THE
CHARTER
OF
THE
BAHAMA
Islands
.
CHARLES
the
Second
,
by
the
Grace
of
GOD
,
King
of
England
,
Scotland
,
France
,
and
Ireland
,
Defender
of
the
Faith
,
&c.
To
All
to
whom
these
presents
shall
come
greeting
.
KNOW
YEE
That
We
for
divers
good
Causes
and
Considerations
,
us
,
hereunto
especially
moving
,
of
our
especial
Grace
,
certain
Knowledge
,
and
meer
Motion
:
HAVE
Given
and
Granted
,
and
by
these
Presents
,
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
DO
Give
and
Grant
unto
our
Right
trusty
and
Right
intirely
Beloved
Cosen
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
;
our
Right
trusty
and
Right
Well-beloved
Cosen
and
Councellour
William
Earl
of
Craven
;
our
Right
trust
and
Well-beloved
Councellours
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Chancellour
and
Under-Treasurer
of
our
Exchequer
;
Sir
George
Carterett
Knight
,
and
Baronet
,
Vice-Chamberlain
of
our
Houshold
;
and
our
Trusty
and
Well-beloved
Sir
Peter
Colleton
Baronet
,
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
.
All
those
Islands
called
Bahama
,
and
all
other
those
Islands
lying
in
the
Degrees
of
Twenty
and
two
,
to
Twenty
and
seven
North
Latitude
,
commonly
known
by
the
Name
of
the
Bahama
Islands
,
or
the
Islands
of
the
Lucayes
.
Together
,
with
all
and
singular
Ports
,
Harbours
,
Bays
,
Rivers
,
and
Islets
belonging
unto
the
Islands
aforesaid
;
with
the
Fishing
of
all
Sorts
of
Fish
;
Whales
,
Sturgeons
,
and
all
other
Royal
Fishes
in
the
Sea
,
Bays
,
Islets
,
and
Rivers
within
the
Premises
;
and
the
Fish
therein
taken
:
Together
with
the
Royalty
of
the
Sea
upon
the
Coast
within
the
Limits
aforesaid
.
And
moreover
,
All
Vains
,
Mines
,
and
Quarries
,
as
well
discovered
as
not
discovered
,
of
Gold
,
Silver
,
Gems
,
precious
Stones
,
and
all
other
whatsoever
,
be
it
of
Stones
,
Mettals
,
or
any
other
thing
whatsoever
found
,
or
to
be
found
within
the
Islands
and
Limits
aforesaid
.
And
furthermore
,
The
Patronage
and
Avowsons
of
all
the
Churches
and
Chapels
(
which
as
Christian
Religion
shall
increase
)
within
the
Islands
,
Isles
,
Islets
,
and
Limites
aforesaid
shall
happen
hereafter
to
be
Erected
;
together
with
License
and
Power
to
Build
and
Found
Churches
,
Chapels
,
and
Oratories
in
convenient
and
fit
Places
within
the
said
Bounds
and
Limits
,
and
to
cause
them
to
be
Dedicated
and
Consecrated
according
to
the
Ecclesiastical
Laws
of
our
Kingdom
of
England
:
Together
with
all
and
singular
the
like
,
and
as
ample
Rights
,
Jurisdictions
,
Priviledges
,
Prerogatives
,
Royalties
Liberties
,
Immunities
,
and
Franchises
of
what
kind
soever
with
in
the
Islands
,
Isles
,
Islets
,
and
Limits
aforesaid
.
To
Have
,
Jurisdict.
of
a
Count
Palatine
.
Use
,
Exercise
and
Enjoy
;
the
same
as
amply
fully
,
and
in
as
ample
manner
as
any
Bishop
of
Durham
in
our
Kingdom
of
England
,
ever
heretofore
Held
,
Used
,
or
Enjoyed
;
or
of
Right
ought
or
could
Have
,
Use
,
or
Enjoy
.
And
them
,
The
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
.
We
do
by
these
Presents
,
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
Make
,
Create
,
and
Constitute
the
true
and
absolute
Lords
and
Proprietors
of
the
said
Islands
;
and
of
all
other
,
the
Premises
,
saving
always
the
Faith
,
Allegiance
,
and
Soveraign
Dominion
due
to
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
for
the
same
.
