392 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1681-85/6.

Lib. R. R. R

. and should have had a more speedy answer, had not the greate
distance we are at, otherwise impeeded it, which we hope will
obtein our excuse with you.
Our Letter by accident arriveing your Exncys hands (as is
Intimated) affords us not onely occasion of trouble, but of
wonder also, since the most effectuall care for its speedy and
safe conveyance (in our opinions) was taken, in delivering the
same to Cap^t Thomas Smith at S^t Maries, who engaged with
all diligent care and speed to deliver it with his owne hands
to Coll Spencer for a sure and quick passage to your Exncy.
The summe of your Exncys last Letter, being a continuance
of your demands of Coll Talbott, we have already answered,
and therein given our full result, which wee desire you will
please accordingly to accept of, as such from whence we can-
not at p^resent receede, out of a due sense of our allegiance
to his Maj^tie our Duty to his L^sp, and as we are
S^r
Y^r Exncys most humble Serv^ts

Calver
Papers

James the Second's

Instructions

James R

Our Will and Pleasure is, that Our Right Trusty and Wel-
beloved Charles Lord Baltimore give Order, and take particu-
lar care, that the following Instructions be strictly observed
and followed by all Officers and other persons, whom it may
concerne, in Our Province of Maryland.
1. You are well and truly to informe yourselfe of the Prin-
cipall Laws relating to the Plantation Trade, viz. The Act of
Navigation made in the 12^th year of the Reigne of the late
King Our most dear Brother deceased. The Act of Trade
made in the 15^th year of the said King's Reigne. The Act
for regulating the Plantation Trade made in the 22 and 23
years of the said King's Reigne; and The Act for better
securing the Plantation Trade made in the 25^th year of the
said King's Reign, being conteined in a Book of Rates here-
with delivered to you for your further information.
2. You are to take notice That by the Act of Navigation
no Goods or Comodities whatsoever are to bee Imported
into or Exported out of Our Province of Maryland, or
any other of Our Colonies or Plantations in any other
Ships or Vessells whatsoever, but in such as do truly and
without fraud belong only to our Subjects of this Our King-
dome of England, or Ireland, Wales, or Town of Berwick