Draft resolution regarding the sale of public lands, 1775 Mar. 27.

[Mar 27, 1775] [pass'd?]

His Excellency the Governor having by proclamation bearing date the 21st day of March in the present year declared that his majesty hath given orders that all vacant lands withink this colony shall be put up in lots to public sale and that the highest bidder for such lot shall be the purchaser thereof, and shall hold the same subject to a reservation of one half-penny sterling per acre by way of annual quit rent and of all mines of gold, silver, and precious stones; which terms are an innovation on the established usage of granting lands within this colony; Resolved, that a Committee be appointed to enquire whether his majesty may of right advance the terms of granting lands in this colony, and make report thereof to the next General assembly or Convention. And that in the mean time it be recommended to all persons whatever to forbear purchasing or accepting grants of lands on the conditions beforementioned; and that be appointed to be of the said Committee.

The Convention taking into consideration a proclama'n of his Excellency the Governor dated the 27th day of this month in which his Excellency is pleased to declare that it is his Majestys intention to [illegible] in his [future?] Grants of Land in this Colony, a quitrent of one half penny per acre to be paid annually as also, all mines of Gold Silver & precious stones contrary to the uniform ancient & established usage of this Colony

Resolved that a Committee be appointed to enquire whether his majesty may of right advance the terms of granting lands in this Colony & make report to the next Convention and that in the mean Time it be recommended to all personsto forbear accepting Grants under the Regulations aforesaid and the said Comittee consists of the following Gentlemen