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

Original
Journal.

The pet^o of the Vestry of W^m and Mary pish and King and
Queens pish in St. Mary's County praying that a Law may
pass for dividing the s^d pishes referred to further Consid-
eracon.
The message by James ffrisby and Rob^t Smith Esq^r of this
morn^g viz^t

By his Ex^cy the Gov^r and Councill in Assembly
May 13^th 1701.

If you are come to any resolucdn in reference to the pro-
posed matter of the Conferrence this Board are desireous to
be acquainted therewith
Signed p order
W Bladen CH Councill.

Was here read and referred to further Consideracon.
The Gent: added to the Com^ee of Laws enters the house and
makes their report as follows

May 13^th 1701.

By the Com^ee of Lawes, with addicon of the members as-
signed. The p^rsent Law for the regulation of the Millitia has
been examined and Considered as alsoe the charge of the
house thereupon.
Upon w^ch the Com^ee have thus considered.
I. That the p^rsent Act enjoynes all p^rsons except &^c to
come to muster at the times appointed and on failer lyable to
a fine of 100^£ tob^o for every neglect of w^ch the Capt, is Iudge
and th^t without any pay.
2. We doe not finde any people bound to attend Musters
more strictly then here in times of peace w^ch seems sufficient
and when Warr happens measures of warr must be taken.
3. The Greatest reason why the Militia seems unservice-
able is not Living up to the p^rsent Law the neglect of w^ch must
be principally in the Comd^rs negligence for they have power
to sum^o and if disobeyd can fine for such centempt.
4. Upon the whole matter we see no better expedient to
amend the present condicon of the millitia then by putting the
law allready made in practice by enforceing the Comd^rs to
there duty viz^t

The frequent calling their companys together as the law
directs and taking due paines and care to instruct and traine
them that are able to pforme their duty and this und^r penalty
to the Comanders as well as those comanded.