To
Have
,
and
to
Hold
,
Possess
,
and
Enjoy
the
said
Islands
,
Isles
,
Islets
,
and
all
and
singular
other
the
Premises
,
unto
them
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
for
ever
.
To
be
Holden
of
us
,
our
Heirs
,
and
Successors
,
in
Capite
,
or
by
Knights-service
:
Yielding
and
paying
yearly
to
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
for
the
same
,
the
Fourth
part
of
all
Gold
and
Silver
Oar
,
which
within
the
Limits
hereby
granted
,
shall
from
time
to
time
happen
to
be
found
.
And
also
Yeilding
and
paying
to
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
as
often
as
we
or
they
shall
happen
to
come
or
enter
in
to
the
said
Islands
,
one
Pound
of
fine
Silver
.
And
forasmuch
as
we
have
Made
and
Ordained
the
aforesaid
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
the
True
Lords
and
Proprietors
of
the
Islands
aforesaid
:
Know
ye
therefore
moreover
that
we
reposing
especial
Trust
and
Confidence
in
their
Fidelity
,
Wisdom
,
Justice
,
and
Provident
Circumspection
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
.
Do
Grant
full
and
absolute
Power
by
Vertue
of
these
Presents
,
to
them
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
and
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
for
the
good
and
happy
Government
of
the
said
Islands
,
full
Power
and
Authority
to
Erect
,
Constitute
,
and
make
several
Counties
,
Baronies
,
and
Colonies
,
of
,
and
within
the
aforesaid
Islands
,
Lands
,
and
Hereditaments
,
in
,
and
by
these
Presents
granted
,
or
mentioned
to
be
granted
as
aforesaid
,
with
several
and
distinct
Jurisdictions
,
Power
,
Liberties
and
Priviledges
:
And
also
to
Make
,
Ordain
,
and
Enact
,
and
under
their
Seals
to
publish
any
Laws
and
Constitutions
whatsoever
,
either
appertaining
to
the
Publick
Estate
of
the
said
Islands
,
or
of
any
distinct
or
particular
County
,
Barony
,
or
Colony
,
of
or
within
the
same
,
or
to
the
private
Utility
of
particular
Persons
,
according
to
their
best
Discretion
,
by
and
with
the
Advice
,
Assent
and
Approbation
of
the
Free-Men
of
the
said
Islands
,
or
of
the
Free-Men
of
the
County
,
Barony
,
or
Colony
for
which
such
Laws
or
Constitution
shall
be
made
,
or
of
the
greater
part
of
them
,
or
of
their
Delegates
or
Deputies
,
whom
for
Enacting
of
the
said
Laws
,
When
,
and
as
often
as
need
shall
require
.
We
Will
,
that
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
and
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
shall
from
time
,
to
time
,
Assembled
in
such
Manner
and
Form
as
to
them
shall
seem
best
;
and
the
same
Law
duely
to
Execute
upon
the
People
within
the
said
Islands
,
County
,
Barony
,
or
Colony
,
and
the
Limits
thereof
for
the
time
being
,
or
which
shall
be
Constituted
under
the
Power
or
Government
of
them
,
or
any
of
them
;
either
sailing
towards
the
said
Islands
,
or
returning
from
thence
towards
England
,
or
any
other
of
ours
or
Forreign
Dominions
,
by
Imposition
of
Penalty
,
Imprisonment
,
or
any
other
Punishment
.
Yea
,
if
it
shall
be
needful
,
and
the
quality
of
the
Offence
require
it
,
by
taking
away
Member
and
Life
,
either
by
them
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
Georege
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
and
their
Heirs
,
or
by
them
or
their
Deputies
,
Lieutenants
,
Judges
,
Justices
,
Magistrates
,
Officers
and
Ministers
to
be
Ordained
or
Appointed
according
to
the
Tenor
and
true
intention
of
these
Presents
.
