Forasmuch as there have been many disputes and controversies for a long time, concerning the titles to a great part of the lands in the eastern parts of this province; many of which are claimed by vertue of ancient grants and conveyances ... It is therefore apprehended, that the printing and dispersing of extracts and collections of those acts, laws and orders, made from the first and earliest settlement of those colonies, down to the present times, will be of considerable service to the concerned ..