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Appendix 1: Plymouth Colony LawsThe following references to "PCR" are to the Records of the Colony of New Plymouth in New England, edited by Nathaniel Shurtleff and David Pulsifer (New York: AMS Press; 12 volumes in 6 volumes). PCR 11: 17: That no servant coming out of his time or other single person by suffered to keepe howse or be for him or themselues till such time as hee or they be competently provided od Armes municon according to the order of thee Colonyes. And that if any such be yet wanted they be provided as aforesaid or else provide themselyes such masters as may provide for them. And that to be done forthwth upon due warning. PCR 11: 17: That the childrens servants of such as dwell neer any victualling howse by not entertayned or suffered by the m[aster] of the s[aid] howse there to drinkes spend their time but if any such thing can be proved it be esteemed a misdemeanor punishable in the said Victualler to be enquired into. Also PCR 11: 113: It is enacted by the Court that the Children and servants of such as dwell neare any Victulling house bee not entertained or suffered by the master of the said house there to drinke and spend theire time but if any such can be proued it bee esteemed a misdemenor punisable in the said Victualler and to bee Inquired into. PCR 11: 17: That such servants as come out of their times and are by their Covenants to haue land hauee onely fiue acres apeece at print And that, if they be fownd fit to occupie it for themselues in some convenient place. PCR 11:18: That from this time forward whoever shall covenant to giue lands by Indenture to their servants at the exspiracon of their service shall make good the same out of their pp (proportion) lands, the Goverment being free from any such Covenants therefore not to be exspected. PCR 11: 27 (a law which was struck from the record): It is enacted by the Court That no householder within this Couerment shall take any servant comeing out of his tyme or other servant (that is not of manuell trade) into partnership with him vpon penallty to forfaite fiue pounds sterling for euery such default, except he shalbe allowed by the Gouernors Assistants so to doe, And that all contracts for srvants for any tyme shalbe recorded before the Gouernor or some one of the Assistants. . . . And that none shall hire a servant under half a yeare. PCR 11: 29: Whereas diuers persons vnfitt for marriage both in regard of their yeong yeares as also in regard of their weake estate, some practiseing the enveagleing of meens daughters maids vnder gardians (contrary to theire parents gardians likeing) and of mayde srvants without leaue and likeing of their masters It is therefore enacted by the Court That is any shall make any motion of marriage to any amns daughter or mayde servant not haueing first obtayned leaue and consent of the parents or master so to doe shalbe punished either by fine or corporall punishment or both, at the discretion of the bench according to the nature of the offence. PCR 11: 29: It is also enacted that if a motion of marriage be duly made to the master and through any sinister end or couetous desire hee will not consent therevnto Then the cause to be made knowne vnto the Majistrates and they to set downe such order therein as vpon examinacon of the case shall appeare to be most equell on both parts. PCR 11: 33: Acts made and confirmed at the General Court the 3d of March 1639. That no servant comeing out of England or elswhere and is to serue a master for some tyme be admitted his freedome or to be for himselfe vntill he haue served his tyme either with his master or some other althoug hee shall buy out his tyme, exceot he haue beene a house keeper or mastre of a famyly or meetes fitt to bee so. PCR 11: 3: That no man shall giue, trade, truck, or exchange directly or indicrectly with the Natiues or Indians (other then English mens servants) to giue or pay him any money gould or siluere for the same vpon the penalty to forfaite twenty for one by him or her that shall do doe. PCR 11: 38 (at the General Court held September 7, 1641): It is enacted That those that haue releefe from the Townes haue children and doe not ymploy them That then it shallbe lawfull for the Towneship to take order that those children shalbe put to worke in fitting ymployment acording to their strengh and abilites. or placed out by the Townes. At General Court September xxvijth 1642: That euery Towneship shall make competent provision for the maytenance of their poore according as they shall fynd most convenyente et sutable for themseules by an order et generall agreement in a publike Towne meeting. And notwithstanding the [provision] That all such person et persons as are now resident et Inhabitants within the said Townes shalbe mayntaned et prouided for by them. PCR 11:40: But in case any Inhite within this Colony shall bring over from England or elsewhere or procure to be sent vnto them any servant or servants which by Gods providence shall fall diseased, lame, or impotent by the way or after they come here, they shalbe mayntayned and provided for by their said masters during the terme of their service and covenants, although their said masters release them out of their service afterwards to be releeued by the Towneship where he is. June 4, 1645, PCR 11: 47-48: That whatsoeuer servant or apprentice or labourer that shall purloyne or steale or ymbessell his Masters goods shall make double restitucon either by payment or servitude as the Court shall judg meetee for the first default, and for the second default of the labourer to make double restitucon, and either fynd sureties for his good behauior or be whipt. June 7, 1651, PCR 11: 58: Wheras complaint is made that many vndre pretence of hiering Indians for to beee theire servants for a month or longer time, doe furnish them with guns poulder and shott to kill fowle et dear etc. It is ordered That whosoeuer henceforth shall hier or imploy any Indian or Indians and furnish them with guns powlder and shott or any one of them shall forfeit for euery such default 40 shillings exeept they bee Indians that ahue been servants for diuers yearees and are in a good measure ciuilised and approued of by the Gouernor and asistants. July 4, 1656, PCR 11: 66: Wheras complaint is made that some haue brought Cards into some of the townes of this Jurisdiction wherby sundry young persons mens both children and servants haue ben drawne together to spend theire time in playing at such vnlawfull games to the corrupting of youth with sundry other sadd consequences . . . and for such as are srevants or Children that shall play att Cards or dice for the first offence to bee corrected att eh descretion of theire parents or masters and for the second offence to bee publickly whipt. 1636, PCR 11: 105: It is enacted by the Court that euery person both for himselfe and euery man servant that hee keepth able to bear armes haue a peece powdere and shott viz: a sufficient muskett or other servicable peece for warr with bandaleers sword and other appurtenances and that for himselfe and euery such person vnder him hee bee att all times furnished with one pound of powder and four pound of bulletts with four fathom of match for euery match cocke muskett. 1655, PCR 11: 106: It is enacted by the Court that all such Scotes and Irishmen as are in any Township of this Gouerment shall bear Armes and traine as other except such as are seruants form month to month. Nov 4 1676, PCR 11: 242: Wheras there is an acte or order made by the Councell of warr bearing date July 1676 prohibiting any male Indian captiue to abide in this Jurisdiction that is aboue fourteen yeers of age att the begining of his or theire capitiuity and incase any such should continew in the Collonie adter the time then prefixed they should be forfeit to the Vse of the Gouerment this Court sees cause to ratify and confeirme that order; and acte and doe therfore order; that all ssuch as haue any such Indian Male captiue that they shall dispose of them out of the Collonie by the first of December nxt on paine of forfeiting euery such Indian or Indians to the vse of the Collonie . . . It is enacted by the Court That noe Indians that are servants to the English shall be permitted to vse guns for fowling or other exercyse; as being Judged that it may proue prejudiciall in time to te English; and therfore that noneshalbe permitted soe to doe on paine of forfeiting euery such gun soe vsed to the vse of the Collonie. July 7, 1682, PCR 11: 255: It is enacted by the Court and the Authorities therof; that if an Indian whoe is a servant to the English shall run away amongst any Indians such Indians whither such a runaway Indian is come shall forthwith giue notice of the said Runaway to the Indian Constable whoe shall imediatley apprehend such Indian servant; and carry him or her before the Ouerseer or Next Magistrate whoe shall cause such servants to be whipt; and sent home by the Constable to his or her master whoe shall pay said Constable for his service therin according as the Majestrate or ouersser whoe sent such servant home shall Judge meet . . . .
Possible explanation of what "freedome" means: PCR 11: 101: It is enacted by the Court and the Authoritie therof that if nay person or persons that are or shalbee freemen of this Corporation that are Quakeres or such as are manifest Incurragers of them and soe Judged by the Court or such as shall contemptously speake of the Court or of the lawes therof and such as are Judged by the Court grosly scandalouse as lyers drunkards Swearers etc shall lose theire freedome of this Corporation. PCR 11: 236: that noe mans Name shalbe brought into the CCourt to be propoundeed to take vp his freedome vnlesse hee haue had the approbation of he Major parte of ye freemen att home, and the same to be signifyed to the Court vnder the Towne Clarkes hand by the deputies . . . .
Appendix 2: Plymouth Colony Records and Court Orders
PCR Volume 1, 1633-1640 January 3, 1632; PCR 1: 7: Whereas the said Will had employed the serv[ant] of the said Edward one moneth in sawing of board w[ith] Edward Shaw, it was ordered he should allow him so much for his serv[ice] as the said Edw[ard] had w[hich] wrought w[ith] him, and not be p[aid] for a moneth of daies, being the weather was very unseasonable by reason of raine, etc. January 10, 1632; PCR 1: 7: Thomas Brian, the serv[ant] of Samuell Eedy, was brought before the Gov[ernor], [and] Mr Will Bradford, Mr.John Done, Steph Hopkins, [and] Will Gilson, assistant, because the said Thomas had runne away [and] absented himselfe fiue daies from his masters service, and being lost in the wood, [and] fownd by an indian.Was forced to returne; and for this his offence was privately whipped before the Govr [and] Cowneell [Counsell] aforemenconed. January 20, 1632; PCR 1: 7: Robt Barker, serv[ant] of John Thorp, complayned of his m[aster] for want of clothes.The complaint being found to be just, it was ordered that Thorp should either forthw[ith] doth apparrell him, or else make over his time to some other that was able to provide for him. April 1, 1633; PCR 1: 12: [John Thorp and wife Alice are in such poverty that when they are fined 40 shillings for concieving a childe before marraige, they are given 12 months to pay the fine due to their "present poverty."] April 8, 1633; PCR 1: 12: Wheras Walter Harris had bound himselfe by indenture to serue Mr John Atwood, of Lond, under the comand of Mr John Done, of New Plymouth, for the space of fiue yeare, the said John Done hath sold all right, title, [and] claime to the said service unto Henry Howland, by consent of the said Walter.for [and] in consideracon of fourteen pownd starling. to be paid severall paymts vizt: the first in hand, the second in November next ensuing, [and] the third in November, anno 1634, in merchantable comodities, as corne or swine, as they shall be worth at the severall times of pay[ment]. July 23, 1633; PCR 1: 15: Will. Mendloue, the serv[ant] of Will Palmer, whipped for attempting uncleanes w[ith] the maid serv[ant] of the said Palmer, [and] for running away from his master, being forcibly brought againe by Penwatechet, a Manomet Indian. Divers Covenants [and] Contracts acknowledged before the Gov[ernor]. Will.Mendloue bound to serue Richard Church the full terme of seaven yeares in the trade of carpentry, wherein the said Richard sufficiently to instruct [and] teach him, at the exsiracon [expiration] of his terme to giue him two sutes of appell. July 23, 1633; PCR 1: 15: Will Palmer sold the time of service he had in Will Mendloue to Richard Church, for [and] in consideracon of three pound starling, to be p[aid] in money or corne, in November next ensuing. July 25, 1633; PCR 1: 15-16: John Beaven hath covenanted to serve Joh.Wynslow or his assignes the full terme of six yeares, according to the nature of an apprentise, beginning June 24, 1633.And at thend of his said terme, the s[aid] John Wynslow, his master, to giue him twelue bushells of Indian corne, [and] 25 acres of unmanured land. July 25, 1633; PCR 1: 16: John Smith hath covenanted to serue John Jenny the full terme of seaven yeares, after the manner of an apprentise, beginning the 24 of June, this present yeare; at thexspiracon [the expiration] whereof, the s[aid] John Jenny to giue him twelue bushels of Indian corne, [and] twenty-fiue acres of land. Aug.15, 1633; PCR 1: 16: Whereas Rob[ert] Barker had bound himselfe an apprentise to John Thorpe, in the trade of carpentry, the said Thorp being dead, Alice, his wife hath turned over his time, w[hich] will be exspired the first of Apr.1637, to William Palmer, nayler, of Plymouth., by the free consent of the said Robert; the said William promising to instruct [and] teach him his said trade of nayling, [and] at the end of his time to giue him onely two sutes of apparell. Jul 25, 1633; PCR 1: 16: Will Honywell hath cov[enanted] to serue Thomas Prence the full terme of seaven yeares, after the nature of an apprentize, his time beginning the 24 of June, 1633; and at the end of his said terme, to haue, in consid of his said service.twenty-five acres of unmanured land, [and] twelue bushels of Indian corne. November 24, 1633; PCR 1: 20: Alice Grinder acknowledgeth herselfe to be the serv[ant] of Mr. Isaack Allerton for fiue yeares next ensuing, during w[hich] terme the said Isaack to maintaine the said Alice food [and] raymt competent for a servant, [and] at thend thereof the said Isaack to guie her two sutes of appell.This maid serv[ant] was left here by Mr Joh. Graunt, master of the for Mr Allerton, in his absence. January 1, 1633/1634; PCR 1: 21: At the same Court, Tho.Higgens, having lived an extravagent life, was placed w[ith] John Jenny for eight yeares, to serue him as an apprentise, during w[hich] time the said John competency to provide him, [and] at thend thereof to giue him double appell, 12 bushel of corne, [and] 20 acres of land. January 2, 1633/1634; PCR 1: 23: That whereas John Smith, being in a great extremity formerly, to be freed of the same bound himselfe as an apprentice to Edward Dowty for the terme of ten yeares, upon the peticon of the said John the Court toke the matter into