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July 1.
James City,
in Virginia. |
579. Governor Nicholson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The latter end of March I was in Maryland, where I saw Governor Blakiston. I thank God we keep a very good correspondence as we do with the Earl of Bellomont. I hope we may contrive to meet sometime this Fall, but suppose Lord Bellomont will have so much business in New England that he will not be returned to New York by that time. I design to visit Governor Blakiston at Annapolis from upper part of Potomack River the middle of this month, especially about the Indians who I hear have lately done some mischief there, having killed a man and taken his wife away. I transmit duplicates of Journals of Council, Assembly, accounts, etc., in Maryland and Virginia. Mr. Auditor Byrd's account (Council of Virginia, Feb. 23–25, 1698) show that the Public Revenue was in debt to him and others £4,793 14s. 7½ d. The Council recommended the consideration of the state of the revenue to the next Assembly. But £1,492 6s. 3d. of that sum was for salary and house rent for Sir E. Andros, for which he had signed warrants, but not in Council, and I could not therefore allow them. And the Lords Justices having allowed Mr. Byrd £2,955 expended upon extraordinary occasions in Virginia out of the quit rents, and it appearing from his account that the revenue was not more than £200 in arrears, 'twas thought not necessary to recommend the same to the Assembly. His accounts show there only remain due to H.M. £974 13s. 3¾ d. He has made a memorandum that the ships being now all cleared there can arise no money to the revenue the next half year, little or no tobacco being exported till some time after Christmas. He forgot to add that the annual salaries besides the contingent charges of the Government for the half year till Xmas will amount to above £1,382 10s. But the account to be returned from Potomock district and two ships out of this river and one out of York that design to be cleared by the middle of this month may make about £500. If this with the £900 balance of Mr. Auditor's Accompt of the 2s. per hogshead discharge the salaries and charges referred to, I think it will be for H.M. service. For if it please God that the heat and drought, which is at present very great, should continue but one fortnight longer, 'tis supposed that there will be but very indifferent small crops, when H.M. revenue would not pay the annual salaries and contingent charges of Government. So I hope there will not be any orders sent for any money to be paid out of His Majesty's revenue. By one of my instructions I am to report concerning the place of Receiver and Accountant being the same person with that of Auditor. I find that Wm. Byrd, Esq., had a commission from the late King James to be Auditor of Virginia. I enclose copies of this with two orders of Council, which are all I find in the Council book concerning him. But in the Council Office there is a duplicate of a grant to the Rt. Hon. Wm. Blathwayt making him Surveyor and Auditor General of all revenues arising in America, etc. but with an exception to an Auditor General of Virginia, which I think was given to one Mr. Aelweth. I enclose copies of this and of letters of King Charles II. and the Treasury concerning it. I think the Receiver should be a distinct officer from the Auditor, so that one may receive and pay all H.M.
Revenues and the other audit his accounts in general and others in particular, and that each of them should have a room in the Public Building, where their papers may be lodged, and they should be obliged to live where the seat of government is. At present Mr. Byrd keeps all the original accounts at his own house, where they are in danger, especially if please God he should die, when they might be embezzled or their contents get publicly known. If at his death he hath in his hands a considerable sum of H.M. Revenue there may be another great inconvenience happen by his having only given bond here. The Receiver should give bond in England. I also propose that the Chief Governor, Lieutenant Governor or President of the Council, whilst either of the two last are Commanders-in-Chief, may each live where the seat of Government is or hard by, and visit the several counties, especially the frontiers, at least once a year. For the saying of Severus the Emperor, who, when he lay ill of gout at York, and was asked how he could govern that great Empire, being lame, made answer that he did it by his head and not his heels, will not hold good here. For one of the principal reasons that made that rebel Bacon rise was because Sir Wm. Berkley was grown ill and infirm. Otherwise they durst not have ventured, because he would have been upon them at their first commotion, as he would have been upon the Indians at Susquahannah upon Potomock, the siege of which was very oddly and slowly managed. So that at last not above an hundred Indians, with their wives and children, broke through the English Camp, as they called it, and came and settled to the Westward and Southward of the Falls of James River, from whence they and others did several murders. To fight whom Sir Wm. Berkley not being able, others and Bacon raised strange and very ill reports of him, which inflamed the people and then Bacon and others rose and headed them upon pretence of going to fight the Indians. But they were at first beaten by them. After which Bacon was taken and Sir William pardoned him; and then he came hither and forced the Governor, Council and House of Burgesses to make him Capt.-General etc. I discoursed with Gov. Blakiston in the spring about His Majesty's sending from England a L.G. of Virginia and Maryland, for they are much alike in point of government, so that he may succeed, if either governor die or be called home. His salary may be paid half out of H.M. revenue of quit-rents and the other half out of the 3d. out of the 1s. per hhd. which H.M. has appropriated to buy arms. You will see by the representation of the Council of Maryland and myself that we move that no more of the said 3d. might be laid out for public arms. The L.G. should be appointed and sent by H.M. because some of the first of the Council are old and very infirm and live at great distances from the seat of Government, so 'tis a difficult thing to have a number of Councillors together, and when they are so there may happen great disputes about the person of the President and his power singly. And may be when the President and Council are all natives self-interest may sway them to act in a manner prejudicial to H.M. interest. When any of their acts be judged in England to be of absolute necessity to be repealed, it may be prejudicial to H.M. service, as also may be a Chief
Governor that comes hither that knows nothing of the country and must rely upon the Council for his first governing, as also may be the President and Council having in their possession all H.M. Instructions. A good Governor in these parts must have some practice as well as knowledge of cunning books for policy in Government. He must be esteemed by the people to be a lover of them and their country, and not that he comes to make or retrieve a fortune. The Lieut. Governor should be obliged to live half a year here and the other in Maryland and to visit the several parts, and the Governors should be obliged to instruct him how to manage H.M. affairs. The one reason against H.M. sending a L.G. is that it may disoblige the Council and the people, because none of them may ever be Governors in Chief. But this need not be made public, but the Lieutenant Governors may be supposed to be sent upon some other present exigency. If such a one fails in any of his duties let him have St. Paul's curse of Anathema Maranatha. |
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H.M. Revenue of 2s. per hhd. and of the quit-rents etc. is commonly received by the Auditor by bills of exchange, and he pays the annual salaries etc. by his own bills. His salary is 7½ per cent. He has been ordered to procure an exact rent-roll with a view to improving H.M. revenue of quit-rents. For several years past there has been a very great cheat practised by people taking up land for the importation of negroes. But last April General Court I made an order against it for the future. Another cheat was by the Clerks selling rights, as they call them; i.e., 50 acres for every person imported according to the Charter of Charles II, the importer being obliged to swear to the name and number of the persons imported at the General or County Courts; but the Clerks for half a crown a right would give them certificates for what number they wanted. See proceedings of Council, June 21; and June 22 for the Auditor's orders about waifs and strays. I intend to advise with the Council about the better collecting of the 2s. per hhd. Mr. Auditor's report about a Court of Exchequer is in the Journal of Council, June 2. I think there is no absolute necessity of having one, but there is of having a Court of Admiralty. As Governor of Maryland I found it was almost impossible to have the illegal traders condemned in any of the Courts of Common Law, but in the Court of Admiralty His Majesty had justice. Sir Edmund Andross appointed Edward Hill, Judge, Miles Cary, Register, and Michael Sherman, Marshal of the Admiralty Court here. Copies of their commissions and of their petition for salaries enclosed. I propose the Judge may have £50, the Register and Advocate £25, and the Marshal £20 per annum out of H.M. Revenue of 2s. per hhd. when it will bear it, or out of the quit-rents. I enclose the copy of a paper concerning the qualification of a Scotchman to trade in H.M. Plantations and it is said to be done by H.M. Solicitor General in England: if so no doubt it is good law. I find it's industriously spread abroad all these parts, as are the names of the Scotch ships etc. I suppose these things are done to encourage the Scotch traders and to make the people their friends. I enclose copy of Col. Quary's letter: pirates encouraged in Pennsylvania will be prejudicial to H.M. interests in all these Governments.
