106 Records Illustrating the History of Maryland

P. R. O.

Colonial
Papers.

incursion and invade of the said Northern Indians in the year
1681, who were conducted into the heart of this Province by
French Jesuits, and lay sore upon us while the Representatives
of the Country, then in the Assembly were severely prest upon
by our superiours to yield them an unlimited and tyrannicall
power in the Affairs of the Militia As so great a piece of vil-
lany cannot be the result but of the worst of principles, soe wee
should with the greatest difficulty believe it to be true if unde-
niable evidence and circumstances did not convince Us.
Together with the promises we have with all due thinking
and deliberacon considered the endeavours that are making to
disunite us among ourselves, to make and inflame differences
in our neighbour Collony of Virginia, from whose friendshipp,
vicinity great loyalty and samenes of Religion wee may expect
assistance in our greatest necessity. Wee have considered
that all the other branches of their Majesty's Dominions in this
part of the world (as well as wee could be informed) have
done their duty in proclaiming and asserting their undoubted
right in these & all other their Majesties Territoryes &
Countys.
But above all with due and mature deliberacon wee have
reflected upon that vast gratitude and duty incumbent like-
wise upon us, to our Sovereign Lord and Lady the King and
Queene's most Excellent Majesty's in which as it would not be
safe for us, soe it will not suffer us to be silent in soe great
and general a Jubilee, withall considering and looking upon
ourselves, discharged, dissolved and free from all manner of
duty, obligacon or fidelity to the Deputy Gov^r or Chief Mag-
istrate here as such they having departed from their Allegi-
ance (upon which alone our said duty and fidelity to them
depends) and by their Complices and Agents aforesaid endeav-
oured the destruccon of our religion, lives, libertys, and prop-
ertys all which they are bound to protect.
These are the reasons, motives and considerraccons which
wee doe declare have induced us to take up Arms to preserve,
vindicate and assert the sovereign Dominion and right of
King William and Queen Mary to this Province; to defend
the Protest^t Religion among us, and to protect and chelter the
Inhabitants from all manner of violence, oppression and
destruccon, that is plotted and designed against them, the which
wee doe solemnly declare and protest wee have noe designes
or intentions whatsoever.
For the more effectual Accomplishment of which, wee will
take due care that a full and free Assembly be called and con-
ven'd with all possible expedicon by whom we may likewise
have our condicon circumstances, and our most dutyfull
addresses represented and tendered to their Majesties, from