hearing, [and] finding the said Edw: had disbursed but little for him, freed the said John from his covt of ten yeares, [and] bownd him to make up the time he had already served the said Edward the full terme of fiue years; and at the end thereof, the said Edward to giue him dowble appell, [and] so be free of each other. January 6, 1633/1634; PCR 1: 24: Sam Jenny, the sonne of John Jenny, by the consent of the said John, hath bound himselfe apprentise to Kanelm Wynslow, of Plymouth, joyner, for the full terme of fowr yeares, during w[hich] time the said Samuell shall doe faithfull service, as becometh an apprentise, to the said Kanelm.Also, the said Kanelm shall exercise the said Samuell in the joyners occupacon, and shall doe his best to instruct him in his said trade, and at the end of his tyme shall dowble appell the said Samuell.But if the said Kanelm shall remoue his dwelling from Plymouth, or the liberties thereof then this cov[enant] to be void. April 1, 1634; PCR 1: 29-30: Samuell Godberson, the sonn of Godbar Godbarson, of New Plymoth, deceased, hath, by and w[hich] the consent of William Bradford, Gent, his gardian, put himselfe an apprentice vnto Richard Higgins, of Plymoth, aforesaid, taylor, for the terme of seaven yeares, according to the tenure of his indenture, beareing of the said Samuell, to deliuer vnto the said Richard sixe bushells of corne in hand, and one cow calfe this present yeare; and that the said Richard is to keepe the said calfe, wth the increase of the same, to thend of the aforesaid tearm, [and] then to deliver her in to the hands of the said Samuell, or his assignes, w[ith] halfe the increase, thother halfe to remaine w[ith] the said Richard for his better incurragment, [and] in lew of the keeping of her wth the increase; for w[hich] said terme the said Richard is carfully to provide for the said calfe, wth her increase, heay, grasse, [and] howseing, soe that they may be better preserved. August 26, 1634; PCR 1: 30: It is agreed betwixt Thomas Prince, Gouernour, and John Barnes, [that] wheras John Rouse, the seruant of the sa[id] Thomas Prince, hauing a desire to forsake the seruice of his master, and to well with the forementioned John Barnes the remaynder of his time; and also Richard Willis, seruant of John Barnes aforesa[id], hauing inclination to dwell with the sa[id] Thomas Prince, all partyes being agreed thervnto, and in consideration of which change the sa[id] John Barnes is to pay to the sa[id] Thomas Prince the sum of fower pound sterlinge. July 22, 1634; PCR 1: 30: Edward Winsloe hath agreed with William Hamonds and Nicolas Prestland, and each of them, [that] for and in lieu of a certayne time each of them haue serue the sa[id] Edw:, as by indentures apeareth, they, the sa[id] William and Nicolas, doe heereby promise to pay vnto the sa[id] Edward or his asignes the summe of fiue pound sterling the peece, and for performance doe binde themselues joyntly [and] seuerally at or before the last of June, in good [and] sufficient bordes, to be sawed before the last of March, at the rate of 8 s. the hundred, and [that] they, the sayd William and Nicolas, are not to depart from the seruice of him, the sa[id], till haruest be at home; in the meane time to doe what buisnes the said Edw: hath to doe.And further, the sa[id] William and Nicolas to promise to aquit and discharge ther sa[id] master of ther couenants, the land excepted. July 23, 1634; PCR 1: 31: Mr Timothey Hatherley hath turned ouer his seruant, Ephraim Tinkeum, to dwell with John Winsloe, of New Plimoth, for the whole terme of yeares expressed in a certayne pare of indentures, and [that] the sa[id] John Winsloe is to performe the conditions expressed in the sa[id] indentures vnto the said Ephraim. September 2, 1634; PCR 1: 31: William Shetle hath put himselfe an aprentise to Thomas Clarke for the terme of eleuen yeares from the 16 of May last; and at the end of the sa[id] terme the sa[id] Thomas is to cloth him with two sutes fit for such a seruant, and also eyght bushells of Indian Corne. December 19, 1634; PCR 1: 32: Simon Trat was turned ouer to John Barnes to serue him till he be twenty three yeares of age, and then the sa[id] John, his heires, or asignes to giue him a cow calfe, at least 8 or ten weekes old, liue like, and to perform what else is expressed in his indentures. January 5, 1634/1635); PCR 1: 33: The seruant of Nicolas Shaw was willing to serue out his time with John Cooper, acording to the tenour of his indenture. July 5, 1635; PCR 1: 35: At this court, Thomas Williams, the saruant of widow Warren, was accused for speaking profane [and] blasphemous speeches against the majestic of God, which wer these: ther being some discention bewteene him [and] his dame, shee, after other things, exhorted him to fear God [and] doe his duty; he answered, he neither feared God, nor the diuell; this was proued by witnesed, and confesed by himselfe. This, because the Courte judged it to be spoken in passion and distemper, with reproue did let him pass, vpon humble acknowledgemente of his offence; though the Go[vernor] would haue had him punished w[ith] bodly punishmente, as the case seemed to require. Febraury 11, 1635; PCR 1: 37: John Gardiner, the seruant of Kenelme Winsloe, (bound to him by indenture,) he with his said [master] came before the Go[vernor] the 22 of Feb., 1635, and by both their desires, [and] with their mutuall consents, the rest of his time was turned ouer to Georg Kenrick, with whom he binds him selfe to fulfill the rest of his time specified in an indenture; and the said George Kenrick, when his time is expired, is to fulfill the conditions therof, and, moreouer, to giue him 6 bushes of Indean coerne, which is not bound to teach him the trade of joynery, for the said John Gardiner was willing to free the aforsaid Kenelme therof, upon condition [that] he would turne him ouer to the said George Kenrick abouesaid.
Twiford West, hauing bound him selfe by an indenture to serue Mr Edward Winslow, of New Plimoth, or his assignes, for the terme of sixe years, vpon such conditions as apears mare at large in the said indenture, the said Ed: Winslow haueing assigned him to serue Nicolass Snow, of the same towne of Plimoth, the said Twiford West (after some triall) disliking to be with the said Nicolas Snow, came to the afforesaid Ed: Winsloe, [and] desired he might dwell with him selfe, and he would serue him one year more then is expressed in the said indenture; vpon which his request, the said Ed: Winslow compounded with the said Nicolass Snow for the said Twiford West, so as the said Twiford West is now (by his own free Desire) bound to serue the said Ed: Winslow seuen years, his time beginning from the date mentioned in the aforesaid indenture. This agreemente was acknowledged by all the parties before the Go[vernor], Feb. 12, 1635, and was desired to be recorded. March 2, 1635/1636; PCR 1: 38: That no serv[ant] coming out of his time, or other single pson be suffered to keep howse, or be for him or themselves, till such time as he or they be competently provided of arms [and] municon, according to the orders of the colony; and that if any such be yet wanting, they be provided as aforesaid, or else provide themselues such masters as may provide for them; and this to be done wthin the space of one month ensuing. August 22, 1636; PCR 1: 43: Peter Talbott, the late serv[ant] of Edw: Dowty, having a proporcon of land due unto him by the service of his [master], as appeareth by indenture, hath made over his right to James Skiffe, for [and] in consideracon of six bushels of corne. August ult./31, 1636; PCR 1: 43: William Phips, the late serv[ant] of the ptners, hath sold unto Josiah Wynslow, his heires, [etc.], all that porcon of land w[hich] is due unto him by his service of apprentiship , now acompleatly ended, for [and] in consideracon of the sum of fifty shillings p[aid]. October 4/5, 1636; PCR 1: 44: That such serv[ants] as come out of their time, [and] are by their [covenants] to haue lands, haue onely fiue acres apeece, if fownd fit to occupie it for themselues, in some convenient place. November 2, 1636; PCR 1: 45: John Winslow hath turned over the service of Edmund Weston for two yeares, beginning the last of May next ensueing, to Nathaniel Thomas, in the behalfe of his father, Mr William Thomas, in consid. of ten pownds starling, the s[aid] Willian being further to giue the said Edmund six pounds per annum, [and] fowrteen bushels of corne, at thend of the [said] two yeares, [and] w[ith] else the [said] John should make good per his cov[enant]. November 7, 1636; PCR 1: 46: Whitney was sett in the stocks for detayning another man's serv[ant] w[ith]out order. January 14, 1636/1637; PCR 1: 47: There is graunted this day, by the Court of Assistants, to James Skiffe, tenn acres of lands lying next vnto the lands graunted to Triston Clorke, five in length [and] two in breadth, betweene the lands of Phineas Pratt [and] widdow Billington, five acres whereof are part of those lands due vnto him for his service donn to M[r.] Isaack Olerton, and the other fiue acres are in the right of Peter Talbott, for service by indenture performed to Edward Doty. January 3, 1636/1637; PCR 1: 48: Mr. John Atwood, John Jenkin, John Weekes, Josiah Cooke, Willm Paddy, Robte Lee, Nathaniell Morton, Edward Forster, Georg Lewes, and Barnard Lumbard were made free this Court and sworn accordingly. January 3, 1636/1637; PCR 1: 48-49: The condicon that the said John Emerson shall appeare at the next Generall Court to be holden for Mattachusetts Bay, there to ansere as well to all such matters as on his maties behalf shalbe objected against him concerneing his abuseing of Edith Pitts, as also to doe [and] receiue such things as by the said court shalbe enjoyned him [and] not to dep[art] the same w[ith]out lycence; that then, The recongizance was taken w[ith] condicon, also, that is the Gounor [and] Assistants should call for him otherwise, he is to appeare the next General Court at Plymouth.
Sammuell Jackson, of Scituate, yeom., became bound the same day to our suaigne lord the King, in the sume of 40 li. The condicon that Edith Pitts, his servant, shall personally appeare the next General Court holden for Mattachuseutts Bay, to giue evedence for or souaigne lord the Kinge against John Emerson, concerning his abuseing her, and also to doe, [and] performe such thinges as by the said Court shalbe enjoyned her, [and] not dept the same w[ith]out lycence; that then, [etc.]
This recogn. was also taken condiconally, if the Gounor of Mattachuseutts Bay should require her appearance. March 6, 1636/1637; PCR 1: 51: Whereas John Bundy stands bound by indenture to serue Griffin Mountegue, carpenter, in New Engl., the full terme of eight yeares from the 14th of March 1635, the said John Bundy acknowledged himselfe content to serue out the remainder of his terme w[ith] Will Brewster, the Elder, of Plimouth, who hath compounded w[ith] the said Mountegue, his master. August 6, 1637; PCR 1: 64: William Morris, of Royston, in the county of Hartford, butcher, by his indenture beareing date the fourth day of Aprill, in the xiij th yeare of King Charles, [etc.], bound to William Collier, gent, for fiue yeares next ensuing after the date of the said indenture, w[ith] diuers other couenants [and] condicons on both parts to be performed, as by the said indenture it doth and may more plainely appeare: Now, the said William Morris is contented and agreed, w[ith] consent of the s[aid] Mr.Collyer, to dwell and abide as a servant w[ith] Loue Brewster, of Ducksborrow, yeoman, for [and] during all the residue of the said fiue yeares yet vnexpired, the said Loue Brewster performing such condicons to the s[aid] William as on his p[art] are to be performed, as also the said William Morris serving the said Loue as his mr the residue of the said terme.
John Allexander [and] Thomas Roberts were both exaned and found guilty of lude behaviour and uncleane carriage one the another, by often spendinge their seede one vpon another, w[hich] was proued both by witnesse [and] their owne confession; the said Allexander found to haue beene formerly notoriously guilty that way , and seeking to allure others therevnto. Thomas Roberts was censured to be severely whipt, and to returne to his m[aster], M[r.] Atwood, and serue out his tyme wth him, but to be disabled hereby to enjoy any lands w[ith]in this goument, except hee manefest better desert. August 21, 1637; PCR 1: 65: John Bundy was exaned and found guilty of lude behavior [and] vnciviuill carriage towards Elizabeth Haybell, in the house of her m[aster], Mr William Brewster, and is therefore ajudged to be securely whiped, w[hich] was executed vpon him accordingly. September 14, 1637; PCR 1: 66: Whereas, the fourteenth day of Spetember, 1637, Mathew Osborne, by his indenture beareing date the third day of May, in the xiijth yeare of his matie now raigne, [etc.], hath bound himself apprentice to John Reade, of Waymouth, for the terme of six yeares next after the date of the said indenture, w[ith] diuers other couenants on both parts to be performed, contained, [and] expressed in the said indenture. Now, the said John Read, for and in considercon of the sume of eight pounds to him in hand pa[id] by John Done, of New Plymouth, hath, with [and] by the consent of the s[aid] Mathew Osborne, put him ouer to the said John Done, to serue all the residue of his tyme, according to the s[aid] indenture. October 2, 1637; PCR 1: 68: Mr Steepehn Hopkins, presented for suffering servants and others to sit drinkeing in his house (contrary to the orders of this Court,) and to play at shouell board, [and] such like misdemeanors, is therefore fined fourty shillings. January 2, 1637/1638; PCR 1: 74: Wee present Francis Sprague fined vi s. viii d. for beating W[m.] Holloway, fined v s. late servant to W[m.] Basset. Witnesse, W[m.] Haloway. July 7, 1638; PCR 1: 92: Steephen Tracy hath hired John Price for foure months; his tyme was to begin the first week in June. October 24, 1638; PCR 1: 100: John Long is hyred w[ith] Mr Atwood, to serve him from the first of September last past, to March following, for iij li sterling, or commodities worth so much.
Richard Clark, servant to Mr. Richard Derby, is turned ouer to Mr. Atwood. November 5, 1638; PCR 1: 102: John Richards is graunted fiue and twenty acrees of land, lying at Mannamett Ponds, for the lands due to him by indenture for his service, provided that it doe not entrench vpon the lands already graunted.
Memorand. That William Edge, gentleman, doth acknowled that for [and] in consideracon of the sum of xij li sterling, to him in hand pa[id], by Mr Thomas Prince, Gou, hath assigned [and] sett ouer all his right and interest in the service of Robert Wicksen, w[hich] by indenture he ought to serue the s[aid] Mr Edge, to serue the same wth the s[aid] Mr.Prince, now Go[vernor] of New Plymouth, acording to his said indenture, and the couenants therein contayned [and] expressed on both parts. And whereas part of his tyme was part wth Mr Edge, the said Mr Edge is to pay his wages for that tyme, and Mr Prince for thensuing tyme afterwards, to thend of the said terme in the said indenture expressed.
