Instructions to Edward Randolph Esqr Collector Surveyr & Searcher of his Maties. dutys in ye severall colonys of N. Engd. ... 1684 October 8

[Recto]

Instructions To Edward Randolph Esquire Collector Surveyor
& Searcher of his Majesties Dutyes in the Seuerall Colonys of New England.

His Majestie hauing receiued Information of Seuerall vessells of New England.
trading in holland Contrary to the Lawes of Navigaton & Trade
whereby the Same are become forfeited (viz)

At Amsterdam.

The Pink Susanna of Boston Josh ffrost. Master.
A Small Bark whereof Abell Porter went Master
The Pink Doue of Boston Samuel Carter Master

At Rotterdam.

A Larg Pink whereof Robert Glanvill is Master, which ships as it
is informd; are, or were lately at the said respectiue Ports Besides
two or 3 New England Shipps more dayly expected. you are by his
Majesties Speciall Command forthwith to go in pursuit of the said vessells
to the said Ports of Holland, taking to your assistance henry Carter
whom you inform vs was lately there & can discouer them.

And for your better Countenance & assistance in the Seruice aforesaid
you haue here with deliuered vnto you a Letter from the Right Honorable
the Earl of Middleton, one of his Majesties Agents at Camphiere to assist
you therein. to whom you are to apply for Councill & direction
as need shall require.

you are at your arriuall at or near any of the said Ports repectiuely
discreetly to inform your selfe of any of the said vessells, or any
others traiding from his Majesties Plantations contrary to Law, and to
endeavour by your best wayes & meanes you dan. the seizure thereof
and such as you seize, that you cause to be conueyed to the next port
of England that you can maek & putt the same into the Charge of
the officer there.

And if vpon your Arriuall at any of the said Ports you shall find that
any of the said vessells haue been there, & discharged their loding Contrary
to Law & are departed, you are to gain the most Certain Information
you can concerning them. that so they may be proceeded against, when
they shall be found in other places:

And for the Carriing on ^^of this Seruice Captain Henry Brown Commander.
of his Majesties sloop Obervator. is directed to attend you. who lyes
ready in the Downes to receiue you, on Board. of whom you are
forthwith to repair. who will be also provided with money for
defraying the necessary Charge of this Seruice.

And if you shall haue occasion to make vse of the Councell or
assistance of his Majesties Agents at Amsterdam or Rotterdam you haue
herewith our Letter Recommendatory to them to that purpose which
you may vse as you shall haue occasion.

If after you haue discouered any of the said vesseslls. you find
any difficulty or opposition from the Authority of the Places in the
seizure thereof. or if after you haue Laid on your hand you find
opposition in Bringing them off. you are not to spend tyme in
Soliciting. but Leaue the matter in Charge with the Kings
Agents & return hither;

Customs house London
8th. of October 1684

Charles Cheyne.
N Butler
Buckworth
W Dickinson