Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1696/7-98. 381

      At a Council held at the Port of Annapolis the 15th day of Lib. H. D.

     ffebry 1697/8. in the tenth year of Majtes Reign.

                          Present.

           His Exncy ffrans Nicholson Esqr Capt Genll &ca

             Sr Thomas Laurence Barontt Secry

             Thomas Tench Esqr

             Edward Randolph Esqr

      It being considered that his Majtes Royal Comands is not

     yet come to hand, and that it hath pleased Almighty God tht

     the weather continues still so sharp and severe that it is

     imagined severall of his Majtes writts of Election for the

     Assembly meeting at this place 23d of ffebry instant are scarce

     got over to the Eastern Shore and for that reason will occa

     sion but a small appearance of Members, whereby to proceed

     business; therefore thought necessary that the said Assembly

     be deferred, putt off and prorogued untill the eighth day of

     March next. Upon consultation had concerning the legall

     way & manner of prorogueing an Assembly before their

     being met, and a case being cited out of my Lord Cooke

     touching the manner of holding Parliaments which was pro

     duced and read by Mr Robt Gouldesborough one of his Majtes

     Counsell at Law, being called for his Opinion & Advice

     therein, whereby there appears an absolute necessity for the

     meeting some of the House of Delegates, at the day &

     place by his Majtes Writt of Elections appointed Ordered

     therefore that the Sheriffs of Ann Arrundell, Calvert & Prince

     Georges Countyes forthwith upon sight hereof give notice to

     the Delegates and Representatives chosen to serve for the

     said three Counties that they in no wise omit nor faile being

     here by the 23th of ffebry instant, the time appointed by his

     MajtY said Writt of Election in Order to a prorogation of the

     said Assembly intended (God willing) to be deferred & putt

     off until the eighth day of March next; but that writts in the p. 630

     interim issue under the Broad Seale to the severall Sheriffs

     of the Province to give notice and the reason of such intended

     prorogation to prevent the rest of the Delegates meeting and

     save a further charge to the Countrey.

                   The writt follows vizt

     Maryland ss

           William the third by the Grace of God of England

     Scotland ffrance & Ireland King Defender of the ffaith &ca

     To the Sheriff of County Greeting.

      Whereas by our certain writt of Election unto you directed

     bearing date the 11th day of Ianry last past., thereby Empow