400 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1692-1694.

Liber K.

His Excellency having granted the following Commission
to M^r Edward Greene of Somerset County, the same was
ordered to be recorded here in this Iournall viz^t

Maryl^d ss
Lionel Copley Esq^r Captain Generall Gov^r in Chief and Vice
Admirall of this their Majestys Province of Maryland and the
Territorys thereunto belonging to Edward Greene of Somerset
County Gent Greeting
Whereas I am credibly informed and complaint hath to me
been made, that severall Persons Inhabitants of Pensilvania
and other our Neighbouring Collonies and Plantations do
annually at a certain Season of the Year come into intrench
and encroach upon and within the limits and bounds of this
Province at the Seaboard Side, as whale men and do there
seize cut up and try the blubber of drift whales, and carry
away the same without Leave License or consent of me or
any other person thereunto authorised so to do, to my particu-
lar apparent loss damage and injury and in contempt of this
their Majestys Government as also to the disturbance and
prejudice of the Inhabitants of this Province, (who in right and
justice ought rather principally to be employed therein) by
coming upon their Land disturbing & driving away their
Stocks, and destroying their Woods and timber, which to pre-

p. 80

vent for the future, I the said Lionel Copley reposing speciall
trust and confidence in the integrety fidelity and circumspec-
tion of you the said Edward Greene do hereby constitute
depute ordain and appoint you the said Edw^d Greene Chief
and only Officer under me for the taking seizing and cutting
up and trying the Blubber, and making such other Use and
benefitt as you shall think fitt or possibly can for the most
advantage, of all such drift whales or other Fish, and of all or
any other drifts wastes or wrecks whatsoever as shall at any
time hereafter happen to come or be cast on shore on the Sea-
board Side within the limits and jurisdiction of this Province
hereby also fully authorising and impowring you the said
Edward Greene by your self or Lawful deputy, together with
the Aid and Assistance of such and so many other person or
persons as shall be necessary or you shall think fitt to employ
therein accordingly to take seize cut up and try the Blubber
of all such drift whales or other Fish and also to seize and
take into your charge and custody all such other drifts wastes
and wrecks as shall be driven or cast on shoar or be found
floating within the limits and bounds aforesaid and the same
keep or expose to sale barter away or otherwise dispose of as
to you shall seem meet and convenient for the most benefitt
and advantage you the said Edward Greene keeping an exact