at_o length_n after_o three_o year_n suffering_n captain_n claiborn_n be_v forsible_o disseiâ—d_fw-mi and_o dispossess_v of_o his_o plantation_n in_o kentish_a island_n and_o force_v for_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n to_o fly_v into_o england_n and_o ever_o since_o the_o l_o b._n have_v have_v possession_n of_o the_o say_a island_n not_o suffer_v any_o of_o the_o virginian_n to_o trade_n in_o the_o say_a bay_n without_o seizure_n and_o confiscation_n of_o their_o good_n it_o likewise_o appear_v unto_o this_o committee_n upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o several_a parchment_n mention_v in_o the_o order_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o l_o b._n have_v constitute_v form_n of_o oath_n and_o enjoin_v the_o take_v thereof_o by_o all_o person_n as_o well_o officer_n as_o other_o within_o the_o say_a province_n and_o that_o not_o to_o the_o king_n but_o to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o have_v issue_v out_o writ_n in_o his_o own_o name_n all_o his_o commission_n and_o process_n run_v in_o this_o stile_n viz._n we_o we_o and_o give_v under_o our_o hand_n and_o great_a seal_n of_o arm_n in_o such_o a_o year_n of_o out_o dominion_n over_o the_o say_a province_n that_o he_o have_v likewise_o appoint_v a_o upper_a and_o low_a house_n of_o assembly_n and_o also_o a_o privy_a counsel_n of_o state_n which_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o say_a patent_n and_o we_o further_o find_v that_o several_a of_o the_o law_n make_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n baltemore_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n statute_n and_o custom_n of_o england_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o the_o land_n sell_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n baltemore_n be_v direct_v to_o be_v purchase_v and_o hold_v of_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n only_o in_o succadg_n as_o of_o the_o manor_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o oath_n hereafter_o mention_v must_v be_v take_v by_o all_o that_o shall_v bear_v office_n or_o shall_v in_o habit_n or_o come_v into_o the_o say_a province_n upon_o pain_n ofe_o be_v banish_v and_o if_o they_o return_v and_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o fine_a as_o his_o lordship_n shall_v think_v fiâ—_z the_o oath_n of_o the_o lieutenant_n or_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o province_n of_o maryland_n i_o a._n b._n do_v swear_v i_o will_v be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o right_n honourable_a cecilius_n lord_n baron_n of_o baltemore_n the_o true_a and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o proprietary_n of_o this_o province_n of_o maryland_n and_o his_o heir_n and_o he_o and_o they_o and_o his_o and_o their_o right_n royal_a jurisdiction_n and_o signiory_n all_o and_o every_o of_o they_o into_o or_o over_o the_o say_a province_n and_o illâ—nds_n 〈◊〉_d unto_o belong_v will_v at_o all_o time_n dfend_v and_o maintain_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o my_o power_n and_o will_v never_o accept_v of_o nor_o execute_v any_o place_n office_n or_o employment_n within_o the_o say_a province_n any_o way_n concerning_o or_o relate_v to_o 〈◊〉_d government_n of_o the_o say_a province_n from_o any_o person_n or_o authority_n but_o by_o from_o or_o under_o the_o hand_n and_o seal_n at_o arm_n of_o his_o say_a lordship_n or_o his_o heir_n or_o assign_v lord_n and_o proprietary_n of_o the_o say_a province_n i_o will_v faithful_o serve_v his_o say_a lordship_n as_o lieutenant_n of_o the_o say_a province_n and_o in_o all_o other_o office_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n by_o his_o say_a lordship_n commission_n or_o commission_n to_o i_o and_o will_v willing_o yield_v up_o the_o say_a commission_n and_o commission_n again_o and_o all_o office_n power_n and_o authority_n grant_v or_o to_o be_v grant_v by_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o say_a lordship_n and_o his_o heir_n and_o assign_v or_o to_o such_o person_n or_o person_n as_o he_o or_o they_o shall_v appoint_v whensoever_o he_o or_o they_o shall_v appoint_v i_o so_o to_o do_v and_o shall_v signify_v the_o same_o to_o i_o in_o write_v under_o his_o or_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n at_o arm_n and_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n or_o attempt_v to_o execute_v any_o office_n power_n or_o authority_n grant_v unto_o i_o by_o any_o of_o the_o say_a commission_n after_o that_o his_o lordship_n his_o heir_n or_o assign_v lord_n and_o proprietary_n of_o the_o say_a province_n shall_v repeal_v they_o on_o any_o of_o they_o respective_o by_o any_o writing_n under_o his_o or_o their_o respective_a hand_n and_o seal_n at_o arm_n and_o that_o the_o say_a repeal_v be_v publish_v in_o this_o province_n i_o will_v do_v equal_a right_n and_o justice_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o the_o rich_a within_o the_o say_a province_n to_o my_o best_a skill_n judgement_n and_o power_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o say_a province_n and_o in_o default_n thereof_o according_a to_o my_o conscience_n and_o best_a discretion_n and_o the_o power_n grant_v and_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o i_o by_o his_o say_a lordship_n commission_n or_o commission_n i_o will_v not_o for_o fear_v favour_n or_o affâ—ction_n or_o any_o other_o cause_n let_v hinder_v or_o delay_v justice_n to_o any_o but_o shall_v true_o execute_v the_o say_a office_n and_o office_n respective_o according_a to_o his_o say_a lordship_n commission_n to_o i_o in_o that_o behaâ—f_n and_o to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o not_o otherwise_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n i_o will_v not_o know_v of_o any_o attempt_n against_o his_o say_a lordship_n person_n or_o his_o right_n or_o dominion_n into_o or_o over_o the_o say_a province_n and_o the_o people_n theâ—in_n but_o i_o will_v prevent_v resist_v and_o oppose_v it_o with_o the_o utmost_a of_o my_o power_n and_o make_v the_o same_o know_v with_o all_o convenient_a speed_n to_o his_o say_a lordship_n and_o i_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v faithful_o counsel_n and_o advise_v his_o say_a lordship_n according_a to_o my_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o i_o do_v further_o swear_v i_o will_v not_o by_o myself_o nor_o any_o other_o person_n direct_o trouble_v molest_v or_o discountenance_v any_o person_n whatsoever_o in_o the_o say_a province_n profess_v to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o particular_a no_o roman_a catholic_a for_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o he_o or_o her_o religion_n no_o his_o or_o her_o free_a exercise_n thereof_o within_o the_o say_a province_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o unfaithful_a to_o his_o say_a lordship_n or_o molest_v or_o conspire_v against_o the_o civil_a government_n establish_v under_o he_o nor_o will_v i_o mâ—ke_a any_o difference_n of_o person_n in_o confer_v oâ—fices_n reward_n or_o favour_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n which_o his_o lordship_n have_v confer_v on_o i_o as_o his_o lietenant_n here_o for_o or_o in_o respâ—ct_n â—o_z â—heir_n say_v religion_n respectiat_o but_o mere_o as_o i_o shall_v find_v they_o faithful_a and_o well-deserving_a of_o his_o say_a lordship_n and_o to_o the_o bâ—st_a of_o my_o understanding_n endow_v with_o moral_a virtue_n and_o ability_n fiâ—â—ing_v for_o such_o office_n reward_n or_o favourâ—_n wherein_o my_o prime_a aim_n and_o end_n shall_v be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n 〈◊〉_d the_o advancement_n of_o his_o say_a lordship_n service_n here_o and_o the_o public_a unity_n and_o good_a of_o the_o province_n without_o partiality_n to_o any_o or_o any_o other_o finiâ—â—ster_n end_n whatsoever_o and_o if_o any_o other_o officer_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v during_o the_o time_n of_o my_o be_v his_o say_a lordship_n liâ—utenant_n here_o without_o my_o consent_n or_o privity_n molest_v or_o disturb_v any_o pâ—rson_n within_o this_o province_n profess_v to_o believe_v in_o jâ—sus_n christ_n mere_o for_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o he_o or_o her_o religion_n or_o the_o free_a exercise_n thereof_o upon_o notice_n or_o complaint_n thereof_o make_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v apply_v my_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o relâ—eve_v any_o person_n so_o molest_v or_o trouble_v whereby_o he_o may_v have_v right_o do_v he_o for_o any_o damage_n which_o he_o shall_v suffer_v in_o that_o kind_n and_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o my_o power_n will_v cause_v all_o and_o every_o such_o person_n or_o person_n as_o shall_v molest_v or_o troâ—bâ—e_n any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n in_o that_o manner_n to_o be_v punishment_n i_o will_v faithful_o serve_v his_o lordship_n as_o his_o chancellor_n and_o keeper_n of_o his_o great_a seal_n of_o this_o province_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n and_o custody_n by_o his_o say_a lordship_n commission_n to_o i_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o skill_n and_o understand_v i_o will_v causâ—_z the_o impression_n in_o wax_n of_o the_o say_a seal_n to_o be_v affixâ—d_fw-mi to_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v or_o shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n receive_v commission_n or_o â—arrant_n for_o so_o do_v from_o his_o
