As a reward for helping him take the throne, Charles II (a secret Catholic, r. 1649 – 1651, in Scotland; 1660 – 1685, in England and Scotland) issues the Charter of Carolina to Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon; George Monck, Duke of Albemarle; William Craven, Earl of Craven; John Berkeley, Baron of Stratton; Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury; George Carteret; William Berkeley; and Sir John Colleton:

       [F]or the good and happy government of the said province, to ordain, make, enact, and under their seals to publish any laws whatsoever, either appertaining to the publick [sic] state of the said province, or to the private utility of particular persons, according to their best discretion, of and with the advice, assent and approbation of the freemen of the said province … shall from time to time assemble in such manner … agreeable to the laws and customs of this our kingdom of England.

       [added 10/13/2024]