MARCH COURT 1695/6 - DIVIDING CREEK

134 ~  10 March 1695/6, Court convenes; Commissioners present: Francis Jenckins, Thomas Dixon, Matthew Scarbrough, George Layfield, Thomas Newbold, Sam Hopkins, John Kind, Stephen Horsey

134 ~  Sheriff presents Grand Jury: Richard Chambers, William Parker, Henry Hudson, Charles Nicholson, Leonard Jones, Sen., Dennam Olondman, Richard Carey, Robert Johnson, William Dixon, John Powell, William Powell, Walter Evans, Afradozi Johnson, Robert Polke, Sen., John Blizard, Archibald Smith, Adam Spence, Thomas Quillain, Leonard Jones, Jun., Thomas Bromley; four others summoned but do not appear; excused per reasons provided by others; Jury sworn, charged and sent forth.

134 ~  Coroners and Constables called (not listed).

134 ~  Case against Mary Fillpott for bearing a bastard; Fillpott confesses and identifies Ralph Holston as the father; Court orders Holston to be summoned to next Court and Fillpott to post security;  makes bond for 1000 lbs/tbco to pay 400 lbs/tbco fine and give evidence against Holston at next Court; security Richard Plunkett.

135 ~  Proclamation by Governor Francis Nicholson signed 25 January 1695/6 entered in record; directs action on several unrelated topics: 1) notes that naval officers and seaman have been enticed to leave Maryland and work for other colonies; requires that all mariners have passes from the Governor or their masters when ashore; violators to be treated as runaways; 2) mentions orders of the Assembly relating to Parishes and Vestrys; directs that Parish churches with no minister inducted be sold; 3) requires vestries comply with Act for Restraining the Frequent Assembling of Negoes; Act to be read in the Parish churches four time a year. (See Transcripts)

135 ~  Order from the Governor that all Hue and Cries in the Counties be also sent to Annapolis; also an account of the results; Sheriffs to make public notice; signed 25 January 1695, Henry Denton, Clerk of Council. 

136 ~  Order from the Governor that public officials charge only such fees as provided in the laws; also, no public papers to be taken from Annapolis, but kept in offices of the proper officials; Sheriffs to make public notice; signed 29 February 1695/6, Henry Denton, Clerk of Council.

137 ~  Petition of Esau Boston (unspecified) read; continued to June Court; will of Ambrose Dixon to be presented.

137 ~  Case against Elizabeth Osbourne for fornication and bearing a bastard; confesses guilt and identifies Charles Fausett as the father; Court orders Fausett summoned to June Court and Osbourne to post security; makes bond for 2000 lbs/tbco to pay her fine and fees of 400 lbs/tbco and  give evidence at June Court against Fausett; security Thomas Bromley.

138 ~  Rose Mason fails to appear as evidence against Peter Watson; Court orders Sheriff take her into custody till she makes bond for appearance at June Court at Dividing Creek.

138 ~  Court adjourns for the day.