say_a 〈…〉_z his_o hand_n and_o seal_n at_o arm_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v noâ—_z be_v â—ffixed_v â—o_z any_o otheâ—_z write_v or_o thing_n whatsoever_o direct_o oâ—_n indirect_o with_o my_o privy_a consent_n or_o knowledge_n 〈…〉_z best_o endeavour_v careful_o to_o preserve_v the_o say_a gâ—eat_n 〈◊〉_d in_o my_o custody_n so_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v his_o say_a lordship_n to_o continue_v i_o in_o the_o charge_n and_o keep_v thereof_o 〈◊〉_d â—nd_v that_o it_o may_v noâ—_z be_v lose_v steal_v or_o unlawful_o take_v from_o i_o and_o 〈◊〉_d by_o any_o other_o person_n may_v 〈◊〉_d the_o impression_n thereof_o unto_o any_o wriâ—ing_n or_o thing_n whatsoeâ—er_fw-la without_o authority_n for_o â—o_z do_v lawful_o derive_v or_o to_o be_v derive_v from_o by_o or_o under_o a_o commission_n or_o warrant_n under_o his_o say_a lordship_n hand_n and_o seal_v 〈…〉_z and_o that_o i_o will_v true_o and_o faithful_o deliver_v up_o again_o the_o say_v greaâ—_z seal_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n or_o person_n as_o his_o saâ—â—_z lordship_n or_o his_o heir_n shall_v appoent_v when_o his_o or_o their_o pleasure_n for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v be_v signify_v to_o i_o under_o hiâ—_z or_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n at_o arm_n so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o by_o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n the_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n to_o the_o lord_n proprietor_n i_o a_o b._n do_v faithful_o and_o true_o acknowledge_v the_o right_n honourable_a cecilius_n lord_n baron_n of_o baltâ—more_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o proâ—itiary_a of_o this_o province_n and_o country_n of_o mâ—â—yland_n and_o the_o island_n therâ—unto_o belong_v and_o i_o do_v swear_v that_o i_o will_v bear_v true_a faith_n unto_o his_o lordship_n and_o his_o heir_n as_o to_o the_o true_a and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o proprietary_n of_o the_o say_a province_n and_o the_o island_n thereunto_o belong_v and_o will_v not_o at_o aâ—y_n time_n by_o word_n or_o action_n in_o public_a or_o private_a witting_o or_o willing_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n any_o way_n derogaâ—â—_z frâ—m_fw-la but_o wâ—ll_v at_o all_o timâ—â—_z as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v to_o the_o uttermost_a 〈◊〉_d my_o pâ—wer_n defend_v and_o maintain_v all_o such_o 〈◊〉_d say_v lordship_n 〈…〉_z â—â—itle_n interest_n prâ—viledges_n anâ—_z his_o royal_a jurisdiction_n prerogative_n propriety_n and_o dominion_n over_o and_o in_o the_o say_a 〈◊〉_d of_o maryland_n and_o the_o island_n thereunto_o belong_v and_o over_o the_o people_n who_o 〈…〉_z shall_v be_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v grant_v 〈…〉_z be_v grant_v to_o his_o say_a lordship_n and_o to_o his_o heir_n by_o the_o king_n of_o eâ—gland_n in_o his_o say_a lordship_n patent_n of_o the_o say_a province_n under_o the_o great_a â—eale_n of_o england_n i_o do_v also_o swear_v that_o i_o will_v with_o all_o expedition_n discover_v to_o his_o say_a lordship_n or_o his_o lieutenane_n or_o other_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o say_a province_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o prevent_v 〈…〉_z any_o 〈◊〉_d â—conspiracy_n or_o combination_n which_o i_o shall_v know_v or_o have_v cause_n to_o suspect_v be_v intend_v or_o shall_v be_v intend_v against_o the_o person_n of_o his_o say_a lordship_n oâ—_n which_o shall_v tend_v my_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o disinâ—erison_n or_o deprivation_n of_o his_o say_a lordship_n or_o his_o heir_n the_o right_a title_n royal_a jurisdiction_n or_o dominion_n aforesaid_a or_o any_o part_n thereof_o and_o i_o do_v swear_v that_o i_o will_v not_o either_o by_o myself_o or_o by_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n direct_o or_o indirect_o take_v accept_v receive_v purchase_n or_o possess_v any_o land_n tenement_n or_o hereditantâ—_n within_o the_o say_a province_n of_o maryland_n or_o the_o islaâ—ds_n thereunto_o belong_v from_o any_o indian_a or_o indian_n to_o any_o other_o use_n or_o use_n but_o to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o say_a lordship_n and_o his_o heir_n or_o know_o from_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n not_o derive_v a_o legal_a title_n thereunto_o from_o or_o under_o some_o grant_n from_o his_o â—aid_a lordship_n or_o his_o say_a heir_n legal_o pass_v or_o to_o be_v pass_v under_o his_o or_o their_o great_a seal_n of_o the_o say_a prâ—vince_n for_o the_o time_n be_v so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o by_o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n the_o oath_n of_o a_o counsellor_n of_o state_n in_o maryland_n i_o a_o b._n do_v swear_v that_o i_o will_v be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o right_n honourable_a cecilius_n lord_n baron_n of_o baltemore_n the_o true_a and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o proprietory_a of_o this_o province_n or_o maryland_n and_o his_o heir_n and_o he_o and_o they_o â—nd_v he_o and_o their_o right_n royal_a jurisdiction_n and_o signiory_n and_o every_o of_o they_o into_o and_o over_o the_o say_a province_n and_o island_n hereunto_o belong_v will_n as_o all_o time_n defend_v and_o maintain_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o my_o power_n and_o will_v never_o accept_v of_o nor_o execute_v any_o place_n office_n or_o employment_n within_o the_o say_a province_n any_o way_n concerning_o or_o relate_v to_o the_o government_n from_o time_n to_o time_n but_o from_o his_o say_a lordship_n or_o his_o heir_n lord_n and_o proprietary_n of_o the_o say_a province_n under_o his_o or_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n at_o arm_n the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o province_n i_o will_v ever_o procure_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v i_o will_v aid_v and_o assist_v the_o administer_n and_o execution_n of_o justice_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o my_o powerâ—_n to_o none_o will_v i_o delay_v or_o deny_v right_o for_o fear_v favour_n or_o affection_n i_o will_v to_o my_o best_a skill_n and_o according_a to_o my_o heart_n and_o conscience_n give_v good_a and_o faithful_a counsel_n to_o the_o say_a lord_n and_o proprietary_n and_o his_o heir_n and_o to_o his_o and_o their_o lieutenant_n and_o chief_a governor_n of_o this_o province_n for_o the_o time_n be_v when_o thereunto_o i_o shall_v be_v call_v i_o will_v keep_v secret_a all_o matter_n commit_v or_o reveal_v unto_o i_o or_o which_o shall_v be_v move_v or_o debate_v secret_o in_o council_n and_o faithful_o declare_v my_o mind_n and_o opinion_n therein_o according_a to_o my_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o say_a treaty_n and_o council_n shall_v touch_v any_o the_o privy_a counsellor_n of_o this_o province_n i_o will_v not_o reveal_v the_o same_o to_o he_o so_o touch_v or_o concern_v but_o will_v keep_v the_o same_o secret_a until_o such_o time_n as_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n proprietary_n or_o chief_a governor_n here_o for_o the_o time_n be_v publication_n shall_v be_v make_v thereof_o i_o will_v as_o a_o counsellor_n as_o a_o justice_n and_o commissioner_n for_o conservation_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o province_n do_v equal_a right_n unto_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o the_o rich_a to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o law_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o force_n within_o this_o province_n and_o in_o default_n thereof_o according_a to_o my_o best_a discretion_n and_o general_o in_o all_o thing_n will_v do_v as_o a_o faithful_a counsellor_n to_o the_o lord_n proprietary_n and_o i_o do_v further_o swear_v i_o will_v not_o by_o myself_o or_o any_o other_o person_n direct_o or_o indirect_o trouble_v molest_v or_o discountenance_v any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o say_a province_n profess_v to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o particular_a no_o roman_n catholic_n for_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o he_o or_o their_o religion_n nor_o in_o his_o or_o her_o free_a exercise_n thereof_o within_o the_o say_a province_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o unfaithful_a to_o his_o say_a lordship_n nor_o molest_v or_o conspire_v against_o the_o civil_a government_n establish_v under_o he_o so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v any_o one_o a_o idolater_n papish_a priest_n jesuit_n jesuited_a papist_n etc._n etc._n to_o forfeit_v ten_o pound_n and_o that_o no_o papist_n shall_v be_v trouble_v for_o exercise_v of_o his_o religion_n so_o as_o they_o be_v faithful_a to_o his_o lordship_n whosoever_o shall_v be_v accessary_a to_o the_o run_v away_o of_o a_o apprentice_n shall_v suffer_v death_n but_o the_o party_n himself_o if_o apprehend_v to_o serve_v his_o time_n double_a whosoever_o shall_v counterfeit_v his_o lordship_n seal_n or_o sign_n manual_a shall_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o hand_n imprisonment_n during_o life_n or_o pain_n of_o death_n or_o confiscation_n of_o land_n or_o estate_n or_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o they_o as_o the_o governor_n and_o chancellor_n and_o council_n shall_v think_v fit_a his_o lordship_n suffer_v dutch_a french_a or_o italian_a descent_n
