ment had recourse to an expedient which proved fruitful of mischief to the colony through two generations. They issued a paper currency, called bills of credit, in denominations from two shillings to ten pounds. These bills were receivable in payment of all sums due to the treasury. They fell at once, so that the soldier who received them for their nominal value had to part with them at a discount of one third. At the time when the outcry was loudest, Phipps showed his generosity, and at the same time did something to avert the odium which naturally fell upon him, by exchanging a considerable amount of hard money for those securities. It may be guessed that he was not a little relieved when it was presently decided that he should go to England on business for the colony. The ostensible object was to obtain aid towards the renewal of the enterprise against Quebec. But it was also believed that he might be useful at court in soliciting the restoration of the ancient charter.

It was fully time that something was done towards restoring a legitimate and acknowledged government. The people were in that state of distress and alarm in which a questionable authority does not suffice. An exulting and ferocious enemy was mustered all along their border. Mourning was already in many of their houses. They had spent more than all their money, and they had paid it for a miserable defeat. The war between France and England

interfered with their supplies from the latter country, and the Navigation Laws forbade them to seek supplies elsewhere. While the vessels which they had been at so much cost to arm for the disastrous foreign expedition were prevented by the winter weather from returning for their protection, their property, afloat along all the coast, was the prey of a swarm of French privateers, which had been so bold as even to land marauders on the northern shore of Long Island Sound. Heavy taxes were to be paid, and the paper substitute for money which was to pay them was driving out of the country what little remained of the coin which intelligibly expressed the worth of property and furnished a safe basis for the transactions of business between man and man. The only agreeable circumstance of the time was the reception by the governor of express authority from England to carry on the government. By the same conveyance came an order to him to send Andros and his fellow-prisoners to England. Danforth and four others were appointed to draw up complaints against him in order to an arraignment before the Privy Council. Elisha Cooke and Thomas Oakes were appointed to proceed to England, to be associated with Mather in his agency.

Nov. 24.

Dec. 7.

CHAPTER III.

PROVINCIAL CHARTER OF MASSACHUSETTS.

On his return to England, where, almost two years before, he had left Increase Mather making interest at court for the renewal of the old charter, 1691. Phipps found small encouragement to hope February. that that object would prove attainable.

This was not the fault of Mather, who had been unwearied in his exertions. At first the new King seemed to make fair professions; but they were in general terms; and the ministers, in their hurry of business, had little thought to spare 1689. for New England. The convention, which Feb. 2. presently declared itself a parliament, was advised by Sir Robert Sawyer, the AttorneyGeneral, that "cities, universities, and the plantations" ought to "be secured against quo warrantos and surrenders, and their ancient rights restored." But the principle did not obtain a place in the Claim of Right, presented to the candidate for the throne. In an order issued by the new Privy Council for proclaiming Feb. 19. the King and Queen in the plantations, "New England was passed over, the further consideration thereof being respited until the busi

Feb. 14.

ness of taking away the charter there shall be heard by the committee, and the true state thereof reported to his Majesty." The Committee (for Trade and Plantations), then just appointed from the Privy Council, consulted the Attorney-General, who reported to them that there was no law to prevent the placing of a governor over Massachusetts forthwith; and they matured a measure to that effect. This, however, as well as the earlier scheme for reinstating Andros, Mather succeeded by the royal favor in defeating. The King in Feb. 26. Council, having considered a petition pre

Feb. 22.

sented by him and Phipps, ordered that the committee should prepare a new charter, and that, instead of a successor to Andros as governor, two commissioners should be empowered "to take upon them the administration of the government there, with directions immediately to proclaim the King and Queen."

The directions were sent, but not the commissioners. The scheme of a general governor, with the extensive jurisdiction which had been given to Andros, was still entertained. Lord Shrewsbury, Secretary of State, was instructed by the Council, "upon inquiry from those who have the most considerable interest in New England, New York, and the Jerseys, to present to the King the names of such as may be thought fit at this time to be governor and lieutenant-governor of those parts,"—an arrangement

April 18.