Order Relating to Governor Nicholson and the Parish Vestry
At a Vestry held for Bruton Parish y^e 7th August, 1705," . . . "His Excellency the Governor sending to this Vestry (by y^e hand of Mr. Wm. Robertson) An Altar Cloth and Cushion as a present for y^e use of y^e Parish, together with fifty shillings for y^e use of y^e poor, and desiring y^e said gift of fifty shillings might be recorded in the Vestry book as being his Excellency's usual quarterly gift; and also what his Excellency hath formerly given, together with an account how y^e same hath been disposed of,—The Vestry return this answer by Mr. Robertson, (viz) We return his Excellency many thanks for y^e Altar Cloth, and also for y^e fifty shillings now sent—which we assure his Excellency's shall be registered; but not knowing it to be his Excellency's Constant Custom, we cannot register it as such without we know att present what his Excellency hath given to the poor; but we do promise to examine that matter against y^e next Vestry, and what appears to us, then shall be registered."
As to the thoroughness of this investigation, and its result, we are not told. His Excellency gets no further credit for his accustomed benevolence. He sends no more quarterly offerings.
Minister's Salary
Ninth of June, 1682, "Ordered that Mr. Rowland Jones minister, for the future shall be paid annually y^e sum of Sixteen thousand six hundred and sixty-six pounds of tobacco and Caske. Any former order of Vestry to the contrary notwithstanding." Here follow the names and the sentence, Tester, Alex. Bonnyman. "Veritas non est dubitanda."
Church Attendance
June 9th, 1682. "The Vestry of this Parish takeing into consideration that many and divers of the inhabitants have