Memorand. That wheras Elizabeth Watson, widdow, assigned [and] turned ouer her servant, Henry Blage, vnto Thomas Watson, for the residue of the terme he had to serue her, w[hich] was foure yeares from Easternday, 1638, paying her xj li x s per ann., that is to say viij li to her, and iij li x s to the said Henry Blage, for his wages yearely, during the said terme, now, the said Thomas Watson hath, with and by the consent of he said Henry, assigned his right [and] title in the said Henrys service, for the residue of the said terme, to John Rogers, vpon the same condicons that the said Thomas should haue him, his tyme to begin the xvij th day of October last past, 1638. December 3, 1638; PCR 1: 103: Richard Bushop hath hired himself w[ith] Loue Brewster, for the terme of one whole yeare from the xxvj th of November last, [and] is to haue for his yeares service iij ll in money, [and] twenty bushells of Indian corne. January 8, 1638/1639; PCR 1: 107: Memorand. the eight day of January ,1638.That Mr William Brewster hath assigned ouer to Johnathan Brewster, his sonn, all his interest and title into the service of John Bundy for the residue of his terme, w[hich] is fiue yeares from the fourteenth of March next. January 7, 1638/1639; PCR 1: 109: Jeremiah Willis is graunted a weeks tyme to prouide him a master, or els further course to be taken w[ith] him.
The xxiiil th, Januar., 1638. Memomrand: That John Edwards hath put himself apprentice to Edmond Chaundlor, of Duxborrow, yeom., and after the manner of an apprentice w[ith] him to dwell from the last day of September next ensuing the date hereof vnto the end [and] terme of fiue yeares thence next ensuing. to serue him in all such lawfull labours as the said Edmond shall ymploy him during the said terme; the said Edmond Chaundler fynding vnto his said servant meate, drinke, and apparell during the said terme, and in thend thereof to giue him double apparell throughout, in convenyent manner, w[ith] one suite for Lords dayes, and another for workeing dayes. February 4, 1638/1639; PCR 1: 111: Concerning Mr Steephen Hopkins and Dorothy Temple, his servant, the Court doth order, w[ith] one consent, that in regard by her couenant of indenture shee hath yet aboue two yeares to serue him, that the said Mr Hopkins shall keep her and her childe, or prouide shee may be kept wth food and rayment during the said terme; and if he refuse so to doe, that then the collony prouide for her, [and] m[r] Hopkins to pay it.
Josias Winslow haueing bought fifty acrees of lands of Willian Phybs, w[ith] was due to him for his service, according to his couenant, w[hich] was affirmed vnto by Mr. Thomas Willet, who had often tymes seene the said couenant, the Court doth graunt him xxv acrees, to be la[id] forth for him in some convenient place, to be in full satisfaccon of the said 50 acrees.
Mr Steephen Hopkins is committed to ward for his contempt to the Court, and shal so remayne comitted vntill hee shall either receiue his servant Dorothy Temple, or els prouide for her elsewhere at his owne charge during the terme shee hath yet to serue him. February 8, 1638/1639; PCR 1: 113: The viij th of Februar., 1638. Memorand: That wheras Dorothy Temple, a mayde servant dwelling wth Mr.Steephen Hopkins, was begotten wth child in his service by Arthur Peach, who was executed for murther and robbery by the heigh way before the said child was borne, the said Steephen Hopkins hath concluded and agreed wth Mr John Holmes, of Plymouth, for three pounds sterling and other consideracons to him in hand pa[id], to discharge the said Steephen Hopkins and the colony of the said Dorothy Temple and her child foreuer; and the said Dorothy is to serue all the residue of her tyme w[ith] the said John Holmes, according to her indenture. March 4, 1638/1639; PCR 1: 115: James Leighhorne is hyred to serue Francis Sprague for a yeare for vi ll x s, and two pounds of tobaccoe. His tyme began the first of Februar. last past. March 5, 1638/1639; PCR 1: 118: Isaack Steedman and John Emercon presented for extorting one yeare and a halfs service of James Till, servant to both, aboue the first agreement [and] couenant betwixt John Emerson [and] the said James Till and his pents.
John Emerson presented for entertaineing of other mens servants at vnlawfull tymes, divers [and] sondry tumes. March 12, 1638/1639; PCR 1: 119: Memorand: that William Taylor, sonn of William Taylor, of Boddington, in Cornewell, carpenter, the covenant servant of Mr.John Atwood, hath, w[ith] and by the consent said master, of his owne voluntary will, put himself to Thomas Little, to serue him seven yeares from the first of March last past; the said Thomas fynding him meate, drink, apparell, [and] all other things necessary for him during the said terme, and at thend of foure years of the said terme to giue him a sowe pigg of two months old; and if hee doe the said Thomas good service, that then he will relinquish or abate one yeare of his service, and in thend of his terme giue him double apparel, and xij bushells of Indian corne. May 16, 1639; PCR 1: 121-122: Momorand, the xvjth of May, 1639: that Mr John Atwood, for [and] in consideracon that Job Cole pa[id] for the passage of Thom Gary, [and] found him some apparell, hath assigned and sett ouer all his right, title, [and] interest of and into the service of the said Thom Gray during the remaynder of yt, according to his indenture, the said Job Cole performing the condicons on his part to be performed, and also promiseth that if the said Thomas Gray approve himself well and faythfull in his service, the said Job will remitt him a yeare or two of his terme. May 25, 1639; PCR 1: 122: That Robert Eldred, the hyred servant of Nicholas Sympkins for the terme of three yeares from about the ... of July next for 4 li per ann. [and] an ewe goat at thend of his tyme. The said Nicholas Sympkins, for and in consideracon of the sum of x li sterl. to him in hand payd by Mr Thomas Prence, hath, w[ith] and by the consent of the said Robert Eldred, assigned [and] set ouer the said Robert Eldred vnto the said Mr Thomas Prence, to serue him all the ramaynder of the said terme, the said Mr Prence paying him four pounds per ann. during the said terme of three yeares; and whereas these is a difference betwixt the said Nicholas Sympkins and the said Robert Eldred about 10 s per ann. more then the 4 li for his yearely wages, if the bargaine shalbe proued to be 4 li 10 s the said Eldred ought to haue, that then the said Nich. Sympkins shall pay yt, and the said Eldred is to come to dwell wth the said Mr. Prence the xvth of June next; and Mr.Prence lent the said Nich. Symkins 40 s the same tyme. June 11, 1639; PCR 1: 128: Memorand, the xjth of June, 1639: that whereas vpon a former contract James Bushop was absent from the service of his m[aster], Mr Thomas Farrall, of Cohannat, the space of one yeare or thereabouts, it is this day concluded [and] agreed vpon betwixt them, that the said James Bushop shall serue his said m[aster], Thomas Farrall, half a yeare after the terme is expired, w[hich] by his indenture the said James is to serue the said thomas, and to come to the said Thomas the xxij th of this instant moneth of June. June 24, 1639; PCR 1: 129: Memorand, the xxiiij th of June: that Mary Moorecock hath of her owne voluntary will, w[ith] consent of her father in law, Thomas Whitton, put herself apprentice w[ith] Richard Sparrow, of Plymouth, and Pandora, his wyfe, and after the manner of an apprentice w[ith] them to dwell from the day of the date hereof vunto thend [and] terme of nyne yeares now next ensuing, [and] fully to be complete [and] ended; the said Richard Sparrow fynding his said servant meate, drink, [and] apparell during the said terme, that then the said Mary shalbe free; and in the meane tyme that the said Richard nor his wyfe shall assigne or set ouer the said Mary for her service during the said terme to any other, wthout consent and likeing of the said Mary [and] her frends. And if it shall happen that the said Mary shall haue a motion of marriage before thend of the said terme, that them it shalbe referred to two indifferent men to arbitrate what the said Richard shall haue for his charges he shall haue beene at w[ith] her. August 13, 1639; PCR 1: 129: Memorand, the xiij th day of August, 1639: that John Barnes hath, w[ith] and by the consent of the w[ith]in bounden Symon Trott, in consideracon of the sume of eight pounds sterl. to be pa[id] in March next, hath assigned and set ouer the terme of service of the said Symon, yet vnexpired, vnto Thomas Clark; the said Thomas performing the couenants w[hich], on the part of the said John Barnes, are to be performed. And the said Symon Trott doth further couenant [and] agree to and wth the said Thomas Clark, to serue him the space of seaven yeares from the seauenth day of this instant August next ensuing, and fully to be compleat, the said Thomas Clarke giueing him a heiffer calf of eight weeks old when that six yeares of the said terme are expired, and keepe him till his tyme be expired, and giue him the xij bushells of Indian corne at thend of the said terme; and if the said Symon do happen to dep[art] his said masters service wthout lycene, by running away, the said Symon doth promise to serue the said Thomas two yeares ouer and aboue his terme for euery tyme that hee shall so runn away before the expiracon of the said terme of seauen yeares. August 31, 1639; PCR 1: 129-130: Momorand, the last day of August, 1639: that Richard Higgens for [and] in consideracon that John Smaley shall teach Samuell Godbertson the trade of a taylor, as farr as in him lyeth, [and] principally imploy him therein, hath assigned [and] set ouer all the residue of his terme, w[hich], by indenture, he is to serue the said Richard Higgens, vnto the said John Smaley, w[hich] is vntill Aprill, w[hich] shalbe in the yeare of our Lord 1641, the said Richard Higgens fynding the said Samuell apparell during the said terme, and the said John Smaley meate, drink, [and] lodginge. September 25, 1639; PCR 1: 132: The xxv th of September, 1639. Memorand: that Mr Henry Feake, of Sandwich, w[ith] and by the consent of Edmond Edwards, his servant, hath assigned and made ouer vnto John Barnes, of Plymouth, all the residue of the terme w[hich] by indenture the said Edmond is to serue the said Mr Feake, to serue it forth w[ith] the said John Barnes, the said John Barnes fynding vnto the said Edmond meate, drinke, lodging, [and] washing, during the terme; and instead of apparell, pay him for the first three pounds sterl., and for euery yeare after the three pounds tenn shillings sterl, during the said terme; [and] in thend thereof, double apparell him wth one suite for Lords dayes, [and] another for workeing dayes, [and] pay him six pounds sterl. Febraury 13, 1639-1640; PCR 1: 139: The xiij th Februar, 1639. Memorand: that whereas James Glasse, servant to Henry Coggen, of Barnstable, is to serue the said Henry for the terme of fiue yeares from the fourteenth day of June next ensuing, now, the said Henry Coggen, for and in consideracon of the sume of fifty shillings sterl, and twenty bushells of Indian corne, to him in hand payd by Manasseth Kempton, of Plymouth, hath, wth and by the consent of the said Jame Glasse, sould and assigned vnto the said Manasseth Kempton all the resedue of the terme of yeares wch the said James is to serue him, the said Henry Coogen to be serued forth wth the said Manaseeth Kempton, and vntil the first of October following longer, the said Manasseth Kempton fynding the said James Glasse meate, drink, and apparell during the said terme. February 28, 1639-1640; PCR 1: 139-140: The last of Februar., 1639. Memorand: that whereas William Honywell is to serue Mr. Thomas Prence vntill June next, and some further tyme wch he should also serue for absenting himself diuers tymes from his seruice, now, in consideracon that they William Honywell shall wholly imploy himself insetting, planting, and weeding the acres of the said Mr Thomas Prence, newly taken in on the south side of the towne of plymouth, or as much thereof as hee cann, [and] not loyter or work wth any other man except it be for worke againe, or by lycene from Mr Prence. The said Mr Thomas Prence hath released the said William Honywell all the terme he should haue serued him, and shall fynd hims seede corne to set the land wthall; and the said Willian Honywell shal haue thone hald of the crop at haruest for his paynes. And it is agreed vpon that the said Wiliam Honywell shall remayne in house with Thomas Atkinson, and that Mr Prence shall allowe him so much in coerne as hee shall agree wth the said Thomas Atkinson for, for his dyett [and] being in his house; and the said William Honywell shall pay the corne againe to Mr Prence out of his share of the crop at harvest, and that Mr Prence will spare his goatehouse to gather [and] dresse vp the corne in at haruest; and that herevpon the xij bushells of corne, wch the said William should haue had at thend of his terme, is relinquished, onely the said william is to haue the xxv acres of land according to his couenant. March 3, 1639/1640; PCR 1: 140: Forasmuch as John Crocker, of Scituate, is proued to haue corrected his servant boy, Roger Glasse, in a most extreame [and] barbarous manner, the Court vpon due consideracon hath taken the said Roger Glasse from the said Crocker, and placed him wth John Whitcombe, of Scittuate, to serue out his tyme wth the said John Whitcombe, wch is six yeares from the fourteenth of June next; the said John Whitcombe paying the said John Crocker three pounds, deducing fiue shillings for his charges, [and] the said Crocker to deliuer vp his cloathes to the said Whitcombe.
James Till, of Scittuate, for purloyneing corne [and] a shirt from William Parker of Scittuate, when he was servant to him in his house, as also for purloyneing corne from John Emerson [and] others, when he was servant to them, wch were confessed by him in Court, was censured to be whipt [and] burnt in the shoulder, and to make restitucon to his master Emerson, for the corne he stole from him, viz, six bushells of corne, wither in service, corne, or otherwise. July 6, 1640; PCR 1: 158: The xxviij th of July, 1640. Memorand: that John Winslow, for [and] in consideracon of the sum of twelue pounds sterl, hath bargained and sould all his interrest and right in the service of Joseph Grosse, wth [and] by the consent of this said Joseph, wch is for fiue yeares from the thirteenth of August next after the date hereof, vnto Mr John Howland, the said John fynding his said servant, John Grosse, meate, drinke, [and] apparell during the said terme, [and] in thend thereof to giue him two shuits of apparell, one for working dayes [and] another for Lords dayes, and shall also giue him xij bushells of Indian corne, in thend of the said terme. August 3, 1640; PCR 1: 159: William Godden, the servant of Mr Comfort Starr, for his wrongfull complaint against his m[aster], is censured to sitt in the stocks, and to haue xx s for his service for the tyme past. August 31, 1640; PCR 1: 160: Arthur Harrison is graunted twenty fiue acres of vpland for the land due to him for his service, lying on the west side of the lands graunted to Christopher Waddesworth in the woods by Duxborrow. November 2, 1640; PCR 1: 165: The severall persons following are graunted these quantities of land of those lands that lye northward from Duxborrow Mill, towards Greens Harbour: To John Rouse xxv acrees, th his houslott, for the land due for his service. To John Gardiner twenty fiue acrees for his service.
