24 Assembly Proceedings, April 26-May 9,. 1700.

Original
Journal.

By the House of Delegates May 7^th 1700

Read a Bill for the present Security of the Frontier Planta-
tions of this Province ag^t the Incursions and Violence of
Indians
Upon reading the same Objection was made ag^t the whole
Bill; And it was proposed by a Member of the house; That
consid'ing that his Ex^ncy had lately made a peace with the
Indians, Whether it were not more reasonable at this very
Juncture upon this present renewing the Peace, instantly to
withdraw the Rangers, intirely to lett the Indians have all
assurance that may be that Wee designe firmly to observe
our promises & Expect the Same Observation from them.
And to give them no Occasion of Diffidence, to leave the
Fort to the Indians owne disposing, to do them all the
Right they can require by letting them quietly enjoy their
Lands, to Secure the Friendshipp of the Susquehanah and
Eastern Shoar Indians and to renew Effectively an Order
for laying out the Choptanck & Piscattaway Indian Lands,
or to go on with the Bill, Upon debate It was put to the
Vote whether the house should go on with the Bill, or
should adhere to the proposals. And carryed by Majority
of Voices ag^t the Bills — And that this Vote may be made
knowne to his Ex^ncy in Answer to the Message from his
Ex^ncy and Councill, by the Hon^ble James Frisby & Colonel
Hamond of the 30^th of Aprill last.
Signed p Ord^r W Taylard Cl Del

The Board adjourned till 8 of the Clock to morrow

Morning

Wednesday May the 8^th 1700

The Councill Sate present as yesterday
And the Message last night from the house by M^r Phil-
emon Lloyd and other Members being taken into Consid-
racon the following Answer was sent thereto

By the Councill in Assembly
May the 8^th 1700

In Answer to the houses Message Yesterday by M^r Phile-
mon Lloyd & M^r Walter Cambell, as to the disbanding and
calling in the Rangers, It is the Opinion of the Majority
of this Board that it is advisable that the Rangers be kept
out and not taken off least the Inhabitants on the Frontiers
upon any suddaine or Violent Accident should withdraw &
desert their Plantations; yet if the House of Delegates are