estation, when wee have so executed and observed our lawes,
but be liable to complaints and appeales, and to the determinations of
new judges, whereby our government and administrations will be made void
and of none effect. And though we have yet had but a little taste of the
words or actings of these gentlemen that are come over hither in this
capacity of Commissioners, yet we have had enough to confirm us in our
feares that their improvement of this power, in pursuance of their
commission (should the same proceed), will end in the subversion of our
all. We should be glad to hope that your Majesty's instructions (which
they have not been pleased to impart to us) may put such limitations to
their business here as will take off our fear; but according to the
present appearance of things, we thus speak.

"In this case (dread Sovereign), our refuge under God is your royal
selfe, whom we humbly address ourselves unto, and are the rather
emboldened therein because your Majesty's last gracious letter doth
encourage us to suggest what, upon the experience we have had, and
observations we have made, we judge necessary or convenient for the good
and benefit of this plantation, and because we are well persuaded that
had your Majestie a full and right information of the state of things
here,[142] you would find apparent reason to put a stop to these
proceedings, which are certainly discervient to your Majesty's interest
and to the prosperity and welfare of this place.

"If these things go on (according to the present appearance), your
subjects here will either be forced to seek new dwellings, or sink and
faint under burdens that will to them be intolerable. The rigour of all
new endeavours in the several callings and occupations (either for
merchandise abroad or for subduing this wilderness at home) will be
enfeebled, as we perceive it already begins to be, the good of
converting the natives obstructed, the inhabitants driven to we know not
what extremities, and this hopeful plantation in the issue ruined. But
whatever becomes of us, we are sure the adversary cannot countervail the
King's damages.

"It is indeed a grief to our hearts to see your Majesty put upon this
extraordinary charge and cost about a business the product whereof can
never reimburse the one half of what will be expended upon it. Imposed
rulers and officers will have occasion to expend more than can be raised
here, so as nothing will return to your Majesty's e