PCR Volume 2, 1641-1651 January 5, 1640/1641; PCR 2: 6: Memorand: that John Cooke, for good consideracon, hath, wth [and] by the consent of Phillip Dauis, assigned [and] set ouer the residue of the terme of yeares wch the said Phillip Dauis is to serue the said John Cooke, vnto Henry Sampson, to be serued out wth the said Henry Sampson, the said Henry Sampson paying the said Phillip Dauis thirteene bushells of Indian corne in thend of the said terme. His indenture beares date the xxth of Aprill, 1638, [and] is to serue for eleauen yeares [and] two months from the first day of his arriuall in New England. Taken before Capt Standish. March 2, 1640/1641; PCR 2: 9: Edward Hall, servant to Francis Doughty, for sweareing profanely, is censured to be set in the stocks, wch was accordingly donn. January 2, 1641/1642; PCR 2: 30: Thomas Byrd, servant to Mr James Cudworth, of Barnstable, for runinge away from his sd master, and breaking a house or two in Barnstable, and takeing some apparell and victualls, is censured to be once whipt at Plym, and once whipt at Barnstable, before the next Court of Assistants; and when his sd master comes, then order to ve taken for payment of his fees; and at the next Court of Assistants following, the said Byrd remayneing in the messengers hands, vpon lres from Mr Freeman that the said Thomas Byrds father had agreed wth the said Mr Cudworth for the tyme he was to serue the said Cudworth, the said Thomas Byrd was relseased, paying the messenger his fees; and for thother pt of his censure, wch should haue beene executed vpon him at Barnstable, in regard of the coldenesse of the present season, it is to be inflicted vpon him at Scituate, whither he goes to dwell, when it shalbe convenyent season. March 17, 1641/1642; PCR 2: 36: The xvij th day of March, 1641, Alexander Williams, servant to Mr.William Tomas, of Marshfeild, was exand for running away from his said mr foure suall tymes, and long absenting himself from his service; could not say anything for himself wherfore he should not be punished; was therefore censured to be whipt at the publike place, wch was accordingly donn. April 5, 1642; PCR 2: 38: Memorand: that Mr John Combe, for [and] in consideracon of the sum of xij li, and fourty shillings more in corne, payd him by Mr Wm Thomas, hath wth and by the consent of William Launder, assigned [and] set ouer all the residue of his terme of yeares wch he is to serue the said Mr Combe to be serued forth wth the said Mr William Thomas; and that the said Mr Thomas shall pay the said Launder six pounds of the tenn menconed in his indenture, at thend of his terme, in good cloaths, corne, or goates, according to his said indenture. April 18, 1642; PCR 2: 38: Memorand, the xviij th day of Aprill,1642: that Francis Billington and Christian, his wyfe, haue put Elizabeth, their daughter, apprentis to John Barnes and Mary, his wyfe, to dwell wth them and to do their service vntill shee shall accomplish the age of twenty yeares, (shee being now seaven yeares of age the xth of July next,) the said John Barnes [and] Mary, his wyfe, finding her meate, drink, [and] cloathes during the said terme. August 2, 1642; PCR 2: 43: Ephraim Tinckhame is to haue xxv acrees of lands, due for his service by indenture. Affirmed by Mr Hatherley [and] John Winslowe, the indenture being lost. March 6, 1642/1643; PCR 2: 51: It is ordered by the Court that William Spooner shall pay for the debt of Mr Combe, his master, vnto Mr Wm Hanbury, the sum of xs, wch was attached in Mr Prences hand, wch Mr Prence did acquit to Mr Combe; but the debt remayneing due to Mr Hanbury as aforesd, the said Spooner shall pay it to Mr Hanbury by a bushell of wheate, [and] a bushell [and] a half of barley. July 4, 1643; PCR 2: 58: Whereas Joseph, the sonn of Francis Billington, according to the order of the Court, was by the towne of Plymouth placed wth John Cooke the yonger, and hath since beene enveagled, and did oft depte his said masters service, the Court, vpon longe heareing of all that can be said or alleadged by his pents, doth order and appoynt that the said Joseph shalbe returned to his said master againe immediately, and shall so remaine wth him during his terme; and that if either the said Francis, or Christian, his wyfe, do receiue him, if he shall againe dept from his said master wthout his lycence, that the said Francis, and Christian, his wyfe, shalbe sett in the stockes euery lecture day during the tyme therof, as often as he shee shall so receiue him, vntill the Court shall take a further course wth them; and also, that if Benjamin Eaton, now liueing wth the said Francis Billington, shall counsell, entice, or enveagle the said Joseph from his said master, that then he shall haue the same punishment wth his father and mother. November 11, 1643; PCR 2: 66: The xjth of Novembr. Memorand: that william Launder, formerly the servant of Mr. John Combe, and sithence by his consent turned ouer to mr. William Thomas, and sithence, also, in consideracon of the sum of xj li, payd by Mr Thom Burne vnto the said Mr Thomas, is, by the said Launders consent, turned ouer to serue the residue of his tyme wth the said Thomas Burne, according to his indenture; the said Thomas Burne fynding him meate, drinke, and apparell during the said terme, and in thend thereof to pay him, the said Launder, the sume of three pounds in countrey commodities, as they will then passe from man to man. January 18, 1643/1644; PCR 2: 67: William Hoskine, of Plymouth, hath put Sarah, his daughter, to Thomas Whitney, and Winefride, his wyfe, to dwell wth them vntill shee shall accomplish the age of twenty yeares, the said Thomas, and Winyfride, his wyfe, vseing her as their child, and being vnto her as father and mother, and to instruct her in learneing and soweing in reasonable manner, fynding vnto her meate, drink, and apparell [and] lodging during the said terme; and if it shall happen the said Sarah to marry before he shall haue accomplished the said age of twenty yeares, (she being six yeares of age the xvjth of September last past,) that then the sayd Thomas shall haue such satisfaction for her tyme then remayneing as shalbe adjudged reasonable [and] equall by two indifferent men. March 5, 1643/44; PCR 2: 69: John Irish is to haue his xxv acrees of land, due for his service, made vp by Duxborrow men, because it is agreed vpon formerly that such servants as are to haue lands by their couenants at the expiracon of their terme are to be provided for in the townes where they liue or are receiued as inhabitants; but if it cannot be there had, then to make it knowne to the Gouernr [and] Assistants, that they be provided for elswhere.
Vpon heareing of the differrence betwixt William Hatch, of Scittuate, [and] his servant Hercules, for the terme he should serue him, whether six or seauen yeares, the Court, haueing heard the euedences on both sides, do order that the said Hercules is to serue the said William six yeares, wch wilbe vntill the third day of July next, [and] then to be free from him.
It is ordered by the Court, that James Till shall dwell two yeares now next ensuing wth Mr Tymothy Hatherley, and shall haue six pounds p ann, and to see it bewtowed vpon him for his necessary apparell, and to giue an account therof to the Court, that if any thing therof remayne, it may be payd to te countrey towards the satisfaccon of his bonds for breach of his good behauior. June 5, 1644; PCR 2: 73: Charles Thurston, for abuseing his mris, [and]c, is censured to bee whipt at the post. Vppon a peticon exhibited by the yeong men of Plym, it was remitted vpon tryall of his good carryage vntill the next Court. October 10, 1644; PCR 2: 76: Memorand: that wheras Mr John Doane had some tyme since xvli, the childs porcon of Mary Browne, whom he was to keepe and bring vp untill shee should accomplish the age of seaventeene yeares, and should haue the use of the said porcon vntill then, now, the said terme being expired, the said John Doane hath deliued, wth the consent of the said Mary Browne, and by order of the Court, vnto John Borwne, of Duxbroow, two cowes at xij li, and fourty shillings in swyne and wheate, and is by the Court discharged of the said xv li; and the said John Browne is to keepe the said two cowes and their encrease for their milk, wth the rest of the stock as aforesad, vntill the said Mary shalbe marryed, or thought fitt to marry wherevnto the said Mary hath consented. November 5, 1644; PCR 2: 78: Memorand: that Thomas Bunting, dwelling wth Phineas Pratt, hath, wth and by the consent of the said Phineas, put himself as a servant to dwell wth John Cooke, Junir, from the fifteenth day of this instant November, for and during the terme of eight yeares now next ensuing, and fully to be compleate and ended, the said Phineas for him one melch cowe, valued at vli, and fourty shillings in money, and is to lead the said Phineas two loades of hey yearely during the terme of seauen yeares now next emsuinge. March 3, 1644/1645; PCR 2: 81: [Relevant record not transcribed] April 3, 1644/1645; PCR 2: 82: Memorand: That Samuell Eddy hath putt his sonn, John Eddy, to dwell wth Francis Goulder, and Katherne, his wyfe, untill he shall accomplish the age of xxjtie yeares, (being seaven yeares of age the xxvth of December last past,) the said Francis, and Katherne, his wyfe, finding vnto the said John, their servant, meat, drink, and apparell during the said term, and either in the end thereof, or else at the day of the death of the said Francis, or of the said Katherne, his wyfe, whether shall last happen, to pay him five pounds in countrey pay; or, if it please God so to disable the said Francis, or Katherne, his wyfe, that they shall not be then able to pay so much, then to pay him so much as shall have left; And if it happen that both the said Francis, and Katherne, his wyfe, shall dye before thende of the said terme, that then the said John shalbe at liberty to be disposed of as his pents shall thinke fitt; but if either if them doe liue out the said terme, tgen the said John to dwell wth the longer liuer of then vntill he shall accomplish tge age of xxjtie yeares, as aforesaid. June 4, 1645; PCR 2: 86: Whereas Thomas Riddings, about a yeare since, came to Scittuate, and is depted thence, leaueing a man child about fiue yeares of age with Gowen White, promiseing him to pay him xviijd per weeke for his keepeing [and] dyetting of him, but hath hitherto payd him nothing; and the said Gowen hath since found him meate, drinke, and cloathes at his owne charge; the Court doth order and appoynt that the said child shalbe wth the said Gown white vntill he shall accomplish the age of twenty and foure yeares; but if his father shall come and desire to take him away befoer thend of the said terme, that then he shall pay the said Gowen White for the keepeing of him for such tyme as he shall haue beene wth him; and so also if hee shalbe placed wth another man. October 28, 1645; PCR 2: 89: Priscila Browne, daughther of Peter Browne, deceased, haueing accomplished the terme shee was to dwell wth Wm Gilson, of Scittuate, who was to pay her xvli in thend of her terme; now the said Priscilla came into the Court, and hath chosen John Browne, her vnckle, to be her guardian, and to haue the placeing and disposeing of her vntill the Court shall judg her meete t be at her owne disposeing; and likewise to take her porcon, viz, xvli, and to ymproue it by putting it into a breeding stock, and keepe them, and giue her hald thencrease, or els to use it as his owne, and to pay her the said xvli when the Court shall judg it meete for her to haue it at her owne disposeing. May 5, 1646; PCR 2: 98: Vpon heareing of the cause betwixt Roger Shaundler and Kenelme Winslow, for his daughters cloathes, wch the said Kenelme detaineth vpon pretence of some further service wch he required of her, wherevnto the said Roger vtterly refused to consent, it is ordered by the Court, that the said Kenelme WInslowe shall deliuer the mayde her cloathes wthout any further delay. July 7, 1646; PCR 2: 105: Whereas Charles Thurston, servant to Mr William Hanbury, for his former misdemeanor, and revelling [and] disguised daunceing, was fined ls or thereabouts, for wch his said mr did vndertake to pay, or els he should haue beene whipt at the publike post, the said Charles Thurston promised in the COurt either to procure his said master sercurity for the payment thereof, or els to serue him so much longer after his terme was out (wch the said Charles acknowledged to be two yeares frin the xxvth if this instant July) as would satisfye his master, and for other demaunds of losse of tyme for absenting himselfe from his service wthout h during the said terme, [and] in thend thereof to giue him two shuits of apparell, one for working dayes [and] another for Lords dayes, and shall also giue him xij bushells of Indian corne, in thend of the said terme. August 3, 1640; PCR 1: 159: William Godden, the servant of Mr Comfort Starr, for his wrongfull complaint against his m[aster], is censured to sitt in the stocks, and to haue xx s for his service for the tyme past. August 31, 1640; PCR 1: 160: Arthur Harrison is graunted twenty fiue acres of vpland for the land due to him for his service, lying on the west side of the lands graunted to Christopher Waddesworth in the woods by Duxborrow. November 2, 1640; PCR 1: 165: The severall persons following are graunted these quantities of land of those lands that lye northward from Duxborrow Mill, towards Greens Harbour: To John Rouse xxv acrees, th his houslott, for the land due for his service. To John Gardiner twenty fiue acrees for his service.
