Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1696/7-98. 393

      Came Captain James Mitchell Commander of the Ship Lib. X.

    Adventure of London & Captain John Cotteral Commander

    of the hope of London & Captain Davies Commdr of the Ship

    Sarah & Susannah of who signifying that they were

    lately arrived & now Bound up the Bay but the wind &

    weather proving so that they Could not conveniently touch

    in at petuxent the wind being then Southerly and drifting

    weather whereby they feared a northwest wind coming up

    which might have deterded them week or a Fortnight

    Longer besides imagining that all ships going beyond this

    Port were to enter & Clear here therefore humbly prayed

    that they might be admitted to an entry in this port which for

    the reasons aforesaid was granted & the Officers of this port

    ordered to enter them accordingly

      Also Came Joseph Coleman Commander of the Dover

    Mercht of London who Signified his arrival & that he is p. 4

    bound into South River & does for the same reasons given

    by the other Commanders humbly pray that he may be like

    wise admitted to an entry here which is Granted by this

    Board

               Monday March the 14th 1697/8

              The Council again Sat & were

                        Present

      His Excllcy Francis Nicholson Esqr Capt Genl

               Collonel Henry Iowles

               Collr George Robotham

               Collo Iohn Addison

               Thomas Brooke Esqr

               Iames Frisby Esqr

      Warrant & Bond for Iohn Russels appearance at the Coun

    cil Board for harbouring some Runaway Seamen contrary to

    his Excellencys Proclamation & about a Norway Yaul taken

    in his Custody were read and Mr Taylor the Informant being

    called in is told that upon this news of a peace his Excellency

    is willing to remit the Contempt & as to the Boat if he will

    deliver her up for the Kings use there will be no further

    proceedings therein but if not he must stand Trial about it &

    Mr Taylor being asked where the Boat is does say she is in

    Somerset County & that the Mate of Captain Taskers Vessel

    & another of the Sailors are Evidences in the matter & that

    there is a Deposition in their County which he. will send over

                 March the 15th 1697/8

    The Council again Sate & were present as Yesterday

      Upon information of Mr Samuel Watkins Naval Officer