The lowering prospect thickened apace; the _Massachusetts_ company therefore provided a safe retreat in season. They applied immediately to the improvement of their purchased territory; and sent out capt. _John Endicott_ and others, with servants, to begin a plantation; who arrived at (what is now named) _Salem_. They soon after petitioned for a _royal charter_, hoping that their existence and powers would be thereby secured and promoted. They succceeded, and a charter of incorporation was granted, [March 4, 1629] making them a body politic, by the name of “The Governor and Company of the _Massachusetts-Bay_ in _New-England_,” with as full powers as any other corporation in the realm of _England_. The grant and sale of the _Plymouth Council_ was confirmed. Till the annual election by the company could commence, the governor, deputy-governor, and eighteen assistants were specified. The mode of governing, and of admitting freemen, was prescribed. They were empowered to elect and constitute such other officers as might be thought requisite for the managing of their affairs, and to make laws and ordinances, not contrary to the laws and statutes of the realm, for the good of the said company and the government of their lands and plantations, and the inhabitants thereof. They were allowed to transport persons, whether subjects or strangers, weapons, merchandize, &c. _any law to the contrary notwithstanding_—such was the dispensing power the king assumed. He also exempted them from paying custom or subsidy for seven years; the governor and company, their factors and assigns, were to pay neither that nor any taxes IN _New-England_ for the _same space_. All were freed from duties upon goods imported or exported for 21 years, except the old 5 per cent. custom upon imports after the expiration of the seven years. All his majesty’s subjects going to and inhabiting the company’s lands, together with their children, were to enjoy all the liberties of free and natural subjects within any of his dominions, the same as though born in England. The king could mean only, that, by removing to and residing in the Massachusetts, they should not forfeit for themselves or children the privileges of _Englishmen_, and be treated as foreigners; and not, that they should be governed by laws and officers of their own making or choosing, personally or by representation; for they were evidently distinguished from the governor and company (of whom it appears to be supposed, that they were to remain in England) as these were authorized to administer the oaths of supremacy and allegiance to all and every person or persons, who should hereafter go to inhabit the lands and premises of the company. Beside, the governor and company were entrusted with the power of making laws, ordinances, &c. not contrary to the laws of England; of settling the government and magistracy of the plantation; and its inhabitants; of naming all the officers; and of setting forth their several duties,