132 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1694 97.

      Lib. H. D. Depositions Produced at the Board severall Depositions &

                    papers against Esqr Randolph relating to Trade

                    Ordered that Authentick Coppyes of the same be

             dered to be sent to the Commissioners of the Custom house

                    this next shipping.

             Whitehall

              Representa- Whereas it is Represented in Councill that some

                of the principle inhabitants of Somerset County

             County have by their particular sway thought fit that the

             Ordr about holding Courts for that County should be performed

             the same at some other place than where the same are now

             kept & held; Notwithstanding the scituation of the place is

             nigh the heart & Center of the said County, and for that

             reason most convenient; however the abovesaid persons not

             reguarding the common good and interest of their Mats good

             people the Inhabitants thereof, have by their power, to serve

             their own private Ends proceeded so farr as to begin to Erect

             and build a Court house within six miles of Virginia, lyeing

             at the very out side of the County, which extends nigh fforty

             miles in length, and so by consequence much out of the way

             of Business.

               Ordered therevpon by advice in Councill as it is hereby

             Ordered the person or persons manageing the said Worke

             wholy desist from carrying on the aforementioned Building

             for any such vse. And further Ordered that the Sherriffe of

             the County vpon the summoning the inhabitants together for

             the Election of Burgesses do at the same time take their

             severall Votes vnder their owne hands in Writing to the End

             it may be seen & known from them distinctly & severally

             where they do think is the most convenient place in that

             County to hold Courts, a due Return whereof he is to make

             to this Board with all convenient speed.

             Whitehall        July 31th 1694.

             Edward Ran- Edward Randolph Esqr appointed one of their

             Sworn q Mats Councill for this Province appeared at the

          p. Councillor Board, who had administered vnto him the Oaths

             appointed by Act of Parliament to be taken instead of the

             Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy as also the Oath of

             Councillor and likewise subscribed to the Test.

       Whitehall The following Order (by directions of his Exncy was drawne

             & issued to the severall Counties of the Province in manner

             following vizt