, as death or other occasions require, outside the
aforesaid Company of Adventurers by the votes of the majority of the aforesaid
council and adventurers in their assemblies for that reason to nominate, elect, retain,
discharge, or supply and appoint a Treasurer of the Company aforesaid and likewise
upon the illness of the Treasurer or other such cause of his absence from the aforesaid
city of London, as shall be approved by the aforesaid council or the majority of them
assembled, to assign, constitute, and appoint one of the aforesaid council for the
same Company, approved by the majority of the aforesaid council to be Deputy of
the Treasurer of the same Company.

And likewise in their assemblies for that reason the Treasurer and Company, or the
greater number of them so assembled for the whole time in the information aforesaid
specified were used, claim, and are used to nominate and appoint such officers and
ministers of the same Company as seemed to them suitable and necessary for the
ruling and government, order and disposition of the businesses of the same Company,
and not otherwise nor in any other manner, and that upon any nomination and
appointment of this kind of any Treasurer of this kind or Deputy or other official or
minister the Treasurer of the Company aforesaid or his Deputy for the time being, or
two others of the council for the aforesaid first colony in Virginia for the time being,
through the whole time in the aforesaid information specified, shall administer such
a formal oath as for their discretion was reasonably devised to such Treasurer or
Deputy Treasurer or other officer or minister so nominated and elected to be employed
in, for, or touching the aforesaid plantation for his or their honorable, faithful, and
just discharge of their service in all such matters as shall be committed to him or them

for the good and benefit of the aforesaid Company, colony, and plantation, and not
otherwise nor in any other manner. And likewise the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.]
by that warrant claim to have the power at their own proper pleasure to discharge,
remove, alter, and change a governor, deputy and other officers and ministers of this
kind.

And as to the following liberties, privileges, and franchises, namely, that the same
Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] have to themselves and their successors all those lands,
countries, and territories of our said lord the King called Virginia, and those lands,
countries, and territories at their own proper pleasure assign, give, sell, alienate, and
dispose to any person or persons whatsoever they shall please, and have the rule and
sole governance of all the lands, countries, and territories aforesaid, the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.] say that our lord James who now is King of England was seised of those
many lands, countries, and territories of our said lord the King called Virginia specified,
in the information aforesaid, in his demesne as of fee, and our lord the King himself
being thus seised of them, our same lord the King, before the aforesaid time specified
in the aforesaid information, to wit, on the aforesaid twenty-third day of May in the
aforesaid seventh year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is of England,
etc., by his aforesaid letters patent bearing date at Westminster on the aforesaid
twenty-third day of May in the aforesaid seventh year of his reign, of his special grace,
certain knowledge and mere motion, gave, granted, and confirmed to the aforesaid
Treasurer and Company and their successors, under the reservations, limitations, and
declarations in the same letters patent hereafter specified, all those lands, countries,
and territories situated, lying, and being in that part of America called Virginia from
the point of land called Cape or Point Comforte along the sea coast towards the north
for two hundred miles and from the same point of land called Cape Comforte along
the sea coast towards the south for two hundred miles, and all that space and circum-
ference of land lying from the coast of the aforesaid boundary further inland through-
out, from sea to sea towards the west and northwest, and also all the islands lying
within a hundred miles along the sea coast of each sea from the boundary aforesaid,
together with all that soil, land, harbors, mines, both royal mines of gold and silver
and other minerals, gems and precious stones, quarries, woods, rivers, waters, fish-
eries, commodities, jurisdictions, regalities, privileges, franchises, and pre-eminences
within the same territories and precincts of the same, and either in any way belonging
or pertaining to the same or being about them either by sea or by land, which our
same lord the King by his letters patent could grant and in as ample a manner and
form as our same lord the King by his letters patent could grant and in as ample a
manner and form as our same lord the King or any of his progenitors previously had
granted to any Society, body politic or corporate, or to any adventurer or any adven-
turers taking upon himself or themselves any discoveries, plantations, or commerce
of, into or [sic, for "or into"] any lands remote or foreign whatsoever, in as large and
ample a manner as if the same had been particularly mentioned and expressed, to
have and to hold, to possess and enjoy all and singular the aforesaid lands, countries,
and territories with all and singular other premises above by the same letters patent
granted or mentioned to be granted, to the same aforesaid Treasurer and Company,
their successors and assigns for ever, for the sole and proper use of the same Treasurer
and Company, their successors and assigns, to hold of our same lord the King, his
heirs and successors, as of his manor of Eastgreenewich, in free and common socage
and not in chief, returning and paying for the same to our aforesaid lord the King,
his heirs and successors, only a fifth part of all the ore, of gold and silver which from

time to time and at all times thenceforward should be acquired, had, and obtained
there, for all kinds of services.

And further our same lord the King willed and it was pleasing to him that in all ques-
tions and doubts which should arise, or any difficulty of construction or interpretation
of anything contained either in his same letters patent or in any of his former letters
patent, the same should be received and interpreted in the more ample and beneficial
manner for the aforesaid Treasurer and Company and their successors and any
member of them, although express mention of the true annual value or certitude of
the premises or any of them or of any other gifts or grants made previously by our
lord the King himself or any of his progenitors or predecessors to the aforesaid Treas-
urer and Company was not made in the same letters patent, notwithstanding any
statute, act, ordinance, provision, proclamation, or restriction to the contrary held,
made, ordained or provided, or any other cause or matter whatsoever, as by the
same letters patent among other things is fully clear and apparent; by virtue of which
letters patent last mentioned the aforesaid Treasurer and Company of the aforesaid
first colony in Virginia were and still are seised of and in the lands, countries, and terri-
tories aforesaid and other premises with appurtenances, granted to them and their
successors, as is shown by the same letters patent, in their demesne as of fee, and
further the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that before the aforesaid time in the infor-
mation aforesaid above specified, to wit, on the twelfth day of March in the ninth
year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is of England, etc., our same
lord the King, by his aforesaid letters patent bearing date on the same twelfth day
of March in the aforesaid ninth year of his reign of England, etc., reciting that when,
at the humble petition of divers of his several beloved subjects, both adventurers and
planters of the first colony in Virginia, both for the propagation of the Christian
religion and for leading a rude people to civilisation and humanity, our same lord the
King by his letters patent bearing date at Westminster on the twenty-third day of
May in the seventh year of his reign of England, France, and Ireland, and forty-second
of Scotland, had given and granted to them that they themselves and all such and
so many of the same beloved subjects of our same lord the King who from time to
time for ever should join them as planters or adventurers in the aforesaid plantation,
and their successors for ever should be a body politic incorporated by the name of
Treasurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the aforesaid City of London
for the First Colony in Virginia, and since also for the greater good and benefit of
the aforesaid company and for the better furtherance, strengthening, and establish-
ment of the aforesaid plantation our same lord the King had further given, granted,
and confirmed by the same letters patent to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company
and their successors for ever all those lands, countries, and territories situated, lying,
and being in that part of America called Virginia from the point of land called Cape
or Point Comforte along the sea coast towards the north for two hundred miles and
from the same point of Cape Comforte along the sea coast towards the south for two
hundred miles, and all that space and circumference of land lying from the sea coast
of the boundary aforesaid further into the country throughout, from sea to sea toward
the west, northwest, and also all the islands lying within a hundred miles along the
sea coast of each sea of the precinct aforesaid, with divers other grants, liberties,
franchises, pre-eminences, privileges, profits, benefits, and commodities granted in
and through the aforesaid letters patent of our same lord the King to the aforesaid
Treasurer and Company and their successors for ever, then our same lord the King,
because it was given to his Highness to understand that in those seas, adjacent to the
aforesaid coasts of Virginia and outside the aforesaid space of aforesaid two hundred

