28 The Natural Historg 



they had a Governor who acted for them until the Year 

 1731, at which Time his Majesty sent over Governor Bur- 

 rington, who was the first Governor after the King had made 

 the Purchase, and with him came most of the Superior 

 Officers; such as Secretary of the Province, Chief Justice, 

 Attorney General, Provost-Marshal, and Xaval Officers, the 

 rest were at his arrival in the Country, but Xominated by 

 the King, such as Surveyor General, Judge of the Admiralty, 

 Comptrollers and Collectors. 



They have two Houses, which resemble the two Houses 

 of Parliament with us. The first or Upper-House consists 

 of twelve Members and the Governor; in this House are 

 heard all Chancery Suits, and other Causes that cannot be 

 decided in the Inferior Courts ; from whence there can be no 

 Appeal, except to England. 



The Lower-House consists of thirty five Members, being 

 the most knowing, discreet and substantial Planters, chose 

 out of each Precinct and Borough. In this and the Upper- 

 House, are made all manner of Laws for the Safety and 

 better Government of this Province. But whatever Laws 

 are here made must be conformable to the Laws of England, 

 and in no wise repugnant thereto. And such Laws as are 

 made in these two Houses by the Governor, Coimcil and 

 Burgesses, are all recorded, and are as authentick and bind- 

 ing there, as our Acts of Parliament are with us. 



There are likewise two other Courts in this Province, viz. 

 the Precinct-Court, which is held in every Precinct of this 

 Province, being much of the same Nature of our Court- 

 Leets, or Court-Barons. The other is called the Gensral- 

 Court, which is held twice every Year, as the former is four 

 times. This is much the same as our Assizes, where all 



Causes 



