Virginia and Maryland, except a little made in our Bay of Delaware.. Now if the Crown would encourage every climate, in those things it is proper for, we could produce silk, oranges and lemons, fruit, and wine, as well as others of us, hemp, flax, tar, masts and abundance of crooks, knees, and stately plank for shipping. The mines of England have destroyed much of the timber of England and here is enough of both. If great undertakers there would fall upon it here we might supply England and give her woods time to recover, and convert these countries to arable and pasture, into the bargain.

But there is an other unhappiness that attends us, that must undo us if not cured, and that is the power of the Admiralty in the extent practised in this province. Our settlements are upon the freshes of navigable rivers and creeks, where the river may be from two or three miles over, to a stone's cast over, and 100 miles from the ocean, and the Court of Admiralty by virtue of the seventh and eighth of the King, page 502, pretends not only to try causes that relate to the King's revenue as to unlawful trade or piracy, but whatever is done in the river or creeks other ways, as debts for victuals, beer, sails, or any thing relating to the building of any small craft; so that they have swallowed up a great part of the Government here, because our commerce, by reason of the nature of our settlements, is so much upon the river and small creeks of it; and determining these causes without a jury, gives our people the greatest discontent, looking upon themselves as less free here than at home, instead of greater privileges, which were promised. This law is weakly penned, and could not be otherwise, when only Comr. Chaddock and Ed. Randol were the framers of it, for pp. 497, 502, 505, being compared, show its obscurity, if not inconsistency, and if it means any thing, it must be this, either that in the Court of Admiralty where there is no jury, there the jury shall be natives of England, Ireland or the plantations, or that all causes to be tried in the plantations by the Court of Admiralty shall be by a jury so qualified; and truly, if that court must be so powerful here, it had need do so, or the subjects of England will, at all hazards, disobey that authority.

They expect common law here, and that the laws which limit the Admiralty powers there, should here, and not that the Admiral should be above the King, the civil above the common law, or the Doctors Commons preferred to Westminster Hall. Counsellor Mompessin, thy neighbour, at Lincolns Inn, has made himself master of this business; and I hope the Parliament will not let us fall under so despotic a power as that of the Admiralty, since the Colonies of America were begun upon the public faith by private purses; and I am sure 30,000l. will not pay me, though people have got-by mistake-an other notion of me, nor 500,000l. the people.

We have passed two laws, one against unlawful trade, wherein Ed. Randal was the greatest transgressor, who ordered the collectors to ship tobacco by content at 350 lb. and 400 lb. per hogshead, while they weighed six, seven, eight and nine hundred lbs., defrauding the King of one half of his dues of 1d. per lb., for several years. We have also passed an other against pirates and piracy, both as well guarded and as comprehensive as we have been able. I have angered our tobacconists, for which cause they were very barren towards me in the General Assembly, but time will wear that off, I hope.

I have had all the care, vexation, and charge of a King's Governor to do the King's business, without a farthing consideration, and I hope none has acquitted with more exactness, whatever malice or envy may insinuate against us, which leads me to a late suffering that makes us

very uneasy, and might be remedied there, viz. the heat of a few churchmen, headed by a Flanders camp parson, under the protection of the Bishop of London, who having got a few together, make it their business to inveigh against us, and our government. They came hither poor, and some of them are so still, yet here get their bread, and some of them estates, and cannot be satisfied to do so, and enjoy more than their proportion to the whole of the government too; but must in the pulpit inveigh against our principles, and those that regard the State, as oaths, &c. as if they would stir up their people against those whose tenderness admits them into shares in the administration, to turn them out. This is very impertinent and provoking. They will now have no office in the government unless they swear, and have power to swear others, because they know our government is under attests only, as may be easily thought, and then complain they cannot be admitted into the government because they are churchmen; a most abusive treatment of

us.

Methinks some of thy church acquaintance might moderate these follies a little. The spring of this in good measure has been from Colonel Nicolson of Virginia, a line from any body to him, and from the Bishop to Doctor Brady his suffragan in Maryland, might quench this. We cannot yet be so selfdenying as to let those that had no part of the heat of the day, not one third of the number, and not one fourth of the estate, and not one tenth of the trouble and labour should give laws to us, and make us dissenters, and worse than that in our own country. I must beg thy favour in mitigating these indiscretions, and in government in supportable treatment. This country increases in improvements above some of its neighbours, but not in people; for though we have the name of people running over hither, there came not even this year above 1500 souls, and into Maryland and Virginia, each 5000, as is generally computed, though I think our people of the better sort, theirs servants and ours for the most part free passengers.

