"You may do your worst," was his last address to his unfeeling executioner; and with these words, " the first freeman of Massachusetts who lost his life for opposition to monarchy," was launched into eternity. His course and his character have been differently appreciated by friends and enemies. Those praise and these asperse, according as bias has swayed their judgment. Whoever wishes to arrive at a just conclusion, may consult Bancroft's United Stales, L, ;i83 II., 32; Aitsema, II., 936; Von Reauyner's PoKlkal History of England, II., 399; and Lingard's History ;

of England, X., 257. --Ed. ' The population of the English Oolonieb, iu 1660, was estimated to be eighty thoUoaud. Holmes' Anniils.

568 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. and furnish us with an excerpt of such government as they, on our uniting with them there would desire. 6° That the Company may be pleased in all things to consider the inhabitants of New

England, who number about 40,000, as a people covetous on their side of peace and of the propagation of the Gospel above all worldly things, and no ways desirous of causing the Company either trouble or loss.

Authority to the Reverend Mr. Peters to treat with the West India Company.

Whereas Mr. Hugh Peters, Minister of Salem, the bearer hereof, is sent at the public request to England, to negotiate with the present Parliament respecting such matters as concern us which we confide to his care and fidelity, This is to authorize him, if occasion permit him to go to the Netherlands, to treat with the West India Company there, concerning a peaceable neighborhood between us and those of New Netherland, and whatever he shall further think proper touching the West Indies, to the end that we may have union and intercourse with one another, God willing, in a matter of such great importance the details to be negotiated are referred to such propositions as shall be presented on meeting together. (Signed) John Winthrop,' The lO'*" October, 1641 Governor of Massachusett.