miles granted, as mentioned, by our said lord the King to the aforesaid Treasurer
and Company and yet not far distant from the aforesaid colony in Virginia, were or
might be divers islands lying desolate and uninhabited, of which some were then
known and discovered by the industry, travail, and expense of the aforesaid Company,
and other islands are imagined to be and to remain as yet unknown and undiscovered,
all and singular of which it might import to the aforesaid colony, both in safety and
policy of trade, to populate and plant, in respect of which they themselves both for
the avoidance of danger and for the better advantage and prosperity of the aforesaid
colony had humbly begged our same lord the King that our same lord the King
would deign to grant to them an enlargement of the aforesaid letters patent of our
same lord the King, both for the more ample extension of the boundaries and terri-
tories into the seas adjacent to and upon the coast of Virginia and for certain other
matters and articles concerning the better ruling of the aforesaid Company and colony,
in which the letters patent of our said lord the King were not of such extent as by time
and experience it was found would be necessary and convenient, our same lord the
King, therefore, undertaking the care of the good and happy success of the aforesaid
plantation both in regard to the general good of human society and in regard to the
status of our same lord the King and his kingdoms and wishing to encourage all good
means which might increase the benefit of the same Company and which might
secure and render safe the aforesaid beloved subjects of our same lord the King
planted in his aforesaid colony under the favor and protection of Almighty God and
the royal power and authority, had of the special grace, certain knowledge, and mere
motion of our same lord the King, given, granted, and confirmed, and for himself, his
heirs and successors, by the same letters patent then present, gave, granted and con-
firmed to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the
aforesaid City of London for the First Colony in Virginia and their heirs and successors
for ever all and singular those islands whatsoever situated and being on any part of
the ocean bordering on the coast of the aforesaid first colony in Virginia and being
within three hundred leagues of anyparts of the country formerly granted to the
aforesaid Treasurer and Company in the aforesaid former letters patent, as mentioned,
and being within or between the forty-first and thirtieth degrees of northern latitude,
together with all and singular the soil, ground, land, harbors, rivers, waters, fisheries,
mines and minerals, pearls, precious stones, quarries, and all and singular commodi-
ties, jurisdictions, regalities, privileges, franchises, and pre-eminences both being and
situated in the aforesaid tract of land upon the mainland, and in any of the aforesaid
islands and seas adjacent whatsoever, and near to the same and around them both
by sea and by land, and which by his letters patent our same lord the King could have
granted, both in so ample a manner and form as our same lord the King or any of
his most noble progenitors might before have granted to any person or persons or
any society, body politic, or corporate, or any adventurer or adventurers taking
upon themselves any discoveries, plantations, or commerce of, in, or at any countries
remote and foreign whatsoever, and in so large and ample a manner as if the same in
the same letters patent had been particularly named, mentioned, and expressed,
provided always that the aforesaid islands or any of the premises in the same letters
mentioned or by the same letters patent proposed and meant to be granted had not
been actually possessed or inhabited by any other Christian prince or state nor should
be within the metes, bounds, or northern territories of the colony formerly granted
by our lord the King himself to be planted by divers beloved subjects of our said
lord the King in the northern parts of Virginia, To have and to hold, to possess and
to enjoy all and singular the aforesaid islands in the aforesaid seas thus adjacent or
near to the aforesaid coast or coasts of the territories of the aforesaid first colony
in Virginia, as mentioned, with all and singular the aforesaid soil, grounds, and lands,
and all and singular the other premises formerly granted or mentioned to be granted
by the same letters patent to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company of Adventurers
and Planters of the City of London for the First Colony in Virginia and their heirs,
successors, and assigns for ever, for the sole and proper use and need of the same
Treasurer and Company and their heirs, successors, and assigns for ever, to be held
of our said lord the King, his heirs and successors, as of his manor of Eastgreenewich
in free and common socage and not in chief, returning and paying for the same to our
said lord the King, his heirs and successors, a fifth part of the ore of all the gold and
silver which there should be acquired, had, or obtained, for all manner of services
whatsoever.

And, further, our same lord the King willed and it was pleasing to him that in all
questions and doubts that should arise upon any difficulty of construction or inter-
pretation of anything contained in his same letters patent or in any of his former
letters patent, the same should be received and interpreted in the more ample and
beneficial manner for the aforesaid Treasurer and Company and their successors and
any member thereof.

And, further, our same lord the King by the same letters patent ratified and confirmed
to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company and their successors all and all manner of
privileges, franchises, liberties, immunities, profits, and commodities whatsoever
granted in any former letters patent of our same lord the King and not, in the same
present letters patent, recalled, altered, changed, or diminished, although express
mention of the true annual value or certitude of the premises or any of them or of any
other gift or grant formerly made by our lord the King himself or any of his progenitors
or predecessors to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company was not made in the same
letters patent, any statute, act, ordinance, provision, proclamation, or restriction to
the contrary thereof formerly held, made, ordained, or provided, or any other matter,
cause, or thing whatsoever to the contrary thereof in any manner notwithstanding,
as by the same letters patent among other things is more fully made clear and apparent;
by virtue of which letters patent last mentioned the aforesaid Treasurer and Company
of the aforesaid First Colony in Virginia were and still are seised of and in the aforesaid
islands, lands, territories, and other premises to them and their successors, as is shown
by the same letters, granted in their demesne as of fee.

And further the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that the aforesaid islands specified
in the aforesaid letters patent last mentioned, and, by the aforesaid letters patent
last mentioned, mentioned to be granted or proposed to be granted to the aforesaid
Treasurer and Company by our aforesaid lord the King who now is, or any of them, or
the aforesaid soil, grounds, lands, harbors, rivers, waters, fisheries, mines, and
minerals likewise in the same letters specified, or any part or parcel thereof or any
other of the premises mentioned in the same letters patent and by the same letters
patent mentioned to be granted or proposed to be granted by our same lord the
King who now is to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company, were not at the time
of the completion of the same letters patent actually possessed or inhabited by any
other Christian prince or state, nor were within the limits and territories of the north-
ern colony aforesaid granted by our lord the King himself to be planted by divers
beloved subjects of our said lord the King in the northern parts of Virginia, with
this, that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] wish to verify that our aforesaid lord the
King at the time of the completion of the aforesaid letters patent last mentioned

was actually seised of the islands, lands, and territories aforesaid specified in the
same letters patent last mentioned, in his demesne as of fee, and that the islands,
lands, countries, and territories in the aforesaid several letters patent mentioned
to be about to be granted are the same lands, countries, and territories of our said
lord the King called Virginia, specified in the aforesaid information above and not
other or diverse. And by that warrant the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] claim to
have to themselves and their successors all these lands, countries, and territories
of our said lord the King called Virginia, granted to them by the several letters
patent aforesaid, as mentioned, and these lands, countries, and territories at their
own proper pleasure to assign, give, sell, alienate, and dispose to whatsoever person
and persons it shall please them, and to have the rule and sole governance of all the
lands, countries, and territories aforesaid. And as to having and claiming all
other lands, countries, and territories of our said lord the King called Virginia except
the lands, countries, and territories of our said lord the King called Virginia
granted, as mentioned, by the aforesaid several letters patent, the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.] entirely disclaim and disavow.

And as to the following liberties, privileges, and franchises, namely, that the same
Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] appoint, elect, and admit into that Company whatsoever
persons they wish, both strangers and others, and take, receive, and levy from the
same persons divers sums of money for their admission into the Company aforesaid,
and that the persons so admitted and to be admitted into the Company aforesaid
shall be of the aforesaid Company and incorporated together with the others of the
same Company, and that they at their own proper pleasure exclude from the liberties
and franchises of the same Company any persons whatsoever of the same Company
and disfranchise the same persons and remove and discharge them from that Com-
pany, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that before the aforesaid time in the
information aforesaid above specified, to wit, on the twenty-third day of May in
the aforesaid seventh year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is of England,
etc., our same lord the King who now is, by his aforesaid letters patent bearing date
at Westminster aforesaid on the same twenty-third day of May in the aforesaid
seventh year of this reign, ordained and established that the Treasurer of the Company
aforesaid and the council of that Company residing in England and their successors
or any four of them assembled, the Treasurer being one of them, from time to time
should have full power and authority to admit and receive any other persons into
their Company, corporation, and liberty, And further in the general assembly of
adventurers with the consent of the majority upon reasonable cause to disfranchise
and remove any person or persons from the aforesaid liberty and Company.

And further our same lord the King willed and it pleased him, and by the same letters
patent for himself, his heirs and successors he granted and agreed to and with the
aforesaid Treasurer and Company and their successors, that all and singular any
person or persons who at any time or times thenceforward for the future should
adventure any sum or sums of money in and towards the aforesaid plantation of the
aforesaid colony in Virginia and should be admitted by the aforesaid council and
Company as an adventurer or adventurers of the same colony in the form aforesaid,
and should be enrolled in the book or record of the adventurers of the same Company,
should be esteemed and received, taken, held, and reputed adventurers of the aforesaid
colony, and should enjoy all and singular grants, privileges, liberties, benefits, profits,
commodities, advantages, and emoluments whatsoever as fully, largely, amply, and
absolutely as if they themselves and each of them were precisely, plainly, singly

and distinctly named and inserted in the same letters patent, as by the same letters
among other things is made fully clear and apparent.

And further the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that before the aforesaid time
specified above in the aforesaid information, to wit, on the aforesaid twelfth day of
March in the aforesaid ninth year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is of
England, etc., our same lord the King who now is, by his aforesaid letters patent
bearing date at Westminster on the same twelfth day of March in the aforesaid ninth
year of his reign of England, etc., ordered and granted that the aforesaid Treasurer
and Company of Adventurers and Planters aforesaid once every week or oftener at
their pleasure should hold and keep a court and assembly for the better ruling and
governing of the aforesaid plantation and of such things as should touch the same, and
that any five persons of the council of our said lord the King for the aforesaid first
colony in Virginia for the time being, of which number the Treasurer or his Deputy
should always be one, and a number of fifteen others at least of the generality of the
same Company together assembled in such court or assembly in such manner as
formerly was used and accustomed, should be named, received, and reputed to be,
and should be, a sufficient court of the same Company for the handling, ordering, and
expedition of all such contingent and particular, occurring and accidental, matters of
smaller consequence and moment as should from time to time happen touching and
concerning the aforesaid plantation; and moreover for the handling, ordering, and
disposition of matters and businesses of greater weight and importance and such as in
any way should touch the commonwealth and general good of the aforesaid Company
and plantation, as the manner of governing from time to time to be used, the order
and disposition of land and possessions, and the position and establishment of com-
merce there, or such things, there should be held and had every year on the last
Wednesday of the terms of Saint Hilary, Easter, Trinity, and Saint Michael for ever a
great general and solemn assembly which several assemblies should be styled and
called the four great and general courts of the Council and Company of Adventurers
for Virginia.

