HISTORY OF NORTON. 2 1 



been received, with many complaints of the west country owners 

 and fishermen against him. He protests that all the allegations 

 are false. The stages and cook-rooms were pulled down by the 

 fishermen themselves, insomuch that the masters complained to 

 him of these outrages. He hopes by good proofs to clear him- 

 self of this causeless clamour against him, and declares that, who- 

 ever would interrupt the fishing of Newfoundland is worthy the 

 name of a traitor. 



It appears that John Kirke managed the business of the New- 

 foundland adventurers, amongst whom were James, Marquis of 

 Hamilton, Philip, Earl of Pembroke, and Henry, Earl of Holland. 



On the Sth of Ap., 1651, the Council of State order Sir David 

 to be brought to England, and a commission is appointed to 

 enquire into certain alleged miscarriages of his. The commission 

 was to enquire touching benefits made from adventurers' goods 

 carried over by him, money received of planters for fishing boats, 

 licensing taverns, granting leases of land, selling wines, beaver 

 and other skins, profits by fishing and buying or selling. The 

 Council appointed the 8th of Nov., 1651, for receiving the 

 relation of Sir David in writing, concerning the present state of 

 Newfoundland. On the 8th of Jan., 1652, he was to be 

 summoned forthwith to attend the Council, and the papers of 

 complaint against him produced. On the 12th an order of the 

 Council was made, appointing Mr. Neville, the Earl of Pembroke, 

 Col. Morley, Mr. Love, Col. Purefoy, Mr. Hay, Mr. Holland. 

 Mr. Scott, Mr. Bond, and Sir Arthur Hesilrig, or any three of 

 them, a committee to examine the matter, to peruse papers 

 relative to his actings at Newfoundland, and to require an account 

 of what was due to the commonwealth of the profits of shares 

 forfeited to the State ; and to report upon the whole matter. 

 Mr. Neville to take care of the business. On Jan. 29, Sir David 

 entered into a bond not to depart out of the commonwealth. 

 On Ap. 2nd, Sir Henry Vane, Mr. Masham, Mr. Challoner, Col. 

 Dixwell, Mr. Corbett, Lord Bradshaw, and Mr. Morley were 

 added to the Committee, who were to consider how the fishing of 

 Newfoundland might be improved to the best advantage. The 



