ful retribution of our sovereign's severity. But through the divine assistance and his Majesty's power she yet possesses authority, by royal charter, to assert her right of gov ernment; and we fear not to compare her acts of justice and clemency with the words of those who can make words only their boast." This speech completed the " Conquest of Maine," as it was somewhat humorously called in that period. Hostilities ceased then and there; and the commissioners went on and finished what they had begun, — from proclaiming the five associates (justices) elected, and qualifying the court officers and jurymen, to appointing town commissions, and forming the county mili tia in six companies (called train-bands), duly officered into a regiment. All that remains to be mentioned of the triumphant commissioners is that they made their report to the General Court on October 23, following; when they received a vote of public thanks, and "ample pecuni ary compensation for their services." The further acquisitions of Massachusetts in Maine may be recited in brief space. The heir of lord-proprietor Gorges soon after the return of the king's commissioners to England began to make efforts for the restoration of his rights under the patent of the province of Maine, — which these royal
agents had infringed upon more than the Bay government, having even attempted to sell lands. The House of Commons was besought to adjudicate on these claims; while the king was petitioned to forbid the intrusion of the Bay government. The pro prietor was earnestly aided by the numer ous enemies of the Massachusetts colony; and, in consequence, in the course of a few years, the Gorges claim gained a favorable decision; but before it was promulgated the Bay Colony's agents had purchased the patent of the Gorges family, — much to the king's chagrin. This was effected May 6, 1677; and the sum paid was twelve hun dred and fifty pounds. Thenceforth there was none qualified to oppose the beneficent rule of Massachusetts in the province of Maine; and, gradually, by the force of con ditions and events, that sway was extended to embrace the Puritan patent on the Ken nebec, and beyond to the St. Georges River, where had been constituted the county of Devonshire; the control in the remaining patents and grants embracing the territory eastward to the St. Croix, being acquired by the new charter granted the Massachu setts Bay Colony in 1691, by William and Mary; which remained in force until the Revolution, — and,;n fact, until the "sepa ration" in 1820, when Maine became one of the sisterhood of States.
