' ./ YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in cooperation with Yale University Library, 2008. You may not reproduce this digitized copy ofthe book for any purpose other than for scholarship, research, educational, or, in limited quantity, personal use. You may not distribute or provide access to this digitized copy (or modified or partial versions of it) for commercial purposes. THE COLONIAL RECORDS OF THE STATE OK GEORGIA VOLUME XV JOURNAL OF THE COMMONS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY October 30, 1769, to June 16, 1782, Inclusive COMPILED AND PUBLISHED UNDER AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATURE BY ALLEN E>. CANDLER A1XANTA, OA. THE FRANKLIN-TURNER COMPANY NUNTBJLS, PUBI4SH8RS, BINDERS 1907 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) GEORGIA. Journals of the Proceedings of the Commons Houue of Assembly of the Province of Georgia, at the first Ses sion of the Seventh General Assembly of the said Prov ince, Convened at the Town of Savannah, on Monday the thirtieth day of October, in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Sixty Nine, by his Ex cellency James Wright, Esquire, Captain General, and Governor in Chief of the Province aforesaid — A true Copy from the Original Journals Examined and Certified Jn° Simpson C: D: C. Great Seal taken off by S. B. Journal of the Proceedings of the Commons House of Assembly of the Province of Georgia at the first Session of the Seventh General Assembly of the said Province Convened at the Town of Savannah on Monday the thir tieth day of October in the Year of our Lord One Thou sand Seven hundred and Sixty Nine by His Excellency James Wright Esquire Captain General and Governor in Chief of the Province aforesaid. The Master in Chancery delivered to the Clerk of the The commis- Commons House of Assembly by order of his Excellency t%U Membl» the Governor, a Commission directed to Noble Wimberly 2h7c?iriJby Jones, John Milledge, Archibald Bulloch and William Young Esq™ the Members Elected and returned to Serve in General Assembly for the Town and district of Savan nah The Master in Chancery also delivered the several Writs of Election upon which the Members are Elected and returned together with the Several Indentures from JOURNAL OE COMMONS HOUSE the Provost Marshall a Sufficient number of Members not meeting the Clerk took the Chair and adjourned till to morrow Morning 10 of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 31st October 1769 The Commission delivered to the Clerk yesterday was read in the words following — and read Georgia By his Excellency James Wright Esquire Cap tain General, Governor, and Commander in Chief, of his Majesty's said Province of Geor gia, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the Same. To Noble Wimberly Jones, John Milledge, Archi bald Bulloch and William Young Esquires Greet ing— Whereas his most Sacred Majesty in and by his Royal Commission to me under the great Seal of Great Britain hath amongst other things directed that the Several Per sons duely Elected to serve as Members of the General Assembly of this Province, shall before their sitting take the Oaths mentioned and appointed to be taken by an Act passed in the first Year of the Reign of his late Majesty King George the first, Intitled Act for the further security of his Majestys Person and Government and the Succes sion of the Crown in the Heirs of the late Princess, Sophia , being Protestants And for extinguishing the hopes o£ the- Pretended Prince of Wales and his open and Secret Abet tors — And Whereas the said Act was altered by an Act of the Parliament^ of Grea^ Britain made in the Sixth Year of the R^ign of pur Sovereign Lord the King that now is. OCTOBER, 1769. 5 Intitled an Act for altering the Oath of Abjuration and the Assurance and for amending so much of an Act of the Seventh Year of her late Majesty Queen Ann, Intitled, An Act for the improvement of the Union of the two Kingdoms, as, after the time therein limited requires the delivery of certain Lists, and Copies therein mentioned to persons indicted of High Treason or misprision of Treason And whereas the said Persons so Elected are required also to make and subscribe the Declaration men tioned in An Act of Parliament made in the Twenty fifth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second Intitled an Act for preventing Dangers which may happen from Popish Recrusants, Which said Oaths (in the form pre scribed by the Act of Parliament last above mentioned) and the Declaration aforesaid I. am fully Authorized and Impowered to Commissionate fit Persons under the Seal of the Province aforesaid to tender and administer to the said several Persons so Elected, and it is by his Maj esty's Royal Commission and Instructions declared that untill the same be so taken and subscribed No Person shall be Capable of sitting tho Elected, I therefore Reposing special trust and Confidence in the Integrity Care and Circumspection of you the said Noble Wimberly Jones, John Milledge, Archibald Bulloch, and William Young have Comnlissionated and appointed, and by Virtue and pursuant to the Powers vested in me as aforesaid Do give unto you or any two or more of you full power and au thority to tender and administer the Oaths in the last men tioned Act di Parliament Contained and also the Declara tion above mentioned unto the Several Persons Elected or that may hereafter be Elected to serve as Members of the said General Assembly and to see them subscribe sev erally the said Declaration when and as often as the same shall be requisite and necessary to be done And you the said Noble Wimberly Jones, John Milledge, Archibald Bulloch and William Young are hereby requited to make JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE a due return of your Proceedings by Virtue of this Com mission from, time to time unto me under your Hands and Seals with the Names of such Members as have been duly qualified before you as aforesaid — This Commission to Continue during Pleasure Given under my hand and the Great Seal of his Majesty's said Province of Georgia the Twenty Eighth day of October in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Sixty Nine and > in the Tenth Year df the Reign of his Majesty King George the third l. s. ) James Wright Secretarys Office by his Excellencys Command Thomas Moodie Dy Secty The following Members being met, Viz' Noble Wimberly Jones ^1 ^ . ,- , m * t u Tv/r-n j hsquires for the lown ana SeveralMem- John Milledge I TV . ¦ . r 0 t, • +i^ bersQuaUfy Archibald Bulloch Distnct of Savannah in the William Young J Pansh of Chnst Church f ( for the Town of Vernonburgh John Morel Esq* \ in the Parish of Christ I Church. ™ .,. t> ¦ r> r f for the Village of Acton in the Philip Box Esq' | parish of ^^ Church William Ewen ") Esq™ for the District of Eben- Samuel Farley > ezer and Parish of Sl Mat- Samuel Elbert ) thew. OCTOBER, 1769. The Members proceed to the Choice of a Speaker. John Mullryne, Esqr for the Islands of Wilmington, Tybee, Skidaway and Greens Island in the Parish of Christ Church. John Rae Esqr for the Town of Augusta and Parish of S' Paul William Le Conte Esq1 for the district of Great Ogeechie and Parish of S* Philip. John Glen Colin Reddock { Esqrs for Halifax and Parish of S' George Message from his Excy. the Govt. John Stevens, Esqr for Medway and Parish of S* John. Proved themselves duly Qualified to serve as representa tives according to the Terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province passed the Twenty Ninth day of June 1761 Intitled an Act to ascertain the manner and form of Electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Com mons House of Assembly, And then took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration and took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration and then took their Seats — A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery — Gentlemen His Excellency the Governor has ordered me to ac quaint you that you have his Leave and direction to pro ceed to the Choice of A Speaker — Then the Members present proceeded to the Choice of a Speaker and unanimously elected 'Noble Wimberly Jones Esquire fo be their Speaker and he was according ly Conducted to the Chair. 8 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Comm. ordered M' M 'Hedge and Mr Bulloch were ordered to attend ExcXncfthat his Excellency the Governor, and acquaint him that the had chrae rs Members had unanimously made Choice of Noble Wim berly Jones Esquire to be their Speaker and desire to know when they should attend his Excellency to present him, accordingly they withdrew and being returned Reported that his Excellency was pleased to say im mediately — Mr Milledge and Mr Bulloch were appointed a Corn- presented for mittee, to attend his Excellency with the Speaker Elect, his Excys. approbn. and present him for his Excellency s approbation, who was pleased to approve of him — and then Mr Speaker informed the House he had desired his Excellency would be pleased to Grant that this House of Assembly may The Speakers " request of have freedom of Speech as by right and of Custom they used to have and all their just Priveleges and Liberties allowed them, and that, in any thing he should deliver in the name of the House, if he committed any Mistake it may not be imputed to the House, but that he might re sort again to them for declaration of their true intent and meaning, and that, as often as his Majesty's serv ice, or the good of the Province shall require, He might by direction of the House, have free access to his Ex cellency, To which his Excellency was pleased to An- AnlwCTVern°rs swer' ^^ ^e wou'd Grant them every right and Privi lege they could justly claim, or that they used to have, that was in his power to grant, and that whatever should be delivered in the Name of the House, if any mistake was in it he should have free liberty to resort again to the House, and correct and amend such mistake, and that the Speaker should have free access to his Person when ever the Publick Business called for it, and that his Ex cellency would give him, where the good of the Province required it, every Assistance and Advice in his Power. OCTOBER, 1769. 9 Mr Speaker further Reported, that his Excellency was Excyfs speech P'eased to make an Affectionate Speech to both Houses to both Houses of Assembiy; of which, to prevent mistakes, he had ob tained a Copy, and read the same, to the House in the words following Viz* [This is the same as already Copied in Journal of Up per House 31 Oct'. 