I have given directions as ordered about Kidd, and the new instructions to the Naval Officers and Collectors, who before had different instructions and some none. I have received Mr. Vernon's letter of Jan. 2, and have issued a proclamation forbidding correspondence with Scotch strangers. I enclose this and other proclamations; one of them for apprehending Gravenrod and some pirates; another for giving 18 months' time for producing certificates for discharging Navigation bonds. This is the time allowed by the Act for preventing frauds etc., and those that were sued pretended surprise. I enclose an account of the Navigation bonds sued in H.M. General Court. I have put in Collectors and Naval Officers etc. whose names, commissions, and bonds, I send, in place of members of Council who are not allowed by H.M. instructions to hold such places. I intend all Navigation bonds and public papers to be sent in once in 18 months and lodged in the public building, in order that upon the death or removal of any of the officers H.M. interest may not suffer. I enclose a copy of a representation made to me by four of the Council who were formerly Collectors, etc. As for the management of their offices I think they have not taken much pains in going on board and visiting ships at their coming in and clearing. I agree with them that the Naval Officer and Collector of the 2s. per hhd. should be the same person and have accordingly appointed one person to execute both offices. I have obliged the Collectors either to live convenient for Trade or attend there upon all necessary occasions. I cannot speak as to the other reasons they offer for the collection of the 2s. per hhd. being in the hands of the Council, but when they speak of these places as a compensation for their care etc. I can vouch for the truth of what they say as to the distances they live from this place. The representation of 8 of the Council is to the same effect. But when they ask for greater salaries, the 2s. per hhd. is overcharged already, out of which they have £350, divided according as they attend the General Courts and Assemblies. Or it might be done out of H.M. quit-rent revenue. If it be decided that members of Council may be Collectors of the 1d. per pound or Naval Officers and Receivers of the Virginia duties, I propose that they may rather be Collectors of the 1d. per pound, for which they have warrants from H.M. Commissioners of Customs in England and salaries allowed them there, and then they will not depend upon the Governor. But no person should enjoy both those two different places of Collector of the 1d. per pound and of Naval Officer and Receiver of the Virginia duties. But the Naval Officer and Receiver of the Virginia duties should be one for the conveniency of trade and the proper reward of the officer. I enclose the Collectors' lists of ships, etc., and hope they will hereafter be more perfect according to the instructions I give. I sent the Lords Justices' instructions about the Secretary to Ralph Wormley. I enclose the answer of his deputy, Edmund Jennings. The Secretary's office here comprehends almost all offices, for he is Custos Rotulorum of the whole province, the County Clerks having commission from him, and those Courts and the General Court try cases of all natures. But I have endeavoured to establish the Admiralty Court for all marine
affairs, where I intend all things belonging thereto shall be recorded with the Register of that Court, as I have already recorded the registers of the ships taken according to the late Act of Parliament. When the State House was burnt they saved all the records, but ecclesiastical, civil and military were all mingled. They have since been sorted and methodised. In the new public building I propose that at least three rooms be set apart for the Secretary's office—one for the Records of the Principal Court, one for recording Patents and land registers, and another for miscellanies. I also propose that one room be set apart for all ecclesiastical affairs, under the Secretary, but the Bishop of London's Commissary having the inspection of it, and another room for Military affairs. I hope to get a Muster-Master established. The records of all these offices to be numbered and kept in strong boxes, with locks and keys, to preserve them from some small insects which we have in this country, and from fire, by the boxes being flung out of the windows of each office. The Secretary has not been here nor is he likely to come: his Deputy comes may be once a fortnight to the office which is managed by the Clerk of the General Court, Chichley-Corbin-Thatcher, a man well qualified in all respects: but still the Secretary or his Deputy ought to be obliged to live at the seat of Government. It has been the custom here for the Secretaries, Auditors, Collectors and Naval Officers to be Councillors, who did not think themselves obliged to attend to their offices but thought they were given them to make profit on and compensate the charge and trouble of attending Councils, etc. It is an ill-custom for the office to attend the officer and he not the office, and if the Principal Officers or their Deputies do not live at the seat of Government. When please God that the public building is finished, for I recommended it to the Assembly to have it large enough, I hope all public offices will have rooms convenient. I was instructed to send the names of 12 persons fit to be of H.M. Council. I send 15, because John Armstead one of the first 12, was dead before I came, Richard Johnson died in the Assembly time, and Daniel Park has not been here. You will see (proceedings of Council, May 17) with what difficulty I can get 5 of the Council together. Sometimes the length of the way and badness of the weather hinders them: at other times sickness, the gout and other accidents. In the Journal of Council you will see what was done relating to the Instruction about Arms and Ammunition (but I have ordered the Colonel and Commander-in-Chief in each County to make a return thereof), and about forts and a small vessel to cruize upon the coast. The Journal of the House of Burgesses gives their answer thereto. I hope in God there will be no occasion for the Assembly's meeting before the Fall come twelvemonth. The public levy this year is pretty high, it being for the payment of public charges Sept. 24, 1697, to June 7, 1698. The Assembly sitting 6 weeks makes the County levies very high, being their two burgesses' salaries are paid by each County. The Committee for the revisal of the Laws is another public charge. But I think it is best to have a complete body of Laws compiled. I intend to be present the several times that the Committee sit. I send copies of the oaths and commissions of several officers. By reason of the
General Court and Assembly sitting so long and in the Spring, I have not been able to view the Militia, and now is the busy time of harvest, which, I thank God, proves very well, and people will be employed about the Indian corn and tobacco till towards the Fall, at which time I intend (God willing) to see the Militia. |
