Assembly Proceedings, Sept. 16-Oct. 2, 1696. 477

Sent p M^r Pollard, M^r Hutchins, M^r Saunders and Maj^r
Barton. Who returne and say they have delivered their
Message.
Message from his Ex^cy the Gov^r and Councill &c by the
hon^ble S^r Thos: Laurence Bar' Colonel George Robotham
Colonel Nicholas Greenberry Col: Cha^s Hutchins, Col: David
Browne, and James Frisby Esq^r

By his Ex^cy the Gov^r and Councill &c Sept^r 18^th 1696.

The houses Message in Relation to M^r John Cood, was
received and here read, And it is admired how the house that
sitts by the Kings Comission can (at this tyme a day) bring
any Precedents for matters done in my Lord Baltemores
Government considering that irregular Proceedings was the
main point that overthrew that Government.
And the house is advised for to consider [whether it is not
against] the Law of England for one in [priests or deacons
orders to sitt as] a Burgess, and whether M^r John [Hewett a
clergyman chose] since his Ma^tys happy Governm^t [he was
not disallowed] for that reason, And it being a [matter of
great moment] must therefore be tymely considered [and
consulted by the] Lawyers.
Signed p Order, Henry Denton Clk: Councill.

I.. H. J.

S^r Thomas Laurence and the rest of the Gentlemen of his
Ma^tys hon^ble Councill, acquaint the house that they have it in
comand from his Ex^cy to administer the Oaths appointed by
Act of Assembly instead of the Oaths of Allegiance and
Supremacy to the Severall new elected members (Col. John
Cood excepted) who shall subscribe the Test.
Whereupon the Gentⁿ of his Ma^ty hon^ble Councill, are
requested to withdraw for a while. And it being put to the
Question if the Delegates lately chosen shall be sworne,
omitting Col. John Cood.
It is carryed in the Affirmative.
Whereupon the afd Gen^t of his Majestys hon^ble Councill
reenter the house and Administer the Severall Oaths to the
rest of the new Elected members, Col: Cood being omitted.
His hono^r S^r Thomas Laurence acquainting the house that
he was ready to give them acc^t how the Affairs of this Prov-
ince now stand in England, and that the rest of his Ma^tys
Councill attended to hear the same.
S^r Thomas and the rest of his Ma^tys Councill are desired to
withdraw. After which Resolved that before the same be
heard or this house will proceed to any further business the
matter concerning Col: Cood:
House adjourned till 6 of a Clock to morrow morning.

p. 107