1769] The Speech read James Wright Savannah in Georgia Council Chamber the 31st October 1769 Resolution Resoeved Nem : Con : That an humble Address of .Speech16 thanks be presented to His Excellency the Governor for his Speech delivered to both Houses at the opening of the present Sessions that being sensible of the many Dangers this Province is liable to from the encroachment on Lands beyond the boundary Line fixed between us and the Indians, To assure his Excellency we will proceed to consider of and frame such a Bill as may most effect- tually prevent so alarming an Evil — That his Excel lency may rely on our serious attention to redress the Abuses complained of by the Indians respecting the Trade as now carried on amongst them, that the Diffi culties are indeed greatly augmented by the Plan adopt ed at Home as well as the clashing Interests of the Neighboring Colonies, that we hope their Concurrence will not be wanting in a measure so essentially beneficial to the whole, that we will use our utmost care to prevent those fatal Consequences we have too much reason to apprehend from the present General Intercourse with those Indians, That his Excellency may be assured that a due respect will be had to his Majesty's order in Coun- 10 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE cil relative to the Negroe Law (so beneficial to this:. Province) and that the late and present Acts together with the Patrol Law now subsisting shall be taken into Serious consideration and framed in such manner as may best answer the several salutary purposes wished for, That the Night Patrol or Town Guard Duty being absolutely requisite for our Safety and Preservation, and the present Mode of Duty appearing to be upon a Dis agreeable and improper footing we will endeavour to form a Law whereby the Service may be rendered more- effectual and will carefully inspect such Laws as are near expiring and revise amend and Continue those which may be of Publick Utility, That we receive with a Satisfac tion equal to the Impotance (slc) of the Subject the Notification his Excellency is pleased to assure us that he is authorized to declare that some of the many Taxes. lately imposed by Parliament are intended to be taken. off and that no others of the like nature will be added but deeply Concerned to observe that any unconstitu tional Act should remain at the same time are not insen sible of the recent Instances of encouragement afforded the Produce of America the last Session of Parliament That we are certain that none but Enemies of the Mother Country have attempted to disturb the Happi ness of his Majesty's American Subjects, That it affords- us additional pleasure that the Grievances of the Colo nies are likely to meet with Attention and redress from the wisdom of the British Legislature, That we are bold to assert that our most gracious Sovereign has not any Subjects more gratefull or more firmly attached to his Royal Person and Family than the Inhabitants of Geor gia ever warmed with a becoming Zeal for the Honour of Great Britain and the true Liberties of America. whose Interests must remain inseperable while fixed oir the Sure and firm Basis of our excellent Constitution that we are thoroughly convinced that the Glory of the OCTOBER, 1769. 11 British Empire depends on that Harmony and Unanim ity which we ardently Pray may ever subsist between Great Britain and the Colonies, That we thank his Ex cellency for his kind offer of assistance in any matter which may tend to the Good of the Province and that we will chearfully take into our Consideration what he has been pleased to reccommend to us ' respecting the usual and necessary Services of the Current Year. Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up an Address to be presented to his Excellency upon the said resolution and a Committee was appointed ac cordingly. Ordered That his Excellency's Speech be referred to the said Committee. Ordered That a Committee of Priveleges and Comm. of Elections be appointed and a Committee was appointed Priveleges rL L J- Appointed™3 accordingly, And they are to meet as often as there is oc casion, and they are to take into Consideration all such matters as shall or may come in Question touching returns Elections, and Priveleges and to proceed upon double returns in the first place and to report their proceedings with their Opinions thereupon to the House from time to time And all persons who will question any Returns are to do it within fourteen days next and so within fourteen days next after any new Returns shall be brought in, and the Committee are to have Power to send for Persons Papers and Records for their Informa tion And all Members who are Returned for two or more places are to make their Election by this day Week for which of the Places they will serve provided there be no Question, upon the return for that place, and if any kind shall come in question touching the return, Elec tion or Matter of Privelege of any Member he is to with draw during the time the Matter is in Debate and that 12 Comm. of Grievances Appointed JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE all Members returned upon double returns do withdraw till their Returns are determined — Ordered That a Committee of Grievances be ap pointed and a Committee was appointed accordingly and they are to Sit as often as is Necessary and they are 10 have power to send for Persons, Papers and Records for their Information — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock Several Members Qualify (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday Ist (November 1769 Benjamin Andrews Esqr elected and returned for the Midway and Parish of S' John — Isaac Young Esq1" elected and returned for the Dis trict of Goshen and Abercorn in the Parish of S4 Mat thew. Proved themselves duly qualified to serve as repre sentatives according to the Forms prescribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province passed the Twenty Ninth day of June 1761 Intitled an Act to ascertain the manner and form of Electing Mem bers to Rq>resent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly and then took the Oaths and made and Subscribed the Declaration and made and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration and then took their Seats. thePcomm0m ^ MuUryne from the Committee of Priveleges and aLPEiections' Elections to whom was referred the double return for the District of Great Ogechee and Parish of Saint Philip NOVEMBER, 1769. 13 reported they had come to a Resolution which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Table where it was again read and is as follows Viz' The Committee of Priveleges, and Elections, having taken under Consideration the double return for the district of Great Ogechee, and Parish of S' Philip where in Richard Cunningham Crooke, and Charles Odingsell Esq1* are returned, as having an equal number of Votes, that the Committee having duely weighed the Agree ments, on both sides, and having obtained every In formation they possibly could are of Opinion that Charles Odingsell Esqr ought to have been returned duely elected to serve as a Representative for the district of Great Ogechee and Parish of S' Philir Resolved That this House will take the said Report into Consideration on Monday next — Ordered That the Clerk do acquaint Richard Cun ningham Crooke, and Charles Odingsell Esqra that the said Report will be taken under Consideration on Mon day next — Resolved Nem: Con: That the following Rules be Rules of ° the House the Standing Rules of this House [The Rules 1-30 are the same as already copied from the Journal of Commons House 27 Nov. 1764 — Volume 41] Thirty first That when the House shall adjourn or go with an Address or on other Occurrences, No Person shall rise or go out untill Mr Speaker do arise and go before and then the Members to follow, and that no Per son shal} walk ^jaout or interrupt tb? Hpu§e while in Psbafe-rr 14 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Thirty second That there shall be the following Fees allowed to the Clerk of this House Viz' For drawing every Petition not exceeding one Copy Sheet of Ninety Words Five Shillings and for every Copy Sheet afterwards one Shilling but no Petition to exceed Twenty Shillings, For Reading a Petition Three Shillings, For passing every Private Bill Six Shillings & six pence For entering the Laws in a Book five pence

Ordered That Leave be given to bring an Ordinance dtotncefTraplfor appointing the Honourable Grey Elliott Esquire, Holt'Esq^Pro- Agent to Sollicit the Affairs of this Province in Great '" """ Britain, to commence the first day of June next, and -that Mr Guinnett, Mr Andrew, and Mr Mullryne to (E,c) pre pare and bring in the same. Motion being made that the third reading of the Bill, Mo°stio0'nin0r the Intitled, an Act to prevent private Persons f rom encroach- of'the^ndlaS mg upon, or purchasing any of the Lands reserved for 1,11 the Indians or trading with them! without Licence, and also to repeal an Act, Intitled an Act to prevent Private Persons from purchasing Lands from the Indians, and for prenting (s!c) Persons trading with them without Li cence, should be postponed till after the ensuing Holy- passed in the days upon the Question being put, it passed "in the Nega- Negative tive — Then a Motion was made, that the said Bill should be read a third time on Monday next, upon the Question being put, it passed in the Affirmative. order thereon Ordered That the said Bill be read a third time on Monday next. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday December 9th 1769 The House met according to adjournment and then adjourned till Monday Morning Ten of the Clock. DECEMBER, 1769. 