Correspondence of Gov. Horatio Sharpe, 1754-1765. 531

bursed by the Provincial People themselves; Notwithstand-
ing, His Love and regard to the King and Generosity to the
welfare of the Province which 'tis evident, has incited his
Benevolence contrary to the very Tenor of the said Law, and
I am sensible willing to the same continuance of Tax on him
provided it be on Service for his Majesty's Requisitions; But
of that Now not likely of requisitions immediate to the Prov-
ince from the King, as we are arrived to the Era of Peace.
I am by Authority inform'd, that a Scheme is forming for
Establishing 10000 men to be British Americans standing
Force there, and paid by the Colonies, 'tis said to be Levyed
by Poll Tax through out the Colonies; the Parliament has
Voted the force, and the Eyes of the Crown and Parliament
are on them from that purpose; if by Poll Tax, will require
knowledge of the number of inhabitants in each Province;
therefore I should be obliged to you to know as to numbers in
Maryland, and under what other rate the Province can be
charged at, if any more Easy and reasonable; nothing shall
be wanting in my best Endeavour of Service towards your
having Command as to Quota of Maryland.—concerning
Faction you write in the Province, you may depend Both in
regard to your Self, as well as of all others concern'd, Firm-
ness against it is here to render it contemptible; of M^r
Franklin giving trouble, I understand he is at Philadelphia,
his son has the New Jersey Government, so hope all subsides
with them I have hinted to your Brothers to keep a good Look
out at the Secretary's Office. American Provincial Com-
plaints have almost lost regard, their disobedience of Long
time to Royal Instructions, and the Lower Houses of As-
semblies setting up the Lex Parliamenti with their continued
Harras to Governors, and threats of independency, with
other indecencys, has thrown their Affairs into the Spokes of
the Grand wheel of Government of their Mother Country,
whose Superiority they'l feel. By this opportunity inclosed
is his Lordship's Commission of prolongation of time for
settling the Boundary Lines with Pensilvania Sign'd by me
on Behalf of Lord Baltimore, he having Authorized me to
Act for him during his Absence, 'tis a work of time, and
of Embarassment, the Persons you desire are by the Com-
mission confirmed. Respecting M^r Lloyd the Receiver Gen-
eral of whom you write; I am at Loss how to hold him ? he
complys not almost with any requisitions sent him; he's like
Fabius Maximus cunctando, but not in Merit, after upwards
of five years repeated admonitions of his delay of accounts,
he has sent three years Accounts, five due, and with regard
to his Lordships Instructions concerning the Establishment

of the Office of Agency at Annapolis he is silent; expresses