already made such Discoveries as do encourage them to proceed further
in Pursuance of their said Design, by means whereof there may probably
arise very great Advantage to Us and Our Kingdom. AND WHEREAS the said
Undertakers, for their further Encouragement in the said Design, have
humbly besought Us to incorporate them, and grant unto them, and their
Successors, the sole Trade and Commerce of all those Seas, Streights,
Bays, Rivers, Lakes, Creeks, and Sounds, in whatsoever Latitude they
shall be, that lie within the entrance of the Streights commonly
called Hudson's Streights, together with all the Lands, Countries
and Territories, upon the Coasts and Confines of the Seas, Streights,
Bays, Lakes, Rivers, Creeks and Sounds, aforesaid, which are not now
actually possessed by any of our Subjects, or by the Subjects of any
other Christian Prince or State. Now KNOW YE, that We being desirous to
promote all Endeavours tending to the publick Good of our People, and
to encourage the said Undertaking, HAVE of Our especial Grace, certain
Knowledge, and mere Motion, given, granted, ratified, and confirmed,
and by these Presents for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, DO give, grant,
ratify and confirm, unto Our said Cousin Prince Rupert, Christopher, Duke
of Albemarle, William, Earl of Craven, Henry, Lord Arlington, Anthony,
Lord Ashley, Sir John Robinson, Sir Robert Vyner, Sir Peter Colleton,
Sir Edward Hungerford, Sir Paul Neele, Sir John Griffith, and Sir
Philip Carteret, James Hayes, John Kirke, Francis Millington, William
Prettyman, John Fenn, and John Portman, that they, and such others
as shall be admitted into the said Society as is hereafter expressed,
shall be one Body Corporate and Politique, in Deed and in Name, by the
Name of The Governor and Company of Adventurers of England, trading
into Hudson's Bay, and them by the Name of the Governor and Company of
Adventurers of England, trading into Hudson's Bay, one Body Corporate and
Politique, in Deed and in Name, really and fully for ever, for Us, Our
Heirs and Successors, WE DO make ordain, constitute, establish, confirm,