And
likewise
to
Erect
and
make
any
Court
or
Courts
whatsoever
of
Judicature
or
otherwise
,
as
shall
be
requisite
;
and
to
Appoint
and
Establish
any
Judges
,
or
Justices
,
Magistrates
,
or
Officers
whatsoever
,
as
well
within
the
said
Islands
as
at
Sea
,
in
such
Manner
and
Form
as
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
or
their
Heirs
shall
seem
most
convenient
:
Also
to
Remit
,
Release
,
Pardon
and
Abolish
,
either
before
Judgment
or
after
,
all
Crimes
and
Offences
whatsoever
against
the
said
Laws
,
and
to
do
all
and
every
other
thing
and
things
which
unto
the
compleat
Establishment
of
Justice
unto
Courts
,
Sessions
,
and
Forms
of
Judicature
and
Manners
of
proceedings
therein
do
belong
,
although
in
these
Presents
express
Mention
is
not
made
thereof
,
and
by
Judges
by
him
or
them
delegated
to
Award
,
Process
,
hold
Pleas
,
and
determine
in
all
the
said
Courts
and
Places
of
Judicature
,
all
Actions
,
Suits
,
and
Causes
whatsoever
,
as
well
Criminal
as
Civil
,
Real
,
Mixt
,
Personal
,
or
of
any
other
kind
or
nature
whatsoever
;
which
Laws
so
as
aforesaid
to
be
Published
.
Our
will
and
pleasure
is
,
and
we
do
enjoyn
,
require
and
command
,
shall
be
absolute
,
Firm
,
and
Available
in
Law
;
and
that
all
the
Leige
People
of
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
within
the
said
Islands
;
do
observe
and
keep
the
same
inviolably
in
those
Parts
so
far
as
they
concern
them
,
under
the
Pains
and
Penalties
therein
expressed
,
or
to
be
expressed
:
Provided
nevertheless
that
the
said
Laws
be
consonant
to
Reason
,
and
as
near
as
may
be
conveniently
agreeable
to
the
Laws
and
Customs
of
this
our
Kingdom
of
England
.
And
because
such
Assemblies
of
Free-holders
cannot
be
so
suddainly
called
as
there
may
be
occasion
to
require
the
same
:
We
do
therefore
by
these
Presents
,
Give
and
Grant
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
by
themselves
or
their
Magistrates
in
that
behalf
lawfully
Authorized
,
full
Power
and
Authority
from
time
to
time
,
to
make
and
ordain
fit
and
wholsome
Orders
and
Ordinances
within
the
aforesaid
Islands
,
or
any
County
,
Barony
or
Province
,
of
,
or
within
the
same
,
to
be
kept
and
observed
as
well
for
the
keeping
of
the
Peace
,
as
for
the
better
Government
of
the
People
there
abiding
,
and
to
publish
the
same
to
All
to
whom
it
may
concern
,
which
Ordinance
we
do
by
these
Presents
strictly
Charge
and
Command
to
be
inviolably
observed
within
the
said
Islands
under
the
Penalties
therein
expressed
,
so
as
such
Ordinances
be
reasonable
and
not
repugnant
or
contrary
,
but
as
near
as
may
be
agreeable
to
the
Laws
and
Statutes
of
this
our
Kingdom
of
England
,
and
so
as
the
same
Ordinances
do
not
extend
to
the
binding
,
charging
or
taking
away
of
the
Rights
or
Interest
of
any
Person
or
Persons
,
in
their
Free-hold
,
Goods
,
or
Chattels
,
whatsoever
.
And
to
the
end
,
the
said
Islands
may
be
the
more
happily
encreased
by
the
multitude
of
People
resorting
thither
,
and
may
likewise
be
the
more
strongly
defended
from
the
Incursions
of
Salvages
and
other
Enemies
,
Pirates
and
Robbers
:
Therefore
,
we
for
us
,
our
Heirs
,
and
Successors
,
do
Give
and
Grant
by
these
Presents
,
Power
,
License
,
and
Liberty
unto
all
the
liege
People
of
us
,
our
Heirs
,
and
Succenors
,
in
our
Kingdom
of
England
or
elsewhere
within
any
other
our
Dominions
,
Islands
,
Colonies
,
or
Plantations
,
(
excepting
those
who
shall
be
especially
forbidden
)
to
transport
themselves
and
Families
into
the
said
Island
with
convenient
Shipping
and
,
fitting
Provisions
,
and
there
to
settle
themselves
,
Dwell
,
and
Inhabit
any
Law
,
Act
,
Statute
,
Ordinance
,
or
other
Thing
to
the
contrary
in
any
wife
notwithstanding
.