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I enclose a list of the Nations of Indians who paid tribute last April and May, by which you may see how they decrease in number, and copies of proceedings of Council about the boundaries between Virginia and N. Carolina. I desire your Lordships will send orders about this affair. The general survey, recommended in my instructions, cannot be made till our bounds between N. Carolina and Maryland be adjusted, the settling of which is referred to the Committee for the Revising the Laws, etc. We are bounded to the Eastward by the Virginian sea, to the Westward at present without limits to our bounds. I enclose Journals of the General Assembly and House of Burgesses, and the laws made by them, April 27, 1699; also a draft of the City of Williamsburgh, of Queen's Port and Princess Port, according to the Act for Building the Capitol and City of Williamsburgh. There are as many reasons against keeping the seat of government here as there are for removing it to Middle Plantation, and I hope the Act will be passed. The Assembly have several times endeavoured to make a law for ascertaining the value which money shall pass at here. My instructions forbid me to pass any Act altering the price of current coin without H.M. particular directions, which I desire. But I humbly propose that all coins may be of an equal value throughout all H.M. Plantations whatsoever. For at present each Government hath several values for the different coins. And those Governments which are immediately under His Majesty suffer by the other Governments raising and lowering the value of their coins when they find it is for their particular interest. The Bill for encouraging a new trade with the Western Indians was dashed for want of subscriptions, but referred to the consideration of the Committee for revising the Laws. I enclose copies of Lord Bellomont's letter and Col. Jones' proposition in that affair. I propose that the London merchants be acquainted with that Bill and hope they will venture for the encouragement of that trade, for if it were well managed we might prevent the French getting it and further setling to the westward of the English on this Continent. If they should obtain these two things and settle the mouth of the River Mechasippi, which God forbid, it would be very prejudicial to H.M. interest. List of other papers enclosed. I have obeyed my instructions as to the use of the New Seal and propose that you order seals for the Council Office, Secretary's Office, and Notary Public. I intend to send a copy of this letter etc. to the Commissioners of Customs, as also an account about trade. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. Sep. 4. Read Oct. 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26. 10 double pages. Enclosed, |
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579. I. Abstract of above letter. 12 pp. With marginal comments by the Board. |
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579. II. Copy of a warrant from the Lords Justices, Nov. 15, 1698, for allowing Mr. Auditor Byrd £2,955 9s. 8½ d.
expended in extraordinary occasions, out of the Quit-rents in Virginia. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. Sep. 4, 1699. |
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579. III. Memorandum of Proceedings of Council of Virginia, Dec. 9, 10, 12, and Feb. 23, 24, 25. 1698. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
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579. IV. Memorandum of account of Quit-rents etc. 1697, 1698. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
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579. V. Memorandum of account of 2s. per hhd. etc. for year ending June 24, 1699. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
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579. VI. Memorandum of account of money paid out of the Quit-rents, 1693–1696. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
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579. VII. Copy of Warrant from King James, Dec. 21, 1687, for admitting Col. Bird auditor of accounts, with a minute of the Council thereupon and a copy of his bond etc. 2 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. VIII. Copy of grant of Charles II. of the office of Surveyor and Auditor General of all the Plantations to Mr. Blathwayt. 7 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. IX. Copy of letter from Charles II. to Thomas, Lord Culpepper, Governor of Virginia, about the above grant. 3 pp. |
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579. X. Copy of letter from the Lords of the Treasury to Lord Culpepper about the above grant. 2 pp. |
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579. XI. Copy of an order of Council of Virginia, Ap. 15, 1699, against granting lands upon the importation of negroes. Copy of the Charter of Virginia. 3½ pp. |
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579. XII. Minutes of Council of Virginia, June 30, 1699, about Councillors taking the oath of a judge; and about their privileges, etc. 4 pp. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 4, 1699. |
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579. XIII. Copy of a Commission to Sir Edmund Andros for appointing a Judge, Register and Marshal in the Court of Admiralty, Virginia, Ap. 29, 1697. Copy of the Officers' Commissions and the Attorney General's report upon them. 6 pp. |
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579. XIV. Copy of the petition of the officers of the Admiralty Court for salaries. Signed, Edward Hill, Judge; Miles Cary, Register; Jno. Tayler, Advocate; Michael Sherman, Marshal. ¾ p. |
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579. XV. Copy of a letter from Mr. John Moor of Philadelphia. Names of the Scotch ships gone to settle Golden Island near Carthagena:— |
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Capt. Robert Pennyworth, St. Andrew, Admiral, 56 guns. |
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Capt. Robert Pinkerton, Unicorn, Vice-Admiral, 56 guns. |
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Capt. Robert Drummond, Caledonian, Rear-Admiral, 56 guns. |
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Capt. Thomas Fullerton, Dolphin, 14 guns. |
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Robert Mallor, Endeavour pink, 150 tons of provisions. |
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Names of ships expected:— |
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Rising Sun, 80 guns. |
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Tinsell, 60 guns. |
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Lyon, 50 guns. |
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William (Scotch Man-of-War), 44 guns. |
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Mary, 40 guns. |
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Dunbarton, 36 guns. |
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With these are expected 8 sail of transport ships loaded with provisions. 1 p. |
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579. XVI. Copy of the opinion of the Solicitor General to the effect that a Scotchman is qualified to trade into the Plantations. 1 p. |
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579. XVII. Copy of a letter from Robert Quarry, Philadelphia, about pirates. June 2, 1699. 3 pp. |