And further our same lord the King, by the same letters patent, for himself, his heirs
and successors, gave and granted to the Treasurer and Company aforesaid and their
successors for ever that the aforesaid Treasurer and Company themselves or the
majority of them for the time being in full and general court assembled, as mentioned,
from time to time and at all times for ever thenceforth continuously should elect,
receive, and admit into their Company any person or persons, as well foreigners and
strangers born in any place across the sea wheresoever being in amity with our same
lord the King as natives and lieges and subjects of our same lord the King born in
any of his kingdoms and dominions, and that any such persons thus elected, received,
and admitted of the same Company, as is shown, should henceforth be received, re-
puted, and held to be, and should be, free members of the aforesaid Company and
should have, hold, and enjoy all and singular the liberties, franchises, privileges,
immunities, benefits, profits, and commodities whatsoever in any way belonging or
pertaining to the aforesaid Company, as fully, freely, and amply as any other of the
adventurers or any other adventurers, then being, or who thenceforward in the future
at any time should be of the aforesaid Company, held or ought and could hold, and
they should enjoy the same to all intents and purposes whatsoever, as by the same
letters patent among other things is fully made clear and apparent.

And by that warrant for the time aforesaid, in the information aforesaid above speci-
fied, the Treasurer of the Company aforesaid and the Company aforesaid or the
majority thereof for the time being, in full and general court assembled, claim and

were used and are used to appoint, elect, and admit into that Company both foreigners
and strangers born in any place across the seas wheresoever being in amity with our
same lord the King and natural liege subjects of our same lord the King born in any
of the kingdoms and dominions of our same lord the King and not otherwise nor in
any other way. And also by that warrant the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] claim that
all such persons, as mentioned, admitted or to be admitted into the Company afore-
said shall be of the Company aforesaid and shall be incorporated together with the
others of the same, and also by that warrant the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] claim to
have power and authority in the general assembly of the adventurers with the consent
of the majority for a reasonable cause to disfranchise, remove, and discharge any
person or persons from the Company aforesaid and not otherwise nor in any other
manner, as was and is lawful for them.

And as to the aforesaid liberties, privileges, and franchises, namely, to take, receive,
and levy any sums of money from any person or persons for his or their admission
into the Company aforesaid, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] entirely disclaim and
disavow them.

And as to the following liberties, privileges, and franchises, namely, that the same
Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] have and hold both within the city of London aforesaid and
elsewhere within this realm of England and also in the parts across the sea in Vir-
ginia aforesaid certain council houses and in the same houses, whensoever it shall seem
to them to be expedient, have and hold a court, assemblies, or convocations of several
and divers men of the same company as many as it shall please them, and in the same
courts, assemblies, and convocations at their own proper pleasure ordain, make, and
constitute divers statutes, laws, and constitutions and imprison all persons both of
the Company aforesaid and other persons not being of the same Company who shall
not obey these statutes, ordinances, laws, and constitutions, and tax and impose
fines and amercements upon them for that reason, and levy and convert these to their
own proper uses, and impose and inflict any other pains, penalties, and punishments
whatsoever at their own proper pleasure upon the same persons, the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.] say that before the aforesaid time in the information aforesaid above
specified, to wit, on the aforesaid twelfth day of March in the aforesaid ninth year of
the reign of our said lord the King who now is of England, etc., our same lord the
King, by his aforesaid letters patent bearing date at Westminster on the same twelfth
day of March in the aforesaid ninth year of his reign of England, ordained and granted
to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company that the same Treasurer and Company of
Adventurers and Planters aforesaid once a week or oftener at their will should hold
and have courts and assemblies for the better ordering and ruling of the aforesaid
plantation and such things as should concern the same, and that five persons of the
council of our said lord the King for the aforesaid first colony in Virginia for the time
being, of which number the Treasurer or his Deputy should always be one, and the
number of fifteen others at least of the generality of the aforesaid Company together
assembled in such court or assembly in such manner as formerly they were used and
accustomed should be said, received, held, and reputed to be and should be a sufficient
court of the aforesaid Company for the handling, ordering, and expedition of all such
casual and particular occurrences and accidental matters, of less consequence and
weight, as from time to time should happen touching and concerning the aforesaid
plantation, And that, nevertheless, for the handling, ordering, and disposition of
matters and businesses of greater weight and importance and of such as in any way
should touch the commonwealth and general good of the aforesaid Company and

plantation, as, the manner of governing from time to time to be used, the order and
disposition and possession and settling and establishment of commerce there or of
such like, there should be held and had every year on the last Wednesday of the terms
of Saint Hilary, Easter, Holy Trinity, and Saint Michael for ever a great general
and solemn assembly, which four several assemblies shall be styled and called the
four great and general courts of the council and Company of Adventures for Virginia,
in all and singular of which aforesaid great general courts thus assembled the mind
and will of our lord the King himself were, and our same lord the King for himself,
his heirs and his successors for ever, gave and granted to the aforesaid Treasurer and
Company and their successors for ever by the same letters patent that the Treasurer
and Company themselves or the majority of them so assembled should have full
power and authority from time to time and for all times then for ever to ordain and
make such laws and ordinances for the good and welfare of the aforesaid plantation
as from time to time should be considered by them to be necessary and suitable,
provided that these laws and ordinances should not be contrary to the laws and
statutes of the realm of our said lord the King of England, as by the aforesaid letters
patent among other things is fully made clear and apparent. And the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.] say that they themselves often, through the time aforesaid specified
above in the information aforesaid, by virtue of the letters patent aforesaid last men-
tioned held and had a court and assembly for the better ordering and ruling of the
aforesaid plantation and such things as concerned the same and accidental matters
of lesser consequence and weight, which from time to time should arise touching and
concerning the aforesaid plantation both in England and in parts across the sea in
Virginia, and that the same free men and adventurers and planters aforesaid, for the
time aforesaid specified above in the information aforesaid, had certain council houses,
both in the aforesaid city of London and elsewhere within this kingdom of England
and in the parts across the sea in Virginia aforesaid, for holding the aforesaid courts
and assemblies at their conventions and assemblies in the same, and the same assem-
blies met in these council houses as often as it was convenient and necessary, and
courts were held in the same, and in and through the same assemblies and courts
divers laws and ordinances for the better ordering and ruling of the aforesaid plan-
tation and such things as concerned the same and accidental matters of less impor-
tance and weight which from time to time arose touching and concerning the afore-
said plantation, such as from time to time were considered by them suitable and
necessary and which were fit and appropriate to the laws and statutes of this realm
of England and not contrary to the same, were made and constituted, and, besides
these courts and assemblies for the handling, ordering, and disposition of matters
and businesses of greater weight and importance which in any way touched the
commonwealth and general good of the aforesaid Company and plantation in any
year for the time aforesaid specified above in the information aforesaid, on the last
Wednesday of the terms of Saint Hilary, Easter, Holy Trinity, and Saint Michael, a
great general and solemn assembly was had and held, and the same four several
assemblies were styled the four great and general courts of the Council and Company
of Adventurers for Virginia; the same free men and adventurers and planters aforesaid
for the time aforesaid specified above in the information aforesaid, had a council
house in the aforesaid city of London in the parish of Saint Benedict Sherebogge for
appointing the aforesaid great general and solemn assemblies at their conventions
and assemblies in the same, and the same general assemblies came together in that
council house at these times and the great and general courts of the council and
Company of Adventurers for Virginia were held in the same council house, and in
and through the same general courts and assemblies in that council house in these
times divers laws and ordinances for the good and welfare of the aforesaid plantation,
such as from time to time were considered suitable and necessary and which were fit and
appropriate to the laws and statutes of this realm of England and not contrary to the
same, were made and constituted. And by that warrant the same Nicholas ffarrer
[et al.], for the time aforesaid specified, in the information aforesaid, had and held
and claim to have and hold, both within the city of London aforesaid and elsewhere
within this kingdom of England and also in the parts across the sea in Virginia afore-
said, certain council houses and in the same houses, whensoever it seemed or shall
seem to them to be expedient, to have and to hold courts, assemblies, or convocations
of many and divers men of the same Company as many as shall please them and in
the same courts, assemblies, and conventions at their own proper pleasure to ordain,
make, and constitute statutes, laws, and constitutions of this kind. And as to the
liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid, namely, to imprison all persons, both
of the Company and other persons not being of the same Company, who shall not
obey the statutes, ordinances, laws, and constitutions ordained, made, and consti-
tuted by the courts, assemblies, or convocations of several men of the same Company,
and to tax and impose fines and amercements upon them for that reason, and to levy
and convert them to their own proper uses, and to impose and inflict upon the same
persons any other pains and penalties and punishments whatsoever at their own
proper pleasure, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that they themselves do not
claim nor have they used nor are they using these liberties, privileges, and franchises
or any of them but in the same or in any of them entirely disavow and disclaim.

