304 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1681-85.

P. R. O.

Colonial
Papers.

our friends of all persons of that Stamp least you wofully
Experience As I have done how void of Conscience or honesty
they are I hope you will pardon me if I seeme a little too bitter
since it was not my designe to appeare soe I have Spoaken
here with Severall masters who Conclude that the paying an
Easy penny in Maryland is much more for theire profit then
paying of a halfe penny in England with the demurrage of un-
loading and Loading the shipps Good friend forgive mee the
trouble of this teadious scribbled Letter I know not whether
I may have opportunity to write to you againe before the
arrivall of the first shipps from Maryland by whome I hope I
shall heare Good News from you which is the Earnest desire of
S^r your most affectionate faithfull
Friend and Servant
Chr Rousby

The superscription is a followeth
These
To M^r Robert Ridgly at his house
neere S^t Maryes In
Maryland
p Capt Thomas Smith
QDC

An Extract of a letter from Rousby to Rob^t Ridgly the whole
letter being two sheets of paper this Extract is truly copyed
and examined with the Original which is in the hands of
C Baltemore.

P. R. O.

Colonial
Entry Book,
No. 106.
p. 317

Saturday 10^th December 1681.

Two letters dated 26^th May and 10^th Iuly from M^r Bad-
cock Surveyor of the Customs in Maryland to the Comm^rs of
the Customs being transmitted to the Committee by order of
the Lords Com^rs of the Treasury, the same are read and com-
plaint being made therein that my Lord Baltemore had ob-
structed the due execution of the Acts of Parliament relating
to trade and hindred the said Badcock from performing the
duty of his office the Lords agree to report that a letter be
written by his Maj. to the Lord Baltemore reprehending him
for these proceedings and strictly requiring him to cause the
several Acts of Trade and Navigation and particularly that of
the 25^th of the King to be duly observed within his Province
The Lords intend also to make further enquiry into this matter
from the Com^rs of the Customs at their next meeting.

p.3'9

Tuesday 13^th December 1681.

Sir George Downing attending & being asked concerning
the proceedings of my Lord Baltemore in relation to M^r Bad-