thence running due East into the land until it comes to the great road which leads into Marshpee Neck, so called, and from thence Northwardly bearing Eastward as the said road runs, until it comes to the great road, which is the common road from Barnstable to Falmouth, and then bounded by the last mentioned road Northwardly, and running Westwardly until it comes to Ashir’s road, then crossing Falmouth road and running in Ashir’s path till it comes to Marshpee river aforesaid, and then upon the said river Southwardly, and on the East side, until it comes to the first station, leaving Quokin, and Phillis his wife, quiet in their possessions; which tract of land, (except Mary Richards’ fields and plantation,) which is within the said boundaries, and wood for Mary’s own use, and fencing stuff for her fences as they now stand, with all the appurtinances and privileges thereunto belonging, shall be forever for the important purpose of propagating the Gospel in Marshpee, without any let, hindrance or molestation.  In confirmation whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this seventh day of January, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three. 1783.

        LOT NYE,
        MATTHIAS X[Note:  sideways X] AMOS, his mark. 
        MOSES X[Note:  sideways X] POGNET, "

N.B.  Before the insealing the premises, reserve was made by the signers of this instrument, for the heirs of Mary Richards, that they forever be allowed her in her life time, and Abraham Natumpum and his heirs, be allowed severally to enjoy and possess Scipio’s cleared spot of land, and fencing stuff for the same.

ISRAEL X[Note:  sideways X] HALFDAY, his mark. 
JOSEPH X[Note:  sideways X] AMOS,      "
EBEN X[Note:  sideways X] DIVES,       "

    In possession of:  Gideon Hawley
                    :  Simon Fish.

    Received November 10, 1800, and is recorded in the 25th Book
    of Records, for the County of Barnstable, folio 139, and
    compared.

        Attest, EBENEZER BACON, Register.

Lot Nye was a white man, a great Indian speculator.  The other five were Indians, two calling themselves Selectmen.  Now what power had these men in 1783, to sequester four hundred acres of the common land of the Indians, for any purpose?  If they were Selectmen, and had any power, that power was expressly limited by the act of 1763, to leasing lands for a term not exceeding two years.  Here they undertook to make a perpetual grant, a sort of dedication of the property to a certain purpose.  If they could dispose of one acre so, they might with equal propriety, have disposed of the whole Plantation.  The Indians were all tenants in common, and no dedication or transfer of the common land could be made, without a legal partition, or the consent of every individual tenant.  If the pretended Selectmen acted for the Indians, they could only do so by power of attorney to act for