And as to the following liberties, privileges, and franchises, namely, that the same
Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] at their own proper pleasure export and transport outside this
realm of England into the parts across the sea aforesaid whatsoever persons it shall
please them, both being subjects of our said lord the King and any other persons
whatsoever, and rule and govern them at their own proper pleasure, both in their
voyage on the sea and in the parts across the sea aforesaid, and also that they have the
liberty, power, and authority contrary to the laws and statutes of this realm of Eng-
land to transport outside this realm of England into the parts across the sea aforesaid
all and all kinds of merchandize, goods, and other things whatsoever forbidden to be
transported by the laws and statutes of this realm of England, and also to transport
outside this realm of England into the parts across the sea aforesaid all kinds of arms,
armaments, instruments of war, gunpowder, victuals, cattle, horses, mares, and all
other merchandize and things whatsoever, without rendering or payment of subsidy,
custom, imposition, or other taxation whatsoever to our said lord the King or for the
use of our same lord the King, and that they have to themselves and their successors
the ruling and sole government of all persons inhabiting, dwelling, and residing in all
those lands, countries, and territories of our said lord the King called Virginia, or
coming into those parts or trading, and that they rule and govern the same persons
according to the ordinances and constitutions of that Company, and that they have
power and authority, both within the parts across the sea aforesaid and on the high
sea, to use and exercise military law whensoever it shall please them, the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.] say that our same lord the King before the aforesaid time specified in
the aforesaid information, to wit, on the aforesaid twenty-third day of May in the
aforesaid seventh year of the reign of our same lord the King of England, etc., by his
aforesaid letters patent bearing date at Westminster on the same twenty-third day
of May in the aforesaid seventh year of his reign, of his own special grace, certain
knowledge, and mere motion, for himself, his heirs and successors, by the same letters
patent gave and granted full power and authority to the aforesaid council of our lord

the King himself for the aforesaid Company of Adventurers and Planters in Virginia
residing here in England, both at the same present time and henceforward in the
future from time to time, to name, appoint, constitute, ordain, and confirm, both
by such name and names, style and styles, as shall seem good to them, and likewise to
recall, discharge, change, and alter both all and singular governors, officers, and
ministers who before them had been appointed and those who henceforth should be
considered by them suitable and necessary to be appointed or employed for the
government of the aforesaid colony and plantation, and also to appoint, ordain, and
establish all kinds of orders, laws, directions, instructions, forms and ceremonies,
governments and magistracies suitable and necessary for and concerning the govern-
ment of the aforesaid colony and plantation, and at all times thenceforth in the future
to abrogate, recall, or change the same, not only within the boundaries of the afore-
said colony but also on the sea in crossing to that country and from that country
as they themselves in their good discretion should think to be most suited for the good
of the adventurers and inhabitants there. And further our same lord the King, of his
special grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, for himself, his heirs and his suc-
cessors, granted by the same letters patent to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company
and their successors that it should be lawful and free to them and their assigns for all
and any time and times thenceforth in the future to export and conduct outside the
realm of our lord the King of England himself and outside all other dominions of our
lord the King himself in that voyage and for and towards the aforesaid plantation
and transportation towards these parts and dwelling and habitation there in the
aforesaid colony and plantation all such and so many of the beloved subjects of our
lord the King or any others, strangers, who should wish to become beloved subjects
of our same lord the King and should wish to live under the allegiance of our same lord
the King, as should willingly associate with them in the same voyage and plantation
with sufficient shipping, arms, weapons, ordnance, munitions, powder and shot,
victuals and such merchandize or goods, as would be esteemed by the rude and fierce
people in those parts, clothing, implements, furniture, cattle, horses and mares and
all other things necessary for the aforesaid plantation and their use and defence and
commerce with the people there and in the crossing to that country and from the same
country, without rendering and payment of subsidy, custom, imposition, or any other
taxation or duty, to our same lord the King, his heirs and successors, for the space of
seven years from the date of the same letters patent, provided that none of the same
persons be such as henceforth in the future should be restricted by special name by
our said lord the King, his heirs or successors.

And for their further encouragement, our same lord the King, of his special grace and
favour, by the same letters patent, for himself his heirs and successors, gave and
granted to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company and their successors and any of
them, their factors and assigns, that they themselves and any of them should be free
and quit of all subsidies and customs in Virginia for the space of twenty-one years,
and of all other taxations and impositions for ever on any goods or merchandise at
any time or times thenceforth in the future, or upon the importation thither or the
exportation thence into the kingdom of our lord the King of England or into any
other dominions of our lord the King himself, by the aforesaid Treasurer and Company
and their successors, their deputies, factors, and assigns or any of them (except only
five pounds per cent due for custom upon all such goods and merchandize as should
be conveyed to or imported into the realm of our lord the King of England or any
other dominions of our same lord the King bordering on the same kingdom of England
according to the ancient use of merchants).

And because it would be necessary for all such beloved subjects of our lord the King
himself as should dwell within the aforesaid precinct of Virginia to stand and live
together in the fear and true worship of our Almighty God, of Christian peace and
civil concord among themselves, by which things each of them might with greater
security, pleasure, and profit enjoy those things which they acquire with great labor
and danger, our same lord the King, for himself, his heirs and successors, by the same
letters patent gave and granted to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company and their
successors, and to such governors, officers, and ministers as should be constituted
and appointed by the said council of our said lord the King according to the natures
and limits of their offices and places respectively, that they themselves should have
from time to time thenceforth for ever, within the same precincts of Virginia or on
the way by sea thither and thence, full and absolute power and authority to correct,
punish, pardon, govern, and rule all such subjects of our same lord the King, his heirs
and successors, as should from time to time adventure themselves in any voyage
thither or who at any time thenceforward in the future should dwell in the precincts
and territories of the aforesaid colony, as mentioned, according to such orders, or-
dinances, constitutions, directions, and instructions as should be established by the
council of our lord the King himself, and in default of these in case of necessity ac-
cording to the good discretion of the aforesaid governors and officers respectively,
both in capital and criminal cases and civil, both marine and others, provided however
that the same statutes, ordinances, and processes, as nearly as could conveniently
be done, should be consistent with the laws, statutes, governments, and policies of the
aforesaid kingdom of our said lord the King of England.

And further our same lord the King, of his special grace, certain knowledge, and mere
motion, granted, declared, and ordered that such principal governor as should from
time to time be duly and legitimately authorised and appointed in the manner and
form previously expressed in the same letters patent should have full power and
authority to use and exercise martial law in cases of rebellion or mutiny, in as large
and ample a manner as the lieutenants of our lord the King himself in the countries of
our lord the King himself in his realm of England have had or ought to have by virtue
of the lieutenant's commission, notwithstanding any statute, act, ordinance, pro-
vision, proclamation, or restriction to the contrary had, made, ordered, or provided,
or any other cause or matter whatsoever, as by the same letters patent among other
things is fully made clear and apparent.

And further the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that before the aforesaid time
specified in the aforesaid information, to wit, on the aforesaid twelfth day of March
in the aforesaid ninth year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is of England,
etc., our same lord the King by his aforesaid letters patent bearing date at West-
minster on the same twelfth day of March in the aforesaid ninth year of his reign of
England, etc., of his special grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, for himself, his
heirs and his successors, gave and granted to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company
and their successors for ever by the same letters patent that it should be lawful and
free for themselves and their assigns, at all and every time and times thenceforth in
the future, outside any of the realms and Dominions of our lord the King himself
whatsoever, to take, lead, carry, and transport on the voyage aforesaid and through
and towards the aforesaid plantation of the aforesaid first colony of our lord the
King himself in Virginia, all such and as many of the beloved subjects of our lord
the King himself, or any other strangers, who should wish to become beloved sub-
jects of our lord the King himself and should wish to live under the allegiance of our

