On the Method of Plants

Island, where there ought to be five: And the Ammunition and Provision for defense, was much after the same proportion, although the Tax original: "Imposition"; a compulsory payment or duty they have laid upon one of our Commodities amounteth to near four times the value of the Public Expenses original: "Publick Charges", until your Royal Majesty was graciously pleased, for the safety and security of these Islands, bountifully to supply us; which with all humble and submissive boldness, on the bended knees of our Loyal hearts, we most gracefully acknowledge; resolving in the Power of God, whilst we have Limbs or Life, against all your Majesty's Enemies, to defend and keep this poor, yet not inconsiderable Island: our bounden duty to your sacred Majesty, the honor of our Nation, and the respect to ourselves and Families, obligeth us thereunto; although we have otherwise small encouragement, laboring under such insupportable burdens and grievances, which we have from time to time laid upon us by those who in duty were obliged to have relieved us, and from whom can have no remedy:

Wherefore most dear and dread Sovereign, we your Majesty's poor Petitioners, knowing your Royal Majesty's Heart, and the Acts of your Majesty's Royal Favor and Grace, is like Fire and Air, common to all your Majesty's Loyal Subjects, have taken this boldness; our great necessities compelling us to seek redress from your gracious Majesty's hand, who are the true pattern of virtue and goodness to all your Majesty's Subjects. The Right Honorable Anthony Earl of Shaftesbury Anthony Ashley Cooper (1621–1683), a prominent politician and a proprietor of the colony, etc. our Honorable Governor, is able more particularly to inform your Majesty of our deplorable condition; humbly, and earnestly deploring your most sacred Majesty's gracious assistance, to succour us in our extremity, and to pardon our rude Lines, as coming from poor distressed Planters The term for the settlers and farmers established in the colony, who are confident of nothing more, than that we are, and desire always to be

The which said Petition was signed by the whole Assembly; but the said Company The Somers Isles Company, which governed the islands stifled it, and never delivered it to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.