Massachusetts Company

On March 19, 1628, there was granted to six patentees, of whom John Humphrey and John Endicott were destined to be most prominent, territory extending from the Atlantic to the Western Ocean, and in width from a line running three miles north of the Merrimac to one running three miles south of the Charles, This was the Ma achusetts Bay Company. Endicott was sent over the same year and effected a settlement at Naumkeag, or Salem, September 6. March 4, 1629, a charter was granted to the Governor and Company of Ma achusetts Bay, and under this instrument Ma achusetts conduced her affairs for fifty-five years. The colony was ruled by the Governor and thirteen councilors. The charter was transferred from England to America with Winthrop.