CHAPTER V.

CHARTER GRANTED TO PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.--ORGANIZATION UNDER IT.--THE LAWS ADOPTED.

1643. The charter granted to Providence Plantations, 23

Provisions of the charter, 23

1647. The corporators met at Portsmouth and in a general assembly accepted the charter, and proceeded to organize under it, 24

The government declared to be democratical, 24

President and other officers chosen, 25

Description of the code of laws, 25

Design for a seal adopted, 26

Roger Williams presented with one hundred pounds for services in obtaining the charter, 26

Spirit of the law, 27