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I am careful to preserve a good understanding with the natives; many hundreds of whom I expect in three days, above one is come. hope to settle a lasting friendship with them. The northern and western were never here before. They are in nature a brave people, but much the worse for the vices they have learnt of Europeans, that should have taught them better things. I wish we may be able to retrieve them. I have sent thee one of their otter's skins, which one of them presented me with some time since, and have ordered it to be made up into a muff, if better liked in that form.

HOUSE [OF COMMONS].

1701-2, [January 2]-Suggested resolution for an address to the King. In Godolphin's handwriting. Differing considerably from the resolution actually passed.

CHARLES CORNEWALL to ROBERT HARLEY, Speaker of the House of Commons.

1701[-2], January 6. Berrington Congratulating him on his appointment as Speaker of the House of Commons.

JAMES ST. JOHN to ROBERT HARLEY.

1701 [-2], January 10-Enclosing a report (dated Jan. 9) of a conversation which he had heard the previous day at the "Lamb" in

Abchurch Lane, reflecting on the character of Robert Harley, and his father, Sir Edward Harley. A person (not in drink) had said Robin Harley was the king's enemy and a rascal who had imposed on the nation in many ways; and his father an old knave and rogue who had 10,000l. for bringing in King Charles.

LORD CUTTS to [ROBERT] HARLEY, Speaker.

1701 [-2], January [13-]24. New style. The Hague-Though I shall certainly embark on Saturday for England, God willing: yet, upon reading a vote in the House, viz.: that Members chosen for two places must make their choice in three weeks, I humbly beg of you, if 'tis necessary, to signify my choice to the House, that I choose to serve for the County of Cambridge. I mean, if by contrary winds or any invincible accidents I should be delayed, and be in danger of lapsing my

time.

I have won some wagers publicly upon your being chosen Speaker and was yesterday paid one which was a public dinner where all the Foreign Ministers were present, your health went round.

Your proceedings do you honour here, and keep me in countenance.

WILLIAM GLANVILL to ROBERT HARLEY, at Brampton.

1701[-2], January 16-When you were in town never to come and see me in my sickness or so much as to send to know how I did, give me just cause to think you no very kind son. Yet I still live to love you and have been this month persuading all my friends to vote you into the chair at the opening of the new approaching Parliament. I have always given you honest and good counsel, which had you followed you might have sooner been that great man which I now hope to see you before I die. It will look too much like French flattery to tell you I know no man fitter than Mr. Robert Harley to be a Speaker, would he be but so faithful and honest as his ingenious parts render him able. Yet I fear the gilded mace carried before a rich gold laced brocado gown, and being the first commoner of England will make my son too proud and full of himself to look down on his old friend and father Glanvill or to do him any kindness that is in his Speakership's power. However before you take possession of the Chair, if you do not think it beneath you to meet me in Collins' shop, I may perhaps say that which will convince you no man can be more sincerely your friend.

[LORD GODOLPHIN] to [ROBERT HARLEY,] Speaker.

[1702,] January 25-If you can be at leisure tomorrow night, Lord Marlborough and I would be glad to wait upon you at your own house. Lord Rochester has been dismissed this morning.

WILLIAM PATERSON to ROBERT HARLEY, York Buildings. 1701-2, January 31. London-Not having found you at home I write to put you in mind of looking over the papers relating to the Indies if you have not done so already. I have been pestered with law affairs all the last and this week, which is a sort of work I always did and hope always shall hate. Some of it is over this week, and I hope

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the rest will be the next, when I shall be wholly at leisure both to think, speak, and act in the great works that shall now shortly be set on foot. I am now bound to Islington to retire and refresh myself after so much trouble as I have had for some days in town.

[LORD GODOLPHIN] to [ROBERT HARLEY,] Speaker.

1701-2, February 4-Having not seen Lord Rochester till this morning since the meeting was "disappointed" he desired, he has desired me to acquaint you he shall be ready to meet those gentlemen at your house on Saturday night.

to ROBERT HARLEY, Speaker.

