This narrative will divide itself into four periods, or parts. The _first_ will close with the passing of stat. 10 & 11. Will. 3. c. 25. by which the adventurers and merchants were supposed to have obtained a preference, and advantage over the pretensions of the inhabitants, and planters. The _second_ will end with the appointment of a civil governor, and of justices of the peace in 1729; by which some stop was put to the disorder and anarchy that had long prevailed in the island, especially during the winter seasons. This may be considered as an advantage gained by the inhabitants and planters. The _third_ closes with Stat. 15, Geo. 3. c. 31. commonly called in the island _Sir Hugh Palliser’s act_, which was intended for giving an advantage to the fishery carried on from the mother country; but, as it obliges both merchants and planters to pay their servants’ wages, it is equally abhorred by both parties; and both parties have shewn great readiness to join in asserting, that the fishery has gradually decayed ever since the passing of this act. The _fourth_ comes down to the year 1791, when a court of civil jurisdiction was established upon principles which, it was thought, would secure the impartial administration of justice to the merchant and the planter, the rich, and the poor, the master, and the fisherman. PART I. [Sidenote: PART I. From Queen Elizabeth to Stat. 10 and 11 Will. 3.] _Different Charters granted—Rules and Regulations of the Star Chamber—Of appointing a Governor—Additional Rules—Report against a Governor—Sir John Berry’s Advice—Bye Boat-keepers, what?—Question of a Colony argued—Stat. 10 & 11. Will. 3. c. 25._ [Sidenote: Different Charters granted.] Newfoundland, like other new discovered lands in America, was endeavoured to be settled, and improved by means of charters granted from the crown; it being hoped that individuals would, in this manner, be tempted to pursue the public advantage, through the medium of their private interest. Charters were granted at five different times. The first was in 1578 to _Sir Humphry Gilbert_, who had thereby full power given him to possess all lands in Newfoundland not in actual possession of any Christian prince. By virtue of this authority, he, in 1583, landed in _St. John’s Bay_, and we are told, that calling together both English and strangers then fishing, he took possession of the country in the queen’s name, and erected the arms of England upon a pillar of wood, in testimony of her majesty’s sovereignty. The _second_ charter was granted in 1610 by _king James_, to the _Earl of Northampton_, _Sir Francis Bacon_, and several others, by the name of _the Treasurer and Company of_ ADVENTURERS _and_ PLANTERS _of the City of London and Bristol, for the Colony in Newfoundland_, with all the usual prerogatives and immunities; but in this grant there was a reserve to all persons of an entire liberty to fish.