PCR Volume 2, 1641-1651 January 5, 1640/1641; PCR 2: 6: Memorand: that John Cooke, for good consideracon, hath, wth [and] by the consent of Phillip Dauis, assigned [and] set ouer the residue of the terme of yeares wch the said Phillip Dauis is to serue the said John Cooke, vnto Henry Sampson, to be serued out wth the said Henry Sampson, the said Henry Sampson paying the said Phillip Dauis thirteene bushells of Indian corne in thend of the said terme. His indenture beares date the xxth of Aprill, 1638, [and] is to serue for eleauen yeares [and] two months from the first day of his arriuall in New England. Taken before Capt Standish. March 2, 1640/1641; PCR 2: 9: Edward Hall, servant to Francis Doughty, for sweareing profanely, is censured to be set in the stocks, wch was accordingly donn. January 2, 1641/1642; PCR 2: 30: Thomas Byrd, servant to Mr James Cudworth, of Barnstable, for runinge away from his sd master, and breaking a house or two in Barnstable, and takeing some apparell and victualls, is censured to be once whipt at Plym, and once whipt at Barnstable, before the next Court of Assistants; and when his sd master comes, then order to ve taken for payment of his fees; and at the next Court of Assistants following, the said Byrd remayneing in the messengers hands, vpon lres from Mr Freeman that the said Thomas Byrds father had agreed wth the said Mr Cudworth for the tyme he was to serue the said Cudworth, the said Thomas Byrd was relseased, paying the messenger his fees; and for thother pt of his censure, wch should haue beene executed vpon him at Barnstable, in regard of the coldenesse of the present season, it is to be inflicted vpon him at Scituate, whither he goes to dwell, when it shalbe convenyent season. March 17, 1641/1642; PCR 2: 36: The xvij th day of March, 1641, Alexander Williams, servant to Mr.William Tomas, of Marshfeild, was exand for running away from his said mr foure suall tymes, and long absenting himself from his service; could not say anything for himself wherfore he should not be punished; was therefore censured to be whipt at the publike place, wch was accordingly donn. April 5, 1642; PCR 2: 38: Memorand: that Mr John Combe, for [and] in consideracon of the sum of xij li, and fourty shillings more in corne, payd him by Mr Wm Thomas, hath wth and by the consent of William Launder, assigned [and] set ouer all the residue of his terme of yeares wch he is to serue the said Mr Combe to be serued forth wth the said Mr William Thomas; and that the said Mr Thomas shall pay the said Launder six pounds of the tenn menconed in his indenture, at thend of his terme, in good cloaths, corne, or goates, according to his said indenture. April 18, 1642; PCR 2: 38: Memorand, the xviij th day of Aprill,1642: that Francis Billington and Christian, his wyfe, haue put Elizabeth, their daughter, apprentis to John Barnes and Mary, his wyfe, to dwell wth them and to do their service vntill shee shall accomplish the age of twenty yeares, (shee being now seaven yeares of age the xth of July next,) the said John Barnes [and] Mary, his wyfe, finding her meate, drink, [and] cloathes during the said terme. August 2, 1642; PCR 2: 43: Ephraim Tinckhame is to haue xxv acrees of lands, due for his service by indenture. Affirmed by Mr Hatherley [and] John Winslowe, the indenture being lost. March 6, 1642/1643; PCR 2: 51: It is ordered by the Court that William Spooner shall pay for the debt of Mr Combe, his master, vnto Mr Wm Hanbury, the sum of xs, wch was attached in Mr Prences hand, wch Mr Prence did acquit to Mr Combe; but the debt remayneing due to Mr Hanbury as aforesd, the said Spooner shall pay it to Mr Hanbury by a bushell of wheate, [and] a bushell [and] a half of barley. July 4, 1643; PCR 2: 58: Whereas Joseph, the sonn of Francis Billington, according to the order of the Court, was by the towne of Plymouth placed wth John Cooke the yonger, and hath since beene enveagled, and did oft depte his said masters service, the Court, vpon longe heareing of all that can be said or alleadged by his pents, doth order and appoynt that the said Joseph shalbe returned to his said master againe immediately, and shall so remaine wth him during his terme; and that if either the said Francis, or Christian, his wyfe, do receiue him, if he shall againe dept from his said master wthout his lycence, that the said Francis, and Christian, his wyfe, shalbe sett in the stockes euery lecture day during the tyme therof, as often as he shee shall so receiue him, vntill the Court shall take a further course wth them; and also, that if Benjamin Eaton, now liueing wth the said Francis Billington, shall counsell, entice, or enveagle the said Joseph from his said master, that then he shall haue the same punishment wth his father and mother. November 11, 1643; PCR 2: 66: The xjth of Novembr. Memorand: that william Launder, formerly the servant of Mr. John Combe, and sithence by his consent turned ouer to mr. William Thomas, and sithence, also, in consideracon of the sum of xj li, payd by Mr Thom Burne vnto the said Mr Thomas, is, by the said Launders consent, turned ouer to serue the residue of his tyme wth the said Thomas Burne, according to his indenture; the said Thomas Burne fynding him meate, drinke, and apparell during the said terme, and in thend thereof to pay him, the said Launder, the sume of three pounds in countrey commodities, as they will then passe from man to man. January 18, 1643/1644; PCR 2: 67: William Hoskine, of Plymouth, hath put Sarah, his daughter, to Thomas Whitney, and Winefride, his wyfe, to dwell wth them vntill shee shall accomplish the age of twenty yeares, the said Thomas, and Winyfride, his wyfe, vseing her as their child, and being vnto her as father and mother, and to instruct her in learneing and soweing in reasonable manner, fynding vnto her meate, drink, and apparell [and] lodging during the said terme; and if it shall happen the said Sarah to marry before he shall haue accomplished the said age of twenty yeares, (she being six yeares of age the xvjth of September last past,) that then the sayd Thomas shall haue such satisfaction for her tyme then remayneing as shalbe adjudged reasonable [and] equall by two indifferent men. March 5, 1643/44; PCR 2: 69: John Irish is to haue his xxv acrees of land, due for his service, made vp by Duxborrow men, because it is agreed vpon formerly that such servants as are to haue lands by their couenants at the expiracon of their terme are to be provided for in the townes where they liue or are receiued as inhabitants; but if it cannot be there had, then to make it knowne to the Gouernr [and] Assistants, that they be provided for elswhere.
Vpon heareing of the differrence betwixt William Hatch, of Scittuate, [and] his servant Hercules, for the terme he should serue him, whether six or seauen yeares, the Court, haueing heard the euedences on both sides, do order that the said Hercules is to serue the said William six yeares, wch wilbe vntill the third day of July next, [and] then to be free from him.
It is ordered by the Court, that James Till shall dwell two yeares now next ensuing wth Mr Tymothy Hatherley, and shall haue six pounds p ann, and to see it bewtowed vpon him for his necessary apparell, and to giue an account therof to the Court, that if any thing therof remayne, it may be payd to te countrey towards the satisfaccon of his bonds for breach of his good behauior. June 5, 1644; PCR 2: 73: Charles Thurston, for abuseing his mris, [and]c, is censured to bee whipt at the post. Vppon a peticon exhibited by the yeong men of Plym, it was remitted vpon tryall of his good carryage vntill the next Court. October 10, 1644; PCR 2: 76: Memorand: that wheras Mr John Doane had some tyme since xvli, the childs porcon of Mary Browne, whom he was to keepe and bring vp untill shee should accomplish the age of seaventeene yeares, and should haue the use of the said porcon vntill then, now, the said terme being expired, the said John Doane hath deliued, wth the consent of the said Mary Browne, and by order of the Court, vnto John Borwne, of Duxbroow, two cowes at xij li, and fourty shillings in swyne and wheate, and is by the Court discharged of the said xv li; and the said John Browne is to keepe the said two cowes and their encrease for their milk, wth the rest of the stock as aforesad, vntill the said Mary shalbe marryed, or thought fitt to marry wherevnto the said Mary hath consented. November 5, 1644; PCR 2: 78: Memorand: that Thomas Bunting, dwelling wth Phineas Pratt, hath, wth and by the consent of the said Phineas, put himself as a servant to dwell wth John Cooke, Junir, from the fifteenth day of this instant November, for and during the terme of eight yeares now next ensuing, and fully to be compleate and ended, the said Phineas for him one melch cowe, valued at vli, and fourty shillings in money, and is to lead the said Phineas two loades of hey yearely during the terme of seauen yeares now next emsuinge. March 3, 1644/1645; PCR 2: 81: [Relevant record not transcribed] April 3, 1644/1645; PCR 2: 82: Memorand: That Samuell Eddy hath putt his sonn, John Eddy, to dwell wth Francis Goulder, and Katherne, his wyfe, untill he shall accomplish the age of xxjtie yeares, (being seaven yeares of age the xxvth of December last past,) the said Francis, and Katherne, his wyfe, finding vnto the said John, their servant, meat, drink, and apparell during the said term, and either in the end thereof, or else at the day of the death of the said Francis, or of the said Katherne, his wyfe, whether shall last happen, to pay him five pounds in countrey pay; or, if it please God so to disable the said Francis, or Katherne, his wyfe, that they shall not be then able to pay so much, then to pay him so much as shall have left; And if it happen that both the said Francis, and Katherne, his wyfe, shall dye before thende of the said terme, that then the said John shalbe at liberty to be disposed of as his pents shall thinke fitt; but if either if them doe liue out the said terme, tgen the said John to dwell wth the longer liuer of then vntill he shall accomplish tge age of xxjtie yeares, as aforesaid. June 4, 1645; PCR 2: 86: Whereas Thomas Riddings, about a yeare since, came to Scittuate, and is depted thence, leaueing a man child about fiue yeares of age with Gowen White, promiseing him to pay him xviijd per weeke for his keepeing [and] dyetting of him, but hath hitherto payd him nothing; and the said Gowen hath since found him meate, drinke, and cloathes at his owne charge; the Court doth order and appoynt that the said child shalbe wth the said Gown white vntill he shall accomplish the age of twenty and foure yeares; but if his father shall come and desire to take him away befoer thend of the said terme, that then he shall pay the said Gowen White for the keepeing of him for such tyme as he shall haue beene wth him; and so also if hee shalbe placed wth another man. October 28, 1645; PCR 2: 89: Priscila Browne, daughther of Peter Browne, deceased, haueing accomplished the terme shee was to dwell wth Wm Gilson, of Scittuate, who was to pay her xvli in thend of her terme; now the said Priscilla came into the Court, and hath chosen John Browne, her vnckle, to be her guardian, and to haue the placeing and disposeing of her vntill the Court shall judg her meete t be at her owne disposeing; and likewise to take her porcon, viz, xvli, and to ymproue it by putting it into a breeding stock, and keepe them, and giue her hald thencrease, or els to use it as his owne, and to pay her the said xvli when the Court shall judg it meete for her to haue it at her owne disposeing. May 5, 1646; PCR 2: 98: Vpon heareing of the cause betwixt Roger Shaundler and Kenelme Winslow, for his daughters cloathes, wch the said Kenelme detaineth vpon pretence of some further service wch he required of her, wherevnto the said Roger vtterly refused to consent, it is ordered by the Court, that the said Kenelme WInslowe shall deliuer the mayde her cloathes wthout any further delay. July 7, 1646; PCR 2: 105: Whereas Charles Thurston, servant to Mr William Hanbury, for his former misdemeanor, and revelling [and] disguised daunceing, was fined ls or thereabouts, for wch his said mr did vndertake to pay, or els he should haue beene whipt at the publike post, the said Charles Thurston promised in the COurt either to procure his said master sercurity for the payment thereof, or els to serue him so much longer after his terme was out (wch the said Charles acknowledged to be two yeares frin the xxvth if this instant July) as would satisfye his master, and for other demaunds of losse of tyme for absenting himselfe from his service wthout his said masters consent. March 2, 1646/1647; PCR 2: 111: Vpon compl of John Vassall vnto ye Court concerning John Lewis, apprentic to his father for iiij yeres, being ye remaine of vij yeres in wch he was bound to serue George Kenrick, the Curt ordereth, yt ye said John Lewis shall dwell with ye said Mr Vassall, and serue out ye full terme of his said indentures, as also for so long time as he hath absented himselfe wthout leaue from ye service of his said master or former masters in the foresaid seruice of vij yeres, as by indenture appreth. PCR 2: 112: Whereas Samuell Edeth, [and] Elizabeth, his wife, of ye towne of Plim aforesaid, haveing many children, [and] by reason of many wants lying vpon them, so as they are not able to bring them vp as they desire, and out of ye good respect they beare to Mr John Browne, of rehoboth, one of ye Assostants of this goument, did both of them joynly desire yt he, ye said Mr John Browne, would take Zachery, their son, being of the age of seaven yeres, [nd] bring him vp in his imploymt of husbandry, or any bbusiness he shall see meete for ye good of theire child till he come to ye age of one [and] tweenty yeres; wherevpon Mr Browne did, in the presence of Mr Bradford, Gounor, take into his service the said Zachery, [and] promiseth to provide for [and] allow him during ye said terme all necessaries convenient [and] fitting such a servant, accordingto ye state [and] condicon of ye country, [and] doth furthr, of his owne will provide yt, yf in case he, ye said Mr John Browne, [and] his wife, shall departe this life before ye said Zachery shall attaine to ye end of his time of service, yt then his eldest son, yt sgall haue ye gouerment of him during ye residue of ye time not attained vnto, shall not make sale of ye said residue of ye said time not attained vnto, nor any parte thereof to any person or persons whatsoever whereeby he shall or may be wronged; and yf it shall so come to psse yt those whomsoever he shalbe somitted vnto, after the death of ye said Mr John Browne [and] his wife, shall not deale well wth his as such a servant ought to be dealt wth, then vpon the complaint of ant of ye friends of ye said Zachery, it shalbe lawfull for ye deacons of ye church of PLim aforesaid, wth the Gouernor, yt then shalbe, to take him wholy away, [and] place him wth whom they shall see meete, provided yt no sale or marchandise b made of ye remaine of his time by any. October 26, 1647; PCR 2: 119: In a case of difference twixte John Floyde [and] Jan Duglas, his servt, the Court ordereth yt the said Jane, or her assignes, pay vnto ye said John, or his as ye sum of iijli xs in good country pay wthin 30tie dayes after sight of this order, [and] so she is released from ye service of her said master, Floyde, [and]hath her liberty to serue elcewhere.
PCR Volume 3, 1651-1661 March 2, 1651/1652; PCR 3: 4-5: Wheras John Willis, of Duxborrow, complained that his daughter in law, Rebeckah Palmer, was molested and hindered in performing faithfull service vnto her mr, viz, Samuall Mayo, of Barnstable by the wife of Trustrum Hull, of Barnstable aforsaid, the Court haue sent downe order by Roger Goodspeed, grand juryman, of Barnstable aforsaid, to wrarn the wife of ye said Trustrum Hull to desist from such practises any further, as shee or any other that shall soe doe will answare for her not appeering at this Court nor her attornie, to answare the suite comenced against her by the said John Willis.
