ABSTRACT
The constitution of the Company as defined by the charter of 1698 was essentially similar to that of the Old Company, though by adoption of more modern terminology the committees were now styled directors. The Company sought to extend its trade to India, and in 1592 secured a fresh charter authorizing them to trade to India overland through Ottoman territories. The charter also accorded to the Company a general power within their forts to coin any species of money usually coined by native princes, such coin to be current within the charter limits. In accordance with instructions from the Company he established the executive government under a deputy governor and council, but the current belief that he enacted codes for the civil and military administration of the island rests on a misunderstanding. Criminal jurisdiction was exercised monthly in general sessions, juries were used for major offences, but minor infractions against religion and morals were punished without jury trial.
