GOV. PHIPS’S PROCLAMATIONS.
In September, 1745, while Gov. Shirley and his lady were absent on a visit to Louisbourg, the scene of the late success of his expedition, Spencer Phips, acting governor, issued three proclamations in the following three months: on the 6th of September, for a public fast, partly on account of the war with the Indians, and among other things “that His Excellency the Governor may be directed and succeeded in the important affairs he is transacting at Louisbourg and returned in safety.” Signed S. Phips. By order of the honorable the Lieut.-Governor, with the advice of the Council. J. Willard, Secretary.
The second was issued on the twenty-second day of November, 1745, on account of some disorders in Boston, committed by divers officers and seamen, belonging to His Majesty’s ship “Wager,” and other seamen belonging to the sloop “Resolution,” late in His Majesty’s service, by which two persons lost their lives. The constables and authorities of Boston and Charlestown are called upon to search for them in any justly suspected houses, &c. By order of the Honorable the Lieut.-Governor, with the advice of the Council.
The third proclamation of acting Governor Phips was issued on the 25th of November, 1745, for a general thanksgiving, in “consideration of the manifold and remarkable instances of the Divine favor towards our nation and land in the course of the past year, which (though mixed with various rebukes of Providence manifesting the righteous discipline of God toward us for our sins) demand our publick and thankful acknowledgments.” Signed, S. Phips. By His Honor’s command, with the advice of the Council.
Besides the above there were two or three other proclamations, calling for troops and other objects. The first Fast Day held in the Plymouth Colony, so far as we know, was in the month of July, 1623, and the first in the Massachusetts Colony, July 30, 1630, soon after Winthrop’s arrival.
XI.
POPULAR PURITAN LITERATURE.
AN EARTHQUAKE IN BOSTON.