Wee present Jonathan Couentrey, of the towne of Marshfeild, for makeing a mocion of marriage vnto Katheren Bradberey, servant vnto Mr Burne, of the same towne, without her masters consent, contrary to Court order. May 3, 1652; PCR 3: 27: A neager maide seruant of John Barnes, att this Court accused John Smith, Seni, of Plym, for receiueing tobacco and other things of her which were her said masters, att sundry times, in a purloineing way. The Court heard what could bee said on both sides, and because sufficient testimony could not bee att present produced for the clearing of the case, it was ordered, that the said pties should attend the next Court of Assistants for further hearing, and then produce what testimony they haue for the clearing therof.
Vpon occation of the difference betwixt the said neager and the said John Smith, the said Smith accused John Barnes in open Court, and said that Samuell Dunham said, att the house of Gorge watson, on Tusday last past, before the date heerof, that there was soe much liquore drunke att the house of John Rickard the same day, wherof John Barnes dranke soe much as hee coming into the house of the said Smauell Dunham, and assying to drinke a pipe of tobacco, hee filled his pipe amnd could not light it, and that he should in a threatening way say hee had two rodds in pise for him and Goodwife Whitney. August 2, 1653; PCR 3: 39: Whereas a contravercy depending betwixt John Smyth, Seni, of Plym, and a neager maide servant of John Barnes, was refered, for want of clearer euidence, vnto this Court to bee ended; and accordingly whatsoeuer could bee said on either side was heard; and with admonission, both pties were cleared. March 7, 1653-1654; PCR 3: 46: Whereas, the wife of Mr Thomas Gilbert hath desired by her letter that her servant, whoe hath receiued som hurt, and is now in Mr Streets family, that there hee might remayne vntill her husband returne from England; the Court hath graunted her request, provided that Mr Street bee freely willing to give him entertainment, but if not these were to require the cunstable of Taunton to see that the said seruant bee prouided for in some convenient place, and that hee returne not vnto his mis vntill his cause bee heard and further order taken in the same. June 6, 1954; PCR 3: 51: Wheras Thomas Huckens, of Barnstable, was warned to appeer this Court to answare for the misusing of a poor servant of his, the Court, haueing heard what can bee said in the case, haue admonished the said Huckens to carry better towards his seruant, and to pay 4s to the under marshall for goeing to Sandwidg homward with his seruant agine wheen hee came to Plymouth to complain; and alsoe hee is to defray what other charges his said seruant hath spent att Coles att Plymouth.
Wheras Jonathan Briggs, somtimes servant of Willam Hailstone, of Taunton, complained against his said mr that hee hath not performed his couenants to him, in that hee did not learn him the trad of a tayler, the Court doth order that the said Willam Hailstone shall pay vnto his said seruant the summe of 15 pounds, in good and currant pay, with all convenient speed. June 6, 1654; PCR 3: 52: The Court haue graunted vnto Jame Skiffe, that if hee can find such land as may bee for his vse and comfort and shall conduce to his benifitt, soe it bee not within the liberties of any particulare township, hee shall bee considered in respect of the residue of the land due vnto him which hee should haue had for his owne and Peter Talbotts seruice. August 4, 1654; PCR 3: 63-64: Vpon the complaint of Robert Ransom, seruant sometimes to Thomas Dexter, Junir, that hee was hardly vsed and vnreasonably dealt withall by his aid master, the Court heard what could bee said in the care, and witnesses were produced on either side; but that which hee charged his master withall about the pmises could not bee proued; wherupon Thomas Clarke, of Plymouth, bought out his remaing pte of his time of his said master; and the Court admonished him to carry himselfe better then hee had formerly, and incase hee should behaue himself as formerly, hee should not escape corporall punishment. Alsoe, Mr Nathaniell Fish, of Sandwidge, for entertaining him, the said Ransome, into his house, and otherwise indescretly carrying towards him, wherby hee was abetted in his stubburnes against his said master, was fined by the Court twenty shillings, after hee had, together with the said Robert Ransome, been comited to the custide of the marshall a night and pte of a day. Februray 6, 1654/1655; PCR 3: 71-72: The following verdict was ordered to bee recorded: Marshfeild, the last of January, 1654. Wee, whose names are vnderwritten, being appointed a jury by Mr John Alden to view the dead body of John Walker, seruant to Robert Latham, of this towne, and to find the cause how hee came to his vntimely end, Wee, vpon due serch and exxamination, doe find that the body of John Walker was blackish and blew, and the skine broken in diuers places from the middle to the haire of his head, viz, all his backe with stripes giuen him by his master, Robert Latham, as Robert himselfe did testify; and alsoe wee found a bruise of his left arme, and one of his left hipp. and one great bruise of his brest; and these was the knuckles of one hand and one of his fingers frozen, and alsoe both his heeles frozen, and one of the heeles the flesh was much broken, and alsoe one of his little toes forzen and very much perished, and one of his great toes frozen, and alsoe the side of his foot frozen; and alsoe, vpon the reviewing the body wee found three gaules like holes in the hames, which wee formerly, the body being frozen, thought they hadbeen holes; and alsoe wee find that the said John was forced to carry a logg which was beyond his strength, which hee indeauoring to doe, the logg fell vpoin him, and hee, being downe, had a stripe or two, as Josepth Beedle doth testify; and wee find that it was some dew daies before his death; and wee find, by the testimony of John Howland and John adams, that heard Robert Latham say that hee gaue John Walker som stripes that morning before his death; and alsoe wee find the flesh much broken of the knees of John Walker, and that hee did want sufficient food and cloathing and lodging, and that the said John did constantly wett his bedd and his cloathes, lying in them, and soe suffered by it, his cloathes being frozen about him; and that the said John was put forth in the extremity of cold, though thuse vnabled by lamenes and sorenes to pforme what was required; and therfore in respect of crewlty and hard vsuage hee died; and alsoe, vpon the cond review, the dea corpses did bleed att the nose.
Att the said Court the said Robert Latham appeered, and was examined, and after examination comitted to the custidy of the cheife Marshall, and soe remaine vntill the next Generall Court, to bee holden att New Plymouth the sixt of March, 1654, vnlesse two sufficient men shall come in in the interim, and bee bound for his appeerance, body for body. March 6, 1654/1655; PCR 3: 73: Robert Latham was indited for fellonious crewelty done vnto John Walker, his servant, aged about 14 yeares, by unreasonable correction, by witholding nessesary food ad clothing, and by exposing his said servant to extremitie of seasons, wherof the said John Walker languished and imeadiately dies, the 15 day of January, anno 1654. These found the said Robert Latham guilty of amnslaughter by chaune medley. Whervpon the prisoner desired the benifitt of law, viz, a psalue of mercye, which was graunted him; and sentance was further pronownsed against him, which was, that the said Robert Latham should bee burned in the hand, and his hauing noe lands, that all his goods are confiscate vnto his highness the Lord Protector; and that the said sentence should bee forthwith executed; which accordingly was performed the 4th of march, 1654. March 6, 1654/1655; PCR 3: 74: Wheras John Lewis, somtimes seruant to Mr Varssall, of Scittuate, is departed the goument indebted vnto John saffin and others, and hath left som goods in the hands of Willam Parker, of Taunton, the Court doth order, that the said goods shalbee for the satisfyeing of the debts hee owed to the said John Saffin att his departure. March6, 1654/1655; PCR 3: 75: It, wee present John Pecke, of Rehoboth, for laciviouse carriages and vnchast in attempting the chastitie of his fathers maide seruant, to satisfy his fleshly, beastly lust, and that many times for some yeares space, without any intent to marry her, but was alwaies resisted by the mayde, as hee confesseth. June 8, 1655; PCR 3: 82: Imppr, we present Susanna, the wife of Robert Latham, for being in a great measure aguilty, with her said husband, in exercising creuelly towards theire late seruant, John walker, in not affording him convenient food, rayment, and lodging; especially in her husbands absence, in forceing him to bring a logg beyond his strength.
(Entry Struck from the Record)
Item, wee present Jane, the seruant of Wilam Swift, for an acte of fornification, by her owne confession vpon examination.
Concerning complaint made by John Hall, of Yarmouth, against Francis Baker, of the same towne, for abusing Samuell Hall, his son, and seruant to the said Baker, by kicking of him and otherwise vnreasonably stricking of him, the Court haue ordered, that the said Samuell Hall shall bee and continew with his said father vntill the next Court of Asistants; and then incase the said Baker shall come and complaine to the said Court, hee is to acquanit the said Hall therwith, that soe hee may come with him, and they shalbee heard. July 2, 1655; PCR 3: 84: In reference vnto a former engagment vnto James Skiffe for his former seruice, the Court haue graunted vnto him a smale pcell or tract of land lying att Mannomett, videlect, a smale necke deuided into two ptes by an inlett of water coming out of the riuer . . . . August 7, 1655; PCR 3: 88: Wheras Robert Chambers, somtimes seruant to Mr Edward Winslow, is departed the gouerment and since decreased, and when hee departed hee left a smale stocke of cattle in the hands of Robert Caruer, of Marshfeild, in ptenership with him; and the time of theire said ptenorship being expired, and the encrease of the said cattle shalbee and remaine in the hands and custidy of the said Robert Caruer on the conditions hee formerly had them, viz, to halfes the encrease, that is to say, the breedling cattle, two steer claues remaining vndesposed of. October 4, 1655; PCR 3: 91: And att this Court, Jane Powell, seruant to Willam Swift, of Sandwidge, appeered, haueing been presented for fornification, whoe, being examined, saith that it was comitted with one David Ogillior, and Irish man, seruant to Edward Sturgis; shee saith shee was alured thervnto by him goeing for water one euening, hopeing to haue married him, beeing shee was in a sadd and miserable condition by hard seruice, wanting clothes and liuing discontentedly; and expressing great sorrow for her euell, shee was cleared for the present, and ordered to goe home againe. July 3, 1656; PCR 3: 107: Att this Court, William Hailstone, of Taunton, prefered a petition to the Court, therin requesting to haue a review of the case betwixt Jonathan Briggs and himselfe concerning the complaint of the said Briggs aginat the said Hailstime for not learning him the trade of a tayler, according to couenant. The Court, upon pusll of the said petiion, not seeing sufficient reason to admitt therof, yett notwithstanding, to prevent clamors, gaue way thervnto, which being tendred vnto him, hee declined it, and could not review the said case. June 3, 1657; PCR 3: 118: In answare to a complaint against Robert Croosman, of Taunton, for wronging an apprentice of his, the Court haue directed an order vnto the select men of the said towne, whoe are deputed to order the speciall affaires theof, to take course about the same, soe as the said Crosman his said servant bee heard in any just complaint and releiued; but incase it can not bee soe issues, that both mr and servant are to apeer att eh Court of Assistants to bee held in Plymouth the first Tuesday in August next . . . .
Wheras there is a complaint made by a seruant belonging to Mr Thomas Gilbert, Junir, that hee is ill vsed, being decriped, and is in want of competent nd convenient clothing, [etc.], these are to require the selectmen deputed by the towne of Taunton to order the speciall affaires therof that they take notice of the boyes condition, and vse theire best prudence that hee may bee competently prouided for, and in speciall that hee bee prouided for in the winter season with shooes and stockens, and likewise to warn and require the boy to carry towards his mistris as a serunat ought to doe, with all due respect and obedience; and incase youer indeauors will not procure a redresse in the ipmiese, vpon further notice givern vnto vs from you wee shall take course as reason shall require; and wee likewise desire you seriously to remember that some speedy course may bee taken for the curing of the boyes foot, being in danger of perishing.
In answare to complaint against Robert Croosman, of aunton, for wronging an apprentice of his, the Court haue directed an order vnto the select men of the said town, whoe are deputed to order the speciall affaires therof, to take course about the same, soe as the said Crossman his said servant bee heard in any just complaint and releiued; but incase it can not bee soe issued, that both mr and servant are to appeer att the Court of Assistants to bee held in Plymouth the first Tusday in August next; and for that end, incase there shalbee nessesitie to make vse therof, a warrant was issued forth requiring the cunstable of Taunton to warn them to appeer att the said Court; and the Court haue likwise sent for such testimony as may bee produced to cleare the case. February 2, 1657/1658; PCR 3: 126: John Barnes complained against Edward Holman for intertaining John Wade, his seruant, and for carrying the said Wade to Duxborrow in his boate without his masters concent. The Court finding the said Holman, upon vpon examination of him, to bee faulty both att this time and att other times in the like manor, hee was fined ten shillings; and the next time hee, the said Holman, shalbee found faulty in such like carryages, on due proofe, towards any of the seruants of the said John Barnes, hee is centanced by the Court to pay vnto him the sume of twenty shillings.
Att the same Court, the said John Barnes complained against his said seruant, John Wade, he ran vp and downe like vnto a runagate, and hee could haue noe comaund over him, and therfore desired hee might bee freed from any further care or inspection ouer him; on which the Court ordered the said Barnes to keep his said seruant vntill hee could send word to his father, and take further order with him about him. March 2, 1657/1658; PCR 3: 132: Concerning Josepth Gray, seruant to Mis Gilbert, of Taunton, whoe was somtimes since frozen on his feet, and still is lame therof. These are from the Court of the towne of Taunton, to request them, that wheras there is hopes that this spring hee may bee cured, if endeauors hee vsed for that end, that they would please to take some course, either into the Bay or elsewhere, for his cure; and what expence they shalbee att about the same, in regard that his said mis is not in the capacitie to defray the charge, incase her husband doe come againe into the countrey, and bee found able, hee shall satidfy the said chargel if not, the Court hopes it will not bee vnrewarded of God.
Concerning the complaint of John Rosse, a Scotsman, seruant to Nathaniell Warren, that hee had serued with his said master six yeare for nothing, the Court pused his couenants with his said master, and ordered him to serue one yeare more with his said master, and then to bee free, in regard that his said master did giue him a yeare of his time then before the Court. May 4, 1658; PCR 3: 133: Whereas Robert Sprout, formerly seruant to Walter Briggs, complained that his master keeps his indenture from him, wherin his master is engaged, att the end of his tearme, to giue him somwhat in consideration of his seruice, and that his master gaue him the last yeare of his time, which was made appeer in some measure; wherfore the Court orders, that Walter Briggs shall returne that said Robert Sprout his indenture, and that the said Sprout may haue his libertie to work with any other man in Scittuate vntil June court next; the said Robert Sprout haueing put in securitie to the Court to answare his masters complaint att June Court next, except they shall therwise agree theire difference in the interem. PCR 3: 134: Concerning Josepth Gray, seruant to Mis Gilbert, of Taunton, the Court haue ordered, that a speedy course bee taken for his cure, hee being lame on his feet, and that the towne of Taunton shall make a rate to defray the charge therof. June 1, 1658; PCR 3: 143: Wheras Susana Latham hath stood presented vnto this Court for sundry yeares for crewelty toawrd John Walker, seruant to Robert Latham, these are to signify, that accordingly as it was manifested in the Court, that if any will come in, they shall haue full and free libertie to procequte against her att the next October Court, or totherwise that then the said presentment shalbee raced out of the Court records.
