Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1696/7-98. 389

   also another frnm Mr Ieoffrey Power Merchant of the 12th of Lib. H. D.

   Ianry after, concerning a Sloop of Mr Powers called the

   Assistance, lately seiz'd by the said Esqr Kennedy.

     Ordered that the said Letters and matter therein contain'd

   be referred to the Honoble Edwd Randolph Esqr Surveyor

   Genrll of his Majestyes Customes and to his Majtes Lawyers to

   doe therein according to Law and make such proceedings as

   are necessary in that behalfe.

           They report thereon as follows Vizt

                  24th of ffebry 1697/8

     We have considered the case of the Sloop Assistance; and

   we are of the opinion that the said David Kennedy be allowed

   reasonable costs and charges for the expences he has been at,

   and that the Sloop be discharged from the seizure.

                              Ed:     Randolph S. G.

                             R: Gouldesborough

     The said Report was approved off, and Ordered that the

   same be sent to the said Esqr Kennedy for his complyance

   accordingly

     Mr Samuel Davies of Somrsett County, one of the persons

   summoned about Mr Layfields pretended Marriage, came and

   appeared; who was acquainted by his Exncy with the reason

   of his being summon'd, and is required to give an account

   how he came to be guilty of such an Action. To which he

   says that he often gave advice to the said Mr Layfield not to

   proceed in that Marriage; telling him the unlawfullness

   thereof; but does Confess he was prsent when in a frollick

   such passages happen'd, as his Excellency has been pleased to P. 636

   relate to him, but that he thought no harme in what he then

   did; therefore humbly beggs pardon and Submitts himselfe;—

   Ordered that the said Mr Davies put in writing what he has

   now given account off; and attest the same, which done, this

   Board are willing to dismiss him from any further attendance

   or Ordering any manner of process against him in that behalfe.

                   ffebry 24th 1697/8.

     Vice Admiralty Commissions being pursuant to Order pre

   pared; constituting the Honoble Thomas Tench Esqr Iudge

   Henry Denton Regr and Thomas Hutchins Marshall of his

   Majesties Court of Vice Admiralty on the Westerne Shore of

   this Province. They had severally administred unto them by