256, 257.)] [Footnote 160: _Note_ by Mr.Hutchinson.--"This was so well received that a letter was sent to the General Court, under the King's sign warrant, dated 21st April, 1669, signifying how well it was taken by his Majesty.

So the letter expresses it."] [Footnote 161: The following is a copy of the King's very courteous and reasonable letter: "Copy of a letter from King Charles II.

to the Governor, etc., of the Massachusetts, dated July 24th, 1679.
"CHARLES R.
"Trusty and well beloved--We greet you well.

These our letters are to accompany our trusty and well beloved William Stoughton and Peter Bulkly, Esqres., your agents, who having manifested to us great necessity in their domestic concerns to return back into New England, we have graciously consented thereunto, and the rather because for many months past our Council hath been taken up in the discovery and prosecution of a popish plot, and yet there appears little prospect of any speedy leisure for entering upon such regulation in your affairs as is certainly necessary, not only in respect of our dignity, but of your own perfect settlement.

In the meantime, we doubt not but the bearers thereof, who have demeaned themselves, during their attendance, with good care and discretion, will, from their _own observations_, acquaint you with many important things which may be of such use and advertisement to you, that we might well hope to be prevented, by your applications, in what is expected or desired by us.