FRAME OF GOVERNMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA—1683[1]
The Frame of the Government of the Province of Pennsylvania and Territories thereunto annexed, in America.
To all persons, to whom these presents may come. Whereas king Charles the Second, by his letters patents, under the great seal of England, bearing date the fourth day of March, in the thirty and third year of the king, for divers considerations therein mentioned, hath been graciously pleased to give and grant unto me William Penn (by the name of William Penn, Esquire, son and heir of Sir William Penn, deceased) and to my heirs and assigns for ever, all that tract of land or province called Pennsylvania, in America, with divers great powers, preheminencies, royalties, jurisdictions and authorities, necessary for the well-being and government thereof. And whereas, the king’s dearest brother James, duke of York and Albany, &c., by his deeds of feoffment, under his hand and seal, duly perfected, bearing date the four and twentieth day of August, one thousand six hundred eighty and two, did grant unto me, my heirs and assigns, all that tract of land, lying and being from twelve miles northward of Newcastle, upon Delaware river, in America, to Cape Hinlopen, upon the said river and bay of Delaware southward, together with all royalties, franchises, duties, jurisdictions, liberties and privileges thereunto belonging.
Now know ye, That for the well-being and good government of the said province and territories thereunto annexed, and for the encouragement of all the freemen and planters, that may be therein concerned, in pursuance of the rights and powers aforementioned, I, the said William Penn, have declared, granted, and confirmed, and by these presents, for me, my heirs and assigns, do declare, grant and confirm unto all the freemen, planters and adventurers of, in and to the said province and territories thereof, these liberties, franchises and properties, so far as in me lieth, to be held, enjoyed and kept by the freemen, planters and adventurers of and in the said province of Pennsylvania, and territories thereunto annexed, for ever.
Imprimis, That the government of this province and territories thereof, shall, from time to time, according to the powers of the patent and deeds of feoffment aforesaid, consist of the Proprietary and Governor, and freemen of the said province and territories thereof, in form of provincial Council and General Assembly; which provincial Council shall consist of eighteen persons, being three out of each county, and which Assembly shall consist of thirty-six persons, being six out of each county, men of most note for their virtue, wisdom and ability; by whom all laws shall be made, officers chosen, and public affairs transacted, as is hereafter limited and declared.
II. There being three persons already chosen for every respective county of this province and territories thereof, to serve in the provincial Council, one of them for three years; one for two years, and one for one year; and one of them to go off yearly, in every county; that on the tenth day of the first month yearly, for ever after, the freemen of the said province and territories thereof, shall meet
- ↑ Idem, Appendix, IV-VII.
