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

           Lib. x.   be Objected against him on his Majestys Behalf and in the

               mean time to be of good Behaviour

           p. 97 Ordered that the ministers Sheriffs & Constables of St

               Marys & Charles Countys make diligent enquiry how many

               People have within this twelve months been brought over to

               the Romish perswasion & by what means

                 • Whereas this Board have perused an Affidavit of Mr William

               Taylard of St Marys County wherein he set forth that not

               long since Mr John Cood Senr being at the house of Mr Ger

               rard Sly in St Marys County he did hear him say that his

               Excellency the Governor had Caused Mr Henry Denton late

               Clerk of the Council decd to be put out of the way because

               he was a material Evidence against him

                 Ordered that Dr Robert Iones who attended the sd Mr

               Denton during his Sickness be sent for to declare upon oath

               what he supposes was the cause of the said Mr Dentons death

                 Came the honble Collo John Courts & took his place at the

               Board

                 Then read the following proclamations which was approved

               of & ordered to pass the Broad Seal

                    By his Excellency the Capt Genl

                            A Proclamation

                 Whereas I am Credibly informed that Divers ill Affected &

               disloyal persons to this his Majestys happy Govt & the peace

               & Tranquillity thereof but bigotted to the Interest of the late

               King James & endeavouring to Seduce & abuse others his

               Majestys good & Loving Subjects with the same disloyal &

            p. 98    ill Principles do frequently in their meetings Societys and

               Entertainments sometimes in a Riotous & always in a dis

               afected & disloyal manner publish & promote the Interest and

               drink the health of the late King James by the name of King

               James's Health to the disquiet & disincouragement of his

               Majestys good and Loyal Subjects & to the disturbance of the

               peace and quiet of this his Majestys happy Government

                 For prevention of which disloyal & evil practices for the

               future I do hereby with the Advice & consent of his Majestys

               honble Council within this Province Proclaim and command

               that no person whatsoever presume or attempt any such prac

               tices or health drinkg for the future under the severest dis

               pleasure & being prosecuted to the utmost severity of the

               Law & as ill Affected persons & Perturbers of the peace and

               quiet of this Govt & to the end that all such ill affected and

               wicked Persons may be discovered & proceeded against I

               Command & require all & every his Majestys good & Loving

               Subjects whenever they know of any such Practices or attempts