280 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1696/7-98.

         Lib. H. D.  standing any former Order from this Board to the contrary;

                 upon condition he is cautious that he offend not in like nature

                 again. But as to any process issued for his misfeazance; it is

                 left to the Lawyers to proceed according to Law.

                   Read a petition of Jeoffery power Merchant about some

                 Seamen tht paid Leavie last year (being Sixteen in number)

                 but tht they are taken again in the Constables list this year,

             P 555   notwithstanding they are now bound for Europe & in a trad

                 ing capacity; therefore humbly prayes a remission thereof &

                 Ordered that the said Petition be referred to the Comittee for

                 laying the leavy; This Board being of Opinion that the said

                 men ought not to pay Leavie again this year.

                   Produced & read a Letter writt from the Reverend Mr

                 James Brechin, Minister to Mr ffrans Jenckins of Somrsett

                 County dated the 6th & another of the 8th of Octobr instant,

                 giving an account of a pretended Marriage betwixt M' George

                 Layfield of Somrsett County & his near Kinswoman; as also a

                 memorandum of one John: Starret concerning the same.

                 Ordered that the same paper be referred to the Kings Lawyers

                 to examin & enquire into the said matter, & that they consult

                 Mr Jenckins therein & make such proceedings thereabout as

                 are legall & proper.

                            Octobr 14th 1697.

                   Produced & read the Lawyers report in the case of Mr

                 Layfield, as follows Vizt

                            Octobr 14th 1697.

                 May it please yor Exncy

                   We have considered the case concerning Mr Layfield & do

                 report to your Exncy that it is not any marriage; and the

                 Vestry of that Parish ought to give Mr Layfield notice accord

                 ing to the Act of Assembly that he doe not accompany with

                 that woman; and in case tht he do not take notice thereof,

                 but do still continue & proceed in that evill way of living then

                 he must be prossecuted as tht Act directs.

                                           Geo:    Plater, Wm Dent

                                           R. Gouldesborough.

                   We are of opinion that the Ministers approving off & the

                 others prsent & consenting to the said pretended Marriage

                 ought to be sumoned before your Exncy to answer such their

                 contempt.                       George Plater

                                                 Wm Dent