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[174] 1778. The house and farm were rented for £ 200. At a later period, when three gentlemen bought the entire estate on speculation, expecting to realize large fortunes by dividing the whole into lots, there was a valuation of the lots, and the sum total was $81,996.00. A few lots were sold; and the dreams of Croesus became those of Belisarius.

Colonel Royal's opinions and conduct respecting the struggles for independence subjected him to suspicion. The Committee of Safety, in Medford, felt called upon to examine into facts; and the testimony offered, April 9, 1778, was as follows:--

Several persons were this day examined respecting Colonel Royal's political behavior, who declared, in substance, as follows:--

Simon Tufts, Esq., said he knew of nothing said Royal had said or done against the country; but, on the contrary, he believed him to be a friend of the American cause. That said Royal being in Boston at and before the battle of Lexington, the confusion which that battle occasioned in the country made him afraid at that time and afterwards to return home; and that said confusion, which prevailed in Boston, made him afraid to stay there; accordingly he went to Halifax, and from thence retired back into the country, and afterwards went to England. That, after said battle, said Royal sent him a letter of attorney, entreating him to take care of his estate here; but he (said Tufts) declined it on account of his own business, and returned back said power. That, some time after, finding said Royal's estate in a wasting condition, he sent to said Royal, informing him that he would undertake the care of it; and, some time after, he received a letter from said Royal, enclosing another power for that purpose, dated May 23, 1775; upon which he undertook to act as his attorney. That he had since made said Royal no remittances of any of the rents or of the estate (agreeable to a promise he had made to a former Committee). That the State of Rhode Island having sequestered what of said Royal's estate lay within their jurisdiction, he had applied to the General Assembly there, and informed them of the letters he had received from said Royal, empowering him to take the care of his estate; and that they, after examination made, delivered the said estate up to him; and he has held it ever since, as attorney aforesaid.

Mr. Peter Tufts declared, That, about a fortnight before Lexington battle, Colonel Royal told him that it would not do for us to resist Great Britain, for they were too strong for us, and would send over ten thousand Russians, who would subdue us; and that, by his conversation, it appeared to him (the said Tufts) that said Royal was for surrendering up all to Great Britain, rather than make resistance.

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