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579. XVIII. Copy of Lords Justices' Instructions to Gov. Nicholson about trade, Naval Officers, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Sep. 4, 1699. 3 pp. |
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579. XIX–XXV. Copies of several proclamations, about ships' certificates, harbouring runaway seamen, appointing a Public Thanksgiving; for the arrest of Gravenrod, for the producing of rights to lands, for the arrest of the Indian, Squire Tom, and forbidding correspondence with the Scotch strangers. 11 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXVI. An account of Navigation Bonds put in suit, Oct. 1697. ff. 6 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXVII. List of Navigation Bonds of which the prosecution is suspended by H.E. proclamation for 18 months. 2 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXVIII. Copy of H.M. Instructions to the Governor communicated to the Council, Dec. 10, 1698. 10 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXIX. Names and commissions and bonds of the Naval Officers, Collectors, and Receivers of the Virginia duties and the Public Notary. 17¼ pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXX. Copy of Representation of 4 of the Council about the places of Naval Officer and Collectors, June 8, 1699. Signed, Rich. Lee, Edw. Hill, Edmd. Jenings, Charles Scarburgh. 3 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXXI. Copy of a representation of 8 of the Council, that since the places of Collector and Naval Officer are thought unsuitable as compensations for their time and trouble, an establishment may be settled upon them. Signed, Edmund Jennings, J. Lightfoot, Mathew Page, Charles Scarburgh, Richard Lee, William Byrd,-Edward Hill, Benjamin Harrison. 1¼ p. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXXII. Memorandum of list of ships cleared March 25—June 24, 1699. ¼ p. |
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579. XXXIII. Copy of Ralph Wormly's Commission for the place of Secretary. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXXIV. List of persons suitable for H.M. Council:—Lewis Burwell, Robert Carter, William Leigh, John Custis, William Willson, Laurence Smith, Miles Cary, Philip Ludwell, Wm. Randolph, Joseph Ring, Wm. Churchhill, Wm. Fitzhugh, Wm. Basset, James Ranson, John Lewis. ½ p. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXXV. Memorandum of Minutes of Council, Ap. 15—June 18, 1699. ½ p. |
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579. XXXVI. Copy of some of Gov. Nicholson's Instructions intended to be laid before the Committee for the revisal of laws. 5 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXXVII. Names, Commissions and Oaths of the Judges, Justices, Sheriffs and Clerks of each County, and other officers. Forms of Patents for lands. Attorney General's report upon escheated lands and order thereupon. Dedimus for swearing military and civil officers. List of Surveyors. 58 pp. |
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579. XXXVII. cont. Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, Clerks and Surveyors of the Counties of Virginia, 1699:— |
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Northumberland. Justices: Samuel Griffin, Hancock Lee, Charles Lee, George Cowper (Surveyor), Rodham Kennor (Sheriff), William Jones, Peter Hack, John Harris, William Howson, Cuthbert Span, Christopher Neale, John Crawley, Peter Contanceau, Thomas Winder. Thomas Hobson, Clerk of County Court. |
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Westmorland. Justices: William Pierce, William Horton, William Bridges, Francis Wright, Nicholas Spencer, Henry Ross, Alexander Spence (Sheriff and Surveyor), Willoughby Allerton, Samuel Thompson, Lewis Markham, James Taylor, Charles Ashton, Caleb Buttler, John Sturman, Gerrard Hutt, John Scott, George Weedon, John Elliott. James Westcomb, Clerk of the Court. |
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Essex. Justices: John Catlet, William Moseley (Surveyor), Thomas Edmondson, Edward Thomas, Francis Talliaferro, Bernard Gaines, Robert Brookes, John Battaile, John Talliaferro (Sheriff), James Boughan, Francis Goldman, Richard Covington, Daniel Dobbins, Robert Paine. Francis Meriwether, Clerk of the Court. |
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Lancaster. Justices:—David Fox, Robert Carter, Joseph Ball, Henry Fleet, William Lester, William Ball, Alexander Swan (Sheriff), William Fox, John Turbervill, John Prickard, Thomas Martin. Joseph Tayloe, Clerk. |
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Northampton. Justices:—John Robbins, John Custis, Philip Fisher, Obedience Johnson, Nathaniel Littleton (Sheriff), William Waters, Ralph Pigot, William Harmanson, John Powell, Jacob Johnson, Thomas Savage, George Harmanson. Daniel Nrrch (sic), Clerk. |
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Richmond. Justices: George Taylor, Samuel Peachey, William Underwood, Alexander Doniphin, Thomas Lloyd, John Deane, David Gwynn, John Baker, William Dolman, John Trapley (Sherif), Rawleigh Travesse, Francis Sloughter. William Colston, Clerk. |
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Accomack. Justices: Edmond Scarburgh (Surveyor), George Nicholas Flack, Richard Bayley, Tho. Welbourne (Sherif), Edmond Custis, George Parker, Robert Hutchinson, Edward Moore, Robert Pitt, John Watts. John Washburne, Clerk. |
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Stafford. Justices: George Mason (Sherif), Matthew Thompson, John Harvey, Robert Alexander, Philip Buckner, Rice Hooe, Richard Fosaker, William Williams, John Washington, Robert Colston, Joseph Sumner,
John Waugh, jr., Edward Hart, Thomas Greg (Surveyor). Thomas Owsley, Clerk. |
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Nansemond. Justices: John Brasseur, George Norsworthy, Thomas Swann, Luke Haveild, Francis Milner (Sherif), Thomas Tilly, Thomas Milner (Surveyor), Charles Drury, John Spier, William Hunter, William Wright. Joseph Bridger, Clerk. |
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Norfolk. Justices: Lemuel Mason, John Hatton, Thomas Hodges, James Wilson, Richard Church (Sherif), Thomas Butt, Samuel Bough, Tho. Willoughby, John Hodges, Matthew Godfrey, Thomas Mason, William Laungley. Malachy Thruston, Clerk. |
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Warwick. Justices: Humphry Harwood, Miles Cary, Samuel Ransha, Robert Hubbard, William Cary (Sherif), Thomas Merry, William Rascow, Thomas Charles, Matthew Jones, Miles Wills, Thomas Haynes, John Tignall. Miles Cary, Clerk. |
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Princess Anne. Justices: Anthony Lawson, William Cornex, Benoni Burroughs, John Thorowgood (Sheriff), Francis Morse, Edward Moseley, Evan Jones, Henry Woodhouse, William Clowes, Robert Thorrowgood, Solomon White. Patrick Angus, Clerk. |
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James City. Justices: Philip Lightfoot, Henry Soan (Surveyor), Henry Duke (Sheriff), Philip Ludwell, junr., Michael Sherman, James Bray, David Bray, Thomas Cowles, Hugh Norvill, William Edwards, William Drummond. Chicheley Corbin Thacker, Clerk. |