we_o have_v take_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n and_o unsuitable_a to_o freeman_n to_o own_v any_o other_o power_n than_o that_o to_o which_o we_o belong_v and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v and_o have_v engage_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o fight_v for_o and_o defend_v and_o maintain_v popery_n and_o a_o popish_a antichristian_a government_n which_o we_o dare_v not_o do_v unless_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v traitor_n to_o our_o country_n fighter_n against_o god_n and_o covenant-breaker_n the_o premise_n consider_v we_o humble_o spread_v our_o condition_n before_o your_o view_n and_o consideration_n hope_v that_o as_o you_o be_v commissioner_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n and_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o your_o hand_n that_o you_o will_v up_o and_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o our_o god_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v for_o our_o faithfulness_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o ungodly_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n before_o we_o can_v make_v our_o complaint_n and_o grievance_n know_v to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o england_n which_o with_o all_o readiness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v by_o the_o first_o opportunity_n and_o from_o who_o we_o do_v hope_n and_o shall_v expect_v by_o god_n blessing_n to_o have_v a_o gracious_a answer_n and_o suitable_a redress_n and_o your_o petitioner_n hereunto_o subscribe_v shall_v pray_v etc._n etc._n date_v in_o patuxent_n river_n in_o the_o province_n of_o maryland_n the_o first_o of_o march_n 1653._o subscribe_v richard_n preston_n and_o 60._o more_o of_o the_o housekeeper_n and_o freeman_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o petition_n late_o receive_v from_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o river_n of_o severn_n and_o patuxent_n gentleman_n we_o have_v late_o receive_v from_o you_o a_o petition_n and_o complaint_n against_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n his_o governor_n and_o officer_n there_o who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o uncertain_a paper_n and_o relation_n to_o be_v send_v out_o of_o england_n but_o no_o way_n certify_v or_o authenticated_a have_v presume_v to_o recede_v from_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n to_o which_o they_o be_v reduce_v by_o the_o parliament_n commissioner_n to_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o nothing_o have_v be_v send_v out_o of_o england_n as_o far_o as_o be_v yet_o make_v appear_v unto_o we_o but_o duplicate_v and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n power_n and_o action_n be_v send_v from_o the_o parliament_n since_o the_o reduction_n of_o virginia_n and_o maryland_n now_o whereas_o you_o complain_v of_o real_a grievence_n and_o oppression_n as_o also_o of_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o oath_n upon_o you_o against_o the_o liberty_n of_o your_o conscience_n which_o you_o say_v you_o can_v take_v as_o christian_n or_o as_o free_a subject_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n we_o have_v think_v good_a to_o send_v you_o this_o answer_n that_o because_o we_o nor_o you_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v or_o see_v sufficient_a order_n or_o direction_n from_o the_o parliament_n and_o state_n of_o england_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n to_o which_o you_o be_v reduce_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o parliament_n say_v commissioner_n therefore_o we_o advise_v and_o require_v you_o that_o in_o no_o case_n you_o depart_v from_o the_o same_o but_o that_o you_o continue_v in_o your_o due_a obedience_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o you_o and_o they_o be_v then_o appoint_v and_o engage_v and_o not_o to_o be_v draw_v aâ—ide_o from_o the_o same_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o such_o uncertain_a relation_n as_o we_o hear_v be_v divulge_v among_o you_o to_o which_o we_o expect_v your_o real_a conformity_n as_o you_o will_v answer_v the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o any_o pretence_n of_o power_n from_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n agent_n or_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o to_o the_o contrary_a virginia_n march_n the_o 12_o 1654._o your_o very_a love_a friend_n richard_n bennet_n will_n claibourn_n a_o declaration_n publish_v in_o maryland_n it_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o maryland_n that_o about_o two_o year_n since_o this_o province_n be_v reduce_v and_o settle_v under_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n by_o the_o parliament_n commissioner_n send_v thither_o with_o special_a commission_n and_o instruction_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o captain_n william_n stone_n mr._n tho._n hatton_n and_o other_o reassume_v the_o power_n and_o place_n of_o governor_n and_o council_n here_o undertake_v and_o promise_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o say_a obedience_n and_o to_o issue_v out_o all_o writ_n process_n and_o proceed_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o englaâ—d_n as_o be_v command_v by_o the_o say_a instruction_n by_o which_o maryland_n be_v reduce_v which_o say_v commission_n and_o instruction_n have_v be_v since_o renew_v and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n own_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o council_n of_o state_n as_o by_o their_o order_n and_o report_v draw_v up_o for_o the_o parliament_n may_v appear_v wherein_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n agent_n be_v tax_v for_o refuse_v to_o issue_v out_o writ_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o england_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o appear_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a the_o say_a captain_n stone_n and_o mr._n hatton_n though_o they_o continue_v and_o exercise_v the_o government_n for_o some_o time_n and_o for_o divers_a court_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o england_n yet_o have_v they_o since_o upon_o no_o good_a ground_n falsify_v their_o say_a trust_n and_o engagement_n though_o act_v public_o and_o after_o long_a advice_n and_o consideration_n and_o have_v reject_v and_o cast_v off_o their_o say_a obedience_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n have_v further_o refuse_v to_o govern_v this_o province_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n but_o declare_v and_o assume_v a_o power_n and_o practise_v contrary_a thereunto_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o late_a platform_n of_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n and_o the_o dominion_n thereof_o as_o namely_o by_o the_o governor_n negative_a voice_n in_o assembly_n and_o his_o choose_n and_o remove_v counsellor_n at_o pleasure_n and_o the_o like_a be_v manifest_a and_o whereas_o we_o have_v late_o receive_v command_n from_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n to_o publish_v the_o say_a platform_n of_o government_n and_o that_o all_o writ_n and_o proceed_n shall_v be_v issue_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o highness_n to_o which_o though_o we_o desire_v this_o government_n shall_v be_v conformable_a yet_o the_o say_a captain_n stone_n and_o mr._n hatton_n have_v late_o associate_v unto_o they_o divers_a counsellor_n all_o of_o the_o romish_a religion_n and_o exclude_v other_o appoint_a by_o the_o parliament_n commissioner_n have_v and_o do_v refuse_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o to_o the_o lord_n protector_n therein_o and_o have_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o special_a direction_n of_o the_o say_a lord_n baltamore_n make_v proclamation_n and_o exact_v a_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n from_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o province_n contrary_a and_o inconsistent_a to_o the_o say_a platform_n of_o government_n which_o say_v oath_n nevertheless_o and_o the_o law_n here_o command_v the_o same_o and_o many_o other_o law_n be_v likewise_o by_o the_o report_n of_o the_o say_a committee_n of_o the_o council_n of_o state_n declare_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n which_o be_v a_o express_a breach_n of_o his_o patent_n and_o whereas_o the_o say_a oath_n in_o many_o particular_n be_v distaste_v by_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o maryland_n and_o especial_o out_o of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n by_o all_o northern_a plantation_n of_o patuxent_n and_o severne_n who_o have_v late_o engage_v to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n do_v say_v and_o declare_v they_o can_v take_v the_o say_a oath_n to_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n to_o be_v absolute_a lord_n and_o proprietary_n of_o maryland_n and_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v all_o his_o right_n and_o royal_a jurisdiction_n prerogative_n dominion_n etc._n etc._n upon_o which_o their_o refusal_n of_o the_o say_a oath_n the_o say_a captain_n stone_n by_o the_o say_a lord_n baltamore_n especial_a direction_n have_v set_v forth_o a_o proclamation_n declare_v that_o all_o such_o person_n so_o refuse_v shall_v be_v for_o ever_o debar_v from_o any_o right_n or_o claim_v to_o the_o land_n they_o now_o enjoy_v and_o live_v on_o and_o that_o the_o say_a captain_n stone_n as_o his_o lordship_n governor_n be_v thereby_o require_v to_o cause_v the_o say_a land_n to_o be_v enter_v and_o seize_v upon_o to_o his_o lordship_n use_n by_o