And
we
will
also
,
and
of
our
more
especial
Grace
,
for
us
,
our
Heirs
,
and
Successors
,
do
strictly
Enjoyn
,
Ordain
,
Constitute
and
Command
,
that
the
said
Islands
,
shall
be
of
our
Allegiance
,
and
that
all
and
singular
the
Subjects
and
Liege
People
of
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
transported
,
or
to
be
transported
into
the
said
Islands
,
and
the
Children
of
them
,
and
such
as
shall
descend
from
them
,
there
born
,
or
hereafter
to
be
born
,
be
,
and
shall
be
Denizons
and
Leiges
of
us
,
our
Heirs
,
and
Successors
,
of
this
our
Kingdom
of
England
,
and
be
in
all
things
Held
,
Treated
,
and
Reputed
as
the
leige
faithful
People
of
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
born
within
this
our
said
Kingdom
,
or
any
other
of
our
Dominions
,
and
may
inherit
,
or
otherwise
purchase
and
receive
take
,
have
,
hold
,
buy
and
possess
any
Lands
,
Tenements
,
or
Hereditaments
within
the
said
Places
,
and
them
may
Occupy
,
and
Enjoy
,
Give
,
Sell
Alien
,
and
Bequeath
:
As
likewise
,
all
Liberties
,
Franchises
,
and
Privileges
,
of
this
our
Kingdom
of
England
and
of
other
our
Dominions
aforesaid
;
may
freely
and
quietly
have
,
Possess
,
and
Enjoy
,
as
our
leige
People
,
born
within
the
same
,
without
the
molestation
,
lett
,
vexation
,
trouble
or
grievance
,
of
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
any
Statute
,
Act
,
Ordinance
,
or
Provisions
to
the
contrary
notwithstanding
.
And
farthermore
,
that
our
Subjects
of
this
our
said
Kingdom
of
England
,
and
other
our
Dominions
,
may
be
the
rather
incouraged
to
undertake
this
Expedition
,
with
ready
and
cheerful
mind
;
Know
Yee
,
That
we
of
our
especial
Grace
,
certain
Knowledg
,
and
meer
Motion
,
do
Give
and
Grant
,
by
vertue
of
these
Presents
,
as
well
as
to
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
and
their
Heirs
,
as
unto
all
others
as
shall
from
time
to
time
repair
unto
the
said
Islands
,
with
a
purpose
to
inhabit
there
,
or
to
trade
with
the
Natives
thereof
,
free
Liberty
and
License
to
Lade
and
Fraight
in
any
Ports
whatsoever
,
of
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
We
will
also
,
and
by
these
Presents
,
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
do
give
,
and
grant
License
by
this
our
Charter
,
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albermarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
and
to
all
the
Inhabitants
and
Dwellers
in
the
Islands
aforesaid
,
both
present
and
to
come
,
full
Power
,
and
absolute
Authority
to
import
or
unlade
by
themselves
,
or
their
Servants
,
Factors
,
or
Assigns
,
all
Merchandizes
and
Goods
whatsoever
that
shall
arise
of
the
Fruits
and
Commodities
of
the
said
Islands
,
either
by
Land
,
or
Sea
,
into
any
the
Ports
of
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
in
our
Kingdom
of
England
,
Scotland
and
Ireland
,
or
otherwise
to
dispose
of
the
said
Goods
in
the
said
Ports
;
and
if
need
be
,
within
one
Year
next
after
the
unlading
to
lade
the
said
Merchandizes
and
Goods
again
into
the
same
,
or
other
Ships
,
and
to
Export
the
same
into
any
other
Countries
,
either
of
our
Dominions
or
Forreign
,
(
being
in
Amity
with
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
)
so
as
they
pay
such
Customs
,
Subsidies
,
and
other
Duties
for
the
same
,
to
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
as
the
rest
of
the
Subjects
of
this
our
Kingdom
for
the
time
being
shall
be
bound
to
pay
,
beyond
which
,
we
will
not
that
the
Inhabitants
of
the
said
Islands
shall
be
any
way
Charged
:
Provided
nevertheless
,
and
our
Will
and
Pleasure
is
,
and
we
have
further
for
the
considerations
aforesaid
,
of
our
especial
Grace
,
Certain
Knowledg
,
and
meer
Motion
,
given
and
Granted
,
and
by
these
Presents
,
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
.
Do
Give
and
Grant
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
full
and
free
License
,
Liberty
,
Power
and
Authority
at
any
time
or
times
,
from
and
after
the
Feast
of
St.
