34 ST. HELENA 



was doubtful whether the orders or regulations were in force 

 or obsolete. 



Land owners were also many of them ignorant of even 

 the terms on which they retained possession of their proper- 

 ties. Two members of Council were therefore entrusted 

 with the work of arranging all the orders which had been 

 issued from time to time ; and were instructed to engross 

 them in a book, to be entitled Laws and Ordinances. 



When they reported their work finished, a meeting 

 was convened of thirty-six of the principal inhabitants at 

 the country church, and there the code of laws was read to 

 them, and copies of the same distributed by the church- 

 wardens. They were then notified that propositions for the 

 amendment of these laws should be delivered in writing to 

 the Government for consideration. Out of the thirty-six 

 inhabitants twelve were chosen as a committee to examine 

 the laws and to comment thereon, and on June 14, 1709, 

 they presented their report and desires as under : 



PROPOSITIONS AND ADDRESS TO THE GOVERNOR AND 

 COUNCIL. 



ARMS, 

 istly. 



They desire the chief families may have armes in their 

 houses. 



ASSEMBLIES. 

 2ndly. 



In their friendly meetings and merry makings, it may not be 

 deemed as riots ; and that upon any time, by order of the 

 Governor they will separate if ever it should enter into his 

 thoughts such meeting is for any evil intention ; which they 

 say God forbid it should. 



ALARMS. 

 3rdly. 



They desire they may not be corporally punished in case any 

 neglect their duty ; but to be punished in their purses. 



BLACKS. 



4thly. 



They humbly desire that when their Blacks are run away 

 from them, they may not be obliged to pay fourfold for what 

 they steale, but only to make satisfaction for the thing stole 

 to the person injured. 



