Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III
1st The King's Grant shall not enure to any other intent, than is expressed in the Grant ^ tliat is, it shall not enure to any Implied Intent^ tho' it may to Several Intents, if they be all expressed.
2diy The words of a Grant (even in the Case of a Subject, and the rather in that of the Crown) shall be Construed according to a reasonable and easy Sense ; and not Strained to things unlikely and unusual.
3diy Where the Words are so Doubtfull,as to admit of Several Intents, that Intent shall govern which is most in favour of the Crown.
In the last place it must appear veryextraordinary thatan Act of the Gov' Council & Assembly the Intention of which is declared to be, to facilitate the Collection of his Majesties Quitrents, should be made use of to deprive the King of so large a share of his Quitrent s.
I have thought it Incumbent on me to represent these unwarrantable and illegal Proceedings of the Commissioners ; and the Extravagant Claim of the Proprietors of the Tract called Minissink Patent to your Honour, That you and the Gentlemen of his Majestys Council, and other OiRcers of the Crown, with whom the King has more immediately entrusted the Care of Preserving his Rights and Revenues, may be informed thereof. All which are Nevertheless humbly Submitted by.
Y^ Honours Most Obed* humble Ser*
New York 20*^ March 1765. Alexr Golden.
ULSTER AND DUTCHESS COUNTIES. 991
PETITION OF THE EEV^ G. D. COCK.