Kirk's appointment of the "newly-acquired Province." The office extended over New Hampshire, Maine, and Plymouth as well as Massachusetts; but Kirk never was Governor of Massachusetts, for before his commission and instructions were completed, all was annulled by the demise of King Charles, which took place the 6th of February, 1685.

Mr.Hutchinson says: "Before any new Government was settled, King Charles died.

Mr.
Blaithwait wrote to the Governor and recommended the proclaiming of King James without delay.

This was done with great ceremony in the high street of Boston (April 20th)."[194] Mr.Joseph Dudley, a native of the colony, and one of the two last agents sent to England, was appointed the first Governor after the annulling of the Charter.

Mr.Hutchinson says: "The 15th of May (1686), the _Rose_ frigate arrived from England, with a commission to Mr.Dudley as President, and divers others, gentlemen of the Council, to take upon them the administration of government." Mr.Dudley's short administration was not very grievous.