1 20 Assembly Proceedings, March 26- April 15, 1707.

L. H. J.

Post Meridiem The House met again according to Ad-
journm^t being called over were present as in the morning
only M^r Tho^s Greenfield sick
The following Message by Col^{o
Lloyd and William Coursey
Esqr Ordered the same be entered Viz.}

By the Governor and Council in Assembly April 11^th 1707.

The House's Answer to the Council's Proposal by Col<sup>o

Holland and Mr Saunders was received here and upon mature
Consideration this Board cannot omit acquainting you that we
are sensible great Complaints have been made of that Part of
the Law for proving Debts and particularly in a Cause Mr
Somerset brought in the Provincial Court against John
Brannock wherein the Chief Justice's Opinion was overruled
by the Rest of his Brethren.
The securing the 40 lb Tobo
p Poll as we proposed in Case
it should happen to be in any particular Vestryman or Sheriffs
Hands neither are any Vestryman obliged or ever do give
Security to account therefor. And as to the Quakers contribut-
ing to the Charge of the Militia your Answer is very wide of
the Recommendation which is that seeing the Quakers scruple
bearing Arms in Person her Majesty thinks fit that they should
be compelled to hire or otherwise supply such men who may
be capable and fit to do their Duty in that and Service in that
Station
And tho' the Board are not for having any Body's Person
executed before Day in Court given to hear his Defence yet
we are desirous to render every Branch in the Act for the
better ordering and regulating the Militia as efficacious as
may be. Therefore wish you award Execution against the
Body of such Freemen upon their Default certifyed by two
Field Officers provided such Fine exceeds not one hundred
Pounds of Tobacco at one Time, and this will not be a greater
Violence to Liberty than the Power given to Justices to hear
and determine small Debts who may award Execution for
200 lb Tobo
against the Body
Signed p Order W Bladen Cl. Co.</sup>

Which being read is ordered to be answered as follows Viz.

By the House of Delegates April 12^th 1707.

Upon reading and debating your Honour's Message this
Day by Col^{o
Lloyd and William Coursey Esqr this House
have resolved the same has been fully considered and have}