534 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1684-89.

Liber B.
P. R. O.

February the 24^th 1686/7.
May it please your Hon^r

Rob. Cooper's let^r
to M^r Hill about
Neh: Blakiston

I being summoned to the Provin" Court
in the behalf of M^r Blakiston concerning the
Island I told him I was not able to goe down

.p. 86

soe farr neither could I ride I being as your Honour knowes in
a very bad condition for a Horsman or to goe a foot but M^r
Blakiston promised to carry me down in his Boat and accord-
ingly he sent his Boat to my house for me on Monday last
being the one and twentyeth Instant and bringing me to his
house that night I thought wee should have gone down the
next day but he examining what I could say in the business I
told him I knew nothing in the matter but sayes he doe not
you remember such and such things I answered noe but he and
his Company here-under written fell to drinking severall
healths and did there endeavour to make me drink but I
refrained as much as possible then some of his crew namely
John Payler and Will^m Goddard said I was a rogue and a
knave if I would not sware for M^r Blakiston but I denyeing to
forswear myself and severall words interveneing I called M^r
Blakiston knave with that he swore God dam him he would
stab me for a Papist old dogg soe I left the Company and
walked down to the landing to avoyd discourses with them
butt Payler and John Hoskins came to me and would fain me
goe in and perswaded me much on the Behalf of M^r Blakiston
but I told them I knew nothing of the matter and would not
dam my soul for noebodys pleasure then Hoskins called me
old Papist Dog and swore I would be damned if I did not
sware for M^r Blakiston.
A little before supper after some words past M^r Blakiston
and some strangers pretended I spoke Treason against the
King and my Lord and took pen, ink and paper to write, then
one would sware I spoke this thing and another that and that
they would have me down to S^t Maryes very speedily and
hang me soe that I could not know what to doe or say soe
being fearfull to goe down with them not knowing how they
might use and abuse me going down resolved to goe home
again being very doubtfull whether I was safe with them these
are therefore in humble sort to request the favour of your
Hon^r that if I am fined that your Hon^r would please to remitt
itt I would willingly as in duty I am bound obey my Lords
warr^t and would still come down but I am not able by reason
of my imperfection soe hopeing your Hon^r will stand my friend
in this business I shall ever to my ability be your Hon^rs faith-
full servant to com and
Rob^t Coper.