56 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1687/8-89.

Liber B.
P. R. O.

It is taken into serious Consideration by this board the
present juncture of Affaires in England and the Invasion
thereof threatned by the Dutch or some others doe thinke it
convenient that this province be put in as good a posture of
defence as the same is capable of And being well informed
that the publick Armes thereof are unfixed and much out of
order. Doe therefore order that proclamation issue for the
bringing in the same and to be sent to St Maries or Matta-
pany in Patuxon to be fixed and amended and sent back
againe to the severall Counties Which proclamation issued in
these words.

Maryland ss. By the Deputy Governor
A Proclamation
Wee the deputy Governors of this province takeing into
Consideration the present Juncture of Affaires in England
and the likelyhood that now is of warrs betweene the kings

p. 191

most Excellent Ma^ty and some of his Maj^ties neighbouring
princes or potentates. Have thought fit so farr as may lye in
the power and abillity of this province to Endeavour the same
may be in as good a posture of defence against the Enemies
ot our King and Country as the same is capable of, And being
well assured the publick Armes of this province are unfixed,
out of order and altogether unfit for service, Doe therefore by
this our proclamacon publish and declare as also will and
Command That all and every person and persons whatsoever
dwelling resideing or Inhabiteing within this province Doe
forthwith bring in and deliver into some Collonel, Major,
Captaine, or other millitary Comissionate officer of horse or
foote in each County All the publick Armes in their severall
Custodies which officers are hereby Commanded forthwith to
deliver the same to the sheriffe of each County To be by
the said sheriffe sent to St Maries or Mattapany in Patuxon
to the end the said Armes may by smithes for that purpose
appoynted be amended fixed and made ready and fit for
service And returned to the said Countyes againe And wee
the said Deputy Governors doe hereby also further publish
declare will require and strictly command all and every the
said officers that they use all possible dilligence Industry and
Endeavour for the procuring and getting into each of their
respective custodies The publick Armes aforesaid and deliver-
ing the same together with such Armes as already they have
in their hands to the sheriffs as aforesaid and that imediately
after the receipt of the same by the sheriffs They the said
sheriffs giveing the severall Officers receipts for what they
receive shall imediately presse boats and hands to convey the
same to Mattapany to the hono^ble Coll Henry Darnall or to