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

             Lib. x.   such Oath administred which Charge was to the Effect follow

                 ing vizt that he would have them to Enquire the reason how

                 the Levy came to be higher now then in the Lord Baltimores

                 time or words to that Effect which was all that was Given

                 them in charge at that time before his being Sworn to Secresy

                 And the said Mr Bladen made Oath thereto accordingly

                 before his Excellency in Council

                   Ordered that it be Consulted by his Majestys Lawyers

             p. 39 whether or no Considering three of the Gentlemen of his

                 Majestys honble Council have failed to be here & there being

                 but three now present & the rest not Coming in Order to the

                 Sitting as a Court for hearing Appeals & writts of Error

                 pursuant to Summons & for that in Particular there now

                 depends a Cause in Appeal before this Court upon an Infor

                 mation brought in the Provincial Court against the Sloop Pick

                 Pockett of New York Arnold Nodin Master which will Require

                 Determination speedily the Honble Collo Henry Iowles Chan

                 cellor may not upon this Absolute Case of Necessity Sit

                 therein as one of the Iudges the said matter being Never

                 likely to Come before him in Chancery & that they make

                 Report thereon according to this Board with all Convenient

                 speed

                   In Obedience thereto the said Gentlemen make the follow

                 ing Report vizt

                      May it please your Excellency

                   It is our Opinion that Collo Iowles may sitt & Iudge this

                 Cause together with the rest of the Council.

                                Geo Plater

                           Robt Gouldsborrough

                               William Dent

                   The honble Robert Smith Esqr Chief Iustice of the Pro

                 vincial Court Major Iohn Hammond & Capt Richd Hill two

                 more of the Iustices of the said Court are by Order sent for

                 who came accordingly

                   His Excellency is pleased to acquaint them that the Reason

                 of his Sending for them at this time was that he had Con-

             p. 40     sidered with his Majestys honble Council the Great Want of

                 more Councillors for the more Speedy Dispatch of Business

                 respecting his Majestys & the Countreys Service in all Affairs

                 of the Govt & other Matters coming before them by the

                 Want whereof their is great Delay of Business & more

                 Especially by the Death of three of his Majestys honble

                 Council therefore thinks to recommend them to his Majesty

                 as Persons fitting to Serve in that Quality & Station in the

                 Room & Stead of the honble Collo Geo Robotham Collo