AP Success - AP US History: The British Colonies in the Americas

For the number of our people, we never took any survey of them, nor do we intend it, except inforced through urgent occasion... but I esteem them to be in all about 4000 souls & upward: in good health (for the most parse) & well provided of all necessarys... For Our susistence here, the means hitherto hath been the yearly access of new Comers, who have supplied all our wants, for Cattle, & the fruits of our labours, as board, pale, smiths work etc... our grounds likewise are apt for hemp & flax & rape seeds, & all sorts of roots, pumpkins & other fruits, which for taste & wholesomeness far exceed those in England... Our ploughs go on with good success, we are like to have 20 at work next year: our lands are aptest for Rye and oats. Our winters are sharp & longe... our summers are somewhat more fervent in heat than in England. Our civil Government is mixt: the freemen choose the magistrates every year... and at 4: courts in the year 3: out of each town (there being 8 in all) do assist the magistrates in making of laws, imposing taxes, & disposing of lands... Our Churches are governed by Pastors, Teachers ruling Elders & Deacons, yet the power lies in the whole Congregation and not in the Presbytery [not in a larger council of churches] further than for order and precedence.