JUNE, 1699 COURT 491

[425] Command was given to the Sheriffe that he cause to come here the Grand
Inquest by him Sumoned which Said grand inquest being by their Names Called
Came (Viz.)

Josias Towgood, foreman, Hugh Reyley, John Henry, William Ophet, Thomas

Lucas, William Ray, John Cousens, John Browne, John Chittam, William

Clacson, Phillip Trottershall, Charles Williams, Marine Devall, Daniell Davi-

son, Nathaniel Wicham.

Who haveing taken the Oath of Grand Jurymen went out to Consider of what
presentments Should come before them and after Some Small time returned with
these presentments Following.

His Majesty v. John Simpson, George Frankling, Henry Merson

Prince Georges County Ss. June Court 1699.

The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord the King for the Body of Prince Georges
County upon their Oaths doe present John Sampson, George Frankling, Henry
Morson, Thomas Spore and John Rease the Second day of June in the year of
our Lord 1699 att Lyons Creeke Hundred that is to Say att Charles Towne
within the Jurisdiction of this Court With force and armes etc. One Black and
White Bull Calfe to the Value of three hundred pounds of Tobacco and one
blacke and White Cow Calfe to the Value of three Hundred pounds of Tobacco
the Propper goods and Chatties of Charles Busey then and there found
feloniously did Kill Steall take and Carry away contrary to an act of assembly in
that case made and Provided etc. Joshua Cecell Clerke Indictments.

On the Back of the above bill was Endorced Billa Vera.

And now here at this day (to witt) the Twenty Seventh day of June 1699 the
Same Court before the Justices of our Sovereign Lord the King att Charles Towne
aforesaid Came the Said John Simpson, George Frankling, Henry Merson,
Thomas Spore and John Rease all of them in Custody of the Sherriffe of Prince
Georges County and being brought to barr in their propper persons Presently it
is Demanded of the Said John Simpson, George Frankling, Henry Merson,
Thomas Spore and John Rease how they would acquitt themselves of the
Premisses imposed upon them.

And the Said Defendants George Frankling, John Simpson and Henry Merson
by John Meriton their attorney by the Favour of this Court Especially admitted
comes and defends the force and Injury when etc. and for Plea say that they
are not Guilty in manner and forme as in the Indictment is Sett forth and thereof
they putt themselves upon the Country. John Meriton for the Defendants.

Joshua Cecell allso for his Majesty.

Therefore it is commanded the Sheriffe that without delay hee Cause to come
here twelve etc. by whome etc. and who neither etc. to recognize etc. because as
well etc. and now here att this day that is to Say the 27th day of June Annoque
Domini 1699 came As well Joshua Cecell for his Majesty as the Said George
Frankling, John Simpson and Henry Merson by John Merryton their Attorney
aforesaid and the Jurors thereon Impannelled being Called Likewise came (To
witt)

William Lee, foreman, Thomas Swaringam, John Ramsey, Hugh Williams,

William Hill, John Mills, Richard Groome, William Coghill, Phillip Lewis,

John Wattkins, John Lenham, Jonathan Simons.

Who to Speake the Truth Concerning the Premisses being Elected tryed and
Sworne doe Say 'upon their Oathes that the Said George Frankling, John Simpson
and Henry Merson is Guilty of the Premisses aforesaid to them above in forme
as by the Indictment aforesaid above Supposed against them.