Portsmouth Compact

The purpose of the Portsmouth Compact was to set up a new, independent colony that was Christian in character but non-sectarian in governance.

"[citation needed] The text of the Portsmouth Compact: In the margin are the following Bible citations: Exodus 24:3–4 1 Chronicles 11:3 2 Kings 11:17 It was signed by 23 men: The last four names show erasure marks or strikethroughs for unknown reasons: Thomas Clarke, John Johnson, William Hall, and John Brightman.

William Hall's name may have erasure marks due to his disagreement with Portsmouth authorities soon after the town's establishment.

Hall is said to have stated, "A pastor is not needed to figure out one's religion as I can read the bible for myself" and "one's deeds and action ye are known in Heaven."

Note that the only names in common with the signatories of the Portsmouth compact is that of William Hutchinson and Philip Shearman/Sherman.