Michael
the
Archangel
,
next
ensuing
,
the
date
hereof
to
Export
and
carry
out
of
any
of
our
Dominions
into
the
said
Islands
Custom
free
,
all
Sorts
of
Tools
which
shall
be
useful
and
necessary
for
the
Planters
there
in
the
Accommodation
and
Improvement
of
the
Premises
,
any
thing
before
in
these
Presents
contained
,
or
any
Law
,
Act
,
Statute
,
Prohibition
,
or
other
Matter
or
Thing
heretofore
Had
,
Made
,
Enacted
,
or
Provided
;
or
hereafter
to
be
Had
,
Made
,
Enacted
,
or
Provided
,
or
the
contrary
in
any
wise
Notwithstanding
.
And
Furthermore
,
of
our
more
ample
and
especial
Grace
,
certain
Knowledg
,
and
meer
Motion
,
we
do
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
Grant
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
full
and
absolute
Power
and
Authority
to
Make
,
Erect
,
and
Constitute
within
the
said
Islands
,
and
the
Isles
and
Islets
aforesaid
,
such
and
so
many
Sea
Ports
,
Harbours
,
Creeks
,
and
other
Places
for
discharge
and
unlading
of
Goods
and
Merchandizes
out
of
Ships
,
Boats
,
and
other
Vessels
;
and
for
lading
them
in
such
and
so
many
Places
,
and
with
such
Jurisdictions
,
Priviledges
,
and
Franchises
unto
the
said
Ports
belonging
as
to
them
shall
seem
most
expedient
:
And
that
all
and
singular
the
Ships
,
Boats
,
and
other
Vessels
,
which
shall
come
for
Merchandizes
and
Trade
into
the
said
Islands
,
or
shall
depart
out
of
the
same
,
shall
be
laden
and
unladen
at
such
Ports
only
as
shall
be
Erected
and
Constituted
by
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
and
not
elsewhere
any
Use
,
Custom
,
or
any
thing
to
the
contrary
in
any
wise
Notwithstanding
.
And
we
do
furthermore
Will
,
Appoint
and
Ordain
,
and
by
these
Presents
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
do
Grant
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Authony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
.
That
they
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
may
from
time
to
time
for
ever
,
And
further
,
of
our
especial
Grace
,
certain
Knowledg
,
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
full
and
absolute
License
,
Power
and
Authority
.
That
they
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Lord
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkely
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
from
time
to
time
hereafter
for
ever
,
at
his
,
and
their
Will
and
Pleasure
,
may
Assign
,
Alien
,
Grant
,
Demise
,
or
Enfeoff
the
Premises
or
any
part
or
parcel
thereof
,
to
him
or
them
,
that
shall
be
willing
to
purchase
the
same
,
and
to
such
Person
,
and
Persons
as
they
shall
think
fit
,
To
have
and
to
hold
to
them
the
said
Person
,
or
Persons
,
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
in
Fee
Simple
,
or
Fee
Tail
or
for
Term
of
Life
,
or
Lives
,
or
Years
,
to
be
held
of
them
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
,
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
by
such
Rents
,
Services
,
and
Customs
,
as
shall
seem
fit
to
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
;
and
not
immediately
of
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
:
And
to
the
same
Person
,
or
Persons
,
and
to
all
and
every
of
them
,
we
do
Give
and
Grant
by
these
Presents
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
License
,
Authority
,
and
Power
,
that
such
Person
,
or
Persons
may
have
and
take
the
Premises
,
or
any
Parcel
thereof
,
of
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
and
the
same
to
hold
to
themselves
,
their
Heirs
or
Assigns
,
in
what
Estate
of
Inheritance
soever
,
in
Fee
Simple
,
or
in
Fee
Tail
,
or
otherwise
,
as
to
them
,
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
shall
seem
expedient
:
The
Statute
in
the
Parliament
of
Edward
Son
of
King
Henry
,
heretofore
King
of
England
,
our
Predecessor
,
commonly
called
the
Statute
of
Quia
emptores
terrarum
,
or
any
other
Statute
,
Act
,
Ordinance
,
Use
,
Law
,
Custom
,
or
any
other
Matter
,
Cause
,
or
thing
heretofore
Published
or
Provided
to
the
contrary
,
in
any
wise
notwithstanding
:
And
because
many
Persons
born
or
inhabiting
in
the
said
Islands
for
their
Desert
and
Services
,
may
expect
and
be
capable
of
Marks
of
Honour
and
Favour
,
which
in
respect
of
the
great
Distance
cannot
conveniently
be
conferred
by
us
.
