This trade was formerly prosecuted by all nations freely and unincumbered, and notwithstanding the inhabitants of the aforesaid places and islands, have, by means of our supplies and liberal credits, had the opportunity to improve and advance their Colonies to their incalculable advantage, and to such a flourishing state, yet an attempt is now being made, regardless of what we have contributed to their prosperity, to exclude us from the trade to said places, and those of the Parliament of England have issued a certain notice to that effect, prohibiting the trade to Islands where they or their nation have any Colonies, and particularly to the Virginias, on pain of the forfeiture of ship and goods, and of being treated as enemies. 'Tis indeed true that they have fixed some time in their proclamation, but it is so short that 'tis impossible to obey it, and utterly impracticable to get in from thence our ships, unsold goods and outstanding debts within the said time, we being allowed for that purpose, only from the S"" October,

1650, the day of publication, until the 20"" March, 1651; after which day, our ships found returning thence, or trading anywhere else, on or near those places, are declared good prizes. All the merchants interested in said trade, are, therefore, obliged to address themselves respectfully to you. High and Mighty, with due reverence, humbly praying your High Mightinesses to be pleased to take into serious consideration, this matter, which is of such importance and advantage to this state, so that they may not only be freed from the rigor of the aforesaid proclamation, but be also maintained and continued in the privilege of trading to the abovementioned islands and places; and to be pleased to give extraordinary instructions for that purpose, and, if possible, at the earliest moment, to the Noble, High and Mighty Lords Commissioners, whom your High Mightinesses have appointed to treat with the Ambassadors from England, as we have been informed, for a certainty, that a considerable number of men of war lie in the harbor of Falmouth, prepared to enforce that proclamation, and 'tis reported that they have already sailed thither; so that your petitioners may be saved from loss, and not deprived of a trade so advantageous to all the inhabitants of this Province.