On the death of Sir Ferdinando in 1647, his estate in Maine passed to his son, John Gorges, who totally neglected his inheritance not even replying to repeated letters from the Gorges Colonists. A Patent for lands on the Kennebeck River had been given to the New Plymouth Colony in 1629. In 1649, they let the trade upon it for a period of three years to Governor William Bradford, and four associates. In 1652, the trade was sold to the same men for three years longer. In that year, from actual survey, the east line of the Massachusetts-Bay Colony was found to encroach upon the liberties of the trade sold by and to the New Plymouth officers; and, in 1653, Thomas Prence was authorized to summon all and every inhabitant of the Kennebeck country to assemble and receive from him the instructions of the Plymouth General Court: “1. That the people should take the Oath of fidelity to the State of England, and to the government of New Plymouth. 2. That they were to be made acquainted with the Colony laws, applicable to them, and establish suitable rules and regulations to guide and govern them in their civil affairs. 3. None were to be inhabitants there but such as should take the Oath of Allegiance. 4. None could vote for an Assistant but such as should take the Oath.” The Oath required was in these words: You shall be true and faithfull to the State of England, as it is now established, and whereas you chuse at present to reside within the government of New Plymouth, you shall not do, or cause to be done, any act, or acts, directly or indirectly by land or water, that shall, or may tend to the destruction or overthrow of the whole or part of this government, that shall be ordered, erected or established; but shall contrarywise, hinder, oppose, or discover such intents and purposes, as tend thereunto, to those that are in place for the time being; that the government may be informed thereof with all convenient speed; You shall also submitt, and observe all such good and wholesome laws, ordinances, and officers as are, or shall be established within the several limits thereof, So help you God, who is the God of Truth and the punisher of falsehood. [1653.]