148 Assembly Proceedings, May 8-May 17, 1701.

Original
Journal.

better Assurance & Security of the Inhabitants there who
we have Occasion to believe upon their being drawn off
will be so far discouraged Even to quitt Some of the Ex-
ternest Settlements to our Dishono^r and Encouragem^t of
our ill Neighbours the Indians who will rejoyce thereat
therefore we desire you will Consideratly Concert this
matter viz. Whether they shall be further Continued or
Totally disbanded and give us your Opinion and reasons
for the one or for the other. We further recomend to you
by some Act this Sessions to Continue the Comittee for
Consulting what Measures are to be taken for the Safety
and Defence of the Province against the Invasions and In-
cursions of Indians as formerly.
Signed p order W Bladen Cl Concil.

The Board adjourned till 8 of the Clock to morrow morning

p. 40

Friday May the 16^th 1701
The Councill in Assembly Sate Present as Yesterday

Read the Petition of M^r Thomas Reynolds Sherriffe of Ann
Arundell County setting forth That for the Executions of
three late Malefactors he had not been satisfyed therefore
which being represented to the Board to have allways been
allowed to former Sherriffs It is recommended to the house
that he be allowed what has been usuall.

Then read the following Petition on behalfe of John Bra-

cher viz^t

Maryland ss.
To his Excellency Nathaniel Blakiston Esq^r Governo^r in
Chief in and over the Province of Maryland & Territorys
thereunto belonging.
The most humble Petition of us the Subscribers under
written in all humble Manner submissively Sheweth
That we your most humble Supplicants as well Consid-
ering the great age, as also the Grossness of the Crime
laid to the Charge of John Pracher of Charles County of
which said Crime the Law hath Justly found him guilty,
Notwithstanding we your Excellencys Petition^r not being
unsencible of your great Clemency and Mercy Imboldens
us to Prostrate these att your Excellency's Feet in hopes
that we may receive in behalfe of the forementioned Pris-

p. 41

oner your Ex^cys Gracious favour & mercy that you will be
pleased to grant unto him a reprieve for his life for what
time yo^r Ex^cy shall think Convenient and not Suffer his grey