The Massachusetts Spy, Or, Thomas's Boston Journal

Notwithstanding the distance (seventy-five miles) of the town of Beaufort, Port-Royal, from this, which has been the established seat of government from the first settlement thereof; whence none of the public offices can be removed; and where whatever and records are lodged: and notwithstanding the danger every one is exposed to, who leave Charlestown to go into the country at this season of the year, of losing their health; all our late elected representatives are gone, either by sea, inland, or over land, to attend the service of their country, according to his Excellency the Governor's will and pleasure, at Beaufort aforesaid; this being the day on which the writs were made returnable at the court house there--No measure of any Governor was ever more readily and generally condemned; but we ought not to doubt that his Excellency had most weighty reasons for adopting it.