lord the King himself, as would willingly join them in the aforesaid voyage and
plantation with shipping, armor, ordnance, munitions, powder, shot, victuals, and all
manner of other merchandise and goods and all manner of clothing, implements,
furniture, beasts, cattle, horses, mares, and all other things necessary for the aforesaid
plantation and for their use and defence and for commerce with the people there,
and in passing to and fro, without payment or rendering of any subsidy, custom, or
imposition either inward or outward, or of any other duty to our same lord the King,
his heirs or successors for the same for the space of seven years from the date of the
same letters patent, notwithstanding any statute, act, order, provision, proclamation,
or restriction to the contrary formerly held, made, ordained, or provided, or any other
matter, cause, or thing whatsoever to the contrary in any manner, as by the same
letters patent among other things is fully made clear and apparent. And by that
warrant the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], for the time aforesaid, specified above in the
information aforesaid, claim and have used and are using the liberty, power, and au-
thority at their pleasure to export and transport outside this realm of England to the
aforesaid parts across the sea as many and such subjects of our lord the King himself
or strangers who wish to live under the allegiance of our same lord the King as have
willingly joined them in the same voyage and plantation and such as were not re-
stricted nor any of them restricted by special name by our said lord the King and not
otherwise nor in any other manner; and also they claim and have used and are using
the liberties, privileges, and franchises to rule and govern the same persons both in
their voyage upon the sea and in the parts across the sea aforesaid, according to such
orders, ordinances, constitutions, directions, and instructions as by the aforesaid
council of our lord the King himself were established and not otherwise nor in any
other manner; and also they claim and were used and are used, from the time of the
completion of the several letters patent aforesaid up to the day of the exhibition of
the information aforesaid, by virtue of the same letters patent aforesaid respectively,
to have liberty, power, and authority to transport outside this realm of England to
these parts across the sea for their businesses sufficient shipping, all kinds of armor,
armaments, instruments of war, powder, victuals, cattle, horses, mares, and other
merchandise and things necessary for the aforesaid plantation, and for their use and
defence and commerce with the people there, without rendering or payment of sub-
sidy, custom, imposition, or other taxations whatsoever to our said lord the King or
for the use of the same King for the several times of the several seven years in the
aforesaid several letters patent mentioned, and without rendering or payment of
subsidy, custom, imposition, or taxation whatsoever to our said lord the King, or for
the use of our lord the King himself in Virginia, from the time of the completion of the
aforesaid letters patent of our lord the King himself bearing date on the aforesaid
twenty-third day of May in the aforesaid seventh year to the day of the exhibition of
the information aforesaid, upon any goods or merchandise during the time aforesaid
imported into the aforesaid country of Virginia or exported thence to the realm
of our said lord the King of England or to any other dominions of our lord the King
himself, excepting only five pounds per cent. due for custom upon all such goods and
merchandise which have been brought or imported into the realm of our said lord the
King of England or any other dominions of our same lord the King, according to the
ancient use of merchants and not otherwise nor in any other manner. And also by
that warrant the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] claim and were used for the time speci-
fied in the aforesaid information and are used to have to themselves and their successors
the ruling and sole governance of all persons inhabiting, dwelling, and residing in all
those lands, countries, and territories of our said lord the King called Virginia,
granted by the aforesaid several letters patent to the Company of Adventurers and
Planters of the City of London for the First Colony in Virginia or those coming into
those parts with them, and to rule and govern the same persons according to the
orders and constitutions of that Company; and also they claim to have power and
authority, both within the parts across the sea aforesaid and on the high sea, to use
and exercise military law in cases of rebellion or mutiny in such large and ample a
manner as the lieutenants of our lord the King himself in the counties within this
realm of England have or ought to have by virtue of their commissions as lieutenant
and not otherwise nor in any other manner, as was and is lawful to them, by virtue
of the aforesaid letters patent. But the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that they
never used martial law, with this, that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] wish to verify
that no person by them exported and transported outside this realm of England or
any dominions of our lord the King himself in the aforesaid parts across the sea called
Virginia was restricted by special name by our said lord the King.

And as to the following liberties, privileges, and franchises, namely, that the same
Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] exact of all persons both subjects of our said lord the King and
others trading, in these parts across the sea both not being of their Company aforesaid
and others, divers sums of money at their own pleasure and imprison all who refuse
or neglect to pay the said exactions, and also tax and impose fines and amercements
at their pleasure upon any persons trading with any merchandise or other things
whatsoever in those parts across the sea and imprison the same persons without bail
or surety at their own pleasure, and also impose whatsoever impositions they please
upon merchandise and other things by any person or any persons, not being of their
Company aforesaid, transported or to be transported into the aforesaid parts across
the sea outside this realm of England or brought or to be brought from the aforesaid
parts across the sea into this realm of England, and take, seize, and retain irrepleviable
the ships and merchandise and other things aforesaid until they themselves are
satisfied of the impositions thus imposed by themselves upon that merchandise and
these other things, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that our same lord the King
who now is, before the aforesaid time in the aforesaid information, specified above,
to wit, on the aforesaid twenty-third day of May in the aforesaid seventh year of
the reign of our same lord the King of England, by his aforesaid letters patent bearing
date at Westminster on the same twenty-third day of May in the aforesaid seventh
year of his reign of England, granted to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company and
their successors that it should be lawful for the same Treasurer and Company and
their successors and any of them from time to time and for all times thereafter in the
future and that they themselves should have full power and authority, by all ways
and means whatsoever, to take and reduce under their power all and every person or
persons whatsoever, with their ships, goods, and other furniture, trafficking in any
harbor, creek, or place within the limits and precincts of the aforesaid colony and
plantation, not being allowed by the aforesaid Company to be adventurers or planters
of the aforesaid colony, until those being of any of the realms or dominons under
the obedience of our lord the King himself should pay or agree to pay to the hands of
the treasurer or any other officer deputed by the governors in Virginia, beyond and
above such subsidy and custom as the aforesaid Company then or thenceforth in the
future ought to pay, five pounds per cent. upon all goods and merchandise imported
there and also five pounds per cent. upon all goods exported thence by themselves
by ships, and those being foreigners and not under the obedience of our lord the King
himself until they should pay, beyond and above such subsidy and custom as the
aforesaid Treasurer and Company and their successors then or in the future ought
to pay, ten pounds per cent. upon all such goods likewise imported or exported into

that country or from that country, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the
former letters patent of our lord the King himself, and the same sum of money and
the benefits aforesaid for and during the space of twenty-one years should be alto-
gether applied to the benefit and need of the aforesaid colony and plantation, as by the
same letters patent among other things is fully clear and apparent.

And by that warrant the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] claim to have power and
authority, for the time aforesaid specified in the information aforesaid, to exact from
all persons, both subjects of our said lord the King and others, trading in any harbor,
creek, or place within the limits or precincts of the aforesaid first colony, not being of
the Company of Adventurers aforesaid nor being allowed by the aforesaid Company
to be adventurers or planters of the aforesaid first colony, the following divers sums
of money, namely, of any person or persons of this kind thus trading there and being
of any realms or dominions under the obedience of our lord the King himself five
pounds per cent. on all goods and merchandise imported thither by a person or persons
of this kind, and also five pounds per cent. on all goods exported thence by them by
ship over and above such subsidy as the aforesaid Company then ought to pay, and of
a person or persons of this kind thus trading there and being foreign and not under the
obedience of our lord the King himself ten pounds per cent. upon all goods and mer-
chandise by a person or persons of this kind, being foreign and not under the obedience
of our lord the King himself, imported or exported to that country or from that
country, beyond such subsidy and custom as the aforesaid Treasurer and Company
then ought to pay, and not otherwise nor in any other manner nor of any persons of
the Company aforesaid, and also they claim to have power and authority for the
time aforesaid specified in the information aforesaid to imprison all persons of this
kind thus trading there (not being of the aforesaid Company nor so allowed, as is
shown) who respectively should refuse to pay or neglect or not agree to pay the afore-
said sums of money to the hands of the treasurer or any other officer deputed by the
governor in Virginia, and to take, seize, and retain the ships and merchandise and
other things aforesaid until they should be satisfied of the aforesaid several sums of
money respectively for the merchandise and goods thus imported thither or exported
thence by persons of this kind, and not otherwise nor in any other way. And the
sums of money and benefits aforesaid thus to be received the same Nicholus ffarrer
[et al.] claim from the time of the completion of the aforesaid letters patent last
mentioned for the space of twenty-one years, to be alltogether applied for the benefit
and need of the aforesaid colony and plantation and not otherwise nor in any other
manner; and as to the aforesaid liberties, privileges, and franchises, namely, to tax
and impose fines and amercements at their pleasure upon any persons trading with
any merchandise or other things whatsoever in those parts across the sea, and to
imprison the same persons at their pleasure without bail or mainprise, and also to
impose whatsoever impositions they please upon merchandise and other things
transported or to be transported by any person or any persons not being of their
Company aforesaid to the aforesaid parts across the sea outside this realm of England
or brought or to be brought from the parts across the sea aforesaid to this realm of
England, and all other exactions specified above in the information aforesaid, and
not claimed by themselves in this plea the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that they
themselves have never used, do not use, and do not claim to use these liberties,
privileges, and franchises or any of them, but in the same and in any of them entirely
disavow and disclaim.

And as to having and claiming the following liberties, privileges, and franchises,
namely, to have power and authority to swear and to examine upon oath whatsoever
persons they please in any cause whatsoever touching or concerning the plantation
aforesaid, or any business whatsoever pertaining to the same plantation, the same
Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that before the aforesaid time specified above in the infor-
mation aforesaid, to wit, on the aforesaid twelfth day of March in the aforesaid ninth
year of the reign of our said lord the King who now is of England, etc., our same
lord the King by his aforesaid letters patent given at Westminster on the same
twelfth day of March in the aforesaid ninth year of his reign of England, etc., for
himself, his heirs and successors, granted to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company
and their successors that it should be lawful for the aforesaid Treasurer or his Deputy
for the time being, or any two others of the council of our same lord the King for the
aforesaid first colony in Virginia for the time being, from time to time and for all
times then in the future to administer such a formal oath as by their discretion should
reasonably be devised, both to any person or persons employed or to be employed
in, for, or touching the aforesaid plantation for their honest, faithful, and just dis-
charge of their service in all such matters as should be entrusted to them for the good
and benefit of the aforesaid Company, colony, and plantation, and such other person
or persons as the aforesaid Treasurer or his Deputy with two others of the aforesaid
council should consider suitable for the examination or manifestation of the truth
in any cause whatsoever concerning the aforesaid plantation or any business arising
from it or belonging to it as by the same letters patent among other things is fully
clear and apparent. And by that warrant the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], through
the whole time specified above in the information aforesaid, used and still use and
claim to have and use power and authority to swear and examine upon oath such
persons as the aforesaid Treasurer or his Deputy with two others of the aforesaid
council have deemed suitable for the examination or manifestation of the truth in
any cause whatsoever touching or concerning the aforesaid plantation or any business
pertaining to the same plantation, and not otherwise nor in any other manner, as was
and is lawful to them by virtue of the letters patent aforesaid, without this that the
same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], for the time aforesaid specified above in the information
aforesaid have usurped over our said lord the King who now is the liberties, privileges,
and franchises aforesaid or any of them above specified in that plea and by themselves
in the manner and form aforesaid claimed, or still usurp in the manner and form as is
supposed above by the information aforesaid: All and singular of which matters the
same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] are prepared to verify as the court, etc., wherefore they
seek judgment, And that all and singular the liberties, privileges, and franchises
specified above in this plea and by them, as mentioned, claimed according to the
letters patent aforesaid, be allowed and adjudged to the same free men and adventurers
and planters aforesaid and their successors, and that they themselves be accordingly
dismissed from this court.