which_o strange_a and_o exorbitant_a proceed_n many_o great_a cruelty_n and_o mischief_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v commit_v and_o many_o hundred_o with_o their_o wife_n and_o family_n be_v utter_o ruin_v as_o have_v be_v former_o do_v here_o and_o at_o kent_n though_o plant_v before_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n claim_n to_o maryland_n with_o many_o murder_n and_o illegal_a execution_n of_o man_n confiscation_n of_o estate_n and_o good_n and_o great_a misery_n sustain_v by_o woman_n and_o orphan_n in_o consideration_n and_o just_a fear_n whereof_o the_o say_a planter_n of_o patuxent_n and_o severne_n have_v make_v their_o often_o address_n to_o we_o as_o some_o of_o the_o than_o commissioner_n for_o the_o reducement_n of_o maryland_n and_o most_o lamentable_o complain_v of_o the_o great_a danger_n they_o stand_v in_o of_o be_v utter_o undo_v and_o chief_o for_o engage_v their_o fidelity_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o parliament_n of_o england_n now_o devolve_v to_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n their_o obedience_n and_o faith_n to_o both_o be_v plain_o repugnant_a to_o each_o other_o and_o inconsistent_a we_o therefore_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o parliament_n have_v write_v and_o propose_v to_o the_o say_a captain_n stone_n and_o that_o council_n for_o a_o meeting_n to_o procure_v a_o right_a understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n aforesaid_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n likely_a to_o ensue_v in_o answer_n thereunto_o though_o they_o acknowledge_v our_o line_n peaceable_a yet_o so_o exulcerate_v be_v their_o mind_n that_o in_o the_o very_a next_o line_n they_o add_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n say_v we_o suppose_v you_o to_o be_v wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n with_o many_o other_o follow_v like_o uncivil_a and_o uncomely_a word_n and_o expression_n in_o contemplation_n therefore_o of_o all_o the_o premise_n we_o have_v think_v fit_a for_o to_o make_v publication_n hereof_o and_o to_o justify_v and_o manifest_v our_o proceed_n in_o these_o affair_n leave_v many_o people_n may_v be_v ensnare_v by_o false_a and_o cunning_a suggestion_n and_o preâ—ences_n as_o late_o have_v be_v practise_v herein_o the_o falsity_n whereof_o time_n have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v further_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o of_o the_o particular_n before_o allege_v if_o any_o shall_v desire_v it_o or_o repair_v to_o we_o to_o that_o purpose_n which_o they_o may_v secure_o do_v wherefore_o we_o advise_v and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n require_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o province_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o contain_v and_o keep_v themselves_o in_o their_o due_a obedience_n under_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n and_o the_o dominion_n thereto_o belong_v of_o which_o this_o be_v undoubted_o a_o part_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v govern_v according_o whereby_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o the_o peaceable_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o liberty_n profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o their_o estate_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v protect_v from_o wrong_n and_o violence_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o hereby_o also_o protest_v against_o the_o say_a captain_n william_n stone_n mr._n thomas_n hatton_n and_o all_o other_o any_o way_n confederate_a or_o assistant_n with_o they_o in_o their_o unlawful_a practice_n that_o they_o may_v be_v accountable_a and_o answerable_a to_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o england_n under_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n for_o all_o the_o mischief_n damage_n loss_n and_o disorder_n that_o may_v or_o shall_v happen_v thereby_o date_v at_o patuxent_n in_o maryland_n the_o 15._o of_o july_n 1654._o richard_n bennet_n will_n claiborne_n captain_n william_n stone_n be_v resignation_n of_o the_o government_n whereas_o since_o the_o order_n or_o direction_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o state_n of_o england_n for_o the_o government_n of_o this_o province_n of_o maryland_n of_o the_o 28_o of_o june_n 1652._o i_o william_n stone_n esquire_n governor_n of_o the_o say_a province_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o direction_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n baltamore_n lord_n proprietary_n of_o the_o say_a province_n to_o issue_v out_o all_o writ_n and_o process_n within_o this_o province_n in_o his_o the_o say_a lord_n proprietary_n name_n and_o to_o admit_v of_o those_o of_o the_o council_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o his_o lordship_n and_o no_o other_o and_o whereas_o upon_o my_o compliance_n with_o his_o lordship_n command_n therein_o not_o any_o way_n contradictory_a so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v to_o any_o command_n from_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o england_n the_o say_a commissioner_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o declaration_n late_o here_o publish_v have_v threaten_v and_o go_v about_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n to_o compel_v i_o to_o decline_v his_o the_o say_a lord_n proprietary_n direction_n and_o command_n before_o mention_v which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o trust_n repose_v in_o i_o by_o his_o say_a lordship_n as_o governor_n here_o under_o he_o i_o conceive_v i_o be_v engage_v not_o to_o do_v i_o have_v therefore_o think_v fit_a for_o prevention_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o blood_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o country_n and_o inhabitant_n by_o a_o hostile_a contest_n upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o my_o power_n as_o governor_n of_o this_o province_n under_o his_o lordship_n and_o do_v promise_n for_o the_o future_a to_o submit_v to_o such_o government_n as_o shall_v be_v set_v over_o we_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n in_o the_o name_n and_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n witness_v my_o hand_n the_o 20._o of_o july_n 1654._o in_o presence_n of_o william_n stone_n thomas_n gerrard_n thomas_n hatton_n edm._n scarburgh_n order_n for_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o maryland_n whereas_o by_o several_a order_n draw_v up_o and_o publish_v at_o st._n mary_n the_o 29._o of_o march_n and_o the_o 28._o of_o june_n 1652._o maryland_n be_v reduce_v and_o settle_v under_o the_o authority_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o to_o the_o government_n thereof_o by_o special_a order_n and_o command_n of_o the_o council_n of_o state_n by_o commission_n from_o the_o parliament_n and_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o captain_n william_n stone_n mr._n hatton_n and_o other_o who_o be_v require_v and_o promise_v to_o issue_v out_o writ_n and_o other_o process_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o instruction_n for_o reduce_v settle_v and_o govern_v of_o all_o the_o plantation_n in_o the_o bay_n of_o chesapiak_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o in_o and_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a order_n and_o proclamation_n may_v and_o do_v appear_v and_o whereas_o the_o aforesaid_a captain_n stone_n by_o special_a order_n and_o direction_n from_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n as_o it_o appear_v be_v persuade_v and_o induce_v to_o go_v away_o from_o his_o obligation_n and_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_o he_o by_o issue_v forth_o writ_n and_o all_o other_o process_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n proprietary_n of_o this_o province_n place_v and_o displace_v those_o of_o the_o council_n and_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o the_o inhabitant_n contrary_a unto_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o say_a engagement_n and_o oath_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o penalty_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o land_n of_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v the_o same_o within_o three_o month_n after_o publication_n thereof_o which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v enter_v upon_o and_o seize_v to_o his_o lordship_n use_n thereby_o occasion_v great_a discontent_n and_o disturbance_n among_o the_o inhabitant_n beside_o the_o irregularity_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o say_a proceed_n and_o the_o opposition_n contempt_n and_o rebellion_n therein_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n and_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n and_o further_o whereas_o by_o a_o late_a proclamation_n date_v the_o four_o of_o this_o month_n publish_v in_o this_o province_n both_o the_o commissioner_n of_o state_n and_o the_o people_n who_o adhere_v to_o their_o engagement_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n and_o refuse_v to_o own_o or_o acknowledge_v any_o other_o name_n or_o authority_n as_o to_o government_n or_o to_o take_v any_o other_o oath_n but_o what_o they_o have_v already_o take_v to_o that_o power_n be_v charge_v that_o they_o draw_v away_o the_o people_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o faction_n sedition_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n whereby_o not_o only_o the_o land_n and_o plantation_n of_o many_o hundred_o of_o people_n but_o also_o their_o estate_n and_o life_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v take_v away_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o