67 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Monday December 11th 1769 Richard Cunningham Crooke Esquire, elected and re- QuSSef turned for Augusta, and Parish of Saint Paul, proved dimself duely qualified to serve as a Representative ac cording to the Terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly, and then took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Decleration, and took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration and then took his Seat — Mr Grceme, from the Committee appointed to prepare bui to prevent and bring in a Bill to prevent the Stealing of Horses and &c&. presented Neat Cattle and for the more effectual Discovery and punishment of such Persons as shall maliciously wick edly, and unlawfully Kill, mark, or brand the same, re ported they had prepared the said Bill which was received .feread and read the first time, and ordered to be read a Second time. The House being informed that the Commissioners for commissrs. for building a New Light House upon the Island of Tybee, Building a New ° ° ^nd the°Hous^ attended at the Door they were called in (and according to order) presented at the Bar of the House the report of their proceedings which was read to the House in the Words following Viz* The Commissioners appointed for building a New & make their Light House on Tybee Island in pursuance of the Power vested in them by the Act of the General Assembly for that purpose passed have entered into an Agreement with John Mullryne Esquire, for building the same with Brick, within two Years from March last, for the sum of three thousand Pounds, which was the Lowest Esti mate, and proposal that was made to them, in Conse quence of their Advertisements for that purpose, One third 68 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE of which Sum to be advanced, On (Blc) third to be paid when the building shall be raised forty feet, and the re maining third, when fully compleated, the same to be Erected upon such Spot, as the Commissioners should point out. In Consequence of this Agreement a Board of Com missioners went down to Tybee and found a Spot which they imagined would answer the intended purpose, and which is upon the Land reserved for the use of a Light House, but the said Spot being, upon further Inspection thought too low, a full Board of Commissioners again went down on the twenty eighth past, and got Mr William Lyford, the Pilot, to accompany them, and having diln gently Viewed, as well the Publick Land on the said Island, as such other parts which were thought Necessary and carefully set the Light House, the Bar, and the Fort of Cockspur are of Opinion, that the most proper and Eligible Spot to place the said Light House upon, is on a high and broad ridge of Land, heretofore the property of Peter Cadman and now of William Lyford, where it will appear Conspicuous both to the Northward and Southward. The Commissioners must Observe, that no future Light House can be a leading Mark for the Bar, unless erected where the present one now stands, which is impracticable, at least would not, from the Encroachment of the Sea, answer any purpose, but they find that, by cutting down a few trees above the present Light House, the then Point of Tybee and the said Fort of Cockspur will be a very safe and apparent leading Mark — All which the said Commissioners do report to this. House pursuant to the Order by them made. DECEMBER, 1769. 69 Ordered That the report of the said Commissioners do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of this House. The Ingrossed Bill, entitled an Act to prevent private Indian Bui read persons from Incroaching upon or purchasing any of the Lands reserved for the Indians, or trading with them without a Licence, and also to repeal an Act, Intitled an Act to prevent Private Persons from purchasing Lands from the Indians, and for preventing Persons trading with them without Licence, was read a third time, upon the Question being put, that the Bill should pass, it passed in the Negative — -fc>c & Rejected Resolved That the said Bill be Rejected. Ordered That the other Order of the day, for the Commissioners of the Town and Common to lay their proceedings and Accounts before the House be adjourned over till Thursday next. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday December 12th 1769 Ordered That a Committee be appointed to go down comm. appoint- to Tybee Island on Friday next to View the place that therLlghttme is proposed by the Commissioners for building a New Light House upon the said Island, and report their Opin ion thereon to the House, and that the said Committee shall have power to take such Persons with them as they shall think proper for their Information and that they do also View the State of the Old Light House and 70 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE likewise the State of Fort George, upon the Island of Cockspur, and report their Opinion thereon to the House, and a Committee was appointed accordingly, Committed to Mr Crooke, Mr LeConte, Mr Bulloch, Mr Odingsell, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Baronet, Mr Ewen, Mr Simpson, Mr Elbert, and M1" Rae. Ordered That the Commissioners appointed by the commrfs°rtohat- Act of the General Assembly for building a New Light ceommitteeaid House, upon Tybee Island, be desired by the said Com mittee to give their Attendance at the same time. A Petition from several Passengers, whose names are petition from thereunto subscribed, being just arrived in the Ship gCTlrfromSire- Hopewell, Thomas Ashe Master, from Belfast, in the land presented . by order of the North of Ireland, was delivered to the Clerk of this Governor House by the Deputy Secretary, by direction of his Excellency the Governor in Council, and read to the House in the Words following, Viz* — & Read Georgia To his Excellency James Wright, Esquire, Captain General, and Governor in Chief, of his Majesty's Province of Georgia, and to the Honourable Coun cil, and Commons House of Assembly, of the said Province convened in General Assembly. The Petition of the Several Passengers just arrived in this Province, in the Ship Hopewell, Thomas Ashe, Master, from Belfast in the North of Ire land. Most humbly sheweth. That your Petitioners (chiefly Farmers) being of late years, greatly oppressed by the Rents exacted at which they are obliged to hold their Lands, as also by Taxes DECEMBER, 1769. 71 and other Duties in Ireland, so that the most exerted Industry, scarcely affords a Comfortable subsistence to their Families, and having no hopes to obtain better Terms by renewal of their Leases when expired, thus distressedly Circumstanced, your Petitioners determined to seek relief, by moving themselves to some one of his Majesty's American Provinces, That your Petitioners, by Letters from Mr John Rae, Merchant in Georgia, to his Brother in Ireland, and being informed by Sundry Letters from their Friends who came to settle in this Province last year from Ireland in the Ship Prince George, Captain Beatty, that a Certain Portion of Land was laid out, and appropriated for the Purpose of settling a Township in this Province, that the Land was extreme ly good, and Capable of any Cultivation and their Friends, further acquainting them, of the hospitable Reception they had met with from the Inhabitants in General, and the very generous Assistance afforded them by his Ex cellency the Governor and the General Assembly, The Consideration of such great Priveleges, and Advantages, were powerfull Inducements to their immediately resolv ing to leave their Native Country, to part with their little substance, and thereby enable themselves to come over and Settle in this flourishing Province hoping to entitle themselves to its Protection, Encouragement, and Assist ance, and of being found in Return, to the utmost of their Ability equally useful to forward your generous Intentions, in the further settling and encreasing the Same, That although some of your Petitioners, are come over upon Redemption, yet the far greater part have paid their Passage, in the doing of which (many of them having large Families) they have much reduced their Substance, Your Petitioners therefore humbly Pray your Excellency, and Honours, that you will be pleased to take their Case, under your Serious Consideration, to grant that they may be partakers with their Fellow 72 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Countrymen of the Lands yet ungranted, in the Town ship of Queensborough, according to their respective Families, be enabled to get up to their Lands and be put in Possession thereof, and to grant them such other Re lief, as in your great Wisdom and generous Disposition, you shall judge Necessary to their Melancholy Circum stances — And And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray — Order in Council annexed to the said Petition At a Council held on Tuesday the 12th December 1769 Present His Excellency the Governor in Council On reading the Petition on behalf of the several People ciither°efonOUn" lately arrived from Ireland— It is Ordered That they give into the Clerk of the Council a list of their Names and respective Number in each Family and Attest the same before him that so the Necessary directions may be given to prepare Warrants for surveying Lands within the Limits of Queensborough Township, and with respect to the residue of the prayer of the said Petition, the same is referred to the Consid eration of the Commons House of Assembly — By his Excellencys Command Thomas Moodie for Cha Watson CI : C : Ordered That the said Petition be taken under Con sideration to Morrow Morning — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock DECEMBER, 1769. 73 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Wednesday December 13th 1769 The Bill Intitled, an Act to amend an Act Intitled an reldPa second Act for encouraging the Cultivation of Hemp, Flax and Wheat, and for regulating the Inspection of Hemp, Flax, and Wheat flour was read a Second time and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House & Committed The House immediately resolved itself into a Com mittee accordingly, and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Box from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration, gone through the same and made several Amendments thereto which the Committee had directed him to report to the House, and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the Amendments in at the Table, where the Amendments were again read, and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments be In- grossed. Resolved That the Title of the said Bill shall be a Title of said Bill . Altered Bill Intitled an Act to repeal after the first day of July in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy One, part of an Act, Intitled an Act, for the encouraging the Cultivation of Hemp, Flax, and Wheat, and for regulating the Inspection of Hemp, Flax and Wheat flour. The order of the Day being read for taking under thetipassen°^rs Consideration the Petition of the People lately arrived conTidere'f11 from Ireland the House took the Same under Considera tion, and it appearing to the House that the Petitioners 74 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE would be reduced to very melancholy Circumstances, un less some Assistance was afforded them, therefore, Resolved That this House will provide the Sum of thereon10" Two hundred Pounds for that purpose to be applied in such manner as shall hereafter be directed. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday December 14th 1769 The Ingrossed Bill intitled an Act to repeal after the Hemp &ca. Bin first day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand tfmea ' Seven hundred and Seventy One, part of an Act, Intitled an Act for encouraging the Cultivation of Hemp, Flax, and Wheat flour was read the third time. & Passed Resolved That the Bill do pass. Ordered That Sir Patrick Houstoun do Carry the Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurence thereto. Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for order for a Em laying a Duty on New 'Negroes that may be imported for Negro™ *cT Sale into this Province and for appropriating the Same to the encouraging Protestant Settlers, that may Arrive under the Regulations therein mentioned, and that Mr Odingsell, Mr Ewen, and Mr Mullryne, do prepare and bring in the said Bill. Ordered That Mr Barnard have Leave of Absence till the first of February next to go into the Country upon extraordinary Avocations DECEMBER, 1769. 75 The House being informed that the Commissioners for TownT bom- e the Town and Common of Savannah attended at the House Door they were called in and at the Bar of the House presented according to order their Several proceedings and Accounts relative thereto and then they withdrew and the Titles of the said Papers were Read. Ordered That the said Papers do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House Ordered That the Order of the day for the Commis- Order for the sioners appointed by an Act of this Province to' build a court House to Court House in the Town of Savannah to lay a State of attend ad journed their proceedings and Accounts before the House be ad journed over till the Seventeenth day of January next. Resolved That this House will provide a Sum in the Resolution for Estimate for purchasing a Mace for the use of the purchasing a Mace &ca. House, likewise a Gown for Mr Speaker, and a Gown for the Clerk. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Moring, Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday December 1 5th 1 769 Mr Young from the Committee appointed to prepare watch Bin pre- and bring in a Bill for raising a Certain Number of 1st time Watchmen for preserving good Order in and about the Town of Savannah and for defraying the expence attend ing the Same reported they had prepared the Same which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a Second time. Mr Young from the Committee appointed to prepare 76 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE and bring in an Ordinance for reappointing Benjamin reappofntg °r Franklin Esquire Agent to Sollicit the affairs of this Prov- Age™ pre- ince in Great Britain, reported they had prepared the sented & Eead . x L same wliicn was received and read the first time and Or dered to be read a Second time order for a Ordered That a Committee be appointed to see a fee^Line6 Run Bine run on the Strand, or Bluff of Savannah to ascer- o?Biafl oTsa- tain the Back Line of the Wharf Lots, and provide a Plan thereof together with the Publick Landings at the end of each respective Street to be annexed to the Bill for regulating the Rates of Wharfage, Storage &ca Com mitted to Mr Young, Mr Milledge, Mr Bulloch, Mr Box, and Mr Ewen. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Saturday December 16th 1769 The House met according to adjournment and then adjourned till Monday Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Monday December 18th 1769 Mr Crooke from the Committee appointed to go down comm.onthe to Tybee Island to View the place that is proposed by Light Housere- " . poi-t the Commissioners for building a New Light House upon the said Island and to View the State of the old Light Plouse as also the State of Fort George upon the Island of Cockspur reported that agreeable to Order they had DECEMBER, 1769. 77 desired the Attendance of the Commissioners and had taken with them such Persons (who were Commanders of Vessels and others) which they judged Necessary, and after obtaining every Information on the Several Matters recommended to them: that they had come to the following Resolutions Viz4 Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee «ons that the Spots of Ground Approved of by the Commis sioners is a place highly improper for the purposes in tended. Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that -a Spot of Ground bearing nearly East South East, and about Two hundred and fifty Yards from the old Light House is the most proper place to fix the Intended Light House on. Resolved That this Committee is also of Opinion, that, at a small expence the present Light House may Stand for a Considerable Number of Years. Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that Fort George, upon the Island of Cockspur, is in a ruinous Condition, and as it daily Suffers from the In- croachment of the Sea, any money that might be laid out upon the Same will be thrown away, unless some Ballast Stones could be Obtained, (from such Vessels as come into Cockspur) at a small expence, to be thrown round the said Fort The said Resolutions being severally read a Second time Resolved That this House will take the Same under Consideration on Tuesday the Sixteenth day of January next. 78 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The Bill, intitled, an Act for raising a Certain Number Isaetco1ndtimead of Watchmen for preserving good order in and about the Town of Savannah, and for defraying the Expence attending the same, was read a Second time, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House The House immediately resolved itself into a Coni es committed mittee accordingly, to take the said Bill under Considera tion, and, after some time spent therein Mr Speaker re sumed the Chair, and Mr Bulloch from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration, made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to sit again — Ordered That the Committee have Leave to .sit again — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, 'Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday December 19th 1769 The Ordinance for Reappointing Benjamin Franklin Esquire, Agent to Sollicit the Affairs of this Province in Great Britain was read a Second time. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Further com- Whole House to take into further Consideration the Bill, watch" bhi e entitled an Act for raising a Certain Number of Watch men for preserving good order in and about the Town of Savannah, and for defraying the expence attending the same, and, after some (slc) spent therein, Mr Speaker re sumed the Chair, and Mr Bulloch from the Committee, reported they had taken the said Bill into further Con sideration, and made some further progress therein, and DECEMBER, 1769. 79 Order for a Duty Bill on Rum &ca. that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to sit again — ¦ Ordered That the Committee have Leave to sit again Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for laying a Duty on all Rum and Wines that may be im ported into this Province and for appropriating the money arising therefrom, and that Mr Bulloch, Mr Oding sell, Mr Milledge and Mr Farley, do prepare and bring in the said Bill. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Wednesday December 20th 1769 A Petition from1 part of the Inhabitants of Saint John's pirt*©" the'in- Parish, whos names are thereunto subscribed, was pre- john^plrish*' sented to the House, and read Setting forth, That where as they are informed the Inhabitants of Saint Andrews Parish, have petitioned the House for Redress of Griev ances, by the Grant of a Middle Parish, in which to in clude a part of the Parish of Saint John's, and whereas the Inhabitants thereof, for a Considerable term, and Several, even fifteen Years past, have been laboriously employed in the Annual performance of the Publick Work in the same, and having so far accomplished it, that now themselves and Travellers may pass with some Conveniency, the Additional Work of a Middle Parish would certainly be esteemed a very great Grievance Yet as Saint Andrew's Parish is extensive, if extending the Boundary four or five Miles would redress them, they 80 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE have no Objection, otherwise they Conceive of that Parish, there may be made two as large as Saint Johns, The Petitioners therefore do humbly Sollicit, if the Wis dom of the House think meet, they may not be either in cluded in a Middle Parish, or distinctly, from the Chief of the Inhabitants of Saint John's Parish, made Subject to any Additional Work, and the Petitioners will Pray, &ca— Resolved That this House will take the said Petition under Consideration on Thursday the Eighteenth of Jan uary next. A Petition from the North west Inhabitants of Saint the'iihabftMts Andrews's Parish, whose names are thereunto subscribed, iarish " rewswas presented to the House, and read, Setting forth, That the Petitioners are an entire seperate Settlement in one remote corner of the Parish, without the least Connection with the other Settlers in the Parish, nor can there ever be any on account of the large space of Low Barren Lands that are betwixt them, and that they are Obliged, upon every small cause that comes under the Cognizance of Justices, and Freeholders to ride fifteen or Twenty Miles, with their Evidences, to have it deter mined, when they have Courts held regularly just by them, and that they find the Division of Publick Roads allotted them a very great hardship and no ways pro portionate to the few Inhabitants in that District, as well as discouraging to others from settling among them, as they are Obliged to work from the Parish Line to Fort Barrington, which is upwards of Twenty five Miles of Low wet Pine Land, and often not a dry Spot to Camp at Nights, where their Negroes are obliged to Continue (upon Account of the Distance they have to go) the whole time, at the utmost Risk of their Lives, and, as an addition to their unhappy Circumstances their Commissioners DECEMBER, 1769. 