Assembly Proceedings, May 26-June 11, 1697. 581

11^th The Order of Councill of the 14^th of ffeb^ry 1693/4 con-
tinued to be observed by the last fleet which Sailed out of this
province but it is many ways discouraging and prejudiciall to
the trade of this province.
12^th The Proclamation of the Seventeenth of August 1695
We have reason to thinke hath very much reformed the
Illegall practice of the pensilvanians and reduced their Trad-
ing in this province to a good and orderly Methode.
The Southerne parts of this province especially on the
Eastern Shore Viz^t in Somersett, Dorchester and Talbott

L. H. J.

Countys afforde great quantity Streight and Lofty pines fitt
for Masts and Yards of Shipps of all rates, they generally grow
on Low and levell ground neare such creekes and Coves as
every high tyde can floate them, most comonly within halfe a
mile of the Water and some tymes not ten Rodds from it, the
way levell and nothing renders the procureing them difficult,
but the want of Labourers and Artificers, for they would be
Sold where they grow at very moderate Rates, and the dieting
of such Labourers and Artificers is very cheap.
The Tarr made here is generally said to be more proper for
tymber them Cordage, Likewise Standards, knees and other
crooked tymber fitte we Judge for the best Shipps in England
might be had here plentifully cheape, together with pitch, Tarr,
Rope and Hempe, but because such things have not been
enquired for, the Inhabitants have not applyed themselves to
the prepareing of them.
It is generally thought that the old Tobacco houses will
afforde Salt peter. The Scarcity of Artificers and Labourers
and theire high wages is the Chiefe and only difficulty in
procuring these things of which there is an unexhaustable
Quantity.
16^th The Sole and only Manufacture or rather production of
this province for Merchants and Shippers Supply is Tobacco.
Of" late the Inhabitants of the West side of Delaware Bay
seating to the Westward from the Bay, and the Inhabitants of
this province holding Lands by grant from the R^t hon^ble the
Lord proprietary of this province seating eastward from Ches-
eopeake Bay so far that now they intermix is allready become
and hereafter likely to be occasion of Contention unless tymely
prevented by ascertaining the Bounds of each province.
And the Justices of pensilvania harbour and entertaine our
fugitive mariners, servants and others, refusing to deliver
them backe except we can accuse them of felony or that the
fugitives belong only to his Maty^s men of Warre to the very
great prejudice of the Inhabitants of this province
Signed p order.
W Bladen Clk: to the house of Delegates.

p. 149