He continued in the Magistracy until 1637, and in the following year relinquished his advantageous position as Merchant, at Boston, and removed to Rhode Island, of the settlement of which place he was the principal instrument. He was chosen Governor of that Colony in 1640, and for the seven succeeding years. He went to England in 1651, and was commissioned Governor of Aquetneck Island, separate from the other part of the Colony, about the period referred to in the text. As the people were opposed to such an office. Governor Coddington resigned and retired to private life, where he continued until 1674, when he was again elevated to the Chit-f Magistracy. He was ro elected in 1675, and died November 1, 1678, aged 77 years. AHou -- Ed. Vol. L b3
498 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
in said letter oflered Governor Coddington some soldiers to be employed against the Inhabitants of Rhode Island. Wherefore the bearers of the letter were obliged to give hail in the sum of lOOlb. sterling until their innocence should be proved. Whereupon the aforesaid persons returning hither with copy of the letter, complained to the Director and Council of the aforesaid Baxter's writing. They were illy received, finally obtaining, after great trouble, a certificate of their ignorance from the abovenamed Council and Select men. And instead of the Director, Tienhoven and Baxter purging themselves as being innocent of disturbing the peace between our neighbors, or at least punishing the writer of the letter, the matter was disregarded and