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Elizabeth City. Justices: William Wilson, Anthony Armistead, Pasco Curle, Wm. Lowry (Surveyor), Thomas Harwood, Augustine Moore, Coleman Brough (Sherif), Thomas Curle, Matthew Watts, John Minson, Walter Bayley. Charles Jenings, Clerk. |
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York. Justices: Thomas Barbar, Joseph Ring, Robert Read, Thomas Ballard, Thomas Roberts, Charles Hansford, William Buckner, Henry Tyler, Baldrom Matthewes, John Page, James Whaley, John Goodwin, Daniel Taylor, Thomas Nutting. William Sedgwick, Clerk. Miles Cary (Surveyor). |
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Charles City. Justices: Richard Bland, Daniel Lewellain, Charles Goodrich, Robert Bolling (Sherif), Littleburry Epps, George Blighton, John Hardiman, William Hunt, Micajah Low, Richard Bradford, Joshua Wynn, John Terry. John Taylor, Clerk. Theodorick Bland, Surveyor. |
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King and Queen. Justices: William Leigh, Joshua Story, William Gough, Richard Gregory, Hemy Fox, Thomas Paullin, John Walker, William Claybourne, Willis Wilson, James Howell, John Waller (Sherif), Richard Anderson. Robert Beverley, Clerk. Richard Whitehead, Surveyor. |
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Henrico. Justices: Richard Cock, William Randolph, Peter Feild, Francis Epps, William Farrer, John Worsham, Thomas Cock (Sherif), Giles Webb, Joseph
Royall, John Bolling. James Cock, Clerk. Richard Ligon, Surveyor. |
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Gloucester. Justices: James Ransone, Mordecai Cook (Sherif), Conquest Wyatt, John Gwynn, Sands Knowles, Richard Booker, Ambrose Dudley, Thomas Todd, Thomas Buckner, Anthony Gregory. Peter Beverley, Clerk. Miles Carey (Surveyor). |
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New Kent. Justices: Joseph Foster, Lancelot Bathurst, William Bassett (Sherif), Thomas Bray, Francis Burnell, John Lyddall, James Moss, John Stanop, Thomas Smith, John Lewis, Nicholas Meriwether, George Keeleing. Job Howse, Clerk. James Minge, Surveyor. |
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Middlesex. Justices: [Sir] Wm. Skipwith, Bart. (Sherif), Matthew Kemp, William Churchhill, Wm. Wormeley, Gawin Corbin, Thomas Landon, Francis Weekes, Robert Dudley, Henry Thacker, John Smith, Richard Willis, John Grymes. Edwin Thacker, Clerk and Surveyor. |
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Isle of Wight. Justices: Henry Applewaite, Samuel Bridger, Geo. Moore, Jer. Exum, Henry Baker, James Day, Thomas Giles, Anthony Holliday (Sherif), Arthur Smith, Robert Key, Humphry Marshall. Charles Chapman, Clerk. Tho. Swann, Surveyor. |
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Surrey. Justices: Henry Tooker, William Brown, Thomas Holt (Sherif), James Mason, Nathaniel Harrison, William Newsom, William Cock, Thomas Drew, John Edwards. Francis Clements, Clerk. Thomas Swann, Surveyor. |
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579. XXXVIII. Account of the reduction of tribute paid by various Indian Nations, on account of their diminished numbers. Ap. 29, 1699. 1 p. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Same endorsement. |
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579. XXXIX. Memorandum of two Orders of Council of Virginia in 1688 and 1691 and Proceedings in Council in 1699 about the boundaries between Virginia and North Carolina, with a copy of the charter of Carolina. Memorandum of Journal of General Assembly, Ap. 27—June 8, 1699. 1 p. |
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579. XL. Memorandum of Journal of House of Burgesses and Copy of the Acts of General Assembly, Ap. 27—June 8, 1699. 1 p. |
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579. XLI. Draft of the city of Williamsburgh, of Queen Mary's Port and Princess Anne's Port. 4 pp. with sketch. Same endorsement. |
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579. XLII. Memorandum of two Bills for settling the value of coins. ¼ p. |
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579. XLIII. Memorandum of a Bill encouraging a new trade with the Indians. ¼ p. |
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579. XLIV. Lord Bellomont to Gov. Nicholson. New York, May 6, '99. Through Col. Fletcher's neglect we shall hardly preserve the friendship of our Five Nations of Indians. The French use every device to destroy them
and inveigle them over to Canada. One thing mightily disturbs them that the Governor of Canada will not allow them to be subjects of England and requires them to go and make a separate treaty with him. Their number is reduced to 1,100 from 3,500 men before the war. You cannot do the Crown of England a more acceptable service than to open a trade with the Twichtwichts, Shatteras, and Dowaganhas Indians. Copy. 1½ pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XLV. Proposal of Col. Cadwallader Jones about an Indian Trade. Jan. 16, 1699. 6¼ pp. with sketch map. Same endorsement. |
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579. XLVI. Minute of Council, June 24, 1692, about an Indian Trade. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
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579. XLVII. Copy of report of Committee for examining claims to land in Pamunkey Neck and on the South side of Blackwater Swamp, and for settling the N. and S. bounds of Virginia. 22 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XLVIII. Copy of papers relating to the Piscataway Indians and Squire Tom. 7½ pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. XLIX. Account of the tithables and public levies of tobacco in each county, 1699. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
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579. L. Form for taking the census of Virginia. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
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579. LI. Copy of Robert Carter's bond for being Treasurer. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
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579. LII. Memorandum of Journal of Committee for claims, May 4–31, 1699. ¼ p. |
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579. LIII. Memorandum of proceedings of Council June 21–22, 1699. ¼ p. |
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579. LIV. Copy of H.M. Warrant for using the Seal of Virginia, and of 3 former warrants for that purpose. 3 pp. Same endorsement. |
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579. LV. Opinion of the Attorney General. Matters entered in the Council Book, except those which are themselves records, cannot be accounted Records nor given in evidence as such. Signed, Bartho. Fowler. 1 p. Same endorsement. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 7. Nos. 2, 2I.–LV.; and (without enclosures) 37. pp. 338–361.] |
| July 1. |
580. Two Orders of Council of Virginia in 1698 and 1691, and copy of Proceedings in Council in 1699 about the Boundaries between Virginia and North Carolina. |
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Copy of the Charter of Carolina. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 185–226.] |
July 1.