endanger_v this_o colony_n if_o not_o timely_o prevent_v such_o a_o groundwork_n have_v the_o patent_n of_o maryland_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o labour_n of_o other_o and_o as_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a have_v be_v the_o whole_a proceed_n and_o management_n of_o their_o colony_n and_o interest_n at_o their_o first_o arrival_n surprise_v and_o confiscate_v many_o vessel_n with_o the_o good_n of_o divers_a that_o they_o find_v trade_v with_o the_o native_n under_o the_o commission_n of_o virginia_n which_o they_o have_v enjoy_v â—eer_o thirty_o year_n and_o profess_v a_o establishment_n of_o the_o romish_a religion_n only_o they_o suppress_v the_o poor_a protestant_n among_o they_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o their_o government_n in_o the_o lord_n proprietary_n name_n all_o their_o proceed_n judicature_n trial_n and_o warrant_n in_o his_o name_n power_n and_o dignity_n and_o from_o he_o only_o not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o england_n in_o all_o their_o government_n to_o that_o purpose_n forcible_o impose_v oath_n judge_v illegal_a in_o a_o reporâ—_n make_v by_o a_o committee_n of_o the_o council_n of_o state_n 1652._o to_o maintain_v his_o royal_a jurisdiction_n prerogative_n and_o dominion_n as_o absolute_a lord_n and_o proprietary_n to_o protect_v chief_o the_o roman_a catholic_n religion_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n thereof_o and_o all_o do_v by_o yearly_a instruction_n from_o he_o out_o of_o england_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v absolute_a prince_n and_o king_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v easy_o evident_a that_o the_o patent_n of_o maryland_n be_v ground_v upon_o no_o good_a foundation_n the_o king_n be_v misinform_v when_o in_o nothing_o more_o deep_o and_o direct_o can_v the_o honour_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o throne_n be_v concern_v then_o in_o confirm_v and_o conserve_n the_o interest_n of_o so_o great_a a_o conjuncture_n of_o noble_n knight_n gentleman_n and_o merchant_n who_o so_o pious_o and_o worthy_o adventure_v their_o money_n and_o expend_v their_o estate_n and_o labour_n who_o right_n and_o interest_n though_o their_o patent_n be_v call_v in_o for_o the_o time_n in_o point_n of_o government_n yet_o have_v receive_v the_o most_o solemn_a declaration_n and_o assurance_n under_o the_o broad_a seal_n and_o privy_a signet_n order_n of_o counsel_n letter_n to_o the_o colony_n and_o by_o general_a proclamation_n there_o and_o here_o that_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o think_v that_o either_o the_o than_o king_n or_o king_n james_n be_v right_o inform_v will_v ever_o have_v grâ—nted_v such_o a_o patent_n as_o this_o of_o maryland_n it_o be_v near_o two_o three_o part_n of_o the_o better_a territory_n of_o virginia_n and_o as_o no_o way_n consistent_a with_o equity_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o public_a faith_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a in_o the_o absolute_a and_o regal_a power_n assume_v and_o execute_v by_o he_o to_o the_o late_a monarchical_a government_n or_o to_o the_o present_a authority_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n under_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n and_o most_o injurious_a to_o the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o noble_a adventurer_n and_o the_o painful_a indefatigable_a planter_n who_o have_v so_o long_o under_o god_n conserve_v the_o country_n from_o total_a ruin_n a_o short_a and_o successive_a narration_n of_o most_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a public_a assurance_n follow_v viz._n 1._o by_o a_o order_n of_o the_o council_n the_o eight_o of_o october_n 1623._o before_o the_o quo_fw-la warranto_fw-la bring_v to_o arm_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o adventurer_n and_o planter_n against_o any_o mistake_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n as_o if_o their_o estate_n shall_v receive_v prejudice_n 2._o and_o whereas_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n be_v inform_v that_o the_o intend_a change_n of_o the_o government_n have_v beget_v a_o general_a discouragement_n among_o the_o adventurer_n notwithstanding_o sundry_a other_o declaration_n make_v at_o the_o board_n viva_fw-la voice_fw-la and_o that_o former_a act_n of_o council_n their_o lordship_n be_v please_v by_o a_o order_n of_o the_o twenty_o of_o october_n 1623._o to_o declare_v again_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o intention_n but_o only_o and_o mere_o in_o reform_v and_o change_n of_o the_o present_a government_n and_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n but_o have_v his_o estate_n full_o and_o whole_o confirm_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n defective_a better_a to_o be_v secure_v which_o order_n be_v send_v over_o by_o their_o lordship_n command_n and_o publish_v in_o virginia_n for_o encouragement_n of_o the_o planter_n 3._o king_n james_n be_v also_o please_v to_o express_v the_o same_o in_o his_o commission_n to_o sundry_a of_o his_o own_o privy_a council_n and_o other_o commissioner_n for_o the_o time_n be_v for_o the_o affair_n of_o virginia_n july_n 5._o 1624._o that_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o alter_v the_o letter_n paâ—ents_n as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o government_n but_o with_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o adventurer_n and_o planter_n 4._o the_o like_a declaration_n of_o the_o king_n intention_n be_v express_v in_o the_o commission_n then_o send_v to_o sir_n francis_n wyatt_n and_o the_o council_n then_o appoint_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o direct_v the_o affair_n and_o people_n in_o virginia_n and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v insert_v in_o all_o king_n charles_n his_o commission_n and_o of_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o virginia_n that_o have_v be_v since_o that_o time_n to_o this_o present_a 5._o the_o say_a king_n charles_n by_o his_o proclamation_n may_n 13._o 1625._o declare_v that_o his_o aim_n be_v only_o to_o reduce_v the_o government_n into_o such_o a_o right_a course_n as_o may_v best_o agree_v with_o the_o form_n hold_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o monarchy_n and_o not_o intend_v to_o impeach_v the_o interest_n of_o any_o adventurer_n or_o planter_n in_o virginia_n 6._o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n date_v the_o 24_o of_o october_n 1625._o declare_v to_o the_o colony_n that_o the_o king_n pleasure_n be_v to_o preserve_v every_o man_n particular_a right_n and_o the_o planter_n to_o enjoy_v their_o former_a privilege_n with_o addition_n of_o other_o requisite_a immunity_n encourage_v also_o the_o planter_n to_o discovery_n both_o by_o sea_n and_o land_n and_o to_o perfect_v the_o trade_n of_o fur_n which_o letter_n according_a to_o their_o lordship_n command_n be_v publish_v in_o virginia_n but_o captain_n cleyborn_n who_o be_v thereupon_o employ_v by_o commission_n from_o the_o governor_n under_o the_o king_n broad_a seal_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o colony_n and_o then_o discover_v those_o part_n of_o the_o trade_n of_o maryland_n be_v thereby_o utter_o undo_v supplant_v and_o expel_v by_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n 7._o the_o king_n also_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o planter_n by_o his_o royal_a letter_n the_o 12_o of_o september_n 1628._o be_v please_v to_o promise_v thereby_o to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v unto_o the_o colony_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n their_o land_n and_o privilege_n former_o grant_v to_o they_o 8._o and_o when_o the_o general_a assembly_n consist_v of_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o burgess_n of_o the_o whole_a colony_n complain_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o interruption_n of_o their_o trade_n by_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n deputy_n their_o lordship_n be_v please_v by_o their_o letter_n july_n 22._o 1634._o to_o signify_v that_o the_o plantation_n of_o virginia_n shall_v enjoy_v their_o estate_n and_o trade_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o privilege_n as_o they_o do_v before_o the_o recall_n of_o their_o patent_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o howsoever_o the_o government_n can_v not_o be_v reduce_v from_o that_o popular_a form_n of_o the_o company_n in_o england_n but_o by_o revocation_n of_o the_o patent_n itself_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o both_o those_o king_n declaration_n and_o the_o lord_n order_n the_o adventurer_n and_o planter_n of_o virginia_n as_o to_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o equity_n remain_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n as_o if_o no_o such_o judgement_n have_v be_v give_v object_n but_o they_o answer_v hereunto_o to_o this_o effect_n though_o not_o true_o neither_o that_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n his_o patent_n take_v in_o no_o part_n that_o the_o virginian_n have_v then_o plant_v and_o so_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o man_n be_v preserve_v and_o that_o maryland_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o particular_a plantation_n as_o the_o company_n use_v to_o grant_v to_o divers_a adventurer_n and_o planter_n and_o that_o the_o king_n may_v do_v as_o much_o as_o the_o company_n while_o they_o stand_v answ._n 1._o we_o reply_v that_o the_o adventurer_n and_o planter_n be_v encourage_v to_o expend_v their_o estate_n in_o so_o vast_a a_o proportion_n and_o to_o