[In the margins regarding the above entry:] At the Court held att Plymouth the fift of October, 1658, proclaimation was made three times in the Court, that if any would presecute Susanna Latham according to this order they should be heard; but none apeered in the case, and according to this order, her presentment was rased out of the records of the Court. September 29, 1658; PCR 3: 149: The Court giueth libertie vnto John Irish, of Duxborrow, to make enquiry and serch out a portion of land to acomodate him according to his indenture, and Constant Southworth hath engaged to healp him therin; and the like is graunted by the Court to any other in like condition that are able to claine the like libertie by the like right as the said Irish hath done. May 3, 1659; PCR 3: 160: Wheras complaint was mae against John williams, of Scittuate, for hard vsage of a daughter of John Barker, deceased, the Court hau4e ordered, that the said child shalbee and continew with Thomas Bird, of Scittuate, vntill the next Court; and that shee being weake and indeirme, the said tho Bird is to endeauor to procure meanes for her cure, and what expence hee shalbee att about the same, the Court engageth to take order that hee shalbe paid; and the said Thomas Bird is to appeer att the next Court to giue in what testimony hee can produce to cleare vp the case betwixt the said John Williams and his kinswoman, the said gerle. March 7, 1659/1660; PCR 3: 180: Wheras complaint is made against, seruant of Leiftenant Peter Hunt, of Rehoboth, that hee, the said, hath attempted the chastity of an Indian woman, by offering violence to her, and that the complaint hath bine heard before Captaine Willett, and that there is great appeerance of truth in the said charge; the Court haue ordered that the said Capt Willett shall further examine the said youth, named, and incase hee shall find the accusation to bee true, that hee cause due correction to bee giuen him, and determine alsoe otherwise about the said fact as hee shall judge meet. March 7, 1659/1660; PCR 3: 182: That wheras the Court was pleased to appoint Robert Studson and Josias Winslow, Senir, to haue the hearing of the difference betwixt Henery Hobson, of Road Island, and Phillip Pointing, to heare both parties, and to examine theire testimonies, and as they find the case to returne theire award: Now, soe it is, that after a great time spent in debateing the case betweem them, wee find that Phillip Pointing was an hiered seruant to the said Henery Hobson for a whole yeare, and for his service was to bee payed ten pounds in English goods, as it cost in Boston; and we find that the said Pointing remained with his master the space of twelue weekes, and in the said time was vnfaithfull, and wronged his master in seuerall particulars; hee, being sent for a caske of liquo, drew out and desposed amongst his consorts two quarts and vpwards, and put water in the caske; soe likewise in hideing of his masters wedges, and said hee could not find them, and after told Wood that his master said hee stole them, which prouoaked the said Wood violently to fall out with his master, and to strike him to the danger of his life; alsoe in defaming of him, in raiseing falce reports which appeers by testimony vpon oath, which the said Phillip odaciously deneyed, but att length being convicted, manifested himselfe sorrowfull that hee had soe much wronged his mr, in saying hee was a theife and had stollen higges and a steer, and therin had belyed his master, for which hee was very sorry and willing to acknowlidge this in publicke Court; all which was soe cleare to vs and to Timothy Hallowey, that had moued in his behalfe, that the said Timothy was ashamed that hee had meddled with his case; soe that wee find that the said Henery Hobson, in his name and estate, is much damnifyed, the which wee conceiue the said Pointing is not able fully to satisfy; yet vpon consideration of the great trouble and charge, which the said Hobson hath bine forced vnto to cleare himslfe, wee thinke meet allow him foure pounds and fiue shillinges, which sume wee find hee hath in his hand of Phillip Pointinges, and for what the said Henery hath payed to the said Phillop shall goe for full satisfaction for the service; and this wee declare to bee our agreement and our award. June 13, 1660; PCR 3: 195: In answare vnto a request made to the Court by the widdow Vobes, requesting some supply of land in request vnto the conditions of an indenture made betwixt Mr Isacke Allerton and her husband, John Vobes, late deceased, the Court giues liberty that any for her may looke out some land for her suplly, and a compentency wilbee graunted and confeirmed vnto her. February 5, 1660/1661; PCR 3: 204: Att his Court, John Baddo, servant to William Newland, was presented before the Court, haueing bine comiitted to jayle for runing away from his said master, and takeing away his mare with him, and plloying of some other thinges; and after examination and convicion, the said Baddo was ordered to returne vnto his said master againe, and warned to carry btetter; and it was further expressed to him by the Court, that forasmuch as hee manifested sorrow for his said fact, that therfore riggor of law should not bee executed vpon him for the same; neuerthelesse, hee was sentanced by the Court to bee publickly whipt, which accordingly was performed. June 4, 1661; PCR 3: 216: Libertie is graunted vnto some whoe were formerly servants, whoe haue land due vnto them by couenant, to nominate some persons to the Court or to some of the majestrates, to bee deputed in theire behalfe to purchase a parcell of land for therie accomodations att Saconett. June 10, 1661; PCR 3: 220: Vpon the complaint of William Hiferney, Irish man, seruant to John Hollot of Scittuate, that hee is bound to his said master the tearme of twelue yeares, haueing bin stolen away out of his owne countrey, and engageing to soe long a time when hee was vnaquainted with the English tongue, the Court haueing heard what the said master and seruant could say in the pmises, haue pswaded the said John Hollot, and hee by these psents hath engaged to the Court, that if his said seruant shall and doe pforme vnto him faithfull seruice, and carry himselfe otherwise as hee ought to doe, that hee doth and will remitt two yeares of the time of his seruice, and likewise will pforme the conditions of his indenture to and with his said seruant. March 4, 1661/1662; PCR 4: 11: Richard Marshall, for many wicked and filthy speeches and actions, as alsoe for many other practices tending to the desturbance of maighbourhood, was sentanced by the Court to bee publickly whipt, which accordingly was executed; and his master, John Turner, of Taunton, was warned by the Court to take course that the said Richard Marshall, his servant, shall carry better amongst his naighbours, or otherwise to rid him out of the towne. June 3, 1662; PCR 4: 18: Captaine Willett is appointed by the Court to purchase the lands of the Indians which is graunted vnto such that were servants and others that are ancient freemen, which they thinkes meet to add to them to haue enterest in the said graunt, the tenure wherof is extant in the x of the Court. It was further graunted by this Court, that the abousaid servants and ancient freemen shall haue libertie.incase they can not procure Saconett Necke according to the x graunt, to looke out some other place, vndisposed of, for theire accomodation.
Theire names are as followeth: James Cole, Senir, William Merricke, john Hanmore, Gorg Partrich, Nicholas Wade, Josepth Beedle, Thomas William, John Rouse, Richard Bishop, Abraham Sampson. Gorge Vicorey, John Vobes, samuell Chandeler, John Irish, Roger Annadowne, Petter Collymore, William Sherman, John Haward, Wwalter Woodworth, Thomas Pope, John Smaley, Richard Beare, William Tubbs, William Shirtliffe. Richard xas an ancient freeman, Josias Cooke as a servant andd as an x freeman, John x, Senir, as an ancient freeman and as a servant.
Josias Cooke and John Was x are to bee considered with a x portion in reference to the condition abouemensioned, as being both ancient freemen and servants. March 3, 1662/1663; PCR 4: 34: Att his Court, Moses Crooker and Richard Man were presented before the Court for entering into the house of Edward William, of Scittuate, and ployning of his money and goods, and laying of gunpowder about his hearth soe as it fiered, to the endangering of the life of the said Williams, with other pnisious practices which proued injurious to the said Williams, for which they were sentanced by the Court to bee both seuerly whipt, which accordingly was inflicted; and wheras the money and goods tthey tooke from the said Williams could not be made good by them, nor satisfaction giuen for other injuries, the Court ordered them to bee put forth to seruice vntill each of them should attaine the age of twenty and one yeares from the date heerof, viz, the said Moses Crooker to liue with, continew and abide with John williams, paying vnto the said Edward Williams the sume of five pounds; and incse the said John Williams shall decease before the said time bee expired, that then hee shalbee att the dispose of the said John Williams for the remainder of his time, with the consent and the approbation of the Court; and likewise the Court doth dispose of the said Richard Man to bee with and abide with Mr Thomas Hinckley, of Barnstable, or his assignes, with the approbation of ye Court, after the mannor of an apprentice, the tearme of ten yeares from the date heerof, hee being att the writing of the age og eleuen yeare; and incase the said thomas Hinckley shall decease before the said time bee expired, that then the said Richard Man shalbee att eh dispose of him, the said Thomas Hinckley, for the remainder of his time, with the consent and approbation of the Court. June 1, 1663; PCR 4: 39: Wheras John Allin,of Scittuate, and Anna, his wife, longe since tooke Josias Leichfeild as theire adopted child, with purpose to bringe him vp, and to doe for him as theire child, and soe faithfully performed during the said Allin his life, and notlong before his death was mindfull of him; yett being suddenly taken away, left not his mind soe full and particulare concerning him as hee intended and might haue bine desired; yett soe much appeered to the Court vpon oath as in theire apprehensions carryed the true intent and force of will. The said Josias haueing chosen Leiftenant James Torrey and Cornett Robert Studson his gaurdians, it was att this Court agreed between Anna, the relict of the said Allin, and the boyes abouenamed guardians, with the Courts approbation and likeing, that the said Josias should haue twenty pounds sterling payed into the hands of his said gaurdians about Michilmus next, by them to bee improued for him, and soon after that time to be freed [and] to bee put forth to a trad, and conveniently fited out with suitable apparrell and nessesarries; and when hee shall come to the age of twenty one yeares, to bee posessed of the farme and appurtenances giuen him by he said John Allin, deceased. October 4, 1664; PCR 4: 77: These few lines doe witnes, that I, John Coggen, doe from this day forward discharge and free my loueing frinds, james Cudworth, of Scittuate, and Isacke Robinson, of Barnstable, from being my guardians, acknowlidging myselfe to bee fully satisfyed; whervnto I haue sett my hand. PCR 4: 78: The sumes aboue mencioned to bee payed by the pties aboue mencioned, viz, thomas Morton and John Andrews, is to bee payed for the remained of the time vnserved out, which the said Andrews should haue serued with the said Nathanierl Warren, hee haueing alsoe vpon the sealing heerof, surrendered vp the said John Andrewes his indenture for the said time; these pticulares were aded in the originial agreement in writing before the ensealing therof. June 7, 1665; PCR 4: 93: The remainer of the time that Moses Crocker is yett to serue from the date heerof, the Court alowes that hee shall serue it out with Thomas Hiland, Junir, of Scittuate, prouided that the said Hiland shall not dispose of him to any other without the Courts consent. PCR 4: 98: That the said Annliued in the house of Mr Darbeyes father with the said John chipman att such time as the said John Chipman came from thence to New England to serue Mr Richard Barbey, his brother; and that the said Ann came afterwards likewise ouer to serue the said Richard Darbey, when old Mr Darbey requested this deponant to comend him to his cozen Chipman, and tell him if hee were a good boy hee would send him ouer the money that was due to him when hee saw good; and further, wheras this deponant heard the said John drbey affeirme that his money was payed to John chipmans mothers, shee further deposeth that his said mother was dead a quarter of a yeare or therabouts before her old master sent this message to his cozen Chipman; all which this deponant sweareth, and further knoweth not. October 3, 1665; PCR 4: 105: Mr. Josepth Tilden and Jeremiah Hatch are alowed and appointed by the Court to bee guardian vnto Nathaniell Man; and John Cowine is required by the Court to surrender him up to theire dispose as his guardians. PCR 4: 108: John Williams, Junir, is aloed [and] appointed by the Court to bee guardian vnto John Baker, and is required by the Court to bringe him vp in a way of education and learning, soe as may bee to his advantage and hea;lp when hee comes to bee of age, by putting him forth to a trad, [etc.] Februay 6, 1665/1666; PCR 4: 113: Mr Josias Winslow and Anthony Snow are approued by the Court to bee guardians to two of the sonnes of Robert Waterman, deceased, viz, Josepth Waterman and Robert Waterman; and supposing that Robert Waterman is vnder age, the Court appoints the said Mr Winslow and Anthony snow to bee guardian to him, as aboue said. June 5, 1666; PCR 4: 128: The Court haue graunted vnto the ancient servants, that they shall either bee accomodated att Saconett, according to a former graunt, or on the southside of Weymouth, between the land of Clement Briggs and Waymouth bounds; and incase they haue it att the latter place, that they shall haue fifty acrees apeece; and that richard Beare bee accomodated with them; and that the Treasurer and Cornett Studson shall lay it forth to them, prouided that it be done betwixt this date and Nouember next. July 5, 1666; PCR 4: 133: In reference vnto Thomas Barnes, servant vnto Mr.John Barnes, of Plymouth, vpon complaint vnto the Court if the nott agreement between the said mr and servant, the cased being refered by such as were interested therin, viz, the said Mr Barnes, and Mr Rocke, of Boston, in the behalfe of the said thomas Barnes, for a full and finall determoination, vnto our honored Gou, hee hath ordered, with the consent of the Court aforsaid, that the said Thomas Barnes shalbee surrendered vp vnto the said Mr Rocke, to bee att his dispose, and that hee is released from his master, John Barne, prouided thatr the said Mr Rocke pay or cause to bee payed vnto the said John Barnes the sume of . . . . October 31, 1666; PCR 4: 36: Att this Court, John Phillips, of Marshfeild, tendered to make payment of the sum of ten pounds vnto Grace Holloway, the daughter of William Halloway, deceased, the said Grace Holloway being now of age to receiue the said sume as her portion, and shee haueing requested Major Winslow to aduise her in reference vnto the future way of her liulyhood; the Court, alsoe, approueing therof, haue alsoe ordered, that the said sume of ten pounds bee deliuered vnto him for the improued by him for her vse. July 5, 1667; PCR 4: 154: Att this Court, Benjamine Bartlett cmplained against his servant, named John Cooper, for refusing to serue him vnlesse his indenture could be produced, which was supposed by him to bee ployned and made away; the Court, vnderstanding by sufficient euidence that hee is yett to serue him three yeares, ordered him either to accept of such conditions as were agreed on betwixt his said master and him since this controversy arose, or to be forthwith publickly whipt and forced to returne to his said master; after this they renewed the conditions, and soe the mater for present is ended. March 5, 1667/1668; PCR 4: 175: This Court doth alow and approue of Mr Nathaniell Bacon and Joseph Laythorpe to be gaurdians vnto Joseph Hull, the son of Mr Trustum Hull, deceased. July 7, 1668; PCR 4: 194: This indenture, made the 24th day of September, 1667, . . . witnesseth, that Richard Handy, of the towne of Sandwich, in the collonie of Plymouth, woolcomber, hath couenanted, agreed, and put himselfe an apprentice to and with James Skiffe, Junior, of the same towne, cooper, to liue with the said James from the 25th of October next ensueing vntill that hee judge himselfe that hee hath fully attained the skill and craft of cooper. The conditions on Richards pte are, first, that vpon the sealing heerof, hee deliuer vp to James his whole cropp of Indian corne, beanes, and pumpianes, which hee hath now growing in Ensigne Dexters land, and that hee performe halfe the work with James in gathering and conveying home the said cropp. 