Charles the second by the Grace of God, King of England, Scottland, France and Ireland, defender of the faith &c. To our trusty and well beloved Edward Cranfield Esqr, our Lieut. Governour and Commander in Chief of New Hampshire, and to William Stoughton, Joseph Dudley, Edward Randolph, Samuel Shrimpton, John Fitz Winthrop, Edward Palmes, John Pynchon Junior, and Nathaniel Saltonstall Esqrs, Greeting.— Whereas for the quieting of all disputes that have arisen concerning the right of propriety to the Jurisdiction and soyle of a certain tract of land within our Dominion of New England, called the Kings Province, or Narraganset country, we have thought fitt to cause strict enquiry to be made into the severall titles and pretensions which are claimed or challenged thereunto; know ye therefore that we reposeing especiall trust and confidence in the prudence, fidelity, and circumspection of you the said Edward Cranfield, William Stoughton, Joseph Dudley, Edward Randolph, Samuel Shrimpton, John Fitz Winthrop, Edward Palmes, John Pinchon, Nathaniel Saltonstall, have assigned, ordained, constituted and appointed, and do by these presents, assign, ordain, constitute and appoint you the said Edward Cranfield, William Stoughton, Joseph Dudley, Edward Randolph, Samuel Shrimpton, John Fitz Winthrop, Edward Palmes, John Pinchon Junior, and Nathaniel Saltonstall, to be our Commissioners for examining and enquiring into the respective claims and titles, as well of our self, as of all persons or corporations whatsoever, to the immediate Jurisdiction, Government or propriety of the soyle of, or within our Province, commonly called the Kings Province, or Narraganset country, authorizing and impowering you, or any three of you, (whereof Edward Cranfield or Edward Randolph aforesaid, shall be of the Quorum,) to examine and enquire into the severall titles abovementioned, and to summon and call before you any person or persons, and to search Records as you shall find requisite for your information in this behalf, as also to take examinations upon oath, (which the Governours or Magistrates under whose respective Jurisdiction you shall meet, are hereby required and directed to administer unto such person or persons, whom you shall so think fitt to call before you) for clearing of truth in the cases abovementioned; and your proceedings herein, with your opinions upon the matters that shall be examined by you, you are to state and report unto us with all convenient speed, to the end we may upon a finall determination in our Privy Councill, cause impartiall justice to be don and executed where it shall appear to belong. And so we bid you farewell— From our Court at White Hall, the seventh day of Aprill, in the five and thirtieth year of our Reigne. By his Majesties command.

SUNDERLAND.