Our
Will
and
Pleasure
therefore
is
,
and
we
do
by
these
Presents
,
Give
,
and
Grant
,
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
.
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
full
Power
and
Authority
to
Give
,
and
Confer
unto
,
and
upon
such
of
the
Inhabitants
of
the
said
Islands
,
as
they
shall
think
,
do
,
or
shall
Merit
the
same
,
such
Marks
of
Favour
and
Titles
of
Honour
as
they
shall
think
fit
,
so
as
those
Titles
or
Honour
be
not
the
same
as
are
enjoyned
by
,
or
conferred
upon
any
the
Subjects
of
this
our
Kingdom
of
England
.
And
further
,
also
we
do
by
the
Presents
,
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
Give
,
and
Grant
License
to
them
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
full
Power
,
Liberty
,
and
License
to
Erect
,
Raise
,
and
Build
within
the
said
Islands
and
Places
aforesaid
,
or
any
Part
,
or
Parts
thereof
,
such
and
so
many
Forts
,
Fortresses
,
Castles
,
Cities
,
Boroughs
,
Towns
,
Villages
,
and
other
Fortifications
whatsoever
;
and
the
same
or
any
of
them
to
fortifie
and
furnish
with
Ordinance
,
Powder
,
Shot
,
Armour
,
and
all
other
Weapons
,
Amunition
,
and
Habiliments
of
War
,
both
Offensive
,
and
Defensive
,
as
shall
be
thought
fit
and
convenient
for
the
safety
and
welfare
of
the
said
Islands
,
or
any
part
thereof
,
and
the
same
or
any
of
them
from
time
to
time
,
as
occasion
shall
require
to
Dismantle
,
Disfurnish
,
Demolish
and
pull
down
.
And
also
to
Place
,
Constitute
,
and
Appoint
,
in
,
or
over
all
or
any
of
the
said
Castles
,
Forts
,
Fortifications
,
Cities
,
Towns
,
and
Places
aforesaid
;
Governours
,
Deputy-Governours
,
Magistrates
,
Sheriffs
,
and
other
Officers
,
Civil
,
and
Millitary
,
as
to
them
shall
seem
meet
.
And
to
the
said
Cities
,
Boroughs
,
Towns
,
Villages
,
or
any
other
Place
,
or
Places
within
the
said
Islands
,
to
Grant
Letters
or
Charters
of
Incorporation
;
with
all
Liberties
,
Franchises
and
Priviledges
requisite
and
usual
,
or
to
,
or
within
any
Corporations
within
this
our
Kingdom
of
England
,
granted
or
belonging
,
and
in
the
same
Cities
,
Boroughs
,
Towns
,
and
other
Places
,
to
Constitute
,
Erect
,
and
Appoint
such
,
and
so
many
Markets
,
Marts
and
Fairs
,
as
shall
in
that
behalf
be
thought
fit
and
necessary
.
And
further
,
also
to
Erect
and
Make
in
the
Islands
aforesaid
,
or
any
part
thereof
,
so
many
Mannors
with
such
Seigniories
as
to
them
shall
seem
meet
and
convenient
,
and
in
every
of
the
said
Mannors
To
Have
and
hold
a
Court
Baron
,
with
all
things
whatsoever
,
which
to
a
Court-Baron
do
belong
.