2condly. That hee worke diligently and faithfully with and for the said James in the occupation of a cooper, according to the vsuall costoms of prentises, not absenting hiimselfe needlesly and att his pleasure from his worke either day or night, but att lawfull houres, during his abode with James; likewise, that hee shall not sett vp for himselfe, or instruct any other in the craft of a cooper, in the lymetts of Sandwich, without lycence from James, but vpon the forfeiture of ten pounds sterling to be payed to the said James vpon euery such acte. In consideration wheof, James doth agree with and engage to deliuer to the said Richard seauen bushells of marchantable corne and his diett, good, wholsome, and sufficient, during the said tearme; and, further, hee doth engage to instruct the said Richard faithfully in the whole craft of a cooper soe farr as James himselfe vnderstands, with what expedition the said Richard shall from time to time be capable to receiue it; and likewise that hee will not hinder the said Rihard by busying about worke which doth not tend to his obtaining insight into the abouesaid trade; and that when that Richard shall judge, that by his owne dilligende and instruction of James hee hath sufficient skill in coopering, then James shall giue him full leaue to depart, without disturbance. For confeirmation wherof wee haue enterchangably sett to our hands and seales, this 24th day of September, 1667. October 29, 1667; PCR 5: 10: An agreement appointed to be recorded as followeth: Plymouth, the 12th of Aprill, 1667. A mutuall agreement between Secretary Nathaniel Morton and his wife Lydia Morton, on the one parte, and Sergeant William Harlow on the other parte, as followeth: The abouesaid Nathaniel Morton and his wife haueing a desire to haue a child of the said William Harlows, viz, Nathaniel Harlow, being now neare two yeares and an half old, the said William Harlow doth by these presents comitt his said son Nathaniell Harlow to the said Nathaniel Morton and his wife Lydia, vntill hee be of the age of one and twenty yeares; and this is to be vnderstood, that the said Nathaniel Harlow is to be and continew with the longest liuer of them, the said Nathaniel Morton and Lydia Morton, vntill hee be of the age of one and twenty yeares; if incase that either the said Nathaniel Morton or his wife decease before hee be of the age of one and twenty yeares, and the said Nathaniel Morton and Lydia Morton to take care of him and prouide for him as is meet in such case; further, the said William Harlow doth by these presents enagage that incase the said Nathaniel Morton doth decrease before the said Nathaniel Harlow be of the age of seauen yeares, that hee pay or cause to be payed to Lydia Morton, the now wife of Nathaniel Morton, ten pounds, to healp her towards the more comfortable bringing vp of the said child; and incase the abouesaid Nathaniel Morton and his wife Lydia Morton both of them decease before the said Nathaniel Harlow be of the age of one and twenty yeares, then hee is to returne to his father Harlow, or his order, without any further charge to him or his assignes. July 5, 1670; PCR 5: 43-44: Elizabeth Doxey, late seruant to Mr.Joseph Tilden, deceased, being deliuered of a child, and charging of Nathaniel Tilden to be the father of it, the said Nathaniel Tilden appeered att this Court to answare to it, and being examined, denyeth it; not withstanding, the Court saw cause to take cecuritie of him to saue the towne of Scittuate harmles from any damage that might acrew vnto them by the said child vntill another father appeereth; and a warrant was directed to the constables of Scittuate to cause her, the said Doxey, to bee sent as soon as shee is capable to Plymouth, to receiue punishment according to her demeritts. October 29, 1670; PCR 5: 50: Att this Court, John Louell, Junir, with the consent of his father, John Louell, Senir, of Rehoboth, made choise of Joseph Siluester, of Scittuate, to be his guardian, which was approued by the Court.
Att this Court, Dauid Wood, Joseph Wood, and Benjamine Wood did make choise of John Morton, Senir, and Leiftenant Morton, to be theire guardians, which was approued by the Court. March 8, 1670/1671; PCR 5: 52: And William Bassett, Junir, made choise of Mr Hinckley to be his guardian, which was approued by the Court.
Att this Court, Hannah Hull made choise of Joseph Holley and Nathaniel Fitsrandall to be her guardians, which was approued by the Court.
Att this Court, Benjamine Siluester came into the Court, and made choise of Joseph Siluester and Israell Siluester to be his guardians, which was approued by the Court. June 3, 1673; PCR 5: 116: In reference to the motion made by Mr Saberry and Jonathan Barnes concerning the children of Robert Marshall, that whereas they are left in a destitute condition, they have libertie to dispose of them for the learning of some trade or manufactory for theire future good, the Court giues libertie to them to put the eldest to the learning of a trad, and to take care of the legacye giuen by Mr Barnes, deceased, vnto the said children, and to improue it for theire good. July 4, 1673; PCR 5: 124: Leiftenant Howes, of Yarmouth, is alowed and authorised by the Court to be guardian to Marcye Hedge, the daughter of Capt.William Hedge, of Yarmouth aforsaid, deceased. PCR 5: 125-126: Whereas there is a tracte of land graunted to the old servants, or such of them as are not elswhere supplyed, lying att Saconett, the Court doe determine the bounds therof to be from the bounds of the graunt made to Plymouth att Punckateesett and the bounds of Dartmouth, and soe all lands southerly lying between that and the sea; the Court haue likewise giuen them order, or such as they shall appoint, to make purchase therof in theire behalfe as occation shall require, and that all such persons as haue right vnto the said graunt as old servants att Saconett shall make theire appeerance att Plymouth ion the twenty second of this present July, then and theire to make out theire right, and alsoe pay such disbursments as shall nessesarily be required, or otherwise loose theire right. June 1, 1675; PCR 5: 170: In answare to the petition of Richard Wright, requesting land in the right of Peter Maycocke, sometimes a servant in this collonie, the Court sees noe right appeering by vertue of his claime; but as hee hath bin an ancient inhabitant, and hath not bin much considered, and appeers to stand in need, haueing children that may imploy land, the Court saieth, if hee can find out land that is free and may be graunted, the Court will, vpon intelligence giuen them, consider him according to his condition. November 1, 1676; PCR 5: 216: In reference vnto a negro named Jethro, taken prisoner by the Indians, and retaken againe by our army, which said negro appertained to the estate of the successors of Capt. Willett, deceased, our Generall Court haue agreed with Mr John Saffin, adminnestrator of the said estate, mutually, that the said negro doe forthwith betake himselfe to his former seruice, and to remaine a servant vnto the successors of the said Captaine Willett, vntill two yeers be expired from the date heerof, and then to be freed and sett att libertie from his said seruice, prouided, alsoe, that during the said terme of two yeers, they doe find him meat, drinke, and apparrell fitting for one oni his degree and calling, and att the end of his said seruice, that hee goe forth competently prouided for in reference to appareell. March 8, 1678/1679; PCR 6: 4: In reference vnto severall yeers service performed by John French vnto John Kingsley, his grandfather, in his life time, it was mutually agreed by and between Elded Kingsley, executor vnto the estate of the said John Lingsley, and the said John French, before the Court, that the said John French shall have and injoy as his owne proper right fifty acrees of vpland, layed out in the north purchase att Rehoboth, which sometimes was the land of the said John Kingsley, and the meddow belonging to the said fifty acrees of land, and the one halfe of the comon belonging to the said vpland, as in full satisfaccon for his said service, to belong and appertaine to him, the said John French, to him and his heires and assignes for euer. November 1, 1679; PCR 6: 24-25: To the constables of Scittuate, or either of them, greet, [etc.] Whereas John Williams complaineth that hee hath, since the beginning of May last, lost seuerall beasts of horse kind, which are destroyed, and hath good ground to suspect that they are felloniously destroyed by Thomas Jenkins, of scittuate, Samuell Curtice, and Samuell Browne, being the reputed servants of the aboue said Thomas Jenkins, vpon which said grounds the said Williams doth desire that the said Jenkins, Curtice, and Browne may be strictly examined vpon suspision of felloniously destroying and disposing of the said horse kind, which the said Williams is owner of, without the said Williams his knowlidge, leaue, or order, and according to the particulars mensioned or found, soe to to be proceeded with according to law and justice.
Att this Court, John Dingley, and Arthur Loe, his servant, appeered before the Court, and hee, the said Arther, did enagage and couenant to contiew and liue with and abide with his said master and dame, as theire couenant servant and apprentice, vntill hee attaines the age of twenty-one yeers, hee being att the writing heerof of the the age of fourteen yeers, during which time hee shall faithfully serve his said master and dame, and not absent himslfe from their service by night or day, without theire consent; and the said John Dingley and his wife couenanteth to prouide for theire said servant sufficient and convenient meat, drinke, apparell, washing and lodging, fitt for one in his degree and calling, all the tearme aforsaid, and in the expiration therof, the said John Dingley or his wife doe heerby couenant to pay, or cause to be payed, vnto him, theire said servant, the sume of three pounds, and incase hee carry weel, the sume of four pounds. March 2, 1679/1680; PCR 6: 30: These presents witnesseth, that wheras my grandfather, Mr Thomas Howes, deceased, did oblige my vnkle, Thomas Howes, deceased, to learne mee, Samuell Howes, the trade of a cooper, in his last will and testament, as doth apeer vnder his hand bearing date the twenty sixt day of September, ann 1665, and I, the said Smauell Howes, being well assured of my said vnkles care to performe the said ingagement from time to time, and that it hath bine onely by my neglect the aboue engagment hath not yett bine performed, therefore I, the said Samuell Howes, with the consent of my father, Joseph Howes, doe fully acquitt and discharge my said vnkle, Thomas Howes, his heires, executors, and adminnestrators for euer of the aboue said ingagement, vpon my grand fathers will. October 27, 1680; PCR 6: 55: Att this Court, John Cooper, of Barnstable, appeered, and by and in his behalfe declared to the Court, that hee hath bine in his younger time a faithfull, proffittable servant to this collonies and to theire interest beyond many, and hath neuer yett obtained any considerable graunt of land from the country, npor otherwise considered for his good seruice, the Court ordered, that if in the interem of time betwixt this date and the next June Court, himselfe, or any frind for him, can by inquiry come by the knowlidge of any land in this collonie vndisposed of, and acquint the Court therwith, hee shall then haue a competencye therof graunted vnto him and settles on him; and incase of falyer therof, to be competently otherwise considered. July 1, 1684; PCR 6: 141-142: You, Robert Trayes, negro, are indited by the name of Robert Trayes, of Scittuate, in the collonie of New Plymouth, for that you, haueing not the feare of God before your eyes, and being instigated by the diuiel, did, on the last day of March last, felonuosly, wilfully, and presumtrously fire of a gun att the fore of Richard Standlake, therby wounding and shattering the legg of Daniell Standlake, of Scittuate, of which wound, and cutting of his legg occationed therby, died; which is contrary to the peace of our sou lord the King, his crowne, and dignity, and the laws of God and of this jurisdiction . . . . We find him an instrument of the death of Daniell Standlake by misadventure. The Court approued the verdict; and the negro, John Trayes, was cleared, with admonition to lay it much to hart that one should lose his life by him, although throw misadventure, onely amerced these fines after expressed: John Trayes, amerced by the Court to pay towards the charge of the lamnes of Daniell Standlake, vnto his father, Richard Standlake, of Scittuate, the sume of . . . 03:00:00. And for the negroes wrong that hee hath don in takeing away, or being an instrument in takeing away Daniell Standlake out of the world, although by misadventure, is fined . . . 02:00:00 or to suffer cirporall punishment by being whipt. March 5, 1684/1685; PCR 6: 152: Timothy, Indian servant to the reverent Mr John Cotton, being complaind of for running away from his master some time about November last, which was occation of considerable charge to his master, losse of time, and many waies to his damage, the Court, on consideration of damage that hee sustained, orders the said Timothy, Indian to serue his said master or his assignes one yeer more, or besides the tearme hee is bound for by indenture, which yeers service hee willingly offered and promised in open Court for satisfaction to his master. PCR 6: 153: Thomas Wappatucke, Indian, being found guilty of burglery att Our Court last It is ordered by the Court, that hee be sold for a perpetuall servant; and it is left to the honored Go[vernor] and the wors[hip] Mr Barnabas Laythorpe to dispose or make sale of the said Indian, and giue a bill of sale for them that buy him, and to proportion ye mony made of him to them that haue receiued damage by him. Appendix 3 : Descriptive Statistics
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