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Colonial Pa-
pers. Vol.
VIII, No.
65.
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by Captain Purfrey to the Governor which spake of dangerous
times that to his knowledge the wayes were layd, which when
wee had considered with the things before specified wee much
doubted least the Inhabitants would not be kept in due
obedience if the Governor continued as formerly and soe
acquainted him therewith. The which opinion of ours he
desired under our hands the which being granted him he was
requested the sight of his Majties Commission; and the same
being publiquely read, (notwithstanding any former passages)
wee of the Councell tendred the Continuance of our assistance,
provided that he would be pleased to conforme himselfe to his
Majestie's pleasure expressed by his Commission and Instruc-
tions, the which request was in no part satisfied, whereupon
being doubtfull of some Tyrannical proceedings wee requested
the Secretary to take charge of the Commission and Instruc-
tions untill wee had time to consider of a safe course for the
satisfying of the Inhabitants Petition and the safety of the
Governor's Person which by reason of Captain Purfrey's Letter
wee conceived to be in some danger whereupon we appointed
an Assembly of all the late Burgesses whereby they might
acquaint us with their greivances as may appeare by their
Petition, wee broke up for that meeting with a resolution to
returne againe within six dayes having acording to Sir John
Harvey's desire, appointed a sufficient Gard for the safety of
his Person, within three dayes after he departed from James
Citty and went unto the Mills to the house of one William
Brockas whose wife was generally suspected to have more
familiarity with him then befitted a modest woman, where he
thought himselfe soe secure that he dismissed his guard.
Soone after the Councell and Burgesses acording to the time
prefixed mett at James Citty. But before wee entered upon
any business the Secretary shewed us a Letter which he had
received that morning from Sir John Harvie (the true Coppie
whereof I have here inclosed) And notwithstanding his threats
therein the Assembly proceeded acording to their former
Intentions. The next morning the Secretary shewed us
another Letter from Sir John Harvie wherein he had required
him to redeliver him his Majestie's Commission and In-
structions charging him upon his Alleagance to keepe secresie
therein. But the Councell had before thought of his late
practises with the Secretary concerning the detayning of the
former proceedings had committed the charge of the Com-
mission and Instructions to Mr George Menefie untill all
differences were setled. And for the effecting of the same
wee proceeded to give a hearing unto the greivances of the
Inhabitants which were innumerable; and therefore it was
thought fitt that their generall greivances only should be pre-
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