126 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1753-1761.

Lib. J. R.
& U. S.

of this Province makes it exceedingly expedient and neces-
sary that the Militia thereof, should be regulated carefully
trained, and disciplined. I have thounght fit with the Advice
of his Lordships Council of State to issue this my Procla-
mation requiring and commanding all Officers of the Militia
within this Province to have the several Regiments, Troops,
or Companies under their respective Commands frequently
mustered and exercised (once at least in every Month during
the Summer) and to see that the Mens Arms are constantly
kept in good Order, and fit for Service, that they may be pre-
pared and ready to oppose any Invaders, and to defend this
Part of his Majestys Dominions, and their own properties;
and I do further direct and enjoin the several Military
Officers, during the time above mentioned, to put in Force
and take Care that the Militia Laws of this Province be
strictly executed against such Persons as shall neglect their
Duty, or disobey the lawful Commands of their respective
Officers,
Given at the City of Annapolis the twenty fifth day of
May in the fifth year of his Lordships Dominion Annoque
Domini 1756:
Hor^o Sharpe

The following is a Clause of the Act of Assembly lately
made in this Province intituled, An Act for granting a
Supply of £40000 for his Majestys Service and striking
£34015...6..0: thereof in Bills of Credit, and raising a Fund
for sinking the same.
" And for the better Encouragement of Freemen of suffi-
cient Ability of Body, and fit for Service who shall volun-
tarily offer themselves, and be accepted, to garrison the Fort
and Block Houses aforesaid.
"Be it Enacted that the Sum of twenty two Shillings
and six Pence, or three Pieces of Eight, out of the eleven
thousand Pounds aforesaid, be paid to every such Freeman
on his enlisting as aforesaid; and in case sufficient Freemen
fit for the Service aforesaid, shall not offer themselves to be
enlisted to compleat the Number of two hundred, including
Officers, by the twentieth day of June next, that then the
Governor or Commander in Chief of this Province for the
time being shall immediately after the said twentieth day of
June next, apportion, and direct the Number of Men to be
drafted out of each respective County of this Province, to
make up the Number aforesaid and forthwith shall direct
the Colonels of the respective Counties, with the utmost Ex-
pedition to call together their whole Militia at such conven-
ient Places within their said Counties as the said Colonels