115 ~  [9 November 1692]   Petition of Somerset against apointments of Edward Green and Joshua Barkstead

The humble petition of the Grand Inquest humbly showeth that the humble petitioners yesterday having heard sundry commissions read in Court granted by his Excell’cie the Governor of this Province to Mr. Edward Green and Mr Joshua Barkstead relating to ranging and surveying in this County, which to the humble pet’ioners seems of very high consequences & most greatly to be admired that Strangers newly here arrived should obtain such high privileges & their Ma’ties loyal subjects in the County of so long continuance so litle regarded which indeed has begott in the pet’ioners such thoughts as the foresd commissions are surreptitiously obtained & his Excell’cie not duly informed, which commissions we humbly begg may be, & lye dormant till his Excell’cie may have fuller informations, and as in duty bound shall ever pray.

                                                                                                (No signatures entered in the record)

 

The Courts letter to his Excell’cie ~~ as followeth

May it please yr Excell’cie

Wee your most humble Serv’ts the Justices of Somerset County rec’d this day in Court sitting the inclosed petition and as a duty incumbent, thought it most propper with those suitors likewise to render acc’t of the sundry infomations annexed with our own sentiments (viz) the sd Mr Green & Mr Barkstead, since their arrival in this County, by their misdemeanours have highly disoblidged many of the good people hereof, usurping a power to themselves, without either warrant or certificate running of lines thru other mens lands, thereby making divisions of other mens lands & offering some thereof for sale. Of which report we are not only credibly informed but of its verity most thoroughly persuaded; as well as the meaning(?) of their capacities to warrant such transactions. May it therefore please yr Ecell’cie ~ we yr most humble servants as above sd do not only acquiese with the Inquest but likewise pray if with he nor(?) it may consist, that those commissions for surveying & ranging may be conferred on such well affected persons as may not only study yr Excell’cies saifty & advantage but likewise render gener’ll satisfaction to this County, w’ch is the humble desire of

                                                            Your Excell’cies most faithfull & obedient Servants

9-ber the 9^th 1692                                                                                            ut Supra

Signed p/ order John West  Court Clerk