And as to the remainder of the liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid specified
above in the information aforesaid, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] say that they
themselves never used or use or claim to use these liberties, privileges, and franchises
or any of them, but in the same and in any of them they disavow and disclaim.

And the aforesaid Sir Thomas Coventrye, attorney general of our lord the King who
now is, who for our same lord the King in this cause sues for our same lord the King,
seeks thereon a day of pleading until the octaves of Saint Hilary, and it is granted to
him before our lord the King wheresoever, etc. The same day is given both to the

aforesaid Thomas Coventrye who sues, etc., and to the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer
[et al.]. At which octaves of Saint Hilary before our lord the King at Westminster
there came both the aforesaid Sir Thomas Coventrye, attorney general of our said
lord the King who sues, etc., and the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] by their attorney
aforesaid.

And the aforesaid Sir Thomas Coventrye, attorney general of our said lord the King
who now is, who for our same lord the King in this case sues, says for our same lord
the King that our said lord the King who now is, ought not to be prevented from
having his information against the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], for anything
alleged in the pleading above by the said Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], because he says that
the plea aforesaid pleaded by them in the form aforesaid above, as to having and
claiming the liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here-
after recited, namely, that the same free men and adventurers and planters of the
city of London for the first colony in Virginia be incorporated by name of the Treasurer
and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the City of London for the First
Colony in Virginia, and by that name to plead and be impleaded in all courts and
places whatsoever and before any judges whatsoever, any justices or any other
persons whatsoever, both in all and singular actions, suits, and pleas and in all and
singular other causes, businesses, matters, and demands whatsoever, of whatsoever
kind, nature, or species they may be, and by that name be persons able and in law
capable of acquiring, holding, receiving, taking, and possesing to themselves and their
successors both of our said lord the King and of any other persons or bodies corporate
any demesnes, manors, lands, tenements, rents, reversions, reventions, services,
possessions, hereditaments, goods and chattels, licences, liberties, franchises, profits,
commodities whatsoever to them by the aforesaid name or to other persons or to
any other person for their use given, made, held, granted, or confirmed, and by the
same name that they give, grant, admit, let, dispose, assign, and alienate any of their
goods, chattels, lands, tenements and hereditaments to any person whatsoever or any
persons whatsoever at their pleasure, and the matter in the same plea contained are
insufficient in law to preclude our lord the King himself from his information aforesaid
as to these liberties, privileges and franchises, Wherefore, for default of sufficient
response of the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], in this cause he seeks judgment, and that
the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be convicted etc., of and for the usurpation of those
liberties, privileges, and franchises last recited.

And the same Thomas Coventrye who sues, etc., for our same lord the King further
says that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid, as to having and
claiming the liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here
after recited, namely, to have a council within this realm of England continually
residing, to consist of divers men of the same Company and to nominate, elect, and
swear whomsoever they shall wish to be of that council, and also to have a council
continually residing in the said parts across the sea in Virginia to consist of divers
men by themselves to be nominated and elected, and to nominate, elect, and swear
whomsoever they shall wish to be of that council, and the matter in that plea con-
tained, are insufficient in law to preclude our lord the King himself from his informa-
tion aforesaid as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises, Whereupon, for default
of sufficient response of the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], he seeks judgment in this
cause, and that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be convicted, etc., of and for the
usurpation of these liberties privileges and franchises last recited.

And the same attorney general who sues, etc., further says that the plea pleaded
above, as mentioned, as to having and claiming the liberties, privileges, and fran-
chises aforesaid above mentioned and here after recited, namely, to have divers
common seals for the transaction of all and singular their causes and businesses and,
at their pleasure, to break, change, and make these anew, and the matter in the
same plea contained, are insufficient in law to preclude our lord the King himself
from his information aforesaid as to these liberties, privileges and franchises, Where-
upon, for want of sufficient response of the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], in this cause
he seeks judgment and that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be convicted, etc., of
and for the usurpation of these liberties, privileges, and franchises last recited.

And the same attorney general who sues, etc., for our same lord the King further says
that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the liberties, privi-
leges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here after recited, namely, that
the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] have power and authority whensoever it shall please
them to nominate, appoint, and swear one of themselves to be Treasurer of the same
Company and another of themselves to be Deputy Treasurer of the same Company,
and also to nominate, appoint, and swear from among themselves as many and such
other officers and ministers both residing within this realm of England and dwelling
and residing in the country of Virginia in the parts beyond the sea as it shall please
them, and to discharge, remove, alter, and change the governor, treasurer, deputy
and those other officers and ministers at their own proper pleasure, and the matter
contained in the same plea, are insufficient in law to preclude our lord the King him-
self from his information aforesaid as to these liberties, privileges and franchises,
Whereupon, for default of sufficient response of the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], in
this cause he seeks judgment, and that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be convicted,
etc., of and for the usurpation of these liberties, privileges, and franchises last recited.

And the same attorney general, who sues, etc., for our same lord the King further
says that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the liberties,
privileges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here after recited, namely,
that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] have to themselves and their successors all
those lands, countries, and tearritories of our said lord the King called Virginia, and
at their own proper pleasure assign, give, sell, alienate, and dispose those lands,
countries, and territories to whatsoever person and persons it shall please them, and
also have the ruling and sole governing of all the lands, countries, and territories
aforesaid, and the matter in the same plea contained, are insufficient in law to pre-
clude our lord the King himself from his aforesaid information as to these liberties,
privileges, and franchises, Whereupon, for default of sufficient response of the same
Nichoas ffarrer [et al.], in this cause he seeks judgment, and that the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.] themselves be convicted, etc., of and for the usurpation of these liberties,
privileges, and franchises last recited.

And the same attorney general, who sues, etc., for our same lord the King further
says that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the liberties,
privileges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here after recited, namely,
that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] appoint, elect, and admit into that Company
whatsoever persons they will both foreign and others and from the same persons
take, receive, and levy divers sums of money for their admission into the Company
aforesaid, and that the persons so admitted and to be admitted into the aforesaid
Company shall be of the aforesaid Company and incorporated together with others

of the same Company, and also exclude from the liberties and franchises of the same
Company at their own proper pleasure any persons whatsoever of the same Company
and disfranchise the same persons and from that Company remove and discharge
them, and the matter in that plea contained, are insufficient in law to preclude our
lord the King himself from his information aforesaid as to these liberties, privileges,
and franchises, Whereupon for default of sufficient response of the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.], in this cause he seeks judgment, and that the same Nicholas ffarrer
[et al.], be convicted, etc., of and for the usurpation of these liberties, privileges,
and franchises last recited.

And the same attorney general, who sues, etc., for our same lord the King further
says that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the aforesaid
liberties, privileges, and franchises above mentioned and here after recited, namely,
that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] have and hold, both within the city of London
aforesaid and elsewhere within this realm of England and also in the parts across
the sea in Virginia aforesaid, certain council houses and in the same houses, when-
soever it shall seem to them to be expedient, have and hold courts, assemblies, or
convocations of many and divers men of the same Company, so many and such as it
shall please them, and in the same courts, congregations, and convocations at their
own proper pleasure ordain, make, and constitute divers statutes, laws, and con-
stitutions, and imprison all persons both of the Company aforesaid and other persons
not being of the same Company who should not obey these statutes, ordinances,
laws, and constitutions, and tax and impose fines and amercements upon them for
that reason and levy and convert these to their own proper uses and impose and in-
flict any other pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever at their own proper
pleasure upon the same persons, and the matter in the same plea contained, are in-
sufficient in law to preclude our lord the King himself from his information aforesaid
as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises, Whereupon, for default of sufficient
response of the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], in this cause he seeks judgment, and that
the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be convicted, etc., of and for the usurpation of those
liberties, privileges, and franchises last recited.

