in the Years 1689-90. 209

Gent^l It would do very well in these dangerous times to
take care that no false news be divulged to alarm neither the
people nor the Indians but that the Inhabitants of the Frontiers
be dilligent and watchfull to defend themselves and give
notice if any real occasion should be since that news wee
have here declared that wee will reward any that bring true
news and punish those Divulgers of false news And the least
Tampering with the Indians in these times the better only to
lett care be taken that they be not wronged nor abused by
Traders or any others.
I lately saw a Letter dated in December last wrote by
M^r Blakiston to Captain Simon Rowe Commander of their
Majestie's Shipp Donbarton wherein he takes on him to order
Cap^t Rowe to seize any Vessells that should be cleared by
M^r George Layfield I wonder he should take upon him to
write any such thing when it is apparent M^r Layfield is
appointed by Patrick Myne Esq^re who was sent from England
to settle his Majestie's affaires as to the American parts
Collect" of Potomacke &c: And by the Comission from the
Right Hon^ble the Commissioners of their Maj^ties Customes in
England he is appointed Survey^rand Comptrouler of all their
Maj^ties duties in their Maj^ties Province of Maryland and that
one Abbington who they say is an ordinary keeper takes upon
him to be Collecfof their Maj"^es Duties in Potuxent River which

I am informed is the greatest Districht in that Province I hope

Gentl^m you will take care the Acts of Parliament are duely
performed and that their Maj^ties duties be justly and duely
collected and accounted for and care taken that their Maj^ties be
not defrauded of their customes and that good security be
taken from all shipps and vessells that doe not bring Certifi-
cates from England I desire if you send any Letters to me
to direct them to be delivered to Coll: Lee or Coll: Allerton I
expected an answer to all the matters of my Letters according
to M^r Coode and M^r Blakiston's promises but have received
none neither doe I hear of any shipps come down to goe with
the Fleet. I am
your loveing Friend
Fr: Nicholson.

To those that take upon
them to preserve the Peace
and administer the Laws
in their Maj^ties Province
of Maryland.
(Endorsed)
Rec^d from Cap^t Nicholson
10^th Feb^ry 1690/1

P. R. O.

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