noise, without a single known civil suit, without a ripple of disturbance or turmoil on the face of society. In an Appendix to the foregoing Papers, the editor, with advice of His Excellency, Governor BENJAMIN F. PRESCOTT, has thought proper to supplement the first volume of Provincial Papers by several very important documents which have recently been brought to light. One is what is called the Squamscott Patent, or the Grant to Edward Hilton of land at Dover Neck, where a settlement was begun in 1623; another is the Grant of the Province of Laconia, Nov. 17, 1629, which serves to correct a capital mistake made by our historian, Dr. Jeremy Belknap, as to the name given to the grant to Gorges and Mason, in August, 1622, and also the confusion in the first chapter of his history respecting the Laconia Company and the Wheelwright Indian Deed.* In conclusion of his labors, the editor begs leave to renew his acknowledgments of obligation and gratitude to the Honorable FREDERICK SMYTH, ex-Governor, upon whose recommendation to the legislature the work was undertaken, and to the several Governors of the state in succession, by whose encouragement and favor, through eleven years, the work has been carried forward; also to the gentlemen, respectively, in the office of Secretary of State, who have afforded him every desired accommodation to consult early records and papers; and no less to the president and officers of the New Hampshire Historical Society, whose advice has frequently been sought. However, some errors and imperfections may be detected in the execution of the work, yet the editor is conscious of having aimed to accomplish the great undertaking with entire impartiality, and with strict accuracy in the transcript of original records and documents, adding only such notes and explanations as appeared to him necessary and just. It is gratifying to the editor, and will be to the people of New Hampshire, to know that the volumes, as they have been published one after another, have become at once a standard authority for reference in matters of history. They are quoted freely by See note by the editor, pp. 692, 693; also, Vol. IX, pp. xl, xli.—Ed. historians and writers both in this country and England. Surviving the decay and ravages of time, they will remain to instruct future generations in the early history, and in all the official proceedings and events of the state. To the candid judgment and acceptance of the PEOPLE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, this last volume of Provincial and State Papers, as also all the preceding,-is most respectfully submitted and humbly commended by their obedient servant, the compiler and editor. NATHANIEL BOUTON. Concord, N. H., September, 1877. GENERAL CONTENTS. Adoption of the Constitution.... Letter from President Sullivan to Gov. John Hancock.... 23-196 39, 40 General Court-motion to change the time of meeting, &c.... Motion to reduce the number of the house-yeas and nays... Committee appointed to reduce proposed amendments to form The biographical sketch of Col. Nathaniel Head (p. 32) is not fully correct. † On page 46, under "Yeas," the name "P. Page" should be D. Page.-ED. Committee's report on 19th article of Bill of Rights. Report of Committee on the Council.. Resolves relating to courts, &c................... Committee appointed to prepare and report amendments to be submitted to the people-adjournment...... Members present at adjourned meeting, February 8, 1792.. Report of Committee on Alterations and Amendments.. 71-91 71-76 76 76-78 78-80 80-82 82-85 85, 86 86, 87 88 89-91 91 Lieutenant governor, council... Secretary, county treasurer, &c.. Judiciary power, clerks of courts.. Report (above) examined and debated in committee of the The 39th article in Bill of Rights struck out.... Proposition to meet in September, November, or January, "President" changed to governor, lieut. governor denied.... Biennial sessions and reduction of house denied, increase of Judiciary system considered, &c..... Report of sub-committee on amendments. Proposal to meet annually in October..... |