When the gifted sons and daughters of America begin to express their patriotism and national pride by means of the fine arts, this noble incident will inspire a patriot artist. The scene itself, on the shores of a beautiful island; the great sea beyond; and the congregated people, “a very great meeting and assembly,” men, women, and children beholding, with deep emotion, the upheld charter, with the broad seals, that insured to them those sacred liberties which were dear to them as life. A more beautiful subject could scarcely be found; and yet American history abounds with many such. One day they must of necessity become eloquent through the arts.
As regards the other states, the effect of the Restoration was not so favourable. In Maryland, as we already know, the claim of Lord Baltimore being confirmed, a temporary tranquillity was established throughout the state. Virginia was less fortunate, though she had been the most loyal of all the states; and though her homes had opened themselves to the exiled royalists, many of whom were now established on her soil. In April, 1661, Sir William Berkeley, the governor, embarked for England as agent for Virginia to obtain relief from the Navigation Act, which office he very unworthily performed. Instead of favour, instead of the repeal of onerous laws imposed by the Commonwealth, commercial restrictions were multiplied, and the reward of loyalty was dismemberment among greedy courtiers. But to this we shall return in the order of date.
As regards New Hampshire and Maine, we have already stated that Charles conferred upon his brother, the Duke of York, the country between the Pemaquid and the St. Croix; yet the proprietary claims of these provinces were revived with the intention of obtaining them for the Duke of Monmouth, and the fine extent of country from Connecticut River to Delaware Bay, then partly in possession of the Dutch, and partly included in Winthrop’s patent, was also given to the Duke of York. We now return to Massachusetts.
CHAPTER XV.
MASSACHUSETTS UNDER CHARLES II.
Having drawn up what the people of Massachusetts considered a declaration of their chartered liberties, and thus indemnified themselves, as it were, by the assertion of democratic principles, John Norton, “a fine scholar and rigid Puritan,” and the excellent Simon Bradstreet, were sent over to convince the king of the loyalty of Massachusetts, and to obtain from him a confirmation of her charter; letters being at the same time sent to such English statesmen as might be supposed to be favourable, bespeaking their co-operation.
Charles, though fully aware of the contumacious spirit of Massachusetts, received, her envoys courteously, and confirmed the charter, burdening it, however, with restrictions which had no place in those granted to Connecticut and Rhode Island. He retained for himself “a right to interfere in the domestic policy of the colony; he demanded a repeal of all laws derogatory to his authority; the administration of the oath of allegiance was required; justice was to be administered in his name; complete toleration given to the Church of England; and the elective franchise conceded to every inhabitant possessing a competent estate.”
A struggle now commenced between Massachusetts and the government at home. Instead of obeying the royal requisitions, they resolved only to adopt measures “conducive to the glory of God and the felicity of his people,” and these of course were the maintenance of their religious and democratic independence. The news of this opposition to authority did not tend to promote a better feeling towards them. It was even reported that Whalley and Goffe were at the head of an army of the four united provinces of New England, which were about to throw off their allegiance to the mother-country. Clarendon wrote, assuring them of “his true love and friendship, and that they should receive no prejudice in privileges, charter, government or church discipline;” and yet, before long, ships of war anchored in Boston harbour, bringing commissioners appointed “to regulate the affairs of the country according to royal authority and their own discretion.”
Massachusetts had prepared for their coming. Her charter was entrusted to the safe keeping of four of her citizens; and a day of solemn fasting and prayer was appointed, as a means of propitiating Heaven in this fearful emergency.
The commissioners were Nichols, Carr and Cartwright, together with Samuel Maverick, a Massachusetts man, son of the first minister of Dorchester, and who appearing now in this character, was regarded as a traitor. They came out in the small fleet which we have already mentioned as destined to the attack of the Dutch possessions in New Netherlands. At first, Massachusetts objected to take part in this aggression on the Dutch, but on second thoughts, considering the position in which they stood with regard to the king, a levy of 200 men was raised, which, as it happened, was not wanted, New Netherlands yielding without force of arms.
Taking but little notice of their cold reception at Boston, the commissioners proceeded with the fleet, touching at Connecticut, where, the province having obtained in its charter all it desired, they were well received; and Winthrop, the governor, proceeded with them to New Amsterdam. New Netherlands having submitted, and Nichols being left there as governor, the remaining commissioners returned to Boston, after settling the boundaries of Connecticut and New York.