Annapolis. |
581. Minutes of Council of Maryland in Assembly. The Delegates announced that on consideration of H.M. Instructions they decided that the rivers, creeks and harbours of the Province being so numerous, and the trade and shipping dispersing themselves so equally, the expense of erecting fortifications on the many landing places could not be defrayed by the Province, and were confident that if the Lords Commissioners did visibly know the
Province they would concur and agree that all the revenues of it were insignificant compared with such expense. They had already made the competent maintenance directed to be assigned to Ministers, and would always be ready to provide for the clergy as the wealth and strength of their infant country increased. The Public Workhouses recommended to be built for the employment of the poor were altogether needless. None need stand still for want of employment. The Province wants workmen, workmen want not work; here are no beggars, and they that are superannuated are reasonably well provided for by the country. To this message the Council concurred. |
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Thomas Laurence, Esq., and Charles Greenberry, Gent., summoned to appear upon the order of the Lords Justices relating to the £150 claimed by Sir Thomas Laurence from Col. Greenberry's estate, as President of the Council in 1694, 1695. |
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The Committee appointed for enquiring into the reasons for the delay in building the Church and Free School at Annapolis reported that Major Dorsey, the Undertaker, had neglected to provide brick and timber for the Church and workmen for the School. He was ordered to be sent for to give the House satisfaction. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 14. pp. 426–428.] |
| July 1. |
582. Journal of House of Delegates of Maryland. John Leech, John Borman, Samuel Collines and Walter Lane took the oaths appointed. William Harris, Elisha Hall and Walter Smith appointed a Committee of Grievances. The Committee for revising the Laws was split and given their several tasks, with power to join upon emergency. |
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Petition of Mr. John Dent considered; decided that if he will keep an ordinary he may apply himself to the County Court, but the House will not preclude any other from keeping ordinary there that will set up. (And see preceding abstract.) [Board of Trade. Maryland, 15. pp. 394–397.] |
July 3.
Custom House,
London. |
583. Mr. Sansom to William Popple. In return to yours of the 29th past, the passing of the commissions for administering the oath to the Governors of H.M. Plantations in America, and the distribution thereof were committed to the care of Mr. Randolph. He took twelve with him; those for the Leeward Islands were despatched after his departure; they were received, and the respective Governors had before taken the oath. Mr. Sharp hath owned the receipt of the Commission for Barbadoes. That for Jamaica was also forwarded. We are informed Mr. Randolph is detained prisoner in Bermuda. Signed, Jn. Sansom. Endorsed, Recd. Read July 3, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 5. No. 18; and 35. pp. 57, 58.] |
July 3.
Jamaica. |
584. Gov. Sir Wm. Beeston to William Popple. I transmit the Acts passed in the last Session of the Assembly and pray for the speedy return of these and of those sent for approval before. Signed, Wm. Beeston. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 124.] |
| July 3. |
585. Petition of the Clerks and other officers attending the Council of Trade and Plantations. Petitioners for want of their salaries, most of them having no other subsistence and being five
quarters in arrear, are reduced to the utmost necessity. They have had some intimations that though the Lords of the Treasury are not at present able to pay the allowances and salaries of the whole office, yet, if they were moved in your petitioners' behalf, they might have some consideration of the great streights they lie under. Endorsed, Recd. Read July 3, 1699. [Board of Trade. Miscellanies, 1. No. 40.] |
July 3.
Annapolis. |
586. Minutes of Council of Maryland in Assembly. The Governor's Commission was sent to the House of Delegates at their desire, and was returned with thanks. Joint Committee appointed for the building of small tenements for the poor, impotent and lame who resort to the Cool Springs. |
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Petition of Samuel Chew for a remittance for some negroes unfit for sale referred to the House of Delegates. |
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Andrew Gregg, Master of the Providence, of Dublin, petitioning for the suspension of an action on a Navigation Bond, was referred to the Law unless he could produce a certificate from the English Customs. Several members appointed to confer with some of the members of the House about the business of Major Edward Dorsey. |
| July 4. |
A Commission of Oyer and Terminer for trial of two murthers assented to at the request of the Delegates, who desired further information about the Indian affair and a further conference in Major Dorsey's matter, which was agreed to. As to the affair about the Indians and the murthers lately committed by them, several papers lately sent to H.E. from Virginia were sent down to the House, who were recommended to enquire of Col. Beal, Lt.-Col. Smallwood, and Mr. Hutchison. |
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Petition of Capt. Humphrey Pellew, late Commander of the Bridget, of Falmouth, for a remittance on account of the burning of his ship, recommended to the Delegates. |
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Petition of Thomas Brook granted and that of Mrs. Mary Fielder recommended to the House. |
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Petition of Sir Thomas Laurence, Bart., considered. (See Cal. 1698. Nos. 863 and 935.) Fifty pounds allowed to him and £100 reserved to Col. Greenberry's estate. |
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The House reported their opinion that Major Dorsey should either submit himself to the General Assembly, and to such fines as they should think convenient for his neglect, or that a suit at Common Law should be commenced against him upon his recognizance. Referred back with recommendation to enquire if Dorsey will voluntarily submit as proposed and, if he will, to propose what sum the fine should be: if not, to review his obligation and consider whether it be found authentic for a suit at Common Law, or whether it may not be necessary by some law to make it so. |
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It was debated whether William Hunter, a Popish Priest in Charles County who had committed divers enormities in dissuading several poor ignorant people of the Church of England from their faith, should be wholly silenced. The question was left wholly to H.E. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 14. pp. 428–438.] |
| July 3. |
587. Journal of House of Delegates of Maryland. The Treasurer was directed to dispose of some tobacco at 6s. per
hundred. A Committee of Public Accounts appointed. A conveyance ordered to be prepared for the land at Cool Springs for the use of the poor. |
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Major Dorsey, in custody, gave an account why he had not built the Church nor finished the Free School. The workmen had run away and could not be got in this Province or Philadelphia. He would submit himself to what the House adjudged him, but he would not finish the Church, but would take care to have the Free School finished as soon as possible. |
| July 4. |
Petition concerning negroes granted. |
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Read the Bill Explaining a first time. |
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Inquiry ordered to be made what money has been paid Major Dorsey and upon what account. |
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Report of Committee for Inspecting the Law concerning the Surveying of Land read. Further consideration of it ordered to the Committee. |
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Capt. Pellew's petition granted. |
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Petition of Mr. Henry Craft referred to the Dorsey Committee. |
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Mr. Collier's petition read, and the Committee for surveying of lands ordered to prepare a Bill accordingly. |
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It was resolved to hold a conference with the Hon. Col. John Addison about the Indians, according to the message of the Governor and Council. |
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The Committee reported upon the liability of Dorsey. The complaints of Craft against him decided to be not proved. Major Dorsey consented to return the money he had received towards building the Church. |
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A Bill in the matter of fines upon officers in arrears was ordered. A committee was appointed to confer with the Council about the Indian affairs. (And see preceding abstract.) [Board of Trade. Maryland, 15. pp. 397–404.] |
July 3.
