Several earnest for sending, and some against sending.

Those for sending none spake out fully that they would have the Governor (Mr.Bellingham) and Major Hawthorne go; but some will have men go to plead our cause with his Majesty; to answer what may be alleged against us, alleging reason, religion and our own necessity as forcing us thereto.

Others are against it, as being the loss of all, by endangering a _quo warranto_ to be brought against our patent, and so to be condemned; a middle sort would have some go to present the Court's present to his Majesty, of two large masts and a ship's load of masts: and in case any demand were made why the Governor, Major Hawthorne, and others did not appear, to crave his Majesty's favour therein, and to plead with his Majesty, showing how inconsistent it is with our being, for any to be forced to appear to answer in a judicial way in England--to answer either appeals or complaints against the country.
"The last proposal is obstructed by sundry, as being ruinous to the whole; and so nothing can be done, the Governor and some others chiefly opposing it, so as that no orderly debate can be had to know the mind of the Court.
"The Court agreed to send two large masts aboard Capt.

Pierce, 34 yards long, and the one 36 and the other 37 inches in diameter, and agreed to levy L1,000 for the payment of what is needful at present; but is obstructed--none will lend money unless men be sent, others because anything is to be sent; a return whereof made to the Court, they say they know not what to do more--in case they that have money will not part with it, they are at a stand.

Some speak of raising by rate immediately.