BEITISH WEST INDIES. 55 



whom they stand in the same relation as the Privy- 

 Council in Great Britain does to the Sovereign. But 

 although every Governor is directed by his instruc- 

 tions to advise with his Council on most occasions, 

 I do not know that in his executive capacity he 

 is absolutely bound to abide by their advice. Doubt- 

 less he is at liberty to act in most cases not only 

 without, but even against, their concurrence ; he may, 

 it is true, by so doing, incur the Sovereign's dis- 

 pleasure, but his proceedings are nevertheless efficient 

 and legal within the colony. 



Thirdly. They are named, in every commission of 

 the peace, as justices throughout the colony to which 

 they belong. 



Fourthly. The Council, together with the Gover- 

 nor, sit as judges in the Court of Error or Court of 

 Appeal in civil causes from the Courts of Record ; 

 and in some of the islands two or more of the 

 members sit with the Governor in the Court of 

 Chancery as Assistant-Commissioners of the Great 

 Seal, as I have before stated. Appeals from Chan- 

 cery, therefore, lie not before them, but are, by the 

 Sovereign's order, transmitted before her Majesty in 

 Council. 



Fifthly. The Council is a constituent part of the 

 legislature, their consent being necessary in the enact- 



