Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1694 97. 457

                   July the 7th 1696.       Lib. H. D

     The sd Commission being accordingly prepared was Read Whitehall

   and approved off and was Signed by his Exncy and passed the

   broad Seal of the province, which follows in these words, Vizt

        Maryland ss

   Commission William the Third by the Grace of God King of

   constituting

   the Empr of England, Scot!, ffrance and Ireland Defender of the

   Piscattoway ffaith, &Ca

   Comandr of

   all the Indians

   on the Wes

   tern Shore.

     To Ochotomoquath Cheif Ruler (and Commonly Called

   Emperor) of the Piscattoway Indians living in Charles County

   on the Western Shore, Greeting, We Reposing Especiall

   Trust & Confidence in the prudence, courage and Integrity Whitehall

   of You the sd Ochotomoquath have therefore thought fit to p. 367

   Constitute and appoint and by these presents doe constitute and

   appoint you the s Ochotomoquath to be Cheif Comandr and

   Govr over all the Nations of Indians living within the limits

   and precincts of this province in any part or place whatsoever

   on the Western Shore and for to Rule and Govern them in

   such manner and fform and by Such Rules and Ordrs as is

   Customary amongst you, Provided You the sd Ochotomoquath

   do well and truly Observe, perform and Obey all such lawfull

   Instructions and Commands as You shall from time to time

   Receive from Us or our Capt Genll and Governr in Cheif of

   our Sd Province hereby Willing and Requiring all the sd Sever-

   all Nations of Indians to be Obedient and Subject unto you

   the Sd Ochotomoquath in the Execution of this our Commis

   sion, under pain of our displeasure; And lastly We do hereby

   declare Ordain and Appoint that you the Ochotomoquath

   shall and may hold Execute and Enjoy the Office and place of

   Commandr in Chiefe over all the sd Severall Nations of Indians

   living & Residing on the Western Shore within our sd Province

   together with all the powers and Authorities hereby Granted

   unto you for and dureing our will and pleasure; Given under

   the Broad Seal of our sd Province this 14th day of July in the

   Eighth Year of our Reign &ca Annoq Domini 1696. Witness

   our Trusty and well beloved ffrancis Nicholson Esq Capt Gen”

   and Governor in Cheif in and over our sd Province and Ter

   ritory of Maryland.              ffr. Nicholson.

     Taken into Consideration the Sending an Answer to the

   Governor of New Yorks last Letter by his Exncy Recd of the

   22tb of June last past the wch accordingly was done the sd Lre

   & Answer following in these words Vizt