1701-2, February 11-Thomas Jones, author of the Secret History of Whitehall, and likewise of the Detection of the four last reigns (though Cook [Coke] put his name to it), is an intimate crony of William Fuller's, and used to meet him frequently at the "Feathers" Tavern near the Prerogative Office in Doctors Commons, together with George Ridpath, Elkanah Settle, Murray, Witherington, Inglesfield, &c. All which I believe the master and drawers of the said tavern can inform the House of, and of something perhaps of their Consults. They likewise used to meet at the "St. Paul's Head" in Carter Lane. James Orme, the printer, knows Ridpath writ one of Fulier's books, and I believe that George Croom, the printer, can inform the House that Jones and Settle writ the rest.

W. FULLER to ROBERT HARLEY, Speaker, at York Buildings. 11701-2, February 23. The Fleet-Denying the charge that he had said that Robert Harley was one of those whom Thomas Jones had charged with having taken French money to betray the interest of the nation.

[LORD GODOLPHIN] to [ROBERT HARLEY,] Speaker.

1701-2, March 8-You were pleased to tell me to day in the House of Commons that what the Queen was to speak from the throne was to be to the same purpose with that she said at Council.

I wish you could have time to make a draught of it yourself, and appoint us to come to your house to morrow night to see it. I think her speaking can't be deferred longer than Tuesday.

She is very unwieldy and lame; must she come in person to the House of Lords, or may she send for the two houses to come to her.

[The SAME to the SAME.]

1701-2, March 9-I agree entirely the best way will be to go on to day as if no occasion of interruption had happened. I perceive the Whigs will be of that mind generally. I suppose the Queen will come to the House, but I doubt whether she has any robes.

We must desire to come to your house to night to show the draught. You may speak to whom you like to have there.

[SIMON HARCOURT] to ROBERT HARLEY, Speaker.

1701[-2], March 14. Stafford-Had I thought it possible for me to be wanted I should long ere this time have been with you; but I have

persuaded myself that the greatest part of those we differed with are ready to fall down and worship. The fatal news created an universal astonishment for about two hours in the country, but seems now to be forgot, at least not to stick on any persons so much as the judges who are of opinion, as I am informed, that their commissions determined on the demise of the King. You would very much oblige me with any account of what is transacting in Parliament or at St. James's. What is the received opinion concerning the Judges' commissions, and the Chief Justice of Chester, whom you know I honour; whether Secretary Hedges be restored, a new Privy Council sworn, or when the Scene is to open? If you can spare time on Tuesday for a line or two, direct to Shrewsbury, if on Thursday to Hereford.

ROBERT PRICE to ROBERT HARLEY, Speaker.

1701-2, March 14. Stafford-The surprising news of the king's death met us at Worcester, which startled the judges, neither knowing the duration of their commissions nor what to do; the like influence it had over us at the bar, who were unwilling to quit the profitable part and yet as averse to be actors in the pageantry of our Circuit judicature whilst we had a dead king amongst us. However, the judges and counsel determined to proceed which we have hitherto done, though not with full crop of business. I never saw so few mourners as were at Worcester, nay, them of the godly party who said their friend had lost a friend, which I believe to be true and is too well known.

I wrote to my Lord Keeper this post to know whether it be best for Serjeant Powlett and me to keep the Sessions, our patent being determined, though I believe the Association Act and the Queen's proclamation might sufficiently justify us. As your friendship put me in the post of judicature I was in I would not be willingly dropped; nor would I supplant the Serjeant, though I believe his age will be objected against him, but hope I shall have no other set over me.

Sir R. TRACY to his kinsman [ROBERT HARLEY].

1701-2, March 15. Dorchester-The great change that has lately happened in the government must produce several alterations in offices and employments under it; and I hear the opinion is that the Judges' patents are determined; but I am doubtful what is proper for me to do upon this occasion because one may as well do too much as too little. But I am sure I cannot be mistaken in addressing myself to you (my great friend) for the continuance of your favour and friendship to me,and to beg your advice whether it may be fit for me to make any application before my return to London and to whom. I owed my patent from the late King to your great kindness, and I am not conscious of anything to make me doubt of your interest to procure me another from the Queen. [P.S.]-People were a little shocked at first upon the news of the King's death, but they are now very well satisfied, which the gentlemen have expressed at this place and Salisbury by their unaniinous addresses to the Queen...

A. [LADY PYE] to ABIGAIL HARLEY, at York Buildings, London.

1702, March 25. Bath-Affairs being so settled and going on in the same channel makes our loss of so great and good a King little felt at present. I never saw so short a sorrow as was here and am told it