,

<i

j

;

were also the magistrates and constable. Their trials were sometimes, with a Jury, but mostly without. From 1650 to 1664, about the time they came under Gov. Nicoll, there are about 50 or 60

as

cases at law on record.

They were mostly for small debts & for defamation. In 165

recover more than <£5 for defamation.

Gardiner of the

Isle

--

Geo: Lee attorney to

By law, no one could

prosecuted "Lieut Lion

of Wight in behalf of himself and the States of England for five hundred

pounds Stg" before the magistrates in E.Hampton. It appears from the very lengthy depositions " that a Southampton man had hired a Dutchman to bring a freight (cargo) to that place from Manhadoes, & that the vessel was taken from the Dutchman & brought to the Isle of Wight to the Lieftenant who retook her for the Dutch owner" and was prosecuted by the original captors.

This affair was referred to the General Court at Hartford by the East Hampton Magistrates & both parties were bound to appear there.

should be dropped.

Lee obliged himself, if he did not prosecute the case there, it

This was likely the result.

property was concerned. " The three men were to meet the

first

This is the most important case on record where

second day of every month for the tryall of any cause

according to an Order and to consider of those things that may concern the publick good of the place