Assembly Proceedings, April 30-May 14, 1696. 373

this province, and therein finding that it plainly appears to
what use and purpose the tobaccoe therein mentioned to be
levyed is to be applyed (Viz^t) to the Defraying the necessary
Charge of this province as hath been formerly used, there-
upon resolved nemine contradicente not to recede therefrom.
Signd p Ord^r
W Bladen Cl. Assembly.

Capt Hill & the rest of the Members return and say they
have delivered their Message
The house is adjourned untill 6. of the Clock to morrow
morning.

Original
Journal.

Thursday May the 14^th 1696.

House mett absent Mr Watson Major Smalwood Mr.
Willm Helmsley and Colonel S^t Leidger Codd.
Complaint [being made that Allen] Robinet Ferryman
appointed for [keeping the publique Ferry over] Severn
River refuses to Sett [the Inhabitants of this Province] over
the said River. Ord[ered the Serg' at Arms take] the s^d
Allen Robin [et into Custody and bring] him imediately
before [this house to answer his] contempt therein.
Message from [his Ex^cy the Gov^r in Councill] by the hon^ble
Col: Charls Hutchins [and Col. John Addison] who recomend
to the house that the sev^rall [addresses] and Letters resolved
to be sent for England be got ready to be signed.
Ordered Cap^t Hill Major Dent & Major Smithson prepare
them with all convenient Speed.
Moved in the house that whereas George Layfield Esq^r one
of the Com^rs for Somersett County hath unjustly charged the
said County for attending the County Court when at the same
tyme he was not in the County.
Ordered that the Sherriff of Somersett County have the said
Layfield here before this house upon the next Sessions or
meeting.

The house adjourned till two of the Clock
Post Meridiem. The house met present as before

The hon^ble Colonel George Robotham Col: Nicholas Green-
berry Col. Charls Hutchins and Colonel David Brown came
downe from his Ex^cy the GoVnor and Councill and bring
downe divers petitions of severall persons for the Office of
Sherriffs within this province, and acquaint the house that
whereas The severall Members of this house are most capable
of Judging what persons are fittest Execute the said Office oi

p. 30