And the same attorney general, who sues, etc., for our same lord the King further says
that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the liberties, privi-
leges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and hereafter recited, namely, that
the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] at their own proper pleasure export and transport
outside this realm of England to the parts across the sea aforesaid whatsoever persons
it shall please them, both subjects of the said lord King and any other persons what-
soever, and rule and govern them at their own proper pleasure both in their voyage
upon the sea and in the parts across the sea aforesaid, and also that they have the
liberty, power, and authority, contrary to the laws and statutes of this realm of
England, to transport outside this realm of England to the parts across the sea afore-
said all and every kind of merchandise, goods, and other things whatsoever for-
bidden to be transported by the laws and statutes of this realm of England, and
also to transport outside this realm of England to the parts across the sea aforesaid
all kinds of armour, armaments, instruments of war, gunpowder, victuals, horses,
mares, and all other merchandize and things whatsoever without rendering or
payment of subsidy, custom, imposition, or other taxation whatsoever to our said
lord the King or for the use of our same lord the King, and that they have to them-
selves and their successors the ruling and sole governing of all persons inhabiting,
dwelling, and residing in all these lands, country, and territories of our said lord the

King called Virginia or coming into these parts or trading, and to rule and govern
the same persons according to the ordinances and constitutions of that Company,
and also that they have power and authority to use and exercise martial law, both
within the parts across the sea aforesaid and on the high sea, whensoever it shall
please them, and the matter in the same plea contained, are insufficient in law
to preclude our lord the King himself from his information aforesaid as to these
liberties, privileges, and franchises, Whereupon, for default of sufficient response
of the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], in this cause he seeks judgment and that the
same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be convicted, etc., of and for the usurpation of those
liberties, privileges, and franchises last recited.

And the same attorney general, who sues, etc., for our same lord the King further says
that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the liberties, privi-
leges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here after recited, namely,
that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] exact divers sums of money at their own proper
pleasure from all persons both subjects of our said lord the King and others trading
in those parts across the sea both not being of their Company and others, and imprison
all who should refuse or neglect to pay the said exactions, and also tax and impose
fines and amercements at their pleasure upon any persons trading with any merchan-
dise or other things whatsoever in those parts across the sea and imprison the same
persons without bail or mainprise at their pleasure, and also impose whatsoever
impositions it shall please them upon merchandise and other things by any person
or persons not being of their Company aforesaid transported or to be transported
to the parts across the sea aforesaid outside this realm of England or brought or to
be brought from the parts across the sea aforesaid into this realm of England, and to
take, seize, and retain as irrepleviable the ships, merchandise, and other things afore-
said until they themselves are satisfied of the impositions so imposed by themselves
upon this merchandise and these other things, and the matter in the same plea
contained, are not sufficient in law to preclude our lord the King himself from his
information aforesaid as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises, Whereupon,
for default of sufficient response of the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], in this cause he
seeks judgment and that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be convicted, etc., of and
for the usurpation of those liberties, privileges, and franchises last recited.

And the same attorney general, who sues, etc., for our same lord the King, further
says that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the manner and form aforesaid as to
having and claiming the liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid above men-
tioned and here after recited, namely, to have power and authority to swear and
examine upon oath whatsoever persons it shall please them in any cause whatsoever
touching and concerning the plantation aforesaid or any business whatsoever per-
taining to the same plantation, and the matter in the same plea contained, are in-
sufficient in law to preclude the lord King himself from his information aforesaid as to
these liberties, privileges, and franchises, Whereupon, for default of sufficient response
of the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], in this cause he seeks judgment and that the same
Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be convicted, etc., of and for the usurpation of those liberties,
privileges, and franchises last recited.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, say that the
plea aforesaid pleaded above by themselves in the form aforesaid as to having and
claiming the liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here
after recited, namely, that the same free men and adventurers and planters of the

aforesaid city of London for the first colony in Virginia be incorporated by name of
Treasurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the City of London for the
First Colony in Virginia and by that name plead and be impleaded in all courts and
places whatsoever and before whatsoever judges, justices, or other persons whatso-
ever, both in all and singular actions, suits, and pleas and in all and singular other
causes, businesses, matters, and demands whatsoever of whatsoever kind, nature, or
species they may be, and that by the same name they shall be persons able and in
law capable of acquiring, having, receiving, taking, and possessing to themselves and
their successors, both of our said lord the King and of any other persons or bodies
corporate, any demesnes, manors, lands, tenements, rents, reversions, reventions,
services, possessions, hereditaments, goods and chattels, licences, liberties, franchises,
profits, commodities whatsoever given, made, held, granted, or confirmed to them
by the aforesaid name or to other persons or to any other person for their use, and by
the said name give, grant, demise, let, dispose, assign and alienate any of their goods,
chattels, lands, tenements, and hereditaments whatsoever to any person or persons
whatsoever at their pleasure, and the matter in the same plea contained, are good
and sufficient in law to preclude our lord the King himself from having his informa-
tion aforesaid against the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] as to these liberties, privileges,
and franchises. Which plea, and matter in the same contained, the same Nicholas
ffarrer [et al.] are prepared to verify, Whereupon, since the same attorney of our said
lord the King does not answer for our same lord the King to that plea nor deny it in
any wise, but refuses altogether to admit that verification, in this cause they seek
judgment, and that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et. al.] be dismissed, etc., by the court
as to those liberties, privileges, and franchises.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, further say that
the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to having and claiming the
liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here after recited,
namely, to have a council within this realm of England continuously residing, to
consist of divers men of the same Company and to nominate, elect, and swear whom-
soever they shall wish to be of that council and also to have a council continuously
residing in the said parts across the sea in Virginia to consist of divers man to be
nominated and elected by themselves and to nominate, elect, and swear whomsoever
they shall wish to be of that council, and the matter contained in the same, are good
and sufficient in law to preclude our lord the King himself from having his informa-
tion aforesaid against themselves as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises;
Which plea and the matter in the same contained the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.]
are prepared to verify, Whereupon since the attorney general of our said lord the King
for our same lord the King does not answer to that plea nor in anywise deny it but
altogether refuses to admit that verification, they seek judgment in this cause, and
that the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] should be discharged, etc., by the court here
as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, further say
that the plea aforesaid above pleaded, as mentioned, as to having and claiming the
aforesaid liberties, privileges, and franchises above mentioned and here after recited,
namely, to have divers common seals for transacting all and singular their causes and
businesses and to break, change, and make anew these at their pleasure, and the matter
in the same plea contained, are good and sufficient in law to preclude our lord the
King himself from having his information aforesaid as to these liberties, privileges,
and franchises; Which plea and the matter in the same contained the same Nicholas

ffarrer [et al.] are prepared to verify; Whereupon, since the same attorney of our said
lord the King does not answer to that plea nor in any wise deny it, but refuses alto-
gether to admit that verification, they seek judgment in this cause, and that the same
Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be discharged etc., by the court here as to these liberties,
privileges and franchises.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, further say
that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the liberties, privi-
leges, and franchises above mentioned and hereafter recited, namely, that the same
Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] have power and authority whensoever it shall please them to
nominate, constitute, and swear one of themselves to be Treasurer of the same
Company and another of themselves to be Deputy Treasurer of the same Company,
and also to nominate, constitute, and swear from themselves as many and such other
officers and ministers both residing within this realm of England and dwelling and
residing in the country of Virginia in the parts across the sea as shall please them, and
to discharge, remove, alter, and change the governor, treasurer, deputy, and other
officers and ministers at their own proper pleasure, and the matter in the same plea
contained, are good and sufficient in law to preclude our lord the King himself from
having his information aforesaid as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises;
Which plea and the matter contained in the same the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] are
prepared to verify, Whereupon since the same attorney of our said lord the King for
our same lord the King does not reply to that plea nor deny it in anywise but altogether
refuses to admit that verification, they seek judgment in this cause, and that they
themselves, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], be dismissed, etc., by the court here as to
these liberties, privileges, and franchises.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, further say that
the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the information aforesaid as to the liberties,
privileges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here after recited, namely,
that the same Nicholas ffarer [et al.], have to themselves and their successors all
those lands, countries, and territories of our said lord the King called Virginia, and
assign, give, sell, alienate, and dispose those lands, countries, and territories at their
own proper pleasure to any person whatsoever and to any persons whatsoever they
shall please, and also have the ruling and sole governing of all the lands, countries,
and territories aforesaid, and the matter in the same plea contained, are good and
sufficient in law to prevent the lord King himself from having his information afore-
said as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises against themselves, Which plea
and the matter in the same contained the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] are pre-
pared to verify. Whereupon, since the attorney of our said lord the King for our
same lord the King does not answer to that plea nor in any wise deny it but refuses
altogether to admit that verification, they seek judgment in this cause, and that
they themselves the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be discharged by the court here,
etc., as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, further say that
the aforesaid plea pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the liberties, privileges,
and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here after recited, namely, that the
same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] appoint, elect, and admit into that Company whatso-
ever persons they shall wish, both strangers and others, and from the same persons
take, receive, and levy divers sums of money for their admission into the Company
aforesaid, and that persons so admitted and to be admitted into the aforesaid Com-

