8 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 168 1-85/6.

Liber R.

The Commission, Instructions and answer to the Indians
Articles are as followeth viz

Maryland ss :
Charles Absolute Lord and Prop^ry of the Provinces of
Maryland and Avalon Lord Baron of Baltemore &^c To our
right trusty and well beloved Counsello^rs Coll Henry Coursey
and Coll William Stevens Greeteing
Whereas some Troopes of the Northern Indians are lately
come downe into this Province and (as wee are credibly
informed) intend to seate themselves and sitt downe for some
time before or neere the Pascattoway ffort at Zachaiah.
And whereas the s^d Northern Indians by their propositions
in severall Articles lately made unto us Desire to enter into
league of peace and Amity with us or rather to confirm their
former league made with them in our behalf by Coll Henry
Coursey at Albany; Which haveing Duely weighed and con-

sidered that the same may be of greate Moment and Concern
to us, tending to the Quiett peace and safety of the Inhabi-
tants of this Province. Wee have by and with the advice and
Consent of our Councill Authorised Commissionated and
Empowered, And we Doe hereby Authorise Commissionate
and Impower you the said Coll Henry Coursey and Coll
William Stevens our Commission" jointly & severally to treate

p. 241

with the said Indians; In order whereunto you are forthw^th to
sett forward on your journey towards the Pascattoway ffort,
giving notice to Cap^t Brandt of Charles County of your
approach, whom Wee Doe hereby will and Require to waite
on you with his Troope or soe many of them as you shall
think necessary for the occasion in such place and places as
you shall appoint; When you shall Come thither you are to
make choice of such place or places as you in your Discretion
shall think most proper and convenient to treate with the
said Indians, Whither (when you have fixed) you are to send
for the greate men to whom by Jacob Young your Interpreter
you are to Communicate the End and Designe of your come-
ing thither and to make unto them such answers to their
propositions as have been delivered unto you. according also
to such orders and Instructions as are herewith given you or
which hereafter shall be transmitted unto you from us and our
Councill vseing the best of your skill knowledge and Discre-
tion therein for the hono^r of the Governm^t and the preserva-
tion of the Lives Liberties and properties of all his Maj^ties Sub-
jects resideing here under our protection. Giveing also
hereby and granting unto you full power and Authority to
conclude Establish and confirm a firm and full League of
peace and Amity with the said Indians according to your s^d