Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1696/7-98. 301

    by their Letters it appears his Exncy had not nor could Lib. H. D.

    possibly have notice of their passing through this Government

    till they were returned; wch Letters Papers and proceedings

    the Councill have maturely considered and do not yet appre

    hend the intent & meaning of the Government of Maryland

    transmitting such papers; The Agents or Gentlemen from

    Maryland having passed through treated wth & returned from

    the Indians in this Government without the knowledge of his

    Exncy wch proceedings the Councill are of Opinion amuses the p. 602

    Inhabitants and tends to the disturbance of the Government

    and therefore the Council pray his to acquaint the

    Governr of Maryland tht before any treaty with any Indians

    in this Government be permitted his Exncy be made timely

    acquainted therewith and that his Exncy please to give Com

    mands to the Comander of the Militia and Rangers in

    Stafford County that none be suffered to treat with the

    Indians in this Government till his Exncy allow thereof and

    Ordered accordingly.

                           Iames Sherlock Cl Concil

    At a Council held at James Citty the 10th Novemr 1697.

                         Present

                  His Exncy and Councill

      His Exncy yesterday was pleased to lay before the Board a

    Letter from the Governr of Maryland of the 10th of Octobr

    past & a Copy inclosed of the 24th of June sent by Thoms

    Tench Esqr one of his Majtes Honoble Councill and Major Willm

    Dent to wait upon his of Whome due regard being

    had, and being fully heard what they had to offer from the

    Governr and Councill of Maryland on mature consideration

    thereof and the said Letter of the 24th of June being formerly

    answered, This Board are of opinion tht it is not advisable

    to make inquiry after or Proclamation against unknown or

    undiscribed persons.

     That the Report in Maryland of the Indians notions that

    they shall not be punished here for any misdemeanor com

    mitted in Maryland is groundless That the prohibition of

    selling ammunition to particular Indians is neither advisable

    nor available neither see any cause to send for or to the

    said Indians. The Rangers are appointed on the frontiers of

    Potomock River and the Commander of the Rangers & Militia

    long since Ordered to Acquaint Collo Addison with any thing

    materiall. The Generall Alarum of this Countrey is firing of

    Guns at convenient distance and any disorder in the Night pun

    ishable & ‘tis also the opinion of the Council that the present