[1] Since the issuance of the proclamation of April 30, 1637, the tide
of emigration to New England had not perceptibly slackened. After the
receipt of a letter informing Archbishop Laud that a convoy of ships
was preparing to sail for New England (_Cal. State Papers, Colonial,
1574-1660_, p. 266), the Privy Council ordered, March 30, 1638, that
eight ships in the Thames should be detained and their passengers
and provisions landed. Two days later a more comprehensive order was
passed, applying to all ships bound for New England. On April 6 the
Council relented and allowed the ships to depart, but ordered that a
proclamation should be issued requiring a special license before such
voyages were made (_Acts of Privy Council_, i, 227-229).
1639, March 25.
[Concerning Tobacco.]