38 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1698.

      Lib. .H. D.          Novber the 26th 98.

                  Recd Then of George Plater one Sett of

                     Bills of Exch drawn by Henry Heard   l.  s.   d.

                     on George Cole Mercht in London     14. 19.  o6

                     being for Maryland Dutyes on the

                     Ship Nonsuch belonging to Biddi

                     ford

                           p me ffr. Nicholson

                    To his Excy Francis Nicholson Esqr Capt gen and Govr of

                  this his Matys Province and Territory of Maryland &c.

                  Sr

                    haveing lately recd Intimation from your Selfe and Severall

                  others that his Maty hath thought fitt to remove you to

                  Another Governmt that of our Neighbour Colony of Virginia

                  and reflecting with our Selves how becoming a thing it is to

                  have all ways a gratefull remembrance of benefitts received

          p. 246  we Cannot forbear to leave this Testimony & Acknowledgmt

                  under our hands as it proceeds from our hearts.

                    That in your Conduct over us in this place your great Care

                  and Study has been to promote the practice of piety and the

                  worship of Allmighty God by Errecting Churches Scholes &

                  Nurseryes of Learning both for reforming of Manners and

                  Education of youth wherein you have been not onely a large

                  benefactor but an indefattigable promoter, together with your

                  Integrity in Maintaining his Matys honor and Authority in

                  this Province your Care in provideing Arms & Military In

                  struments for defence of it your regulateing and hapy Settle

                  ment of the Civill Constitution both as to the Courts of Jus

                  tice And in bringing us out of Debt which the publick was in

                  into a Condition Clear of Debt and money in bank, by your

                  promotion of good Laws to such purposes, your great Care

                  to Cause Speedy Iustice Administred to all persons, your pious

                  and Iust your noble and benevolent Carriage in all things

                  deserves better penns and would take up more paper then

                  this to recount.

                    Be pleased therefore honrd Sr to Accept of these our humble

                  Acknowledgmts for the Same as the Iust tho: Slender tribute

                  of an oblieged people to a generous and good Covernor pray-

                  ing to God to bless you So prays yor humble & Oblieged

                  Servants

                  Hen Iowles Chancellr  Thomas Tench    Thomas Brooke   his Matys

                                               &

                  Charles Hutchins      John Addison    James Frisby     Councill

                  Robert Smith          James Keech     John Hawkins    Justices of

                                                                        the Provll

                  Tho: Tasker           John Hamond                       Court