hazard_v their_o life_n in_o all_o extremity_n always_o accompany_v new_a design_n and_o beginning_n in_o hope_n that_o their_o share_n upon_o the_o division_n of_o land_n be_v four_o hundred_o mile_n along_o the_o seashore_n and_o into_o the_o land_n from_o sea_n to_o sea_n will_v recompense_v they_o and_o their_o heir_n as_o in_o ireland_n heretofore_o and_o now_o be_v do_v but_o this_o interest_n by_o the_o patent_n of_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n comprehend_v near_o two_o degree_n which_o be_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mile_n be_v whole_o take_v from_o they_o and_o scarce_o be_v there_o any_o room_n for_o any_o adventurer_n to_o take_v up_o any_o land_n due_a unto_o they_o it_o be_v true_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o adventurer_n of_o the_o company_n be_v tenant_n in_o common_a to_o all_o the_o land_n which_o be_v not_o actual_o divide_v and_o set_v out_o and_o their_o claim_n can_v just_o be_v thus_o nullify_v and_o yet_o their_o interest_n say_v to_o be_v reserve_v 3._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n may_v have_v as_o large_a a_o proportion_n of_o land_n as_o ever_o be_v grant_v to_o any_o by_o the_o company_n though_o his_o adventure_n have_v never_o be_v proportionable_a to_o sommens_n but_o we_o think_v it_o agree_v to_o reason_n that_o he_o shall_v people_n it_o and_o either_o show_v his_o right_n to_o it_o by_o the_o adventure_n of_o people_n send_v over_o to_o plant_v it_o which_o be_v by_o the_o company_n appoint_v to_o be_v fifty_o acre_n to_o every_o person_n transport_v thither_o otherwise_o how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o that_o he_o shall_v possess_v two_o three_o part_n of_o the_o bay_n of_o virginia_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o big_a as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n and_o yet_o now_o in_o many_o year_n have_v not_o more_o man_n there_o except_o such_o as_o have_v go_v from_o virginia_n then_o can_v or_o do_v plant_v as_o much_o as_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o small_a corner_n thereof_o and_o those_o chief_o employ_v in_o tobacco_n and_o the_o great_a name_n of_o maryland_n be_v but_o in_o effect_n make_v a_o factory_n for_o trade_n ammunition_n and_o arm_n be_v as_o common_o sâ—ld_v to_o the_o indian_n though_o not_o altogether_o so_o open_o as_o among_o the_o swedeâ—â—_z dutch_a a_o nursery_n for_o jesuit_n and_o a_o bar_n to_o keep_v off_o other_o planter_n from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o country_n leave_v void_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o know_v by_o he_o or_o he_o 5._o we_o say_v that_o after_o we_o have_v discover_v and_o bring_v the_o indian_n of_o those_o part_n of_o maryland_n to_o a_o trade_n of_o corn_n and_o beaver_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n instruction_n under_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o england_n with_o the_o expense_n of_o our_o blood_n and_o estate_n and_o exercise_v annual_a intercourse_n with_o they_o above_o eight_o and_o twenty_o year_n how_o can_v it_o be_v say_v our_o interest_n and_o right_n be_v preserve_v when_o we_o be_v forbid_v this_o trade_n our_o man_n slay_v vessel_n and_o good_n seize_v person_n imprison_v and_o the_o whole_a trade_n assume_v only_o to_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n use_n and_o he_o not_o able_a to_o manage_v it_o neither_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o swede_n and_o dutch_a 6._o and_o chief_o we_o answer_v we_o claim_v right_o by_o possession_n have_v plant_v the_o isle_n of_o kent_n almost_o three_o year_n before_o ever_o the_o name_n of_o maryland_n be_v hear_v of_o and_o burgess_n for_o that_o place_n sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o virginia_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n suggestion_n to_o the_o king_n mention_v in_o his_o patent_n that_o those_o part_n be_v uncultivated_a and_o unplanted_a unless_o by_o barbarous_a people_n not_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o misinformation_n and_o by_o it_o that_o patent_n appear_v to_o be_v surreptitious_o and_o illegal_o get_v and_o if_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n take_v a_o way_n those_o land_n from_o they_o who_o have_v also_o purchase_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o native_n a_o right_n not_o inconsiderable_a and_o seize_v their_o good_n and_o that_o in_o a_o hostile_a manner_n as_o he_o have_v do_v how_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o man_n interest_n and_o right_n be_v preserve_v they_o be_v the_o first_o discoverer_n of_o that_o island_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n commission_n and_o plant_v there_o under_o the_o government_n of_o virginia_n on_o the_o confidence_n they_o apprehend_v from_o the_o former_a assurance_n and_o there_o begin_v in_o great_a part_n the_o trade_n of_o fur_n how_o unjust_a a_o intrusion_n than_o will_v the_o lord_n baltamore_n patent_n appear_v which_o overthrow_v the_o interest_n of_o so_o many_o and_o such_o person_n for_o the_o company_n of_o virginia_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n diversify_v from_o other_o company_n which_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v found_v on_o so_o good_a ground_n yet_o their_o zeal_n and_o pious_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n enlarge_v the_o english_a dominion_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o trade_n and_o strength_n of_o ship_v and_o considerable_o the_o custom_n do_v deserve_v justice_n with_o addition_n of_o reward_n for_o so_o honourable_a and_o good_a intention_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o prove_v the_o lord_n baltamore_n usurpation_n of_o royal_a jurisdiction_n and_o dominion_n in_o maryland_n as_o absolute_a lord_n and_o proprietary_n there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o his_o commission_n and_o process_n run_v in_o this_o stile_n viz._n we_o we_o and_o give_v under_o our_o hand_n and_o great_a seal_n of_o arm_n in_o such_o a_o year_n of_o our_o dominion_n etc._n etc._n the_o oath_n also_o that_o he_o tender_v to_o all_o his_o subject_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n such_o be_v the_o very_a word_n thereof_o as_o by_o the_o oath_n itself_o copy_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o herewith_o publish_v appear_v this_o be_v sure_o incompatible_a to_o the_o english_a nation_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o principality_n erect_v over_o they_o whereas_o the_o book_n of_o law_n teach_v we_o that_o all_o writ_n execution_n and_o command_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n only_o and_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o the_o late_a platform_n of_o government_n for_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o commmonwealth_n of_o which_o this_o be_v a_o part_n and_o by_o a_o late_a ordinance_n declare_v treason_n upon_o such_o penalty_n that_o none_o ought_v to_o exercise_v any_o power_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n protector_n name_n and_o these_o man_n act_v so_o wilful_o can_v excuse_v themselves_o by_o the_o ancient_a english_a law_n all_o those_o plea_n that_o concern_v life_n and_o member_n and_o pardon_n can_v be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o inferior_a person_n and_o all_o writ_n indictment_n and_o process_n as_o heretofore_o so_o must_v now_o only_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n protector_n and_o not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n as_o he_o have_v assume_v in_o maryland_n and_o whereas_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n pretend_v to_o the_o like_a privilege_n as_o in_o the_o county-palatine_n of_o duresme_n even_o those_o privilege_n of_o duresme_n and_o all_o the_o other_o county-palatines_n of_o england_n be_v and_o be_v take_v away_o as_o dishonourable_a and_o incongruent_a to_o the_o english_a nation_n by_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 27_o hen._n 8._o 25._o with_o what_o strange_a confidence_n than_o do_v the_o lord_n baltamore_n publish_v to_o the_o world_n that_o these_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n be_v warrant_v by_o his_o patent_n when_o as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o law_n and_o to_o the_o government_n now_o establish_v under_o his_o highness_n and_o to_o a_o clause_n in_o his_o patent_n wherein_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o no_o construction_n be_v make_v thereof_o whereby_o the_o government_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n shall_v suffer_v any_o prejudice_n or_o diminution_n whereby_o it_o appear_v there_o be_v as_o good_a cause_n to_o reduce_v maryland_n as_o virginia_n the_o people_n and_o general_a assembly_n thereof_o also_o complain_v of_o their_o grievance_n among_o many_o other_o exorbitant_a usurpation_n of_o lord_n baltamore_n over_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o their_o complaint_n in_o governor_n green_n time_n make_v and_o record_v there_o by_o a_o committee_n of_o that_o assembly_n but_o it_o be_v know_v that_o governor_n green_n be_v depose_v by_o lord_n baltamore_fw-la for_o suffer_v that_o committee_n and_o not_o for_o proclaim_v the_o king_n son_n as_o he_o allege_v when_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la nor_o no_o word_n in_o all_o his_o many_o instruction_n of_o the_o parliament_n much_o less_o of_o his_o pretend_a affection_n to_o they_o or_o their_o friend_n but_o clean_o contrary_a and_o