pany shall be of that Company aforesaid and incorporated with others of the same
Company, and also exclude any persons whatsoever of the same Company at their
own proper pleasure from the liberties and franchises of the same Company and
disfranchise the same persons and remove and discharge them from that Company,
and the matter in the same plea contained, are good and sufficient in law to preclude
our lord the King himself from having his information aforesaid as to these liberties,
privileges, and franchises against themselves, Which plea, and the matter in the
same contained, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] are prepared to verify, Whereupon
since the same attorney of our said lord the King for our same lord the King does not
answer to that plea nor anywise deny it but alltogether refuses to admit that veri-
fication in this cause, they seek judgment, and that they themselves, the same Nicho-
las ffarrer [et al.] be discharged by the court here, etc., as to these liberties, privileges,
and franchises.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, further say that
the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the liberties, privileges,
and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and here after recited, namely, that the
same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] have and hold both within the city of London aforesaid
and elsewhere within this realm of England and also in the parts across the sea
in Virginia aforesaid certain council houses and in the same houses whensoever it
shall seem to them to be expedient have and hold courts, assemblies, or convocations
of many and divers men of the same Company, so many and such as it shall please
them, and in the same courts, assemblies, and convocations at their own proper
pleasure ordain, make, and constitute divers statutes, laws, and constitutions, and
emprison all persons both of the Company aforesaid and other persons not being of the
same Company who shall not obey these statutes, ordinances, laws, and constitu-
tions, and tax and impose fines and amercements upon them for that reason and levy
and convert these to their own proper uses and impose and inflict upon the same
persons any other pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever at their own proper
pleasure, and the matter in the same plea contained, are good and sufficient in law
to preclude our lord the King himself from having his aforesaid information as to
these liberties, privileges, and franchises against themselves: Which plea and the
matter contained in the same the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] are prepared to verify,
Wherefore, since the same attorney general of our said lord the King for our same
lord the King does not respond to that plea nor in anywise deny it but altogether
refuses to admit that verification thereupon, they seek judgment in this cause, and
that they themselves the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], as to these liberties, privileges,
and franchises be dismissed by the court here, etc.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, further say that
the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid, as to the liberties, privileges,
and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and hereafter recited, namely, that the
same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], at their own proper pleasure, export and transport out-
side this realm of England into the parts across the sea aforesaid whatsoever persons
it shall please them, both being subjects of our said lord the King and any other per-
sons whatsoever, and rule and govern them at their own proper pleasure both in their
journey upon the sea and in the parts across the sea aforesaid, and also that they have
liberty, power, and authority, contrary to the laws and statutes of this realm of
England, to transport outside this realm of England into the parts across the sea
aforesaid all and all kinds of merchandize, goods, and other things whatsoever for-
bidden to be transported by the laws and statutes of this realm of England, and also

to transport outside this realm of England into the parts across the sea aforesaid all
kinds of arms, armaments, instruments of war, gunpowder, victuals, cattle, horses,
mares, and all other merchandize and things whatsoever without rendering or pay-
ment of subsidy, custom, imposition, or other taxations whatsoever to our said lord
the King or to the use of our same lord the King, and that they have to themselves
and their successors the ruling and sole government of all persons inhabiting, dwelling,
and residing in all those lands, countries, and territories of our said lord the King
called Virginia or coming into these parts or trading there, and that they rule and
govern the same persons according to the orders and constitutions of that Company,
and that they have power and authority to use and exercise, both within the parts
across the sea aforesaid and on the high sea, military law whensoever it shall please
them, and the matter in the same plea contained, are good and sufficient in law to
preclude our lord the King himself from having his information aforesaid asto these
liberties, privileges, and franchises against themselves; Which plea, and the matter
in the same contained, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] are prepared to verify, where-
fore since the same attorney of our said lord the King for our same lord the King does
not answer to that plea nor in anywise deny it but altogether refuses to admit
that verification thereupon, they seek judgment in this cause, and that they them-
selves, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be dismissed, etc., by the court here as to
these liberties, privileges, and franchises.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, further say
that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to the liberties, priv-
ileges, and franchises aforesaid above mentioned and hereafter recited, namely, that
the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] exact at their own proper pleasure divers sums of
money from all persons both subjects of our said lord the King and others trading in
those parts across the sea, both not being of their Company and others, and imprison
all who shall refuse or neglect to pay the said exactions, and tax and impose fines
and amercements at their own proper pleasure upon any persons trading with any
merchandize or other things whatsoever in those parts across the sea and imprison
the same persons without bail or surety at their own pleasure, and also impose what-
soever impositions they please upon merchandize and other things by any person or
any persons not being of their aforesaid Company transported or to be transported
into the aforesaid parts across the sea outside this realm of England or brought or
to be brought from the aforesaid parts across the sea into this realm of England,
and take, seize, and retain as irrepleviable the ships and merchandize and other
things aforesaid until they themselves are satisfied of the impositions so placed by
themselves upon the merchandize and those other things, and the matter in the
same plea contained, are good and sufficient in law to preclude our lord the King
himself from having his information aforesaid against them, Which plea and the
matter therein contained the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] are prepared to verify,
Wherefore since the same attorney of our said lord the King for our same lord the
King does not answer to that plea nor in anywise deny it but altogether refuses to
admit that verification thereof, they seek judgment in this cause, and that they
themselves, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be dismissed, etc., by the court here,
as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises.

And the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid, further say
that the plea aforesaid pleaded above in the manner and form aforesaid as to having
and claiming the aforesaid liberties, privileges, and franchises above mentioned and
here after recited, namely, that they have power and authority to swear and examine

upon oath whatsoever persons it shall please them in any cause whatsoever touch-
ing or concerning the aforesaid plantation or any business whatsoever pertaining to
the same plantation, and the matter in the same plea contained, are good and sufficient
in law to prevent our lord the King himself from having his aforesaid information as
to these liberties, privileges, and franchises against themselves; Which plea, and the
matter in the same contained, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] are prepared to verify,
Wherefore since the same attorney of our said lord the King for our same lord the
King does not answer to that plea nor in any wise deny it but altogether refuses to
admit that verification thereof, they seek judgment in this cause, and that they
themselves, the same Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be dismissed, etc., by the court here,
as to these liberties, privileges, and franchises.

And because the court of our lord the King here is not yet advised concerning the
rendering of his judgment of and upon the premises, a day thereon was given both
to the aforesaid Thomas Coventrye, attorney general, who sues, etc., and to the
aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], before our lord the King to the fifteenth day from
the day of Easter, wheresoever, etc., for hearing his judgment thereon, etc., on which
fifteenth day of Easter there came before our lord the King at Westminster both the
aforesaid Thomas Coventrye, who sues, etc., and the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.],
by their attorney aforesaid.

And because the court of our lord the King here is not yet advised of his judgment
to be returned of and upon the premises a day was given thereon both to the afore-
said Thomas Coventrye, who sues, etc., and to the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.],
before our lord the King on the morrow of Holy Trinity, wheresoever, etc., for hear-
ing his judgment thereon, etc., at which morrow of Holy Trinity there came before
our lord the King at Westminster both the aforesaid Thomas Coventrye, who sues,
etc., and the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], by their attorney aforesaid.

And the same attorney of our said lord the King for our same lord the King seeks
judgment, and that the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] be convicted, etc., of the
premises by the court here.

Upon there having been seen and understood by the court of our said lord the King
here, both the matter in the information aforesaid exhibited by the aforesaid Thomas
Coventrye here in court for our lord the King himself and the aforesaid plea of the
aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], above pleaded by themselves to the information
aforesaid, and all and singular the premises, and mature deliberation thereon formerly
held, because it seems to the court of our lord the King here that the plea aforesaid
of the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], pleaded above in the form aforesaid as to
having, using, enjoying, or claiming the liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid
specified above in the information aforesaid and claimed and vindicated above by
their plea aforesaid by the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.] is not sufficient in law to
preclude our same lord the King from his aforesaid information for the usurpation of
the liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid, specified in the information afore-
said, over our said lord the King, it is considered that the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer
[et al.] be convicted of the usurpation over our said lord the King of all and singular
liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid specified in the information aforesaid,
in manner and form as is alleged above against them by the information aforesaid,
and claimed by themselves in the form aforesaid, and that the same liberties, privi-
leges, and franchises be now taken and seized into the hands of our said lord the

King, and that the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer [et al.], or any of them, should by no
means interfere of and in the aforesaid liberties, privileges, and franchises, but that
they and any of them should be excluded from all use and claim of the same and of
any of them, and that the aforesaid Nicholas ffarrer, Sir John Danvers, John ffarrer,
Thomas Wheatelye, Richard Caswell, Thomas Sheapheard, John Cuffe, Gabriel
Barber, Anthony Withers, George Scott, John Kirrell, Thomas Morris, William
Webb, Richard Bull, William Nicholls, Patrick Copeland, George Smythe, Richard
Tomlyns, Edward Brewster, William Ewens, George Swinehowe, Edward Ryder,
Gilbert Morewood and Edmund Morgan, free men and adventurers and planters of
the city of London for the first colony in Virginia, and other free men being adven-
turers and planters of the city of London for the first colony in Virginia, for the usur-
pation of the liberties, privileges, and franchises aforesaid over our said lord the King
be taken to satisfy our said lord the King of their fine for the usurpation of these
liberties, privileges, and franchises, etc.