And
To
Have
and
to
hold
Viewes
of
Franck-Pledge
and
Court-Leet
for
the
Conservation
of
the
Peace
,
and
better
Government
of
those
Parts
with
such
Limits
,
Jurisdictions
,
and
Precincts
as
by
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
or
their
Heirs
shall
be
Appointed
for
that
purpose
,
with
all
things
whatsoever
,
which
to
a
Court-Leet
,
or
View
of
Franck-Pledge
do
belong
,
the
same
Courts
to
be
Holden
by
Stewards
to
be
deputed
and
Authorized
by
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
or
their
Heirs
,
or
by
the
Lords
of
the
Mannors
and
Leets
for
the
time
being
,
when
the
same
shall
be
Erected
;
and
because
that
,
in
so
remote
a
Country
,
and
situate
among
so
many
barbarous
Nations
,
the
Invasions
as
well
of
Salvages
or
other
Enemies
,
Pirats
,
and
Robbers
,
may
probably
be
feared
:
Therefore
we
have
given
,
and
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
do
give
Power
by
these
Prsents
,
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
by
themselves
,
or
their
Captains
,
or
other
Officers
,
to
Leavy
,
Muster
,
and
Train
all
sorts
of
Men
,
of
what
Condition
soever
,
or
wheresoever
born
,
whether
in
the
said
Islands
or
elsewhere
for
the
time
being
;
and
to
make
War
,
and
to
pursue
the
Enemies
aforesaid
,
as
well
by
Sea
as
by
Land
;
Yea
,
even
without
Limits
of
the
said
Islands
,
(
and
by
Gods
assistance
)
to
vanquish
and
take
them
,
and
being
taken
,
to
put
them
to
Death
by
the
Law
of
War
,
and
to
save
them
at
their
pleasure
,
and
to
do
all
and
every
other
thing
which
to
the
Charge
and
Office
of
a
Captain
General
of
any
Army
belongeth
,
or
hath
accustomed
to
belong
,
as
fully
and
freely
,
as
any
Captain
General
of
an
Army
hath
ever
had
the
same
.
Also
,
our
Will
and
Pleasure
is
,
and
by
this
our
Charter
,
we
do
give
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
full
Power
,
Liberty
,
and
Authority
,
in
case
of
Rebellion
,
Tumult
,
or
Sedition
,
(
if
any
should
happen
,
which
God
forbid
)
either
upon
the
Land
within
the
Islands
aforesaid
,
or
upon
the
Main
Sea
,
in
making
a
Voyage
thither
,
or
returning
from
thence
,
by
him
and
themselves
,
their
Captains
,
Deputies
,
or
Officers
,
to
be
authority
under
his
,
or
their
Seals
for
that
purpose
.
To
whom
also
,
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
we
do
Give
and
Grant
by
these
Presents
,
full
Power
and
Authority
to
Exercise
Martial
Law
against
mutinous
and
seditious
Persons
of
those
parts
,
such
as
shall
refuse
to
submit
themselves
to
their
Government
,
or
shall
refuse
to
serve
in
the
Wars
,
or
shall
fly
to
the
Enemy
,
forsake
their
Colours
,
or
Ensigns
,
or
be
Loyterers
,
or
Straglers
,
or
otherwise
howsoever
offending
against
Law
,
Custom
,
or
Discipline
Military
,
as
freely
,
and
in
as
ample
manner
and
form
,
as
any
Captain
General
of
an
Army
by
vertue
of
his
Office
,
might
,
or
hath
accustomed
to
use
the
same
.
And
our
further
pleasure
is
,
and
by
these
Presents
,
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
:
We
do
Grant
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
;
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
and
to
the
Tenants
and
Inhabitants
of
the
said
Islands
,
both
present
and
to
come
,
and
to
every
of
them
,
that
the
said
Islands
,
and
the
Tenants
and
Inhabitants
thereof
shall
not
from
henceforth
be
held
or
reputed
any
Member
or
Part
of
any
Colony
whatsoever
,
in
America
,
or
elsewhere
,
now
Transported
or
made
,
or
hereafter
to
be
Transported
or
made
;
nor
shall
be
depending
on
,
or
subject
to
their
Government
in
any
thing
,
but
be
absolutely
seperated
and
divided
from
the
same
:
And
our
Will
and
Pleasure
is
,
by
these
Presents
that
they
be
seperated
,
and
that
they
be
subject
immediately
to
our
Crown
of
England
,
as
depending
thereof
for
ever
.
And
that
the
Inhabitants
of
the
said
Islands
nor
any
of
them
shall
at
any
time
hereafter
be
compelled
or
compellable
,
or
by
any
ways
subject
or
liable
to
appear
or
answer
to
any
Matter
,
Suit
,
Cause
,
or
Plaint
whatsoever
out
of
the
Islands
aforesaid
,
in
any
other
of
our
Islands
,
Colonies
,
or
Dominions
in
America
or
elsewhere
,
other
than
in
our
Realm
of
England
,
and
Dominion
of
Wales
.
