Having drawn up what the people of Massachusetts considered a declaration of their chartered liberties, and thus indemnified themselves, as it were, by the assertion of democratic principles, John Norton, “a fine scholar and rigid Puritan,” and the excellent Simon Bradstreet, were sent over to convince the king of the loyalty of Massachusetts, and to obtain from him a confirmation of her charter; letters being at the same time sent to such English statesmen as might be supposed to be favourable, bespeaking their co-operation. Charles, though fully aware of the contumacious spirit of Massachusetts, received, her envoys courteously, and confirmed the charter, burdening it, however, with restrictions which had no place in those granted to Connecticut and Rhode Island. He retained for himself “a right to interfere in the domestic policy of the colony; he demanded a repeal of all laws derogatory to his authority; the administration of the oath of allegiance was required; justice was to be administered in his name; complete toleration given to the Church of England; and the elective franchise conceded to every inhabitant possessing a competent estate.” A struggle now commenced between Massachusetts and the government at home. Instead of obeying the royal requisitions, they resolved only to adopt measures “conducive to the glory of God and the felicity of his people,” and these of course were the maintenance of their religious and democratic independence. The news of this opposition to authority did not tend to promote a better feeling towards them. It was even reported that Whalley and Goffe were at the head of an army of the four united provinces of New England, which were about to throw off their allegiance to the mother-country. Clarendon wrote, assuring them of “his true love and friendship, and that they should receive no prejudice in privileges, charter, government or church discipline;” and yet, before long, ships of war anchored in Boston harbour, bringing commissioners appointed “to regulate the affairs of the country according to royal authority and their own discretion.” Massachusetts had prepared for their coming. Her charter was entrusted to the safe keeping of four of her citizens; and a day of solemn fasting and prayer was appointed, as a means of propitiating Heaven in this fearful emergency. The commissioners were Nichols, Carr and Cartwright, together with Samuel Maverick, a Massachusetts man, son of the first minister of Dorchester, and who appearing now in this character, was regarded as a traitor. They came out in the small fleet which we have already mentioned as destined to the attack of the Dutch possessions in New Netherlands. At first, Massachusetts objected to take part in this aggression on the Dutch, but on second thoughts, considering the position in which they stood with regard to the king, a levy of 200 men was raised, which, as it happened, was not wanted, New Netherlands yielding without force of arms.