The colony,
made up of two sources, consisted of not much above fifty or sixty
persons, none of whom were of special importance except Endicot, who was
destined to act for nearly forty years a conspicuous part in New England
history."[27] The Royal Charter passed the seals the 4th of March, 1629,
with Mr. Cradock as the first Governor of the Company. "The first step
of the new Corporation was to organize a government for its colony. It
determined to place the local administration in the hands of thirteen
councillors, to retain their office for one year. Of these, seven,
besides the Governor (in which office Endicot was continued), were to be
appointed by the Company at home; these eight were to choose three
others; and the whole number was to be made up by the addition of such
as should be designated by the persons on the spot at the time of
Endicot's arrival, described as "old planters."[28] A second embarkation
of planters and servants was ordered by the Company at a meeting, April
30, 1629, shortly after its incorporation by Royal Charter. Five ships
were provided for this embarkation; and four ministers were
provided--Francis Higginson, Samuel Skelton, Francis Bright, and Ralph
Smith.[29] Mr. Higginson says in his journal that he sailed from the
Isle of Wight the 11th of May, and arrived at Cape Ann the 27th of June,
and at Naumkeag (Salem) the 29th. They found at Naumkeag about one
hundred planters and houses, besides a fair house built for Mr. Endicot.
The old and new planters together were about three hundred, of whom one
hundred removed to Charlestown, where there was a house built; the rest
remained at Salem.

"Mr. Endicot had corresponded with the settlers at Plymouth, who
satisfied him that they were right in their judgments of the outward
form of worship, being much like that of the Reformed Churches of
France, &c. On the 20th of July, Mr. Higginson and Mr. Skelton, after
fasting and prayer, were first elected by the Company for their
ministers--the first, teacher; the other, pastor. Each of them, together
with three or four grave members, lay their hands on each and either,
with solemn prayer. Nothing is said of any Church being formed; but on
the 6th of August, the day appointed for the choice and ordination of
elders and deacons, thirty persons entered into a covenant in writing,
which is said to be the beginning of the Church, and that the ministers
were ordained or instituted anew. The repetition of thi