81 never fail exacting a full fortnight's work of them every Year, and generally at some very unseasonable time, Neither can they see any Probability of an end to their difficulties unless the House will take the substance of their Petition into its Consideration, and grant such Re lief as it shall think best for them, either by annexing that Settlement to Saint John's or forming a Middle Parish, and the Petitioners will Pray, &ca Resolved That this House will take the said Petition under Consideration on Thursday the Eighteenth day of January next. Then the Order of the day was read — Ccmm. ap pointed re specting the £200 Voted the People from Ireland Ordered That the same be adjourned over till Thurs day the Eighteenth day of January next Motion being made, that a Committee be appointed to apply the Sum of Two hundred Pounds, Voted by this House to the several People lately arrived from, Ire land (in the Ship Hopewell, Thomas Ashe, Master) in order to enable them to go to their intended Settlement, in the Township of Queensborough. Ordered That Mr Rae and Mr Elbert be a Committee to apply the said Sum of Two hundred Pounds, and that they do disburse the same in such manner as will best suit the Purposes intended. The Ordinance for Reappointing Benjamin Franklin ordinance Esquire Agent to Sollicit the Affairs of this Province in Reappointing ^- ° ?thMetimee& Great Britain was read a third time. passed Resolved That the Ordinance do pass. Ordered That Mr Crooke do carry the Ordinance to the Upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto. 6 e r— vol 16 82 Order for a Comm. to request his Exccy to give an Adjourt. JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered That Mr Simpson and Mr Bulloch do wait upon his Excellency the Governor and desire that his Excellency will be be <8lc) pleased to adjourn the House till after the ensuing Holidays and accordingly they withdrew and being returned, Mr Simpson reported that they had waited upon his Excellency agreeable to order, to desire he would please to adjourn the House till after the ensuing Holidays, and that his Excellency was pleased to answer that he would send the House an Adjournment in half an Hour A Message from his excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery, was read to the House as follows Viz' The Housp adjourned Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I do hereby adjourn the Commons House of Assembly until Monday the Eighth day of January next, then to meet for the Dispatch of Business, and it is accordingly Adjourned to the Eighth day of January next. Given under my hand at Savannah this 20"1 day of December 1769 James Wright To the HonWe the Speaker and Members of the Commons House of Assembly. JANUARY, 1770. 83 (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday January 8th 1770 The House met according to adjournment and resolved co'mmt1 of itself into a Committee of the Whole House to take the Watch Bill . . into further Consideration the Bill intitled an Act for raising a Certain Number of Watchmen for preserving good order in and about the Town of Savannah and for defraying the expence attending the same, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Bulloch from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into further Consideration, gone through the same and made Several Amendments thereto which the Committee had directed him to report to the House and he read the Report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill, with the Amendments in at the Table, where the Amendments were again read, and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments be In- grossed. Resolved That the Title of the said Bill shall be a Title Altered Bin intitled an Act, for raising a Certain Number of Watchmen for preserving good Order in and about the Town of Savannah. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock 84 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Bill to pre vent Stealing Horses &ca. read a Second time & Committed (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday January 9"1 1770 The Bill intituled an Act to prevent Stealing of Horses and Neat Cattle, and for the more effectual discovery and punishment of such Persons as shall maliciously, wickedly, and unlawfully Kill, Mark, or Brand the same, was read a Second time and ordered to be Committed to a Comittee of the Whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Commit tee accordingly to take the said Bill into Consideration and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Grceme from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration and made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered That the Committee have Leave to sit And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. Bill to amend the Election Act ordered (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday January io'h 1770 Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend "an Act intitled an Act to ascertain the manner "and form of electing Members to represent the Inhabi tants of this Province in the Commons House of As sembly" and that Mr Crooke Sir Patrick Houstoun and Mr Andrew do prepare and bring in the said Bill. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the JANUARY, 1770. 85 Whole House to take into further Consideration the Bill Commtf of intitled an Act to prevent Stealing of Horses and Neat prevent steal- Cattle and for the more effectual discovery and punish ing Horses &ca ment of such Persons as shall maliciously, wickedly, and unlawfully Kill, Mark, or Brand the same; and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Grceme from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into further Consideration and made some further Progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to sit again. Ordered That the Committee have Leave to sit again. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday January IIth 1770 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Further Whole House to take into further Consideration the Bill Commt. of vent^teiunjT" intitled, an Act to prevent Stealing of Horses and Neat Horses &ca Cattle and for the more effectual discovery and punish ment of such Persons as shall maliciously wickedly and unlawfully Kill, Mark, or Brand the same, and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Grceme from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into further Consideration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to sit again. Ordered That the Committee have Leave to sit again. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. 86 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday January 12th 1770 The Clerk presented to the House a Message from his Excellency the Governor together with an Opinion and Advice of his Majestys Council thereunto annexed. And it was Resolved That though this is not the proper Method of having his Excellency's Messages delivered to the House, yet as the Master in Chancery who usually de livers these Messages was indisposed, the House through favour agrees to receive the Message &ca, as presented which was read to the House in the Words following Viz'Georgia At a Council held in the Council Chamber at Savannah on Monday the 27th November 1769 Present His Excellency James Wright Esquire in Council His Excellency laid before the Board an Address Message lately presented to him from the Commons House of As- Exceiiency sembly requesting that his Excellency would be pleased aou of council to lssne Writs for electing Four Members to sit in gen eral Assembly for the four new Parishes, of Saint Thomas, Saint Patrick, Saint David, and Saint Mary in this Province, and his Excellency ordered to be read the Twelfth, Thirteenth, and Seventeenth, of his Majestys Instructions to him relative to the issuing Writs of Elec tion for Members to serve in the General Assembly and also the Answer he returned to the said Address and de sired the Opinion of the Board, on the Subject Matter thereof, Who on due Consideration had therein were unanimous in opinion, that his Excellency was no ways JANUARY, 1770. 87 authorized to issue such Writs of Election, as requested by the Commons House in their said Address, and that the Answer given by his Excellency was highly proper, And as the Lands containing those four Parishes were by his Majesty's Royal Proclamation added to this Province since the above Instructions to his Excellency were given, they recommended stating the Case fully to Government, and applying for further Instructions on that Head, as a very Necessary and desirable measure, altho from the present small number of Inhabitants in those Parishes, which is apparently owing to the best Lands being held by Absentees, under the Grants of the Province of South Carolina, such an Addition of Members as requested by the Commons House may not be immediately Necessary. Cha6 Watson C : C : Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly As a further Answer to your Address of the Sixteenth November last, I now send you a Copy of the Opinion and advice of his Majesty's Council to me on that mat ter James Wright Savannah the 12"1 January 1770 Ordered That the said Paper do lye upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House — The Order of the day being read for Leave to bring in a Bill for dividing this Province into Districts, and for Constituting Circuit Courts therein. Ordered That the Consideration thereof be postponed ill the Sixth day of February next. till And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. 88 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday January 13th 1770 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Further Whole House to take into further Consideration the Bill Commt. of vent^tUnniT" 'n^^d an Act to prevent Stealing of Horses and Neat Horses &ca. Cattle and for the more effectual discovery and punish ment of such Persons as shall maliciously, wickedly and unlawfully Kill, Mark, or Brand the same, and after some time Spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Grceme from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into further Consideration and gone through the same and made Several Amendments there unto, which they had directed him to report when the House will please to receive the same. Ordered That the report be received on Monday Morning. And then the House adjourned till Mon day Morning Ten of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday January 15th 1770 M1' Grceme (according to Order) reported from the Report thereon Committee of the Whole House to whom the Bill to pre vent the Stealing of Horses, and Neat Cattle and for the more effectual discovery and punishment of such Persons as shall maliciously, wickedly and Unlawfully Kill, Mark, or Brand the same was Committed, the Amendments which the Committee had made to the Bill and which they had directed him to report to the House, and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill, Title Altered JANUARY, 1770. 89 with the Amendments in at the Table, where the Amend ments were read and agreed to by the House. Resolved That the title of the said Bill shall be a Bill intitled an Act to prevent Stealing of Horses and other Cattle, and for the more effectual discovery and punishment of such Persons as shall maliciously and wickedly Kill, Mark, or Brand the same. Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments be in- grossed. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Tuesday January 16th 1770 The order of the day for taking under Consideration K*cSnmt the Resolutions of the Committee appointed to go down TVbe^Lteht t0 Tybee Island to View the place that is proposed by SdereVand the Commissioners for building a New Light House upon the said Island and to View the State of the Old Light House, as also the State of Fort George upon the Island of Cockspur being read. The House took the same into Consideration and it was Ordered That the Commissioners appointed to build theecommrs a New Light. House upon Tybee Island do immediately attend the House and that the Messenger do give them Notice of this order. to attend The Commissioners attending according to order were accordhfT1 examined with regard to their proceedings in building the said Light House and then they withdrew. 90 and their Answers approved of JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Resolved That the Answers given by the said Com missioners to the Several Questions put to them are Sat isfactory. Resolved That the further Consideration of the said Resolutions be postponed. Ordered That the Committee appointed to inspect such Laws, and Ordinances, of this Province that are ex pired, or near expiring, or may want amendment, do make their Report on Monday next. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. Further Consideration of the Resolu tions respect ing the Light House Resolution thereon (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday January 17th 1770 Ordered That the Clerk do write to the Absent Mem bers acquainting them that the House require their im mediate attendance The House took into further Consideration the Reso lutions of the Comittee appointed to go down to Tybee Island to View the Place that is proposed by the Com missioners for building a New Light House, upon the said Island, and to View the State of the Old Light House, as also the State of Fort George on the Island of Cockspur, and it was — Resolved That the said Committee do again go down on Friday Sen-night to Tybee Island to examine the foun dation of the place before recommended by them to build the Light House on, and in Case the foundation should be found insufficient then in that Case with the Commis sioners to fix on the most proper Spot for that purpose. from the ~, Upper House Lhancery. JANUARY, 1770. 91 The last Resolution of the Committee being read a Second Time. Ordered That a Committee be appointed to examine what Sum of Money have been laid out in building and repairing Fort George on the Island of Cockspur and report their opinion thereon to the House and a Commit tee was appointed accordingly- Committed to Mr Farley, Mr Andrew, and Mr Stevens A Message from the Upper House by the Master in That the upper House have agreed to the Ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Franklin Esquire Agent to sollicit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain with out any Amendments. And that they have also agreed to the Bill intitled an Act for ordering and governing Slaves in this Province and for establishing a Jurisdiction for the trial of such Slaves and other Persons therein mentioned and to pre vent the inveigling, and carrying away Slaves from their Masters, Owners, or Employers, with some Amend ments, to which Amendments they desire the Concur rence of this House. The House being informed that the Commissioners for building a Court House, Attended according to Order, they were called in, and at the Bar presented a Paper containing proceedings and Accounts and the Title of the said Paper was read Ordered That the same do lye upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House Mr Guinnett from the Committee appointed to prepare 92 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ordinance and bring in an Ordinance for appointing the Honbl8 aEiuott Esqr. Grey Elliott Esqr Agent, to sollicit the Affairs of this £mted &eRead Province in Great Britain Reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a Second time. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday January 18th 1770 The order of the day for taking under Consideration the motion for leave to bring in a Bill for altering the Division Line, between the Parishes of Saint John's, and Saint Andrew, as also the Petitions from part of the In habitants of Saint John's Parish, and of the North West Inhabitants of Saint Andrew's Parish being read. A Petition from the Inhabitants of Saint Andrews from'the Parish, whose names are thereunto subscribed was pre- s"haAndrewsf sented to the House and read setting forth that the Peti tioners labour under many difficulties from the great ex tent of Saint Andrews Parish, which by its present Bounds is by far the most extensive of any in this Prov ince being above Twenty five Miles in Breadth and the Principal Inhabitants settled at so great a distance from each other that the performing the Publick and Parochial Duties are attended with numberless Inconveniences and Hardships to the Inhabitants in general, among which working upon the Publick Roads is not the least having been Obliged to work Twelve days every Year since the passing of the first Road Act, nor have they any prospect of ever seeing that intolerable Grievance lessened as they have near Sixty Miles of Road to make through some of JANUARY, 1770. 93 the worst Swamps in the Province, And few Negroes to perform that labour, nor indeed can they ever hope in their present Situation to make them even passable to the great discouragement of Settling this and all the South ern Parishes, The Petitioners therefore humbly pray that the House, would take the Case into Consideration and as the only effectual Remedy that can be devised grant them Relief, by erecting a new Parish out of this and the Parish of Saint Johns which is also a very extensive One, bounding the New Parish to the South by Sapelo River as far as a Creek leading out of the said River called Brora Creek, to Continue up the said Creek and Swamp at the head of it to the Publick Road, and from thence a North West Course, and to the North, as shall be most agreeable to the Inhabitants of the Parish of Saint John's, and the Petitioners will ever Pray &ca Then the House proceeded to consider the order of the day, and the above recited Petition and Ordered That the Motion for Leave to bring in a Bill for altering the Division Line, between the Parishes of Saint John, and Saint Andrew, be withdrawn. The ingrossed Bill intitled an Act to regulate and wharfage ascertain the rates of Wharfage of Shipping and Mer- Bill read a ° * x ° thMthne& chandize, and also to ascertain the rates of Storage in the Several Ports in this Province and for the better regulation of Wharfs and of Shipping in the said Ports, and for appointing the Duty of a Harbour Master for the Port of Savannah was read the third time and some amendments were made by the House to the Bill. Resolved That the Bill with the Amendments do pass. Ordered That Sir Patrick Houstoun, do Carry the 94 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto. Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to Amend an Act Intitled an Act for the better regulating the Town of Savannah, and for ascertaining the Com mon thereunto belonging, and that Mr Ewen, Mr Mil ledge, Mr Young, Mr Bulloch, and Mr Box be a Commit tee to prepare and bring in the said Bill. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday January 19th 1770 The House met and adjourned till to Morrow Morn ing, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday January 20th 1770 The House met and adjourned till Monday Morning Ten of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia; Vol. 48.) Monday January 22d 1770 A Petition from part of the Freeholders and other fromthe Inhabitants of the Parish of Saint Andrew was presented sthaAnd?ewsf to the House and read Setting forth that many of the Roads in the said Parish were unpassable owing to the JANUARY, 1770. 95 Commissioners employing the People (liable to work) on the Road from Sapelo to Darien and the other Roads are entirely Neglected which they apprehend is detri mental to the Parish and the Publick in General therefore praying Relief. Ordered That the Petition do lye upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday January 23d 1770 The Ordinance appointing the Honble Grey Elliott Esq' Agent to Sollicit the Affairs of this Province in Great Britain was read the Second time and — Ordered To be Ingrossed. Ordered That the said Ordinance be read a third time this day fortnight. The Bill Intitled an Act for raising a Number of »th£dtimee Watchmen for preserving good order in and about the Town of Savannah was read a third time & Passed Resolved That the Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Simpson do Carry the Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence. A Petition from the Trustees for the Meeting House Petition in Savannah and others who usually assemble there for tHe? of the 3" Divine Worship and whose Names are thereunto sub- Meeting House r , tt 1 1 r ,. in savannah scribed was presented to the House and read setting forth that his late Majesty had been pleased to give and Grant 96 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE a Publick Lot in the Town of Savannah for erecting thereon a place of Publick Worship for such of his loyal Subjects as profess the Westminster Confession of Faith and that a Building for that purpose has been erected on that Lot accordingly. The Petitioners find it necessary and are very desirous that a proper place for burying their Dead should be an nexed to the said Meeting (sIc). The Petitioners there fore humbly Pray that part of the Common on the South west Corner of the Town be assigned for the purpose to be under the direction of the Minister for the time being and his Successors in Office for ever to serve as a Burying place for such as usually attend Divine Worship in the said Meeting and the Petitioners will ever pray. Ordered That the said Petition do lye upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Wednesday January 24th 1770 The House being informed that the Clerks of the Presentments Crown and Peace attended at the Door they were called of the Grand J by'th fore the House to rent the Building commonly called the Watch House, and to appropriate the monies arising therefrom, at tending according to order, they were Called in and pre sented to the House their proceedings therein 120 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered That the same do lye upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday February 15th 1770 Mr Grceme from the Committee appointed to prepare an Address to his Excellency the Governor upon the Resolution of Yesterday reported they had prepared the same accordingly which was received and read. Ordered That the same be taken under Considera tion to Morrow morning. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday February I61* 1770 The Ingrossed Bill intitled an Act to Amend an Act Intitled an Act to ascertain the manner and form of Electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly was read the third time. Resolved That the Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Crooke do Cany the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence The Ingrossed Bill intitled an Act for the better se- FEBRUARY, 1770. 121 curity of the Inhabitants of this Province by obliging the Male White persons to carry Fire Arms to places of Publick Worship was read the third time. Resolved That the Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Crooke do Carry the Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence The order of the day for taking under Consideration the Address to his Excellency the Governor as reported of Yesterday being read. A Motion was made that the House take the same into immediate Consideration and a Debate arising there on. The Question was put and passed in the Negative And then the House adjouned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Saturday February 17th 1770 Mr Ewen from the Committee appointed to prepare Bin to amend an(j bring in a Bill to amend an Act Intitled an Act for the Jury Act ° presented & ascertaining the Qualification of Jurors and for estab lishing the Method of Ballotting and summoning Jurors in the Province of Georgia reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a -second time. And then the House adjourned till Monday Morning Ten of the Clock 122 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B.'P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Monday February 19th 1770 The Bill to Amend an Act Intitled an Act for ascer taining the Qualifications of Jurors and for establishing the Method of Ballotting and Summoning Jurors in the Province of Georgia was read a Second time and — Ordered To be Ingrossed. The Ordinance appointing Inspectors of Hemp Flax and Wheat flour, for the Ports of Savannah and Sun bury, was read the third time. The Question was put if the said Ordinance should pass and it was — Resolved In the Affirmative, Ordered That Mr Crooke do carry the said Ordi nance to the upper House and desire their Concurrence A Motion was made that the House take under Con sideration the Address to his Excellency the Governor as reported on Thursday last and a Debate arising thereon. The Question was put and passed in the Negative The Bill Intitled an Act for the further p-Vmending- Bm to amend an Act, Intitled an p\ct, for the better regulating the an Act for reg- t uiating the fowii of Savannah and for ascertaining- the Common Town of Savan- 0 aM'timeiead thereunto belonging was, read a Second time and or dered to be committed to a Committee of the whole PI o use. The House immediately resolved itself into a Commit- FEBRUARY, 1770. 123 & committed tee accordingly, to take the said Bill into Consideration, and after some time Spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Bulloch from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration and made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to sit again. Ordered That the Committee have Leave to sit again. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Tuesday February 20th 1770 The House took under Consideration the Address to his Excellency the Governor as reported of Thursday last agreed to the same with some Amendments. Ordered That the Address with the Amendments be Ingrossed. The said Address being ingrossed was read to the House in the Words following Viz' To his Excellency James Wright Esquire Captain General and Governor in Chief of his Majesty's Province of of (sic) Georgia and Vice Admiral of the same The Humble Address of the Commons House of Assembly — May it please your Excellency. We his Majestys dutiful and loyal Subjects the Com- Address to his mons of Georgia in the General Assembly met, Beer leave Excelleney the , . ,, & _, J > & Governor to Address your Excellency once more on the Important 124 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Subject of a full Representation so essential to the Well- fare of this Province, We thought ourselves happy in your Excellency's decleration so Correspondent to' the Sense of this House in Answer to our former Address and could have wished the Council had instead of refer ring to private Instructions paid a greater attention to the Royal Proclomation under the great Seal wherein it is expressly declared that American Governors, shall cause the Settlers of the new acceded parts of America to be Represented A Delay Sir may be deemed a Denial of Justice and from your Excellencys well known at tachment to the Interest of this Province We cannot, we will not doubt of your ready Compliance with this our Just and reasonable Request founded on the greatest Assurance that can be given by a King to a free people A partial Representation is a measure unknown in any part of his Majesty's, wide extended Dominions and en tirely inconsistent with the Bulwark of our Liberties the glorious Bill of Rights the Pride of our Nation, and the envy of the rest of Mankind, under these distressing Circumstances unless your Excellency coincides with us, We dare not impose a General Tax Knowing, with what abhorrence, and detestation, every Member of the Com munity holds even the Idea of a Virtual Representa tion. Resolved That the said Address be presented to his Excellency the Governor by the whole House Ordered That Mr Guinnett and Mr Andrew do know his Excellency the Governors pleasure, when he will be attended by this Blouse with their Address, and accord ingly they withdrew and being returned, Mr Guinnett reported, that, pursuant to order, they had waited upon his Excellency, to know his pleasure when he would be attended by the House, and that he was pleased to FEBRUARY, 1770. 126 say he would be ready to receive the House to Morrow Morning Ten of the Clock. A Petition from the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Fnhab?tents *! the Town of Savannah, whos names are thereunto sub- vaLiST10 a" scribed, was presented to the House and read, setting forth, That the Petitioners are greatly alarmed at the large Quantities of Indian Corn that, as they are in formed, and believe, have for some time past been bought up here, in order to be sent out of the Province, and are really apprehensive by such indirect means, superadded to the general complained of Scantiness of the last Years Crop of Corn, the Province may be injured and many Families distressed for want of such Provisions. The Petitioners therefore pray that the truth of the Premises appearing, the same may be taken into serious Consideration, and that the House will grant such relief therein as the Importance and urgency of the Case may in Justice call for. The House took the said Petition into Consideration and — ¦ Ordsr for a Bill . to prevent the J Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to ! prohibit, for a Certain time, the exportation of Indian fnlfa^com of Corn and that Mr Ewen and Mr William Young, be a Committee, to prepare and bring in the said Bill. A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery was read to' the House in the words following Viz' Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I herewith send you a Letter and a Petition which I hisS ElceHe™c? received from the Inhabitants of Wrightsborough Town ship, also a Letter wrote by me in Consequence thereof, 12G JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE with the Answer thereto The flourishing State of this Settlement is so well known and the great advantage it will soon be of to the Province (if protected and sup ported for awhile) is so obvious, that its needless for me to say any thing further on the Subject, and I doubt not but you will think a small Sum well applied towards Quieting the minds of those Industrious and well dis posed people and encouraging them to persevere in their Plan and Improvements James Wright Savannah 20th February 1770 Then the Titles of the said several Papers were read Ordered That the said Message and papers do lye upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday February 21st 1770 Mr Ewen from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill, to prohibit for a Certain time the Exportation of Indian Corn reported they had pre pared the same, which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a Second time. ^ „ , Mr Speaker with the whole House went to attend his The Speaker 1 rttehndsetheOU£,c Excellency the Governor to present the address of this Governor House, and being returned, Mr Speaker reported, that he, with the whole House had attended his Excellency the Governor, and presented their Address, to which his FEBRUARY, 1770. 127 Excellency was pleased to reply, that he would send a written answer to the House within an Hour. Ordered That Mr Speaker do write the Agent, de- Soeakerto siring he will purchase for the use of the House, a Mace, write the Agenttopur- to be made of Silver, and double Gut, to cost a Sum not chase a Mace ica- exceeding, One hundred pounds Sterling, also two Gowns such as he thinks will be proper for the Speaker and Clerk of an American Assembly. Resolved That this House will provide a sum Suffi- drf?ayin^ethe0r eient to repay the Agent the expence of purchasing the Charge thereof gaid Mace &nd QQwns A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery was read to the House in the words following Viz' Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly In answer to your Address of Yesterday's date, just Message from now presented to me, I must confess I did not expect it, his Excellency the Governor after what has already passed between us on this occa sion, 'Tis true, that in my answer to your address of the 16th November last, on this Subject, I so far agreed with you, as to Declare, that I thought it Just and right that every Parish and District in the Province should be Rep resented, at the same time I told you, that I did not know whether- it was in my Power to comply with your Re quest, but that I should carefully examine my Instruc tions and if I thought my self at Liberty to issue such Writs, I would do it, and if not, I would state the Mat ter Home, and did not doubt but I should receive Orders to Issue Writs accordingly, I then laid the matter fully and clearly before his Majesty's Council, whose Advice and Consent it is Necessary for me to have in the Sum moning and Calling General Assemblies, and after re viewing their Opinion and Advice thereupon, I sent the 128 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE same to you as my further Answer to your said Address, and thought the matter would have rested there till I should receive his Majesty's