British Royal Proclamations Relating to America, 1603-1783
"British Royal Proclamations Relating to America, 1603-1783" edited by Clarence S. Brigham is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume compiles English royal proclamations that pertain to North and South America across a significant period, from early colonial times to the Revolutionary era. These proclamations include various aspects of governance, trade, and social directives imposed by the monarchy, providing insight into the control exerted by the British Crown over its American territories. The opening of this work introduces the context and purpose behind the collection of proclamations. It explains the meticulous selection process undertaken by the American Antiquarian Society to limit the scope of the proclamations to those that came directly from the Crown while omitting numerous local or colonial documents. This focused approach aims to present a coherent collection reflective of royal directives, such as laws governing transportation and trade, enforcement of societal norms, and regulatory measures on issues like tobacco planting and interloping trade. The introduction also discusses the methods of proclamation production and distribution, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the legal landscape during this transformative period in American history.