The Lower House. 239

By the Com^ee of Laws :
To the Hon^ble the house of Delegates, March 17^th 1701/2

Wee have considered the matters comitted to our charge
and
I^st As to Law Acertaining officers fees wee have veiwed
and considered them and being informed that some persons
concerned intend to make some offers on that Subject.
Referred therefore till wee heare what will be said by them.
2^nd As by the peticon of Needles Sherwood and others
wee find by undoubted assurance —
1.. That the paper is the hand wrighteing of Edward
Mann.
2^dly That the paper has all the esentialls of a will except
being signed in the presence of three witnesses as the Stat:
of the 29^o of King Charles the 2^nd requires.
3^rd Wee have noe account that ever Mann altered his
resolutions in that paper contained.
4^thly The paper containes a fatherly inclination to dis-
tribute his estate among his children without giveing one
all to the prejudice of the rest but that this fatherly inten-
tion will be frustrate unless confirmed by this Gen^ll Assembly.
Therefore upon the whole matter we are of opinion the

peticon may he granted soe far as to confirme that paper

according to the import of it in as firme and Ample man-
ner as if the same had been signed in the presence of three
or more Witnesses, according to the forme of the Stat:
aforesaid.
All which is humbly Submitted to consideration of the house
by us.
Ken: Cheseldyn. chairman.

Resolved that this house doe concurr with the reporte of
the Comittee in their opinion and that the Same be sent to
his Ex^cy the Governour and his Majestys Honble Councill.
W^ch s^d reporte was endorsed, viz.

March 17^th 1701/2
By the house of Delegates.

This Reporte being heere read this house concurs with the
opinion of the Com^ee therein and referrs the Same together
w^th the Originall paper and peticon to the consideration of
his Ex^cy and hon^r Councill.
Signed p order.
W Taylard Clk. house Dell:

Original
Journal.