"14 Nov. 1788—12 Nov. 1791" 231

Samuel McPherson and James Brown proved six Days attendance each as Witnesses on
the part of the Sheriff elect of said County.

Benjamin Contee proved six Days attendance on the hearing of the Petition against the
said Election pursuant to the order of the Board.

Ordered that the western shore Treasurer pay to Edward Roberts Four pounds, fifteen
shillings due him for riding Express to Easton for Mr. Hindman per Account passed by the
Auditor General.

The Board proceeded farther in the examination of Witnesses relative to the Election
in Charles County for Sheriffs.

The Council adjourned 'till 3 o'clock.

3 o'clock P M

The Council met.

Having finished the examination of the Witnesses relative to the Election in Charles
County for Sheriffs—the Board proceeded to hear Counsel on behalf of the Petitioners.
The Council adjourned 'till Monday Morning 9 o'clock.

Monday 3ist. October 1791

The Council met.

Present as on Saturday.

The Board proceeded to hear Counsel in support of the validity of the Election in Charles
County for Sheriff; the following point was made:

"That the Governor and Council have no rightful authority to decide on the validity of a
Sheriffs election."

Upon hearing the Arguments of the Counsel concerned, the Board were unanimously of
opinion that they have the power to decide on the validity of Sheriffs Elections.

The Council adjourned 'till 3 o'clock.

[p. 350] 3 o'clock P M

The Council met.

The Board proceeded farther in hearing Counsel respecting the election in Charles County
for Sheriffs.

The Council adjourned 'till tomorrow morning 9 o'clock.

Tuesday i November 1791

The Council met.

Present as on yesterday.

Ordered that the western shore Treasurer pay to Sam'l. Chase Esqr. Eighty seven pounds,
ten shillings Current Money on Account being one half of the Sum that this Board agreed
to give him for acting as Counsel with the Attorney General for this State in the Suit depending
between the Messrs. Van Staphorsts and the State,

That the said Treasurer pay to John Davidson Esquire Fifty pounds for one quarter's
Salary as a Member of the Council.