man_n estate_n and_o of_o widow_n and_o orphan_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o many_o family_n there_o especial_o his_o seizure_n of_o captain_n claiborn_n estate_n though_o out_o of_o his_o patent_n because_o plant_v to_o the_o value_n of_o 6000_o pound_n with_o the_o great_a tyranny_n and_o wrong_n do_v there_o although_o the_o than_o king_n declare_v and_o command_v the_o contrary_a but_o be_v disobey_v by_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n agent_n be_v too_o long_o to_o be_v insert_v here_o many_o inconvenience_n and_o loss_n have_v virginia_n suffer_v by_o maryland_n of_o which_o the_o continual_a invitation_n and_o entertainment_n of_o runaway_n servant_n and_o protect_v fugitive_a person_n and_o indebt_v be_v not_o the_o least_o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n have_v continual_o ever_o since_o their_o seat_n there_o interpose_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n in_o virginia_n by_o the_o potency_n of_o his_o friend_n in_o the_o late_a king_n court_n both_o by_o place_v and_o displace_v the_o governor_n counsellor_n and_o supreme_a officer_n as_o they_o stand_v affect_v or_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o mr._n bennet_n and_o captain_n claiborn_n be_v two_o of_o the_o commissioner_n that_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o parliament_n to_o reduce_v virginia_n and_o maryland_n be_v strange_o tax_v by_o lord_n baltamore_fw-la for_o be_v his_o declare_a enemy_n indeed_o it_o seem_v for_o their_o service_n to_o the_o parliament_n he_o be_v become_v implacable_a towards_o they_o though_o captain_n curtis_n another_o commissioner_n now_o in_o england_n and_o all_o maryland_n can_v testify_v how_o unwilling_a and_o how_o tender_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n there_o and_o how_o much_o they_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v decline_v any_o alteration_n if_o either_o captain_n stone_n the_o governor_n or_o the_o council_n will_v here_o issue_v out_o writ_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o england_n and_o have_v promise_v to_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n both_o which_o they_o refuse_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o commissioner_n be_v send_v to_o maryland_n be_v since_o own_v by_o the_o report_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o council_n of_o state_n and_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n tax_v and_o blame_v for_o not_o issue_v out_o writ_n as_o they_o require_v they_o and_o therefore_o seem_v a_o bold_a aspersion_n for_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n to_o publish_v that_o maryland_n be_v strike_v out_o of_o their_o commission_n be_v afterwards_o by_o some_o mistake_n put_v into_o the_o commission_n the_o second_o time_n and_o as_o strange_a it_o seem_v that_o now_o since_o the_o reduction_n of_o maryland_n the_o lord_n baltamore_n in_o opposition_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o england_n shall_v cause_v his_o governor_n and_o council_n most_o false_o and_o rebellious_o to_o revolt_v and_o recede_v from_o the_o same_o and_o give_v instruction_n under_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v late_o do_v to_o issue_v out_o all_o writ_n and_o proceed_n in_o his_o own_o name_n only_o which_o they_o have_v according_o do_v and_o not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o lord_n protector_n name_n in_o all_o their_o government_n this_o the_o say_a commissioner_n though_o they_o receive_v confirmation_n of_o their_o commission_n from_o the_o parliament_n under_o the_o seal_n the_o original_a the_o first_o time_n miscarry_v yet_o bear_v with_o a_o long_a time_n only_o by_o â—etters_n out_o of_o virginia_n admonish_v captain_n stone_n and_o that_o council_n of_o their_o error_n and_o protest_v against_o their_o act_n but_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a the_o commissioner_n be_v desirous_a still_o to_o expect_v and_o attend_v a_o settlement_n and_o determination_n out_o of_o england_n and_o to_o intermeddle_v as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v but_o about_o a_o year_n since_o lord_n baltamore_n send_v over_o instruction_n and_o command_n to_o captain_n stone_n and_o his_o new_a make_a council_n all_o or_o most_o papist_n or_o indifferent_a to_o seize_v the_o land_n and_o estate_n of_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n as_o he_o style_v it_o before_o specify_v but_o the_o people_n of_o maryland_n general_o abhor_v this_o oath_n and_o just_o as_o be_v conceive_v especial_o those_o of_o patuxent_n and_o severn_n decline_v to_o take_v it_o as_o be_v against_o their_o engagement_n incompatible_a with_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n and_o inâ—_z congruous_a to_o swear_v to_o serve_v two_o absolute_a superior_n whereupon_o captain_n stone_n and_o his_o counsel_n proclaim_v they_o seditious_a and_o rebel_n to_o lord_n baltamore_n and_o forget_v not_o to_o include_v the_o two_o commissioner_n though_o in_o virginia_n under_o the_o same_o name_n with_o other_o opprobious_a term_n whereupon_o the_o people_n of_o patuxent_n sovern_n and_o kent_n often_o and_o earnest_o apply_v themselves_o if_o possible_o to_o have_v relief_n from_o those_o commissioner_n yet_o they_o still_o desirous_o forbear_v to_o intermeddle_v hope_v it_o will_v be_v do_v out_o of_o england_n until_o after_o many_o solicitation_n mr._n bennet_n and_o captain_n claâ—boâ—â—_n with_o only_o two_o man_n in_o july_n last_o go_v thither_o in_o a_o boat_n yet_o use_v all_o â—air_a mean_n but_o how_o ill_o they_o be_v treat_v for_o their_o moderation_n and_o intend_v to_o be_v surprise_v by_o night_n and_o make_v prisoner_n and_o how_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o prevent_v great_a mischief_n and_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o hundred_o of_o family_n to_o interpose_v to_o have_v that_o oath_n suspend_v and_o the_o government_n manage_v in_o the_o lord_n protector_n name_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o avoid_v bloodshed_n they_o reassume_v the_o government_n out_o of_o those_o hand_n that_o so_o ill-managed_a it_o and_o place_v it_o in_o other_o for_o the_o time_n be_v under_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n until_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o signify_v his_o further_a pleasure_n will_v appear_v in_o a_o declaration_n then_o and_o herewith_o publish_v together_o with_o the_o people_n petition_n the_o commissioner_n answer_v thereunto_o and_o a_o order_n for_o settle_v the_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o captain_n william_n fuller_n and_o other_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n also_o since_o give_v particular_a commission_n and_o command_n to_o seize_v the_o person_n of_o those_o commissioner_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_n date_v in_o november_n last_o and_o for_o their_o service_n to_o the_o lord_n protector_n to_o proceed_v against_o they_o as_o abettor_n in_o mutiâ—y_n and_o sedition_n chide_v and_o upraid_a captain_n stone_n for_o cowardice_n provoke_v he_o to_o fight_v and_o bloodshed_n a_o course_n too_o often_o act_v in_o maryland_n appoint_v another_o governor_n in_o case_n he_o decline_v it_o and_o yet_o send_v no_o revocation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n reducement_n though_o he_o acknowledge_v he_o seek_v it_o earnest_o of_o the_o lord_n protector_n but_o can_v not_o obtain_v it_o yet_o to_o bliâ—de_v and_o delude_v captain_n stone_n and_o his_o counsel_n there_o come_v over_o 〈◊〉_d letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o his_o highness_n of_o one_o captain_n barbar_n and_o by_o what_o practice_n or_o mistake_n be_v not_o know_v a_o subscription_n thereon_o to_o captain_n stone_n governor_n of_o maryland_n and_o by_o this_o together_o with_o a_o copy_n of_o that_o petition_n of_o the_o merchanâ—s_n and_o other_o trade_v to_o virginia_n bring_v in_o by_o mr._n eltonhead_n and_o send_v over_o by_o lord_n baltamore_fw-la captain_n stone_n and_o all_o maryland_n fall_v to_o arm_n and_o disarm_v and_o plunder_v those_o that_o will_v not_o accept_v the_o aforesaid_a oath_n a_o part_n of_o they_o at_o last_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n only_o seek_v to_o captain_n stone_n to_o show_v his_o commission_n and_o they_o will_v submit_v he_o cause_v to_o imprison_v their_o messenger_n and_o be_v of_o far_o great_a number_n assault_v they_o at_o their_o house_n threaten_v to_o have_v their_o blood_n call_v they_o round-head_n rogue_n and_o dog_n bring_v whole_a bagful_n of_o chew_a bullet_n roll_v in_o powder_n say_v the_o devil_n take_v he_o that_o spare_v any_o and_o so_o fall_v on_o upon_o the_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n with_o the_o word_n hey_o for_o st._n mary_n but_o the_o protestant_n command_v their_o man_n not_o to_o shoot_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n until_o some_o be_v slay_v by_o a_o volley_n of_o shot_n from_o the_o marylands_n they_o defend_v themselves_o and_o god_n confound_v capt._n stone_n and_o all_o his_o company_n before_o they_o there_o be_v near_o double_a the_o number_n in_o prisoner_n to_o the_o victor_n twenty_o slay_v many_o wound_a and_o all_o the_o place_n strew_v with_o papist_n bead_n where_o they_o flee_v but_o the_o proceed_n thereof_o and_o how_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v and_o his_o