Whitehall. |
588. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Sansom's reply to the enquiry about Commissions for administering the oath to the Governors of the Plantations read. Ordered that further enquiry be made of him some while hence of the returns the Commissioners of Customs may receive from all places about the execution of those Commissions. Observing that, by Mr. Sansom's letter, the oath had not been administered there to any of the Governors by Commissioners duly authorised, their Lordships ordered Mr. Gardner's name to be again inserted in the Council of Nevis, seeing that he was in a manner in the same case with all the rest. |
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Mr. Weaver presented a list of names for the respective Councils of the Leeward Islands. Secretary ordered to write to Mr. John Vernon for a list of the persons he thinks fit. |
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Order of Council of June 29, ordering circular letters to be prepared, read, and drafts thereof ordered. |
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Mr. Thornburgh attending and being asked how it comes about that the present Governor in Carolina has not His Majesty's approbation, said that the present Governor is not so by virtue of any Commission or Deputation from the Body of the Lords Proprietors but only by virtue of the constitution as being a
Proprietor himself, but that the Lords Proprietors are thinking to depute one, ere it be long. Asked about the quantity, quality, and prices of the pitch and tar that may be had from thence, he said that great quantities may be had and that they shortly expected some, when he would be enabled to give a more particular account of all circumstances relating thereto. Asked about the rice of that country, he said that they have lately received forty tons from thence very good, which they sell for thirty-six shillings per cwt. It grows in swampy grounds, and is even better than Milan rice, only they have not yet got the perfect art of hulling it, but hope to obtain it. |
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Petition from the Clerks of the Board for their salaries read. Resolved to do what may be proper when the Lords of the Treasury meet again. Mr. Gilbert Heathcote informed the Secretary that he believed the ship, concerning which he had lately desired letters to be writ to the several Plantations, was seized in New England. Concerning the petition of Sir Stephen Evance and Partners about the Assiento, he thought it might be beneficial for the Island of Jamaica, and had no objection against the prayer of the petition. Representation ordered accordingly. |
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Letter from Governor Day (April 15) read. Several notes for further consideration ordered to be taken. |
| July 4.. |
Mr. Thornburgh's acknowledgement that the Governor of Carolina had not been appointed by the King ordered to be taken into consideration, together with the affairs of Pennsylvania or any other place where the Governors are under the same default. |
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Copies ordered to be made of several papers received with Governor Day's letter and fastened together by the same seal. Upon consideration of all these papers, Representation ordered with the opinion that Mr. Randolph has been illegally committed and that their Excellencies the Lords Justices may please to give order that he be immediately discharged. |
| July 5. |
Drafts of several papers to be laid before the Lords Justices in Council to-morrow agreed upon. [Board of Trade. Journal, 12. pp. 102–113; and 96. Nos. 102, 103, 104.] |
July 4.
Deal. |
589. Captain John Parker's receipt for a packet of letters from the Council of Trade to Mr. Grey, delivered to him by the hands of Mr. Bevis Hill, Postmaster at Deal. Signed, John Parker, Master of the St. Joseph, for Barbados. Endorsed, Recd. July 7, 1699. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. No. 10.] |
| July 4. |
590. Deposition of John Wilkinson, mariner of the sloop Dolphin, attested by John Knight, John Jackman, John Woodley and Ferdinando Mead, mariners of the Dolphin. Early in the morning they struck on the shoals before they saw land: after, they saw it and fired several guns for relief. About one o'clock the pilot came out to them in the Governor's boat, without whose aid they could not have brought the vessel safe out. They slipped two anchors; the weather continued tempestuous, and they only reached the harbour with great difficulty with two boats sailing before them to direct them through the channel, of which they were altogether ignorant. Copy. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 39. p. 30.] |
| July 4. |
591. Minutes of Council of Barbados. John Holder, jr., returned to serve in the Assembly for the parish of St. Joseph in place of Henry Gallop, deceased, Thomas Maycock, for the parish of St. Lucy, in the room of Thomas English, deceased, and Enoch Gretton for the parish of St. Phillip in the room of Henry Markland, deceased, took the oaths appointed and signed the Test and Association. Commissioners of Fortifications ordered to meet and present the state of them in order to their being repaired. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. p. 432.] |
July 4.
