comply with the billeting act. In the beginning of the year they voted the sum wanted to the general, for the purchase of salt, pepper and vinegar, instead of passing an act conformable to the parliament’s act, which vote was accepted. But when they met at the close of the year, after having completed a petition to his majesty, another to the lords, and a remonstrance to the commons, they proceeded to consider the circular letters from the assemblies of _Massachusetts-Bay_ and _Virginia_, and unanimously agreed to answer them in the most respectful manner. They then entered into some very spirited resolves in favor of liberty, and the rights of their constituents; and appointed a committee to correspond and consult with any other his majesty’s subjects out of the colony, either individually or collectively, on any matter or thing whatsoever, whereby the rights or privileges of the house or its constituents might be affected. These doings occasioned their being dissolved. We are now entering upon another interesting period. It had been the common practice for the tide-waiter, upon the arrival of a vessel, to repair to the cabin, and there to remain, drinking punch with the master, while the sailors and others upon deck were employed in landing the wines, molasses, or other dutiable goods. The commissioners of the customs were determined that the laws of trade should be executed. Upon the arrival of Mr. _Hancock_’s sloop _Liberty_, _Nathaniel Bernard_, master, from _Madeira_, the tidesman, _Thomas Kirk_, went on board in the afternoon. Captain _Marshall_, in Mr. _Hancock_’s employ, followed; and about nine in the evening, made several proposals to _Kirk_, which being rejected, captain _Marshall_, with five or six others, laid hold of, overpowered, and confined him below for three hours, in which time the wine was taken out, before entry had been made at the custom-house or naval office. _Marshall_ threatened _Kirk_ in case of discovery. The captain wrought so hard in unloading the sloop, that his sudden death, that night, while in bed, before assistance could be obtained, was generally believed to have been owing to some injury received from his uncommon exertions. The next morning the master entered, as it is said, four or five pipes, and swore that was the whole of his cargo. It was resolved to seize the sloop for a false entry’s being made; though it was thought by many that no one would undertake the business.