[Extract]
The Governor asked the Opinion of the Council in respect of Persons claiming the right of Inhabitants of this Province in Order to obtain Certificates for their safety as proprietors of fishing Vessells as it is requir'd by an Act to "restrain the Trade & Commerce of the Provinces of Massachusetts Bay & New Hampshire & Colonies of Connecticut &ca:ー
And it having been consider'd who might legally be deem'd Inhabitants of this Province; The Council were of Opinion agreable to Lord Cokes definition of an Inhabitant, in his 2d Institute, folio 703 Vizt2
Every Person that dwelleth in any Shire, Riding, City, or Town corporate, though he hath but a personal Residence, yet is he said in Law to be an Inhabitant or a dweller there, as Servants &ca ー But this Statute extendeth not to them, but to such as be Freeholders. And this is gather'd by the Words of the fourth branch of this Act that giveth the distress Vizt ー And to distrain every such Inhabitant &ca in his Lands, Goods & Chattells. And besides it were in a manner infinite & impossible to tax by the next branch of this Act every Inhabitant being no Householder."
That Benjamin Valpy Owner of the Schooner Sally became an Inhabitant of this Province two Years agoー
Also that Solomon Babson Owner of the Schooner Frederick had become an Inhabitant in may lastー
Also that Sans Standley Owner of the Schooner Prince William became an Inhabitant in May lastー
Also, that Joseph Bars Owner of the Schooner Industry became an Inhabitant five Years agoー
