Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1681-85/6. 135

His L^dsp gives this board to understand and be informed
that M^r George Buttler late Clark of the Provinciall Court had
lately at severall times and once more especially at the house
of the hon^ble William Digges Esq^r most grossly and notori-
ously abused his L^dspp in publick uttering most scandalous and
opprobrious speeches reflecting both upon his L^dspp and his
ffather of Noble memory to the derogation of their hono^rs and
breach of his L^dspps peace as by the Deposition of Joshua
Doyne high sheriff of the County of S^t Maries taken before
the hon^ble W^m Digges Esq^r w^ch his L^dspp produced and ordered
to be read as also a scandalous Letter written by the said
Buttler to his L^dsp the last night which was also read; and
Command given to the Sheriff to have the said George But-
ler forthwith before this board. The Sheriff according to
order bringeth the said George Buttler to whom the Deposi-
tion of Joshua Doyne and his owne Letter aforementioned are
read and be thereupon examined what he had to say in his
Defence.
He Denyes the contents of the Deposition in manner and
forme as is therein alledged but refuseth to give any further
answer.
Ordered that the Sheriff of S^t Maries County take into his
Custody the said George Buttler and him safely keepe untill
further ord^r from his L^dspp or this board.

At a Councill held at the City of S^t Maries the 31^th Day of
March Anno Dmi. 1683:

The R^t hon^ble the Lord Prop^ry
the hon^ble Majo^r Nicholas Sewall Present
M^r John Darnall

A Petition exhibited by Augustine Herman being as foll
(viz.)

To the R^t hon^ble Charles Absolute Lord and Prop^ry of the
Province of Maryland

With humble Reverence Complaineth Augustine Herman
soe for himself as in the behalf of more other suffering neigh-
bours

Liber R,

That whereas now more then heretofore, not onely horses
and hoggs but also Cowes and other Cattle are driven away
& taken out of their usuall Range, or walk, and also of and
from the Owners owne grounds by diverse wicked psons

p. 349