The history of the town of Dorchester, Massachusetts, By a committee of the Dorchester antiquarian and historical society ...

HISTORY OF DORCHESTER. 161
Boston Harbor, was first occupied in 1624, by David
Thompson, a Scotchman, sent over with others to
Piscataqua (now Portsmouth) by Gorges and Mason the year before, to establish a fishery at that
place; but later evidence shows that Wm. Trevour
was the first civilized occupant. Thompson left
Piscataqua and took up his abode upon it six years
before the Bay was settled; and after the Colony
was fully established he procured a confirmation of
his title to the Island from the General Court.
The following depositions relate to its earliest
history.
" I, William Trevour, testify that'Thompson's Island'
is'the formerly called'Island of Trevour' which I took
possession of in 1619, and declared the same (as the effect
of my proceedings) to Mr. David Thompson in London;
on which information the said T. obtained a grant and pat.
ten for peaceable and quiet possession of sd island to him
and heirs forever:-I being in the Company's service at the
said time. To this I testify on oath, 27 of 2d mo., 1650.
Deposed the day before named before me, Incr. Nowell.
"That this is a true copy taken and compared with the
original left on file,
"Attests ED. RAWSON, Secr."
"I, Wmn. Blaxton, testify that the Island called Tom.,
son's Island is by Dorchester neck, and that I heard ould
Mr. Thompson affirm that he had a patten for it, and that
there is an harbour in that island for a boate which none of
the rest of the islands had, and that those that put hoggs
there doe it by his consent to my knowledge." Taken upon oath this 5th of the 5th mo. 1650. William Hibbins.
4' That this is a true copy compared with that left on file'
" Attests E. R., Sec,"
14*