Colonial Charters Excerpts – Primary Source

Objectives

• I can read and understand excerpts from colonial charters to understand their purpose and meaning.
• I can identify the rights and responsibilities granted to colonists and colonial leaders by the British Crown.

Background Information

Colonial charters were legal documents granted by the English Crown that outlined the rules for governance and rights within the colonies. They served as foundational frameworks, detailing the relationship between the Crown and the settlers. These documents highlight the balance of power, control, and autonomy granted to colonial leaders while maintaining allegiance to England.

The First Charter of Virginia (1606)

Granted by King James I to establish a settlement in Virginia, this charter provided colonists with land and rights while reinforcing allegiance to England. It reflects the Crown’s desire for economic expansion and religious propagation.

Link to Original Source

Text	Vocabulary and Context
We [King James] greatly commending, and graciously accepting of, [Adventurers’] Desires for the Furtherance of so noble a Work,…by the Providence of Almighty God,…in propagating of Christian Religion…	Commending: Praising or expressing approval.   Adventurers: Individuals or groups willing to take risks for exploration, investment, or settlement.   Furtherance: The act of promoting or advancing something.   Providence: Divine guidance or care.   Propagating: Spreading or promoting an idea or belief.
DO, by these our Letters Patents, graciously accept of, and agree to, [Adventurers’] humble and well-intended Desires;	Letters Patents: Legal documents issued by a monarch granting specific rights or privileges.
GRANT and agree, that the said [Adventurers] … shall and may begin their said first Plantation and Habitation, at any Place upon the said-Coast of Virginia or America, . . . and that they shall have all the Lands, Woods, Soil, Grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Mines, Minerals, Marshes, Waters, Fishings, Commodities . . . and may also build and fortify within any the same, for their better Safeguard and Defense, according to their best Discretion.	Discretion: The freedom to make decisions according to one’s judgment.
And we do also ordain, establish, and agree … that each of the said Colonies shall have a Council, which shall govern and order all Matters … according to such Laws, Ordinances, and Instructions, as shall be, in that behalf, given and signed with Our [the king’s] Hand	Ordain: To officially establish or order something.

Analysis

• Who granted the authority or rights in the document?
  • Look for mentions of the king or governing authorities. Highlight references to specific grants or permissions.
• What powers or rights were given to the colonists or colonial leaders?
  • Underline areas where colonists were allowed self-governance, land ownership, or other freedoms.
• How does this show the Crown’s relationship with the colonies?
  • Circle evidence showing trust, control, or loyalty requirements.

The Charter of Maryland (1632)

Granted by King Charles I to Lord Baltimore, this charter established Maryland as a haven for Catholics and provided significant autonomy to the proprietor and settlers.

Link to Original Source.

Text	Vocabulary and Context
We [King Charles] … do grant unto the said now Baron[of Baltimore],… and to his Heirs, for the good and happy Government of the said Province, free, full, and absolute Power…,	Baron: A title of nobility granted by the Crown, indicating a person of high rank and authority. In this charter, it refers to Lord Baltimore, the recipient of the charter, who was given the responsibility of governing Maryland.   Province: A territory or administrative division under the control of a larger country or empire.
to Ordain, Make, and Enact Laws, of what Kind soever, according to their sound Discretions…of and with the Advice, Assent, and Approbation of the Free-Men of the same Province.”	Discretions: The freedom to make decisions based on one’s own judgment.   Assent: Agreement or approval.   Approbation: Formal approval or consent.
We … do firmly charge, constitute, ordain, and command, that the said Province be of our Allegiance;…to inherit … and possess … all Privileges, Franchises, and Liberties of this our Kingdom of England.	Franchises: Special rights or privileges granted by a higher authority.
Furthermore, That our Subjects may be incited to undertake this Expedition with a ready and cheerful mind: Know, that We,…give and grant,…to the aforesaid Baron of Baltimore, and to his Heirs,…,full License to Ship and Lade in any the Ports of Us…	License to Ship and Lade in any the Ports of Us: Permission to transport goods and load cargo in English ports.

Analysis

• Who granted the authority or rights in the document?
  • Look for mentions of the king or governing authorities. Highlight references to specific grants or permissions.
• What powers or rights were given to the colonists or colonial leaders?
  • Underline areas where colonists were allowed self-governance, land ownership, or other freedoms.
• How does this show the Crown’s relationship with the colonies?
  • Circle evidence showing trust, control, or loyalty requirements.

The Frame of Government of Pennsylvania (1682)

William Penn’s charter emphasized religious tolerance, self-governance, and the rights of settlers. It showcased the Crown’s flexibility in granting liberties to encourage settlement.

Link to Original Source. 

Text	Vocabulary and Context
Now know…, that for the well-being and government of the said province…I, the said William Penn, have declared…all the freemen, planters and adventurers of…the said province, these liberties, franchises, and properties, to be held, enjoyed and kept by the freemen, planters, and inhabitants of the said province of Pensilvania [Pennsylvania] for ever. . . .	Province: A large division of a country with its own government   Freemen, planters and adventurers: Individuals who were free (not enslaved or indentured), settlers (planters), and those seeking new opportunities (adventurers)   Franchises: Specific rights or privileges.
That the freemen of the said province shall . . . chuse [choose] out of themselves seventy-two persons of most note for their wisdom, virtue and ability, who shall meet, on the tenth day of the first month…and act as, the provincial Council of the said province….	Provincial council: A governing body made up of representatives chosen by the freemen.
That no money or goods shall be raised upon, or paid by, any of the people of this province by way of public tax, custom or contribution, but by a law, for that purpose made….
That all courts shall be open, and justice shall neither be sold, denied nor delayed…
That all persons living in this province, who confess and acknowledge the one Almighty and eternal God, to be the Creator, Upholder and Ruler of the world; and that hold themselves obliged in conscience to live peaceably and justly in civil society, shall, in no ways, be…prejudiced for their religious…practice….
And lastly, that I, the said William Penn . . . do hereby solemnly declare, grant and confirm, that neither I, my heirs, shall…do any thing or things, whereby the liberties, in this charter contained and expressed, shall be infringed or broken. . . .	Infringed: To violate or fail to uphold an agreement or right.

Analysis

• Who granted the authority or rights in the document?
  • Look for mentions of the king or governing authorities. Highlight references to specific grants or permissions.
• What powers or rights were given to the colonists or colonial leaders?
  • Underline areas where colonists were allowed self-governance, land ownership, or other freedoms.
• How does this show the Crown’s relationship with the colonies?
  • Circle evidence showing trust, control, or loyalty requirements.