they had justly
forfeited all consideration from the King, that the first address
extracted from them when they found the monarchy firmly established,
expressed deep humiliation and confession, and implored the forgiveness
and favour of their Sovereign; and being sensible of the many and
well-founded complaints made against them by the victims of their
persecuting intolerance, they appointed two of their ablest and most
trusted members--Simon Bradstreet, an old magistrate, and John Norton, a
minister of Boston--to proceed to England to present their address, to
intercede for them, and secure the interest of those of their old
friends who might have influence with the King and his councillors. But
as Bradstreet and Norton had both been persecutors of their
Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and Baptist brethren, and were conspicuous
in promoting the bloody persecutions of the Quakers (now getting a
favourable hearing for their sufferings at the English Court), they were
unwilling to undertake so difficult and hazardous a mission without
formal provision being made by the Massachusetts Court for indemnity for
all the damage they might incur.

"At length," says their historian, "the Committee appointed to do
everything for their dispatch in the recess of the Court, 'engaged to
make good all damages they might sustain by the detention of their
persons in England, or otherwise.' They departed the 10th of February
(1662.)

"Their reception in England was much more favourable than was expected;
their stay short, returning the next autumn with the King's most
gracious letter, some parts of which cheered the hearts of the country;
and they then looked upon and afterwards recurred to them as a
confirmation of their charter privileges, and an amnesty of all past
errors. The letter was ordered to be published (as the King had
directed), and in an order for public thanksgiving, particular notice is
taken of 'the return of the messengers, and the continuance of the
mercies of peace, liberties, and the Gospel.'"

The early New England historian, Hubbard, says: "They returned like
Noah's dove, with an olive branch of peace in their mouths."

"There were some things, however, in the King's letter hard to comply
with; and though it was ordered to be published, yet it was with this
caution, that 'inasmuch as the letter hath influence upon the Churches
as well as the civil state, all manner of acting in relation thereto
shall be suspended u