322 Assembly Proceedings, April 30-May 14, 1696.

U. H. J.

ing to our Neighbouring Colonies doth daily happen by Ships
leaving this Province by Reason of the two Great Strictness
in taking Security from the masters of Ships which is very
difficult to procure and Imposing Oaths on them and unless
his Excellency can abate the Severity thereof here or procure
the same Strictness in our Neighbouring Colonies it may
prove of ill consequence to this province

By the House of Burgesses die & Anno Suprad

The house humbly desire his Excellency would be pleased
to represent the same to the Commissioners of the Customs
or take such other measures therein as he shall think fit
Approved of by his Signed p Order
Majestys honble Council W Bladen Clk Assembly
Hen Denton Clk Council

His Excellency is pleased to say that as to taking other
measures he cannot comply therewith Contrary to the direc-
tions of the Law but will Represent the same to the honble
the Commissioners of his Majestys Customs according to the
request of the House
Brought from the House the following Message by Captain
Dent and several other members of the House viz^t

By the House of Burgesses May the 13^th 1696

In Answer to what his Excellency and the honble Board
have been pleased to recommend to this House viz^t
that his Excellency and his Majestys honble Council should

p. 886

be Joyned to the Committee appointed by this House for
Laying the public Leavy we say that as it is the undoubted
right and Priviledge of the Representative Body of this Prov-
ince to Consent to the raising of Money upon the Inhabitants
so likewise it is to Levy the same when raised therefore
humbly pray the honourable Board would not press a matter
so much Intrenching upon the antient rights and Priviledges
of his Majestys Subjects of this Province
Signed p Order
W Bladen Clk Assembly

Ordered that three of the Gentlemen of the Council go
down to the House and Acquaint them that his Excellency
requires their Attendance here presently and to bring with
them what Bills are Assented to
The honble Col^o Robotham Col^o Hutchinson and Col⁰
Addison went upon the said Message