Assembly Proceedings, May 8-22, 1695. 153

got home) with the full proceedings herein, the which the said
Cap^t Daniell Promises to perform, and with all offers that if
the ships could be ready to joyne the Cqmmandore by the
midle of next month, it might perhaps incline him to tarry
so long; to which the masters Reply that they will have their
Tobaccos all on Board by that time, but that takeing in their
Water, Signing Bills of Loading and discharging themselves
Cleare of the Countrey, will lengthen the time so furr, as that
they cannot propose to joyne the Comandore sooner than the
last of June.
His Ex^ncy directs himself to m^r Speaker and proposes to him
that (having heard all the debates upon the matter) he would
acquaint the house therewith, and that if he had any questions
to ask them, he would say it, the thing being of so consider-
able moment to their Ma^ts interest and service of the Coun-
trey, who does say that he shall comunicate the same accord-
ingly.
His Ex^ncy does demand (in their Ma^ts name) that those
Ma" who have objected against the peticon, that they declare
if they know any Reason why these other Ma^rs cannot be
ready to sayle sooner and where the impedim^t lyes, and
whether there has been any Neglect by the Ma^rs Mer-
chants or in the Governm^t who do say that they believe the
unseasonable of the weather has been the greatest occasion,
and therefore can impute no neglect to the said Ma^rs nor to
the Governm^t His Ex^ncy does further (in their Ma^ts name)
demand of the Ma^rs in generall what would be the best time
for their Ma^ls Service, for the ffleets sayling from England to
this Countrey—who do say that the begining of November
will be the best time to Arrive here.
His Ex^ncy further proposes to the Ma^rs & Merch^ts in Gen^ll if
there be any Rivers within the Capes wherein they may
secure their Vessells from the worm, to which it is Answered
there are.
His Ex^ncy further proposes if they know any way which for

the future may occasion their quicker dispatch out of this

Countrey who do say that if tob Hhds be all provided ready
against a set time tob stript early as Seasons present and
Especially if Tobacco's be brought to certain Ports or Towns,
the same will be a meanes to Make the Trade quicker.

Brought in the following Petition which was Read at the
Board.

To his Ex^ncy Francis Nicholson Esq^r their Ma^ts Govern^t for
their Province and Territory of Maryland.
The Peticon of Diverse Masters of Ships and Vessells trad-
ing into this their Ma^ts Province &^ca

Original
Journal.