14 SEPTEMBER 1692

 

25 ~  Court convenes; Commissioners present: Francis Jenckins, Thomas Newbold, Roger Woolford, Samuel Hopkins, George Layfield, Capt. John King, Stephen Horsey.

 

25 ~  Case against William Morris for blasphemy (see ante, f.5; also Somerset Judicials, 1690-91, f.90); James Sangster, Clerk of Indictments, recounts repeated blasphemous oaths of Morris made on several occasions; Morris denies charges; Martha Hughes, Archibald Holmes and Dr. John Vigerous make oaths reaffirming their earlier depositions; additional testimony taken from Samuel Hopkins; no defense presented or verdict rendered but Morris is put in custody of the Sheriff for transport to St. Marys and trial by the Provincial Court. (This crime was an offense against the Act of Religion and considered a capital case, for which the Provincial Court had jurisdiction.) (See Transcription)

 

26 ~  Recognizance bonds for £20 each on Dr. John Vigerous and Archibald Holmes for appearance at Provincial Court in St. Marys to give evidence against Morris; George Layfield likewise guarantees attendance by his servant Martha Hughes at St. Marys.

 

27 ~  Grand Jury impaneled: Bryan Peart, William Wilson, Capt. William Coulbourne, Samuel Horsey, George Wilson, Samuel Alexander, Randell Mitchell, Robert Catline, Edward Wilson, Hope Tayler, Hough Porter, Isaac Boston, Henry Hudson Sen., John Sineck, Nicholas Lisney, James Curtiss.

 

27 ~  Memorandum from Colonel David Browne entered on record; notes that an Indian boy, Manacho, had presented a wolf’s head for bounty and Brown had given him a certificate to submit to Council, which was done but no payment received; Indian has since complained several times; George Layfield promises to give him a match coat; Court orders reimbursement for Layfield. (See Transcription)

 

28 ~  John Harris brings Negro named William Philips from Virginia into Court; Philips had previously been a carpenter in service to Major Beverly of James City County VA, and claims his freedom had been secured by his Godfather Gilbert Jenckins; had arrived aboard sloop of Colonel Custis who could vouch for his status; Court orders Sheriff to take Philips into custody until he give security or obtained certificate from Colonel Custis. (See Transcription)

 

28 ~  Petition of Pasken Barkley (Barcley, Barckley) for payment for 22 days attendance at Court; evidences against James Inglish and William Mason at St. Maries; includes an account listing appearances at 6 different sessions going back to January 1691/92; granted.

 

28 ~  Petition of George Betts  for payment for 18 days attendance as evidence against James Inglish and William Mason; granted.

 

29 ~  Petition of Edward Jones (attorney) asks that they consider his lameness and sickness bought on by an accident and give special consideration to the actions and his clients in cases pending; Court promises to be as favorable as they can.

 

29 ~  Case against James Inglish and William Mason; Court confirms their former judgement.

 

29 ~  Petition of William Oswell for expenses in attending fifteen days at Court; trial of Stephen Page, with his wife Bridgett, and Margaret Kenneday; granted.

 

29 ~  Robert Smith. Pltf. vs. Owen Oroiake, Deft; several documents entered on record, as follows:

 

30 ~  Instruction from Francis Jenckins and George Layfield, Justices of the Peace, to Sheriff Stephen Luffe dated 5 September 1692 to take Owen Orioake into custody, describing him as a dangerous rogue who had threaten the lives of his master and dame, Smith and his wife.

 

30 ~  Instruction from Francis Jenckins and George Layfield to Edward Harper, Constable of Pocomoke, to take custody of Oroiake from Hough Porter and convey him to the Sheriff.

 

30 ~  Deposition of Robert Smith, Junior, aged 12 years; described threats and assaults by Oroiake on his parents; Oroiake admits to part of what is alleged; Court orders that he be given 30 lashes and to pay his master three months work; Smith assigns his rights to Oroiake to Sheriff  Stephen Luffe, who assumed responsibility for his damages.

 

31 ~  Case against George Cooper, laborer, for stealing goods from Moses Fenton; examination of Cooper by Francis Jenckins and George Layfield on 5 September 1692 enter on record; describes Cooper as a runaway accompanied by two negros who were taken up by Fenton, but afterwards made escape and stole some of his goods.

 

31 ~  Mittimus written to Sheriff Stephen Luffe from Francis Jenckins and George Layfield instructing Luffe to take Cooper into custody and hold him for next Court; also a note to Edward Harper, Constable of Pocomoke, to deliver Cooper to Luffe.

 

32 ~  Mittimus and examination read in Court; Court values Fenton’s stolen goods at 150 lbs/tbco and orders Cooper to pay fourfold, with charges.

 

32 ~  Memorandum dated 14 October 1692 entered in record; Alice Mitchell and Thomas Potter deliver a lease for a 190 acre tract called Potters Plantation; also, together with Christian, wife of Thomas Dixon, they make a conveyance (unspecified) to Governor L. Copley; attested by John West, Court Clerk.

 

32 ~  Petition of Samuel Alexander to be admitted an attorney in Court; granted.

 

32 ~ Petition of John Townsend, Senior, asks to be released as surveyor of roads; suggests that Rowland Beavins would be an able replacement; Court approves Beavins and orders Lawrence Crawford to be overseer for Pocomoke in place of John Emmett.

 

33 ~  Agreement between Robert King and Adam Heath that Heath will pledge security for John Heath, and King will withdraw his suit; John Heath apparently being held in custody.

 

33 ~  Petition of Stephen Cannon to have negro woman declared tax free; granted for present year.

 

33 ~  Court adjourns for the day.