John Jones, from my study Bedford, Desember 7th, 1702.

A true copy received from Mr. Jones which I received and entered.

Zachakiau Roberts, Clark.

After the three months had expired, it seems that the people desired to continue Mr. Jones as their minister, as we learn from the following recorded correspondence:

Feb. 15th, 1702-3, the town by a unanimous vote doth agree to give unto Mr. John Jones minister of ye gospell, all yt right of land and

THE TOWN OF BEDFORD. 47

meadow with ye house and home loot which ye town bought of Mr. Ambler upon ye account yt sd. Mr. Jones settle with us in Bedford and carryeth on ye work of ye ministry among us -- and forty pounds a year for his maintenance in speshe as followeth -- that is to say -- winterwheat at 4s. 6d. prbushell, ry 3s. pr bushell, llax 6d. pr pound, beef one penny half-penny pr pound, pork two pence half-penny pr pound. And in case Mr. John Jones continueth with us until he be settled and ordained in gospell order amongst us, then ye above sd house, land and medovv to be his owne for him & his forever; as witness our hands thus underwritten: Zachariah Roberts Clark, John Miller, John Holmes, sen'r, Cornelius Seely, John Holmes, Jr., Richard Holmes. Richard Wcscott, Nathan Clark, Cornelius Seely, Junr., Jonathan Holmes, David Miller, John Wescott, David Holmes, Zachariah Roberts, Jun'r, Joseph Hunt, Jno. Dibbell, Thomas Howard, Joseph Palmer.

REV. JOHN JONES' REPLY. TO THE INHABITANTS OF BEDFORD.