This representation was approved by the queen, and an order of council was made on the 20th of May 1708, directing a proclamation of the sort therein recommended, to issue; and also a commission to be prepared annually by the Lords Commissioners for trade and plantations, for the commodore of the Newfoundland convoys, to command at land, during his stay in those parts, with such further _instructions_ for putting in execution that act of parliament, as were set forth in the representation; the Lords were also directed to prepare a letter to _Major Lloyd_, disapproving his proceedings, and requiring him to yield due obedience to the commodore’s commission: all which was accordingly carried into execution[12]. _Instructions_ were delivered to the commodore for executing this commission to command at land; and in one of those he was directed to send answers to the _heads of enquiry_, which had long been in use, relating to the trade and fishery, and which were always prepared by the board of trade, and afterward given in charge to the commander by the lord high Admiral. This change in the command at Newfoundland set the lords of trade upon an enquiry after the commission (before noticed) given in 1615 to _Captain Whiteburn_ out of the court of admiralty for impanelling juries[13]. It seems also, that it was in agitation for the commissioners of the customs to appoint an officer for preventing illicit trade in Newfoundland. The lords of trade were informed from the custom-house, that when a court of admiralty should be erected, and a person appointed to hear and determine causes on informations of seisures, a revenue officer should have his commission and instructions. But the French had got so strong, and had so disturbed our possessions in the island, that every thing gave way to plans of immediate and necessary defence. Through the year 1710, the merchants were making representations to the board of trade, beseeching, that in any treaty of peace with the French, Newfoundland might be reserved wholly to the English. This idea was adopted by the board, and they appear to have pressed it strongly with her Majesty’s ministers[14]. [Sidenote: Laws and orders made at Newfoundland.]