128 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1667-75.

P. R. O.

Colonial
Entry Book,
Vol. 52.

Their Lo^ps on the 10^th of April 1676 sign a Circular Letter
w^th severall Heads of Inquiry to the Lord Baltemore Lord
Propriety of Maryland.
The letter is as followeth.
circular letter After our very hearty commendacons to y^r
to the Ld Baltemore. Lordship. His Majesty having in his wisdom
thought fit to supersede the Commission by which his Council
of Trade & Forreign Plantations lately acted & thereby re-
storing all the business of that nature to its accustomed Chanel
of a Committee of his Privy Council. And his Ma^tie having
more especially committed to a select number of the Board,
whereof we are, the care and management of things relating
to his Plantations, we have therefore thought it convenient to
give yo^r Lord^sp advirtism^t thereof. And because we do not as
yet find ourselves enabled to give his Ma^tie such Account of the
State & Condition of that Colony as his Royall service & the
dependence thereof upon the Crown does require. We have
therefore thought fit to send your Ld^p (as we have done to
others) some Heads of Inquiry here anext, the better to guide
your Lordship in the method of that State and representation
of things which we expect from your Lordship, and do desire
it may be done with all convenient speed.
And soe not doubting of your Lordships care to advise us
farther in all matters that may from time to time conduce to
his Ma^ties service, & our better discharge of the trust reposed in
us. We bid your Lordship very heartily farewell.

From the Council Chamber at Whitehall
This Tenth of April 1676.

The Heads of Inquiry are as foil:

1. What Councils, Assemblies, & Courts of Judica-
ture are within y^r Province & of what nature and kind.
2. What Courts of Judicature relating to the Ad-

Admiralty.

miralty.
3. Where the Legislative and Executive
egislative ower. Powers of Government are seated.

4. What Statutes, Laws & Ordnances are now made

Laws.

and in force.
5. What number of horse or foot are within y^r Prov-
ince, whether they be trained Bands or standing forces.
How they are armed, divided & exercised.
6. What Castles and Forts are within your Province,
& how scituated & fortified, as also what stores & Pro-
visions they are furnished withall.
7. What number of Privateers or Pirates do frequent
the Coast, what their burthens are the number of their
Men & Guns, and the names of the Commanders.