I., p.

26.] [Footnote 61: Examples of such pretensions and imputations will be given in future pages.] [Footnote 62: The malcontents had actually prevailed to have their complaints entertained by the Privy Council.

"Among many truths misrepeated," writes Winthrop, "accusing us to intend rebellion, to have cast off our allegiance, and to be wholly separate from the Church and laws of England, that our ministers and people did continually rail against the State, Church, and Bishops there, etc." Saltonstall, Humphrey, Cradock (Ratcliff's master) appeared before the Committee of the Council in the Company's behalf, and _had the address or good fortune to vindicate their clients_, so that on the termination of the affair, the King said "_he would have them severely punished who did abuse his Governor and Plantation_;" and from members of the Council it was learned, says Winthrop, "_that his Majesty did not intend to impose the ceremonies of the Church of England upon us, for that it was considered that it was freedom from such things that made the people come over to us; and it was credibly informed to the Council that this country would be beneficial to England for masts, cordage, etc., if the Sound_ [the passage to the Baltic] _should be debarred_." "The reason for dismissing the complaint was alleged in the Order adopted by Council to that effect: '_Most of the things informed being denied, and resting to be proved by parties that must be called from that place, which required a long expense of time_, and at the present their Lordships finding that the adventurers were upon the despatch of men, victuals, and merchandise for that place, all which would be at a stand if the adventurers should have discouragement, or take suspicion that the State there had no good opinion of that Plantation,--their Lordships not laying the fault, or fancies (if any _be_,) _of some particular men upon the general government, or principal adventurers_, which in _due time is_ further to be inquired into, have thought fit in the meantime to declare that _the appearances were so fair, and the hopes so great, that the country would prove both beneficial to this country and to the particular adventurers, as that the adventurers had cause to go on cheerfully with their undertakings, and rest assured, if things were carried as was pretended_ when the patents were granted, and accordingly as by the patents is appointed, his Majesty would not only maintain the liberties and privileges heretofore granted, but supply anything further that might tend to the good government of the place, and prosperity and comfort of his people there."-- Palfrey's History of New England, Vol.
I., Chap, ix., pp.

364, 365.] [Footnote 63: The Congregational Society of Boston has published, in 1876, a new book in justification of the "Banishment of Roger Williams from the Massachusetts Plantation," by the Rev.Dr.Henry M.Dexter, of Boston.

It is a book of intense bitterness against Roger Williams, and indeed everything English; but his account of the origin and objects of the Massachusetts Charter suggests, stronger than language can express, the presumption and lawlessness of Endicot's proceedings in establishing a new Church and abolishing an old one; and Dr.Dexter's account of the removal of the Charter, and its secrecy, is equally suggestive.