Instead of the former method, of referring all commercial concerns to a
fluctuating committee of the privy-council, this institution was intended
to chalk out a particular line of duty, which was to engage the whole
attention of that board. But the king was so immersed in private luxuries
and pleasures, that it was difficult to keep him steady and firm to any
laudable public regulation. The annual expence attending this excellent
institution he soon found was too heavy, and therefore it was dropt, and
the affairs of commerce returned to their former tedious and fluctuating
channel.

[Sidenote] A legislature is formed in the colony.

In Carolina Sir John Yeamans had entered on the government with an
uncommon zeal for the success of the settlement, and a grateful anxiety
to discharge the duties of his trust with fidelity and honour. The
proprietors, fond of their new form of government, had instructed him to
use his endeavours to introduce it, as the most excellent of its kind,
and wisely adapted to promote the prosperity and happiness of the people.
Accordingly, Sir John summoned the people together, ordered the
fundamental constitutions to be read, and representatives to be elected.
The province was divided into four counties, called Berkeley, Colleton,
Craven, and Carteret counties. The people, who had hitherto lived under a
kind of military government, now began to form a legislature for
establishing civil regulations. Ten members were elected as
representatives for Colleton, and ten for Berkeley counties. A committee,
consisting of Stephen Bull, Ralph Marshal, and William Owen, were
nominated for framing some public regulations. Three acts were proposed
by them as beneficial; the first, to prevent persons leaving the colony;
the second, to prohibit all men from disposing of arms and ammunition to
Indians; and the third, for the regular building of Charlestown.