Settlement of Maryland, 1629-1637. 41

performed it, neyther could wee have given your Lordshipps a
satisfaction, that wee had still preserved the old forme of gov-
ernment prescribed by his Maj^tie, which we are resolved soe
punctually to observe that as formerly wee have ingaged our-
selves to your Lordshipps wee shall not untill further Instruc-
tion swerve from thence though but in things indifferent. If
by your Lordshipps' favorable mediation it shall please his
Maj^tie to confirme the Act of the Countrye I shall to my
uttmost express my self a faythfull and zealous servant, or
otherwise with as devoted a submission be ready to give up
my charge where his Maj^tie shall place it. Your Lordshipps
may please to be informed that the Colony, hath this yeare
received an increase of one thousand six hundred and six per-
sons, but I find withall that much imputation undeserved lyeth
upon the Countrye by the Merchant's crime, whoe soe pester
theire ships with passengers that through throng and noysome-
ness they bring noe lesse then an infection among us which is
soe easily to be distinguished from any cause in the malignitye
of the clymate, that where the most pestered shipps sent their
passengers they carry with them almost a generall mortallitye,
which my duetye therefore preferrs to your Lordshipps' serious
consideration. Without infringing his Maj^ties grant to the
Lord Baltimore wee have taken the nearest course for avoyd-
ing of further unnaturall broiles between them of Maryland,
and those of the Ile of Kent. As we find those of Maryland
in our Limit we bind them in deep bonds, to keepe the king's
peace towards those of the Ile of Kent, as alsoe Capt: Clay-
borne the Commander of the Ile of Kent towards those of Mary-
land. As further Cause shall require, your Honours shall
receive an accompt from
your Lordshipps Humbly devoted servant
John West.
Point Comfort this 28^th
of March 1636.

Colonial Pa-
pers. Vol.

IX, No. 7.

Lord Baltimore to Secretary Windebank.

25 February 1637. [163 6/7].
Right Honorable,
Since I waited on you, I have (heere in the Country) further
considered of the proposition which I made unto your Honor,
concerning the advancement of his Maj^ties service in Virginia,
and I have desired my Brother Peaseley to acquaint you with
my resolution in it; which I will infallibly performe, if his
Maj^tie, please to accept of it, for you may be most assured that
I would not ingage my creditt in a business of such import-
ance and especially to such persons; before I were very well

Colonial Pa-
pers. Vol.
IX, No. 42.