104 Assembly Proceedings, August 11-16, 1737.

U. H. .
Lib. No. 33

Gentlemen of the upper and Lower Houses of Assembly
It was with Great Concern I found my self under a Necessity of
Calling you together at this Season of the Year, which was occa-
sioned by the very great drought that has happened this Summer
whereby as I have been informed from all Parts of the Province
there is a great Reason to apprehend a Scarcity of Grain among our
Selves if the most speed and Effectual Methods be not used to prevent
it such a misfortune is the more to be feared from the want Of Grain in
Foreign Parts which may be an Inducement to give a great Price
to such among us as can spare any and a great Price the Greatest
Temptation to sell
I thought it my Duty on so important and pressing an Occasion
to use all the means I could to prevent the Exportation of Grain and
to that end with the advice of his Lordships Council of State issued
a Proclamation which I hope has had some Effect but as it is the
Legislature only that Can provide effectually in the Present Case

p. 489

we are now met together for that end & what ever you shall think
necessary for the welfare and Safety of the People of Maryland you
may depend on my Concurrence
Adjourned till to Morrow Morning nine of the Clock

August 12

Friday Morning 12^th August 1737
The House met again according to Adjournment

Present as Yesterday

Col^o Tilghman attended by the members of this House presents
to his Excellency the Governor the address of this house which
follows in these Words

To his Excellency Samuel Ogle Esq^r Governor & Commander in
Chief in & over the Province o'f Maryland

The humble Address of the Upper house of Assembly
We beg Leave to tender our sincere thanks to your Excell^y for
your kind speech at the Opening this Session setting forth the Cause
of convening us in which we intirely acquiesce and acknowledge
your Excellencys repeated care for the welfare and Preservation of
the Good People of this Province in giving us this favourable Op-
portunity of Endeavouring to secure ourselves from the fatal Conse-
quence the present great Draught might otherwise Occasion
We further assure your Excellency that nothing shall be wanting
on our Parts to testify our great Regard to your self & the real
Pleasure we receive from your Administration and shall Endeavour