452 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1749.

Lib. C. B.

Six Negroes whom by Stealth he brought from the Isle of
May. Captain Maisterson informing me thereof, I advised him
to a Court of Admirality in which he would certainly have a
decree for the Mens Wages and for the Negroes to be deliv-
ered up, and secured for the Right Owners. But the Master
of the Vessel apprehending a detection of his Villainy
presently sailed away to your Government. I ordered our
Attorney General to send a full Account of this affair to the
Attorney General in your Province but he not knowing who
is in that Office told me he would write to M^r Jennings about
it. I don't doubt but Proper Care will be taken to Prosecute
so vile a fellow and so great an Enemy to the Trade and
Honour of this Country. His name is Davidson in the Employ
of M^r Philpot Merchant in London. The truth of the whole
matter is confirmed by a Letter I have since received, in very
bad Latin & a worse Character so that We can only discover
the fact from some Person Living in that Island.
I intend home, God willing, this Summer, and if you have
any Commands, they shall be Punctually Obeyed by
Sir
Your most Obedient humble Servant
Will: Gooch

Upon Reading the aforegoing Letter It is Ordered that
Warrant issue for the Apprehending the said Thomas Davison
and bringing him before this Board immediately which issued
in these Words.

p. 372

Maryland ss.
Whereas Information hath been made to Us the Governor
and the Subscribers members of his Lordships Council of
State met in Council at the City of Annapolis on the 14^th day
of June Anno Domini 1749 That Thomas Davison Manner
Master of the Ship Mary now Lying in Patuxent River having
in his Voyage from London to this Province touched at the
Isle of May under the Dominion of the Crown of Portugal
did treacherously decoy six Negros belonging to the said
Island to come on Board his said Ship and brought them
against their Will into this Province, where the said Davison
hath Sold them as Slaves in manifest Violation of Justice, and
Private as well as Publick Faith.
These are therefore in his Lordships Name to Require you
that immediately on Receipt hereof you Attach arrest &
Apprehend the Body of him the said Thomas Davison and
bring him forthwith before us at the City aforesaid to Answer
unto such matters as shall be then and there Objected against