And
because
it
may
happen
that
some
of
the
People
and
Inhabitants
of
the
said
Islands
,
cannot
in
their
private
Opinions
Conform
to
the
Publick
Exercise
of
Religion
according
to
the
Liturgy
,
Forms
,
and
Ceremonies
of
the
Church
of
England
,
or
take
or
subscribe
the
Oaths
and
Articles
made
and
established
in
that
behalf
;
and
for
that
the
same
by
reason
of
the
remote
Distances
of
these
Places
,
will
as
we
hope
,
be
no
Breach
of
the
Unity
and
Uniformity
Established
in
this
Nation
.
Our
Will
and
Pleasure
therefore
is
,
and
we
do
by
these
Presents
,
for
us
,
our
Heirs
and
Successors
,
Give
and
Grant
unto
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
or
Assigns
,
full
and
free
License
,
Liberty
,
and
Authority
by
such
ways
and
means
as
they
shall
think
fit
to
Give
and
Grant
to
such
Person
and
Persons
inhabiting
and
being
within
the
said
Islands
hereby
,
mentioned
to
be
Granted
as
aforesaid
,
or
any
part
thereof
,
such
Indulgencies
and
Dispensations
in
that
behalf
,
for
,
and
during
such
time
and
times
,
and
with
such
Limitations
and
Restrictions
as
they
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
,
shall
in
their
discretion
think
fit
and
reasonable
:
And
that
no
Person
or
Persons
unto
whom
such
Liberty
shall
be
given
,
shall
be
any
way
molested
,
punished
,
disquieted
,
or
called
in
question
for
any
differences
in
Opinion
,
or
Practice
in
matters
of
Religious
Concernment
,
who
do
not
actually
disturb
the
Civil
Peace
of
the
Island
,
County
,
or
Colony
,
that
he
or
they
shall
make
their
Aboad
in
.
But
all
and
every
such
Person
or
Persons
may
from
time
to
time
and
at
all
times
,
freely
and
quietly
have
and
enjoy
his
and
their
Judgments
and
Consciences
in
Matters
of
Religion
throughout
all
the
said
Islands
,
they
behaving
themselves
peaceably
,
and
not
using
the
Liberty
to
Licentiousness
,
nor
to
the
Civil
Injury
nor
outward
disturbance
of
others
;
any
Law
,
Statute
,
or
Clause
contained
,
or
to
be
contained
,
Usuage
or
Custom
of
our
Realm
of
England
to
the
contrary
hereof
in
any
wise
notwithstanding
.
And
in
case
it
shall
happen
that
any
Doubt
or
Question
should
arise
concerning
the
true
Sense
and
Understanding
of
any
Word
,
Clause
,
or
Sentence
contained
in
our
present
Charter
.
We
will
Ordain
and
Command
,
That
at
all
times
,
and
in
all
things
,
such
Interpretations
be
made
thereof
,
and
allowed
in
all
and
every
of
our
Courts
whatsoever
as
lawfully
may
be
adjudged
most
advantageous
and
favourable
to
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
their
Heirs
and
Assigns
.
Although
express
mention
of
the
true
yearly
Value
,
or
certainty
of
the
Premises
,
or
of
any
of
them
,
or
of
any
other
Gifts
or
Grants
,
by
us
,
or
by
any
of
our
Progenitors
or
Predecessors
heretofore
made
by
the
said
Christopher
Duke
of
Albemarle
,
William
Earl
of
Craven
,
John
Lord
Berkeley
,
Anthony
Lord
Ashley
,
Sir
George
Carterett
,
and
Sir
Peter
Colleton
;
in
these
Presents
is
not
made
,
or
any
Statute
,
Act
,
Ordinance
,
Proviso
,
Proclamation
,
or
Restriction
heretofore
Had
,
Made
,
Enacted
,
Ordained
or
Provided
,
or
any
other
Matter
,
Cause
,
or
Thing
whatsoever
,
to
the
contrary
hereof
in
any
wise
notwithstanding
.
In
Witness
,
whereof
we
have
caused
these
our
Letters
to
be
made
Patents
.
Witness
Our Self
at
Westminster
,
the
first
Day
of
November
,
In
the
two
and
twentieth
Year
of
our
Reign
.
By
Writ
of
Privy
Seal
.
PIGOTT
.
FINIS
.