372 Assembly Proceedings, April 30-May 14, 1696.

Original
Journal.

sent to the raising of mony upon the Inhabitants so likewise it
is to levy the same when raised, therefore humbly pray the
hon^bLe Board would not press a matter so much intrenching
upon the ancient Rights & priviledges of his Ma^tys Subjects of
this province.
Signd p Ord^r
W Bladen Clk: Assembly.

Sent by Major Dent Mr. Clarke Mr. Pollard & Mr. Haw-
kins Major Ennalls Major Thompson & Mr Ferry.
Major Dent and Mr Clarke Returne and say they have
deliv^rd their Message.
The hon^ble Colonel George Robotham Col: Charls Hutch-
ins and Colonel John Addison came to this house from his
Ex^cy the Governor and Councill and acquaint the house that
his Ex^cy requires their Attendance imediately at the Councill
Chamber whereupon the house adjourne for halfe an hour.
And go up to the Councill Chamber to attend his Ex^cy the
Gov^r and carry with them all the Bills prepared this Sessions
(except the Bill for assessing the Publique Levy.

p. 29

Where his Ex^cy was pleased to acquaint the house that he
could not assent to or pass the Bill for laying & assessing of
the publique Levy as proposed, and therefore recomended
that the same might be layd by [the severall members] of the
house who were Justices of [the Provinciall Court, Attorneys]
&c who would be obliged [to attend the Court so] there
would be the less Charge to the County. Also told] them he
must be acquainted [with the laying thereof, for] that he
would never assent to the [raising of money unless he] was
informed to what end and pur [pose].
There[upon M^r Speaker and] the rest of the Members
returne to [the house] where being met
The Bill for laying and assessing the publique Levy is read
and therein it plainly appears to what use and purpose the
tobacco therein mentioned to be levyed is to be applyd Viz^t
To the defraying the necessary Charge of this province as
hath been formerly used in this province.
And thereupon put to the Question if this house will
recede from their former Methodes layd downe in the s^d Bill.
Resolved nemine contradicente not to recede.
And thereupon the following Message sent to his Ex^cy the
Gov^r and Councill &c by Capt. Hill Mr Clarke Major Smith-
son Mr Hutchison Major Ennalls and Major Barton.

By the house of Burgesses May the 13^th 1696.

This house have perused and considered of the Bill by us
proposed for laying and assessing of the publique Levy of