in the Years 1689-90. 199

says that seven French shipps of Warr have on Martins Vine-
yard and Block Island putt all to fire and sword without mercy
or distinction If any news happen th^t may conduce anything
to the service of their Majesties or the Colony of Virginia
shall with all care and speed be transmitted to you. Wee
humbly thank your Honor for the tender of the kind promise
for the conveyance of our letters and papers to their Majesties'
of which wee have taken convenient care by persons that are
to goe in the fleet ffrom this Government to their Majesties
We desire you'l be pleased to accept of this as what wee can
at present answer to both your Honor's letters we are
Your Honors most Humble servants
Robt. Ki-ng. Iohn Coode
Iohn Court. Hen: Iowles
Char: lames. Kenelm Cheseltyn
M: Miller Nehemiah Blakiston
Ninian Beale.
(Endorsed)
Maryland 8^th Aug. 1690.
Copy of M^r Coode's letter to Captain Nicholsen
Rec^d 22^nd Oct. 1690.

P. R. O.

Maryland
B. I. Vol. 2,
B. E.

That Captain Iohn Coode be continued Principall or Com-
mander, in Chiefe of all his Majestie's fforces within this Prov-
ince and with the advice and assistance of a Committee of 20
persons vitz. M^r Kenelm Cheseldyn and M^r Nehemiah Blakis-
ton of St. Marye's County, M^r Michael Miller and M^r W^m
Harris of Kent Co: Coll: Nicholas Gassaway and Major Nicho-
las Greenbury of Ann Arundell county Coll: Henry Iowles
and Major Ninian Beale of Calvert county M^r Iohn Addison,
and M^r Iohn Court, of Charles County M^r Iohn Thomas and
M^r Thomas Staley of Baltimore County and M^r George Ro-
botham and M^r Iohn Edmondson of Talbott County M^r David
Browne and M^r Robert King of Sommersett County, M^r Iohn
Brooke and Major Henry Tripp of Dorchester County, M^r Ed-
ward Iones and M^r Charles lames of Cecill county or any seven
or more of the persons nominated as aforesaid to receive any
message or address relating to the publick as also to make
and issue such fitt and necessary orders and Instructions as
shall be requisite and convenient for the Publick comodietie
upon all emurgency of affaires in the intervalls of Assembly
which Power and authority to continue & remaine till next
convention or Assembly or other Lawfull Power sooner
Determining the same if upon any debate the number of
Voyces be equall the casting vote to be in the President and
Principall aforesaid
Vera Copia sign'd by order
Henry Wriothesley Clk: Assistant

p. 25