12 Correspondence of Governor Sharpe.

Calvert
Papers.

years ago from the County to the Provincial Bench, where it
may be presumed it will be thought proper to continue him ;
And thus, there will be three wanting to make up the num-
ber 5. There may it is true, be some difficulty in rilling these
three Seats as they ought to be, but it is far from being impos-
sible. The first thought is to keep clear from persons, that
are of Impenetrable Ignorance, & the silly Affectation of
popularity & unaccountable prejudice against his Lordships
Rights, which have for some years past been too predominant
there ; And it is Evident that it is much easier to provide and
secure three out of five, than five out of Nine 2^ly a Sound
Lawyer ought by all means to fill that chair, 3^ly To induce
persons well qualified for such an important service as a
Judge, who must have & be furnished Judicaly in the points
of Law to sit in a Court of Judicature for Trying Causes espe-
cially of real property. The temptation of acceptance is
Rewards ; not only the renown by just Decission but also by
Reward in Money. The latter in Life is by all States allowed
as a Noun Substantive & the Executive Means of Goverment
& protection of a Civil State. Of this Latter Reward, Mary-
land by what I learn has been & is most absurd with regard
of Proffit to the Judges of the Provin^l Court of Judicature, the
Supreme Court of Law concerning property, the Decissions
thereof Yeilding hardly a recompence & therefore furnished
with Judges Mean & of no Acquired Abilities; the Direful
Event of Ignorance or corrupt Judgement ; As addition of
recompence to gain Men of Stability with Submission is pro-
posed, their Succession from that Bench to the Council, it is
regular from thence being to the Court of Appeals ; And all
Necessary Reward ought to be contrived & bestowed till
there arrival there, & this to themselves, sons or Relations &
this invioble complyed with, would fill the Judgement seat at
the Prov^l Courts with able & Singular Just Men.
I have now done with the Important Points of this long
Epistle; and hope if this Plan or one something like this is
laid down Inviolably adheard to & Speedily put in Excecution,
the Goverment will not only be carried on with Ease & quiet
to itself, & Honour to his Lordship & all concerned ; But also
his Lordships rights & those of the people will meet with a
fair Decision.
His Lordship directs these points to your consideration &
Judgement. The Movements are with you, you have the Polity
& can keep a good look out, choose able Steermen & your
Vouage will be prosperous to your Proprietor. You have a
good Polit. M^r Attorney Bordley. May all Health & Happi-
ness attend you. Y^rs truly
Caecir^s Calvert