to_o plant_v and_o enjoy_v equal_a privilege_n with_o the_o british_a and_o irish_a nation_n and_o last_o in_o one_o of_o his_o law_n he_o mention_v the_o high_a and_o mighty_a prince_n charles_n the_o first_o of_o that_o name_n and_o in_o another_o express_v that_o none_o shall_v transport_v any_o tobacco_n in_o any_o dutch_a vessel_n bind_v for_o any_o other_o port_n than_o his_o majesty_n unto_o all_o which_o exception_n answer_v have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n which_o be_v hereunto_o annex_v the_o same_o be_v humble_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o further_a direction_n of_o this_o honourable_a house_n it_o have_v be_v confess_v by_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n that_o one_o captain_n green_a his_o lieutenant-governor_n of_o maryland_n do_v soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o late_a king_n proclaim_v his_o son_n charles_n stewart_n king_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o his_o lordship_n â—aith_o he_o do_v by_o a_o write_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_v which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o parchment_n remain_v with_o this_o committee_n revoke_v the_o commission_n grant_v to_o the_o say_a captain_n green_a and_o appoint_v one_o stone_n in_o his_o room_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n mention_v in_o the_o say_a write_v it_o likewise_o appear_v that_o in_o march_n 1651._o the_o governor_n and_o council_n of_o maryland_n be_v require_v by_o the_o commissioner_n that_o be_v send_v thither_o to_o issue_v forth_o writ_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o england_n they_o refuse_v the_o same_o say_v they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o without_o breach_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o oath_n to_o the_o honourable_a richard_n bennet_n and_o col._n william_n claibourn_n esquire_n commissioner_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n for_o virginia_n and_o maryland_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o severne_n alias_o ann_n arundel_n county_n show_v that_o whereas_o we_o be_v invite_v and_o encourage_v by_o captain_n stone_n the_o lord_n baltamore_n governor_n of_o maryland_n to_o remove_v ourselves_o and_o estate_n into_o this_o province_n with_o promise_n of_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o other_o privilege_n of_o english_a subject_n and_o your_o petitioner_n do_v upon_o this_o ground_n with_o great_a cost_n labour_n and_o danger_n remove_v ourselves_o and_o have_v be_v at_o great_a charge_n in_o building_n and_o clear_n now_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o we_o by_o proclamation_n which_o he_o require_v his_o lieutenant_n forthwith_o to_o publish_v which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v within_o three_o month_n after_o publication_n all_o our_o land_n be_v to_o be_v seize_v for_o his_o lordship_n use_n this_o oath_n we_o conceive_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o we_o come_v hither_o nor_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o conscience_n as_o christian_n and_o free_a subject_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n neither_o can_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o any_o light_n of_o god_n or_o engagement_n upon_o we_o to_o take_v such_o aâ—_n oath_n but_o rather_o humble_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a real_a grievance_n and_o such_o a_o oppression_n as_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v neither_o do_v we_o see_v by_o what_o lawful_a power_n such_o a_o oath_n with_o such_o extreme_a penalty_n can_v by_o his_o lordship_n be_v exact_v of_o we_o who_o be_v free_a subject_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n and_o have_v take_v the_o engagement_n to_o they_o we_o have_v complain_v of_o this_o grievance_n to_o the_o late_a honourable_a council_n of_o state_n in_o a_o petition_n subscribe_v by_o we_o which_o never_o receive_v any_o answer_n such_o as_o may_v clear_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o his_o proceed_n with_o we_o but_o a_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o we_o of_o be_v factious_a fellow_n neither_o have_v we_o receive_v any_o conviction_n of_o our_o error_n in_o not_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n nor_o order_n by_o that_o power_n before_o who_o our_o petition_n be_v still_o depend_v to_o take_v it_o hereafter_o neither_o can_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n will_v ever_o expose_v we_o to_o such_o a_o manifest_a and_o real_a bondage_n who_o assert_v themselves_o the_o maintainer_n of_o the_o lawful_a liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o to_o make_v we_o swear_v absolute_a subjection_n to_o a_o government_n where_o the_o minister_n of_o state_n be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o countenance_n and_o defend_v the_o roman_a popish_a religion_n which_o we_o apprehend_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o england_n the_o covenant_n take_v in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o true_a english_a subject_n and_o do_v carry_v on_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n so_o as_o whatever_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n at_o great_a cost_n in_o assembly_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v make_v null_a by_o the_o negative_a voice_n of_o his_o lordship_n but_o affirmative_a proposition_n and_o command_n be_v incessant_o urge_v and_o press_v and_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v in_o consideration_n whereof_o we_o humble_o tender_v our_o condition_n and_o distraction_n upon_o this_o occasion_n fall_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o people_n to_o your_o view_n and_o consideration_n entreat_v your_o honour_n to_o relieve_v we_o according_a to_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o power_n wherewith_o you_o be_v entrust_v by_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n the_o rather_o because_o upon_o such_o a_o exigent_n as_o this_o we_o have_v none_o to_o fly_v to_o but_o yourselves_o the_o honourable_a commissioner_n of_o the_o commen-wealth_n of_o england_n not_o doubt_v but_o god_n will_v direct_v you_o into_o what_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n concerning_o we_o and_o that_o you_o will_v faithful_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o our_o redress_n in_o what_o be_v just_a and_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o your_o poor_a petitioner_n severn_n river_n the_o 30._o of_o january_n 1653_o subscribe_v by_o edw._n lloyd_n and_o 77._o person_n of_o the_o housekeeper_n and_o freeman_n inhabitant_n to_o the_o honourable_a richard_n bennet_n and_o colonel_n william_n claibourn_n esquire_n commissioner_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n within_o the_o bay_n of_o chesopiak_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o north-side_n of_o patuxent_n river_n in_o the_o province_n of_o maryland_n show_v that_o we_o be_v reduce_v by_o your_o honour_n from_o that_o tyrannical_a power_n exercise_v over_o the_o people_n of_o this_o province_n by_o the_o lord_n baltamore_n and_o his_o agent_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n to_o which_o government_n we_o have_v subject_v and_o engage_v and_o have_v by_o your_o honour_n be_v often_o enjoin_v real_a conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o and_o not_o to_o own_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n as_o we_o will_v answer_v the_o contrary_a in_o subjection_n whereunto_o we_o have_v have_v peace_n and_o freedom_n hitherto_o which_o with_o all_o thankfulness_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v and_o in_o our_o continue_a obedience_n do_v expect_v from_o the_o parliament_n next_o under_o god_n continue_v peace_n liberty_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o pride_n rage_n and_o insolency_n of_o their_o and_o our_o adversary_n now_o so_o it_o be_v may_v it_o please_v your_o honour_n that_o of_o late_a the_o lord_n baltamore_n do_v by_o his_o order_n and_o agent_n seek_v to_o set_v over_o we_o the_o old_a form_n of_o government_n former_o exercise_v by_o he_o in_o this_o province_n which_o we_o do_v conceive_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o honour_n endeavour_n have_v be_v full_o make_v null_a and_o void_a yet_o notwithstanding_o by_o the_o arbitrariness_n of_o his_o own_o will_n the_o appoint_v law_n for_o we_o and_o set_v up_o popish_a officer_n over_o we_o oâ—ting_v those_o officer_n of_o justice_n appoint_v by_o you_o issue_v forth_o writ_n in_o his_o own_o name_n contrary_a to_o your_o honour_n order_n and_o appointment_n and_o do_v by_o proclamation_n under_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o in_o his_o own_o name_n impose_v a_o oath_n which_o if_o refuse_v by_o we_o after_o three_o month_n all_o our_o land_n and_o plantation_n be_v to_o be_v seize_v upon_o to_o his_o lordship_n use_n and_o if_o take_v by_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v engage_v at_o his_o will_n to_o fight_v his_o battle_n defend_v and_o maintain_v he_o in_o his_o patent_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o by_o the_o late_a king_n etc._n etc._n which_o oath_n we_o humble_o conceive_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o our_o conscience_n as_o christian_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o england_n contrary_a to_o the_o engagement_n