Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1694 97. 331

     Taken into consideration the giving an Answer to his Exncy Lib. H. D.

   the Governr of New Yorks last Letter hither sent, bearing

   Date the 30th of August past, as also to another by his EXDCY Whitehall

   Recd from the honorble his Mats Councill of that Province,

   Dated 9th of September after, which said Letters together

   with certain Indian propositions inclosed were afore read in

   Councill & laid before the House of Burgesses for their con

   sideration & Run in these following Words, Vizt

   Governr            New York, August the 30th 1695

   NewYork's          r

   Lre for

   Assistance      Yor Excell Letter by Mr Tasker came hither the

   &Ca27th instant which I yesterday laid before the Councill,

   who were of Opinion (the necessities of the Governmt being so p. 251

   great) that the Bills by him offered should be Received, tho

   the assistance they give holds no proportion with that

   Required by her late Mats Royall Letter nor the present Whitehall

   necessities of this province.

     It does not seem reasonable that 1 198 Men should be

   appointed by the Crown for the Colonies & provinces vpon the

   Main for the defence & assistance of this Province (which in

   truth is the safety of all the rest) without Arms, Ammunition,

   Officers pay & other incidents, the want of those would render

   them useless, the Charge for one year amounts to £30000 a

   sume not to be supplyed here, the burthen of it would make

   the inhabitants quit their dwellings (which too many here

   have already done by reason of the charge of the Warr which

   has lain so heavy vpon this province some years. past) the

   ifrench are very diligent, and both by force & fraud Endeavour

   to divert & debauch the ffive Nations of Indians from their

   fidelity to the English; the keeping them firm does not cost

   this province less yearly than £2000 and in this New York

   has the least concern, being setled in Towns and so more

   capable of defence.

     By my last advice the ifrench are resetling Cadaracqui

   which had I force sufficient might easily be prevented; how

   prejudiciall to his Mats intrest and dangerous to his Subjects

   in those parts the ifrench advances on the back of these Colonies

   will prove every rationall man acquainted with their scituation

   must be extreme sensible of

     His Majesty has been pleased to Entrust me with the direc

   tions of the Quota's of Men or other assistance appointed; and

   as to Maryland so to the other Colonies, I have applyed for

   their full Quota's at different times, and shall take care the

   assistance come proportionably and do again apply my self to

   your Exnc for your Quota, I am Sr yor Excell humble Servt

   Governr Nicholson                  Ben: ifietcher

       Maryland