Scope and Content: Even before the collapse of the Dominion of New England (Apr. 1689), which soon led to the de facto restoration of the government of the 1629 charter ((M-Ar)23X) in the Massachusetts Bay colony, Increase Mather was in England lobbying for an official restoration of that charter.  In fact, the charter signed by King William III (this series) in Oct. 1691 provided for royal appointment of governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary, the continuation of a General Court lower house elected by freeholders, but without religious test, and a Council serving both as an executive power and legislative upper house, chosen by the General Court. The governor could veto acts of the General Court, served as commander-in-chief, appointed judges with Council consent, and consented to General Court appointments.
Restrictions: Access by permission of state archivist or curator of Massachusetts Archives only
Notes: In keeping with traditions established in the colonial period, the Secretary of the Commonwealth is the custodian of the foundation records of Massachusetts
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