y
the inconstancy of his temper. He had received directions from those
English merchants, who well knew that cohabitation would lessen their
consigned trade.

Sec. 137. In February, 1692, Sir Edmund Andros arrived governor. He began
his government with an assembly, which overthrew the good design of
ports and towns; but the groundwork of this proceeding was laid before
Sir Edmund's arrival. However this assembly proceeded no farther than to
suspend the law till their majesties' pleasure should be known. But it
seems the merchants in London were dissatisfied, and made public
complaints against it, which their majesties were pleased to hear; and
afterwards referred the law back to the assembly again, to consider if
it were suitable to the circumstances of the country, and to regulate it
accordingly. But the assembly did not then proceed any farther in it,
the people themselves being infected by the merchants' letters.

Sec. 138. At this session Mr. Neal's project for a post-office, and his
patent of post-master-general in those parts of America, were presented.
The assembly made an act to promote that design; but by reason of the
inconvenient distance of their habitations, and want of towns, this
project fell to nothing.

Sec. 139. With Sir Edmund Andros, was sent over the college charter; and
the subsequent assembly declared, that the subscriptions which had been
made to the college were due, and immediately demandable. They likewise
gave a duty on the exportation of skins and furs, for its more
plentiful endowment, and the foundation of the college was laid.

The subscription money did not come in with the same readiness with
which it had been underwritten. However there was enough given by their
majesties, and gathered from the people, to keep all hands at work and
carry on the building, the foundation whereof they then laid; and the
rest, upon suit, had judgment given against them.

Sec. 140. Sir Edmund Andros was a great encourager of manufactures. In his
time fulling-mills were set up by act of assembly. He also gave
particular marks of his favor towards the propagating of cotton, which
since his time has been much neglected. He was likewise a great lover of
method and dispatch in all sorts of business, which made him find fault
with the management of the secretary's office. And, indeed, with very
good reason; for from the time of Bacon's rebellion till then, there
never was any office in the world more neglige