The Upper House. 57

Sent by James Bowles Esq^r
Read the Report of the Committee of Aggrievances and
after due Consideration thereof the Message was prepared
Thereon viz.

By the Upper House of Assembly October 30^th 1724
Gentlemen.
We have read and considered the Report of your Com-
mittee of Aggrievances & are concerned to find that such
Misunderstandings & differences arise between the Sheriffs
and people of the several counties but as your selves
Acknowledge it is almost impracticable by any written Rules
to prevent all Inconveniences of the kind we can only say we
wish it in our power so to do and we shall always be ready
to contribute our Endeavours by any Reasonable means to
Accomplish so Good a Work We Observe that your said
Committee propose it as an Expedient for reconciling those
differences that the Sheriff be made elective by the Voices of

U. H. J.

the People but we are much afraid that such a Method
would rather Prove A foundation for Confusion and party
animosities succeeded by the Oppression of those who ap-
peared not to be of the prevailing Candidates Party than A
Remedy against the before mentioned evils Besides the ap-
pointing of Sheriffs in the several Counties within this
Province has been hitherto thought a Branch of our Pro-
prietarys Prerogative as appears by a Continued practice for
many Years past
Signed p Order Samuel Skippon Cl Up Ho.

Sent by Esq^r Rousby
A Message from the Lower House by Col^o Mackall and
M^r Crab viz.

By the Lower House of Assembly October 30^th 1724
May it please your Honours
We have amended the Bill relieving the Inhabitants of this
Province from some difficulties they may lye under in paying
their Levies &c^a this Year according to your Message of the
29^th Instant except the Adding a Clause to exempt the Sher-
iffs from any Execution to be served upon them this Year
for any Arrears of Publick Dues or Officers fees due for the
last Year which we are of opinion is not necessary in regard
the Sheriffs are Intituled to the same Indulgences with other
Debtors for any debts they owe and we know no Reason to

p. 143