The New Hampshire Gazette And Republican Union

AN ANCIENT DOCUMENT.—Mr. Wall of Albany, has in his possession the original commission of Queen Anne to Lord Cornbury, appointed in 1702, Captain General and Governor in Chief of the Province of New York. The Evening Journal describes it as a massive document, covering two large sheets of parchment, and written in old English Black. Attached to it, is the great seal—large as a hat crown, and looking very much like a beautiful new year's cake. The Royal signature, Anne R., is written in a large, uncouth and irregular hand, which would be taken for the first efforts of a school boy.

The "Instructions" to the Governor General is a document equally ancient and curious. The Journal gives a long synopsis, from which we clip a few extracts showing the spirit of the times in the new world a century and a half ago.

Sec. 43 says:—“You are to permit a liberty of conscience to all persons (except papists) so they be contented with a quiet and peaceable enjoyment of the same, not giving offence or scandal to the Government.”

The 69th section requires the Governor to give encouragement to merchants who may bring trade to the Province, "and in particular to the Royal African Company of England." Sec. 70.—"And as we are willing to recommend unto the said company, that the said Province may have a constant and sufficient supply of Merchantable Negroes, at moderate Rates, in money or commodities, so you are to take care that payment be duly made," and "that there be no trading from said province to any place in Africa, within the Charter of the Royal African Company," &c.

Thus did England encourage the slave trade to this country, and fasten upon us the curse of slavery. That institution is about the last vile relic which remains amongst us of English barbarity.