The Upper House, 97

quently the publick Arms are destroyed & Embezelled as also
the Ammunition Sold or otherwise decayed so that it often
happens not to be fit for Service and that thro the misman-
agem^t in the keeping & preserving the same and especially
both the Arms & Ammunition are lyable to many unforeseen
Casualtys upon the Death of the Commander in chief of any
County where the same are Lodged as may appear by the
Petition & Deposition herewith sent you we cannot but think
it highly worthy the consideration of this General Assembly
to appoint convenient twelve foot Houses near the County
Court Houses in each respective County wherein to lodge the
said Arms & Ammunition belonging to each County so that
they may be the more easily viewed (as well by the Justices
of the County Courts if they see fit as also the Commander

U. H. J.

in chief of each respective County) which will be the best
means we can propose not only for the security and Preserva-
tion of the said Arms and Ammunition but will also be a
means to keep them well fixed & fit for the Countrys Service
Signed p Order W Bladen Cl Coun.

Carryed down to the House by Col Whittington & Cap^t
Dorsey with the Petition against Ordinary Keepers Enter-
taining Sailors

The Petition of Col Thomas Hammond M^r Richard Cole-
gate M^r Edward Stephenson & M^r W^m Talbot of Baltimore
County against Settling their Court House at Joppa read and
referred to the Consideration of the House of Delegates
Carryed down by Cap^t Dorsey
It being represented by the Officers of her Majesty's Cus-
toms in the District of Potowmack that several Vessels from
Great Brittain & else where anchor & ride and sometimes lye
on Ground on the Maryland Side of Potowmack but refuse to
enter or clear in this Province
The said Representation being considered & debated re-
solved by this Board that all Ships & Vessels which lye at
Anchor on the Maryland side of Potowmack river above
Forty Eight Hours be obliged to Enter & Clear with the
Officers of her Majesty's Customs in this Province and pay
the Duty of Tonnage &c
The Council adjourned till nine of the Clock to morrow
morning

p. 759

Fryday Novem^r 7th 1712

The Honble her Majesty's Council Sate Present as yes-
terday

p. 760