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

Lib. J. R.

& U. S.

were only endeavouring to make Peace in an Affray that
had happened between the Sailors and Soldiers ever fired a
Gun at any of us, or had any Guns with them, from which,
tho the grand Jury on Proof as we suppose of their being
present and of the Intent with which they might rashly go
(being hurried away by the Heat of Youth and want of
Reflection) the Man's Life being lost have included them in
the Indictment for the Murder, we would willingly believe
they had no Malice against any of the Sailors more than
merely what happens commonly in Quarrels but had no
Design against the Life or Property of any Body, and think
them truly real and proper Objects of your Excellency's
Mercy, and humbly beg as they are young Men of Family
and Credit, and we don't understand were ever before a
Court or accused of any Misbehaviour before, and as what
has already happened will be a sufficient Warning to all
Youths of this Place not to think rashly of taking Satisfac-
tion at their own Hands for any Affronts but to take a proper
Recompense under the Directions of the Laws, and that the
Peace of the Community will be sufficiently secured thereby
that your Excellency would be pleased to extend your gracious
Pardon towards them to the Relief of themselves and their
Parents, as we entirely forgive them for any Countenance
they might be thought to give the Persons who so much
injured us, and look on it only as proceeding from Heat of
Youth and Indiscretion, and not from a criminal Intention
to take our Lives away And for your Excellency's Favour on
this Application, we as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c:
John Hearding
John Cole
Mich: Andrew
James Hamilton.

Ordered by the Advice of this Board that Pardons be
made out for James Nicholson and Alexander Calder which
issued accordingly.

The following Letters and Indians Speech, are by his Ex-
cellency laid before this Board.

p. 190

Carlisle July 4.. 1757..
Sir

Agreeable to my Instructions from M^r Atkins I imme-
diately upon receiving your Orders sent a Party of the
Cherokees to scour the Woods about Ray's Town, and I
think it my Duty not only as it is agreeable to my Instructions
from M^r Atkins but as the Good of his Majesty's Service
depends on it to acquaint you of the Disposition and Temper
of this party of Indians which came with me to this Govern-