_Sigillum_ Lord Privie Seale
Ea: of Dorsett
Lo: Vi: Falkland
Lo: Bp: of London
Lord Cottinton
M^r. Tre^r
M^r. Vic Chamb^r
M^r. Sec: Cooke
Maister Sec: Windebanck
Wheras his Ma^tie hath latly been informed of great distraction and
much disorder in y^t plantation in y^e parts of America called
New-England, which, if they be true, & suffered to rune on, would
tende to y^e great dishonour of this kingdome, and utter ruine of that
plantation. For prevention wherof, and for y^e orderly settling of
goverment, according to y^e intention of those patents which have been
granted by his Ma^tie and from his late royall father king James, it
hath pleased his Ma^tie that y^e lords & others of his most honourable
Privie Counsell, should take y^e same into consideration. Their
lordships in y^e first place thought fitt to make a comitie of this
bord, to take examination of y^e matters informed; which comitties
having called diverse of y^e principall adventurers in y^t plantation,
and heard those that are complanants against them, most of the things
informed being deneyed, and resting to be proved by parties that must
be called from y^t place, which required a long expence of time; and
at presente their lordships finding the adventurers were upon dispatch
of men, victles, and marchandice for y^t place, all which would be at
a stand, if y^e adventurers should have discouragmente, or take
suspition that the state hear had no good opinion of y^t plantation;
their lordships, not laying the faulte or fancies (if any be) of some
perticuler men upon the generall govermente, or principall
adventurers, (which in due time is further to be inquired into,) have
thought fitt in y^e meane time to declare, that the appearences were
so faire, and hopes so greate, y^t the countrie would prove both
beneficiall to this kingdom, and profitable to the perticuler
adventurers, as y^t the adventurers had cause to goe on cherfully with
their undertakings, and rest assured, if things were carried as was
pretended when y^e patents were granted, and accordingly as by the
patentes it is appointed, his Majestie would not only maintaine the
liberties & privileges heretofore granted, but supply any thing
further that might tend to the good govermente, prosperitie, and
comforte of his people ther of that place, &c.