July 5. |
592. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Bill to ascertain the fees of the several officers of the island read and recommitted. Jonathan Downes fined for non-attendance. A supplemental Bill to the Act for the further provision of white servants ordered to be drawn up, providing for the proper surveying of the land in each parish and appointing surveyors therefor. Dissolved for lack of a quorum, only ten members being present. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 416–418.] |
| July 5. |
593. Proprietors of East New Jersey to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Proprietors are ready to surrender their Government to his Majesty, if (1) H.M. will confirm to them the lands of the Province and quit-rents reserved upon grants made or to be made; (2) Upon the annexation of the Government of the Province of New York, the Port of Perth Amboy be established for import and export on payment of the same customs as shall be payable at New York; (3) the Proprietors have liberty to trade with any Indians or other inhabitants of America and the sole privilege of purchasing from the Indians all lands lying within East Jersey as yet unpurchased from them; (4) all necessary officers and Courts of Justice be held in East Jersey, and the inhabitants be not obliged to go to New York or be impleaded there for any criminal or civil matter arising within East Jersey, nor be compelled to serve upon juries or in any ministerial office within the Province of New York; (5) a Superior Court be held twice a year at Perth Amboy; (6) the Public Register and all Records relating to the Province be kept at Perth Amboy; and the Secretary, Register and Surveyor General be constituted by the Proprietors; (7) the same number of counties be continued in East Jersey, and each county send as many Representatives to the General Assembly as any county in New York; (8) a proportionable number of the inhabitants of East Jersey be of the Governor's Council; (9) the 24 Proprietors be Lords of the Soil, hold Courts for the lands and appoint all officers therefor; (10) no person be molested or deprived of any civil right or privilege because of his religious opinions; (11) Probate may be granted by the Chief Judge of East Jersey; (12) the Proprietors may still grant markets and fairs; (13) and if all lands and goods of traitors, etc., treasure trove, mines, wrecks, or royal fish, forfeited, found or taken within East Jersey or by the inhabitants thereof within the seas adjacent, remain to the Proprietors, with all other privileges as amply as in the grant and confirmation of March 14, 1682. It is humbly desired that Col. Andrew Hamilton may proceed to the Government of West Jersey. Signed, Wm. Dockwra, Secr. and Regr., on behalf of the Proprietors. 2¾ pp. Enclosed, |
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593. I. Proclamation of Charles II. confirming the grant of East New Jersey to 24 grantees, their heirs and assigns, as absolute Proprietors and Governors, Whitehall, Nov. 23, 1683. Signed, Sunderland. Copy. Printed by John Bill's Assigns, Henry Hills, and Thomas Newcomb. London. Endorsed, Recd. July 5, Read July 20. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 3. Nos. 23, 23I.; and (without enclosure) 26. pp. 1–7.] |
July 5.
Whitehall. |
594. R. Yard to W. Popple, referring to the Council of Trade and Plantations a letter from Mr. Broughton, H.M. Consul at Venice, giving an account of an English ship come to Venice directly from the West Indies and preparing to return thither. Which being a thing very prejudicial to the Trade of this Kingdom, the Lords Justices direct the consideration thereof and a report as to what is judged proper to be done for giving a stop to so pernicious a design. Signed, R. Yard. Annexed, |
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594. I. Abstract of a letter from Mr. Broughton, Venice, June 19, 1699. I calculate the loss to his Majesty through the Seaflower sloop trading hither direct with thirty tuns of logwood from Honduras and returning with a cargo of beads amounts to about £1,500. Enclosed, |
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594. II. Petition to the Doge and College by Captain Fibber of the Seaflower to be relieved of the usual customs and promising in that case to induce many others to embark on this trade. Italian. The petition was rejected. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. pp. 303–308.] |
| [? July 5.] |
595. Proprietors of West Jersey to Council of Trade and Plantations. The Proprietors having found, to their great surprise, that your Lordships question the validity of their grant, represent that the concurrent judgments of many lawyers declared that the Government passed with the country itself to the Proprietors. They hope you will intercede with His Majesty to confirm the grant, since if West Jersey were annexed to New York it will run the hazard of utter ruin, the distance of the two provinces from each other rendering it impracticable for the inhabitants of West Jersey to attend the Assemblies or Courts of Justice at New York. Signed, Rob. Michel, John Bridges, Fran. Minshull, Michael Watts, Tho. Lane, Obadiah Burnett, E. Richier. Endorsed, Recd. July, 1699. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 3. No. 23A.] |
| July 5. |
596. Minutes of Council of New York. On consideration of the orders of the Governor to commit Shelly and his crew without bail or mainprize, the Council were of opinion that it was not warrantable as to the sailors. Petition of John Decker read. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. p. 259.] |
| July 5. |
597. Minutes of Council of Maryland in Assembly. |
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The petition of Roger Newman, merchant, praying the assignment of Mr. Nicholas Lowes' Sheriff's bond for tobacco owed to him, allowed. |
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The Committee for Indian Affairs reported that Major James Smallwood and Wm. Hutchison should be despatched to the
Pamunkey Indians, that are lately come from the Piscataway Indians, under pretence to tarry to know whether they will abide or are returned back, and to endeavour to persuade some of their great men to appear before His Excellency, the Council and Assembly, to know whether they will come in and remain amongst them. The messengers were despatched accordingly. |
| July 6. |
The Governor claimed the Keeping of the Great Seal by his commission, which was allowed. The Delegates were desired to compose a law to regulate the Chancery proceedings. |
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The petition of Philip Lynes, of Charles County, to be sheriff was rejected. |
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Henry Jowles, Judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court at the condemnation of the French prize, John of Bordeaux, allowed seven per cent. of ship and cargo. |
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Letters of Isaac Miller (London, Oct. 8, Dec. 30, and Jan. 26, 1698), about money remitted to him by the Council, with invoices of goods shipped and accounts of Bills of Exchange remitted, read. Several of the arms so shipped were brought before the Board and judged very bad and almost useless. |
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The Governor was desired to send for 20 muskets with good strong English-fashioned locks with back ketches and 20 carabins. |
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Mr. Miller's letters were communicated to the Delegates and their opinion was invited as to how the arms and ammunition referred to should be distributed. |
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The Delegates reported that Major Dorsey had submitted to a fine and was discharged the work. The Council concurred but suggested that the fine might be less than £200. |
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A Joint Committee was appointed to compose a law for regulating Chancery proceedings. |
| July 7. |
Members of the House attended to see the Treasurers and Naval Officers sworn. Robert Mason, Treasurer of the Western Shore, was no longer suspended. George Plater, William Dent, George Muschamp, W. Bladen and Thomas Collier made oath to their Naval Officer's accounts. The proceedings of the House and the conveyance of the 50 acres of land including the healing fountain's waters called the Cool Springs purchased from John Dent by the Trustees appointed were submitted to the Council and the Attorney General. |
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The distribution of the arms and powder through the Counties was agreed upon. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 14. pp. 438–450.] |
| July 5. |
598. Journal of House of Delegates of Maryland. See preceding abstract. |
