1600-1754: Government and Politics: Publications

Robert Beverley, The History and Present State of Virginia (London: Printed for R. Parker, 1705)—this is a readable, opinionated (in favor of Virginia), and at times humorous account from one who served as justice of the peace, clerk of the House of Burgesses, and member of the royal council. Section 4, titled “Of Civil Polity and Government of Virginia,” is of special interest;

Cadwallader Colden, The History of the Five Indian Nations of Canada, which are Dependent on the Province of New-York in America, and are a Barrier between the English and French in that Part of the World (London: Printed for L. Davis, 1755)—this work includes information on government structures within the various Indian tribes, colonial legislation for the encouraging of British trade with the tribes, and Indian treaties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Written partly to’ encourage a British/Indian alliance against the French;

The Lawes of Virginia Now in Force (London: Printed by E. Cotes, for A. Seile, 1662)—by order of the general assembly this volume was prepared by Virginia’s governor Francis Maryson and the clerk of the House of Burgesses, Henry Randolph;

Daniel Neal, The History of New England, Containing an Impartial Account of the Civil and Ecclesiastical Affairs of the Country, to the Year of Our Lord 1700, 2 volumes, second edition (London: Printed for A. Ward, 1747)—includes information on municipal laws, issues of ecclesiastical discipline, a map, and an appendix with the then-present charter.