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[102] and with them of their English liberties. They have not been altogether negligent, as to endeavors to obtain some relief in their sorrowful bondage; for several gentlemen desired Increase Mather, the Rector of the College at Cambridge in New England, to undertake a voyage for England, to see what might be done for his distressed country, which motion he complied with; and in June the 1st, 1688, he had the favor to wait on the King, and privately to acquaint him with the enslaved and perishing estate of his subjects in New England. The King was very gracious and kind in his expressions; then and often after promising to give them ease as to their complaints and fears. Amongst other things the said Mather caused a petition from the town of Cambridge in New England to be humbly presented to his Majesty; which, because it doth express the deplorable condition of that people, it shall be here inserted.

To the King's most excellent Majesty.
The petition and address of John Gibson, aged about 87, and George Willow, aged about 86 years; as also on behalf of their neighbors the inhabitants of Cambridge in New England, in most humble wise sheweth:

That your Majesty's good subjects, with much hard labor and great disbursements, have subdued a wilderness, built our houses, and planted orchards, being encouraged by our indubitable right to the soil by the Royal Charter granted unto the first planters, together with our purchase of the Natives: as also by sundry letters and declarations sent to the late Governor and Company from his late Majesty, your royal Brother, assuring us of the full enjoyment of our properties and possessions, as is more especially contained in the declaration sent when the Quo Warranto was issued out against our Charter.

But we are necessitated to make this our moan and complaint to your excellent Majesty, for that our title is now questioned to our lands, by us quietly possessed for near sixty years, and without which we cannot subsist. Our humble address to our governor, Sir Edmond Andross, shewing our just title, long and peaceable possession, together with our claim of the benefit of your Majesty's letters and declarations, assuring all your good subjects that they shall not be molested in their properties and possessions, not availing.

Royal Sir, we are a poor people, and have no way to procure money to defend our cause in the law; nor know we of friends at Court; and therefore unto your royal Majesty, as the


Boston. Houghton and Mifflin. 1877.

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New England (United States) (4)

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Increase Mather (1)
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June 1st, 1688 AD (1)
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