COCKPIT, MARCH the 21th, 1697

GENTLEMEN—

Whereas great complaints have been made and daily continue, of manifold mischiefs comitted of late years, in the East Indias, and other parts of the world, by pyrates and sea robbers; and of the too favourable entertainment, protection and encouragement which it is notorious, have been given to many of them in severall of his Majesties colonys in America, both in their preparation and fitting out from thence, and in their return thither, as to a secure receptacle. His Majesty takeing the same into consideration, together with the further consequences of such like perniceous practices, which by the resentment of Princes and States concerned and otherwise, will infallibly more and more tend to the prejudice of trade, and bring great scandall upon the English name and nation. And desireing that this evill may be at once effectually cured in the root and spring of it, hath there-upon been pleased to direct us to send unto the Governours of all his plantations in America, copies of an act past on the Island of Jamacia, for restraining and punishing of Privateers and Pyrates, which may be very usefull for that end, and to require all his said Governours respectively to use their utmost endeavours with the assemblies, in each of his said plantations, for the passing of acts there to the same effect, and when past, to be very vigilant in the exact execution thereof. Wee therefore accordingly send you herewith a copy of the said act, that his Majesties pleasure may be punctually observed in the colony of Connecticut, and that you may give us an account of your proceedings therein— So we bid you heartily farewell.

Your very loving friends,

J. BRIDGEWATER,

PH. MEADOWS,

JOHN POLLEXFEN,

ABR. HILL,

WILLIAM BLATHWAYT

For his Majesties especial service. To the Honnourable the Governour and Company of his Majesties Colony of Connecticut, in America Connecticut.