6 Assembly Proceedings, Mar. 8, 1697/8-Apr. 4, 1698.

Original
Journal.

At a Councill held at the port of Annapolis the 10^th day of
March 1697/8

p^rsent

Colonel Henry Jowles Colonel George Robotham and
Thomas Tench Esq^r
This being the day to which the Assembly was ffurther
prorogued the seVall members come to Towne & not yett
sworne came (Viz^t) Major Thomas Smithson, M^r Edward
Loydd,M^r William Hemsley & M^r Rich^d Tilghman M^r Edward
Loydd Delegates by Indenture returned for Tallbott County;
Major Thomas Smith, M^r Simon Wilmer & M^r Michael Miller;
for Kent County Lieuten^t Col: John Thompson; M^r William

p. 5

Harris, M^r Hans Hanson & M^r John Carvile, for Cecill
County as also M^r John fferry for Baltemore County to whom
the Comission was read for swearing them; and they had
sev^rally administred unto them by Gentlemen of the Councill
p'sent the Oaths appointed by Act of parliament to be taken
insteade of the Oathes of Allegiance & Likewise Subscribe to
the Test.
His Ex^cy ffrancis Nicholson Esq^r his Maj^tys Cap^t Gen^ll and
Chiefe Gov^r of this province being att hand attended with the
hon^ble Colonel John Addison and Thomas Brooke Esq^r came
Into Councill and the members being all repaired to the house
had Leave given them to choose a Speaker, Who after some
shortt tyme Came and p^rsented Major Thomas Smithson for
their Speaker, Who humbly Excused himselfe by reason of
Sickness & other disabilitys To whom his Ex^cy by Answer,
Returned, that tho he might take him att his word yett having
considered that seing the house had made Choice of him to
serve in that Station; he would not excuse him, Whereupon
M^r Speaker, craved the Liberty, he might att all tymes
have ffreedome of speech & access to his pson, and was told
he might expect the same allways propper & convenient.
Afterwards his Ex^cy was pleased to express himselfe in
these following words.
Hon^ble Gentlemen.
God Allmighty having been pleased by his Maj^tys inimitable
Valour and conduct to restore an honourable peace to his owne
Kingdomes and Dominions as well as to his confederates.
I thinke we are in all duty bound to keepe as Solemne a Day
of thanksgiving in this his Maj^tys province as we are Capable
of concerning which I do not in the Least doubt, but you
agree with me; as also in Signing a most dutyful & Loyall
address to his most Sacred Maj^ty upon this Occasion, and I
Judge this a propper tyme to have read to you their Ex^cys the
Lords Justices, Proclamation for publishing the peace between