directions therein — But I find that was not satisfactory to you, and, on a Supposi tion that the Gentlemen of the Council have not paid due attention to his Majesty's Royal Proclomation of the 3° October 1763, you now again apply to me, and on Carefull examination of the said Proclomation, I con ceive you have founded your present Address on a. Mis take, for no direction is thereby given to any of his Majesty's American Governors relative to the Summon ing and Calling of Assemblies, or causing the Settlers of the Lands ceded by the Treaty concluded at Paris on the 10th of February 1763, to be Represented, but to the Governors of the four new Provinces only, and by the words of the said Proclomation, that matter is clearly and expressly Confined to the four new Governments therein mentioned and described and can by no means be applied or Construed to extend to this Province, I cannot therefore agree with you in Opinion on this Point, but ap prehend I am to Conduct myself therein agreeable to my Commission and Instructions from his Majesty and which I shall certainly do, But as you seem, to think the Gentlemen of the Council have not duely attended to the Proclomation of October 1763 I shall again lay this matter before them and whatever further Determina tion or Opinion they may come to thereupon I will com municate to you. James Wright Savannah 21st February 1770 Mr Ewen from the Committee appointed to examine CoSm^ap*-118 the ^tate of the House in which his Excellency the spe"tewhat"Re- Governor Lives, and the Fences round the Same and ta^for'htaE^ report their Opinion thereon to the House, reported that Governors the Committee had examined accordingly and come to the following Resolutions Viz* FEBRUARY, 1770. 129 Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that the Shingling an Sill at the West side of the House are rotten, also the Fence round the Lott and out Build ings are greatly decayed, all which ought to be repaired immediately Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that a more durable and Convenient house ought to be built for the use of the present or any future Governor, and that the present House and Lot should be sold as it will be a Continual expence to keep in Repair The first Resolution being read a Second time was agreed to by the House. Ordered That the said Committee do immediately Order thereon employ proper workmen to repair the said House, Out houses, and Fence. Resolved That this House will provide a Sum Suffi cient to defray the expence attending the repairing there of— And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday February 22a 1770 The Bill to prohibit for a Certain time the exportation Bill to prohibit r the exportation 0f Indian Corn was read a Second time and ordered to of Indian Corn read | second fe Committed to a Committee of the Whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Com- committed mittee accordingly to take the said Bill into Considera tion and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker re sumed the Chair, and Mr William Young from the Com- ) c r— vol 15 130 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE mittee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consid eration gone through the same and made Several Amend ments thereto which they had directed him to report to the Plouse and he read the report in his place and after wards delivered the Bill with the Amendments in at the Table, where the Amendments were ag:ain read and agreed to by the House -lac OrdEREd That the Bill with the Amendments be In- grossed. The Ingrossed Bill intitled an Act to Amend an Act 3d «me rea a Intitled an Act for ascertaining the Qualifications of Jurors and for establishing the method of Ballotting and Summoning Jurors in the Province of Georgia was read a third time & Passed Resolved That the Bill do pass — Ordered That Mr Box do Carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Further commt Whole House to take into further Consideration the of the Bill Bill for the further Amending an Act Intitled an Act for the better regulating the Town of Savannah and for ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Bulloch from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into further Consideration gone through the same and made several Amendments thereto which the Committee had directed him to report to the House and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the Amendments in at the Table where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the House. FEBRUARY, 1770. 131 Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments be In- grossed. A Petition from the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Petition from Ebenezer in the Parish of Saint Matthew whose names the Inhabitants Ebenezer ™ °f are thereunto Subscribed was presented to the House, and read, Setting forth, That the Commissioners of the Road for the District of Ebenezer, in the Parish of Saint Matthew on application to them made by the Reverend John Joachim Zubly, Clerk, have laid out unto him a, private Road to his Plantation, Situate in the Island in the said District, That Mr Zubly, immediately after the Road had been laid out to him by the Commissioners, advertized the same, The Road to' Middlesex Ferry — That the Legislature hath already established a Ferry at the Town of Ebenezer, which is but a Small distance from Mr Zubly's Island and is equally as passable. The Petitioners therefore pray they may be heard in the Premises, and that the House will take the same into Consideration and do therein as to its Wisdom shall seem meet. Ordered That the said Petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House. Mr Young from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill to- Continue the Several Laws therein mentioned, reported they had prepared the same, which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a Second time. And then the House Adjourned till to- Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. 132 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday February 23d 1770 The following Messages from the upper House, were presented to the House by the Master in Chancery. That the upper House have appointed a Committee theSupperfrom to inspect the Journals of this House respecting an Ad dress presented by this House on the 26th November last to his Excellency the Governor, for writs of Election to issue for Members to serve in General Assembly for the four New Parishes, together with his Excellency's Answer to the Said Address. Ordered That the Committee appointed by the upper order thereon House have leave to inspect the Journals of this House agreeable to their Message, Also that the upper House have agreed to an Ordinance for appointing Inspectors AnotherMes- of Hemp, Flax, and Wheat flour, for the Ports of Sa- uPper House vannah and Sunbury, with some Amendments, to which Amendments they desire the Concurrence of this House. The Plouse took the said Amendments into Considera tion and disagreed thereto. Ordered That Mr Stevens do Carry the Ordinance to the upper House, and acquaint them, that this House having taken the Amendments made by their House to the said Ordinance into Consideration, have disagreed thereto, therefore this House desires that they will ap point a Committee to join a Committee of this House in in (sic) Conference on the Subject matter of the said Amendments. The Ingrossed Bill, Intitled an Act to prohibit for a Certain time the Exportation of Indian Com, was read the third time. FEBRUARY, 1770. 133 Resolved That the Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Glen do Carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence. The Bill to Continue the Several Laws therein men tioned was read a Second time and some Amendments were made by the House to the said Bill. Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments be In- grossed. Ordered That Leave be given to bring in an Ordi- Ord?nafnceanfor nance for appointing Packers and Inspectors for the spectratiSa.In" Ports of Savannah and Sunbury and also Cullers and Inspectors of Lumber in the said Ports, and that Mr William Young and Mr Ewen do prepare and bring in the same. Ordered That the Bill to enable the Commissioners appointed by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province, Entitled, an Act for regulating The Town of Savannah and for ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging to alien and Convey to and their Successors, in trust for ever, part of the said Common, for the purpose of enclosing a Cemetry, or Burial Ground, be read a Second time on Tuesday next. A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery. That the Upper House doth agree that a Committee fronfthe °^ their House do join a Committee of this House in a upper House Conference on the subject matter of the amendments made to an Ordinance for appointing Inspectors of Hemp, Flax, and Wheat flour, for the Ports of Savan nah and Sunbury and that the said Conference be in the room adjoining the Council Chamber immediately. 134 JOURNAL OF COMMONS PIOUSE Committee, The Honble James Read, John Graham, and Lewis Johnson Esquires. Ordered That Mr Bulloch Mr William Young, Mr Order thereon Farley, Sir Patrick Houstoun, and Mr Andrew, be a Committee to join the Committee of the upper House in the said Conference. The Engrossed Bill, Intitled an Act for further Amending an Act, Intitled an Act for the better regu lating the Town of Savannah for ascertaining the Com mon thereunto belonging, was read the third time. Resolved That the Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Bulloch do Carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence. Resolved That this House will provide a sum not providing £10 exceeding Ten Pounds to be paid to John Rae Esquire seed for his purchasing a quantity of Flax Seed to be dis tributed by him in such manner as he shall judge most beneficial for the Culture thereof in this Province. Ordered That the Memorial from the Reverend John Joachim Zubly, Clerk, and the Petition from the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Ebenezer in the Parish of Saint Matthew be taken under Consideration on Thursday next. Ordered That leave be given to bring in an Ordi nance for appointing a Comptroller and Collector of the Country Duties at the Port of Sunbury and that Mr Mullryne, and Mr Ewen be a Committee to prepare and brine: in the same. 'to And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock FEBRUARY, 1770. 135 (From B. P R. V.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday February 24th 1770 Mr William Young from the Committee appointed to drdinancefor prepare and bring in an Ordinance for appointing Pack- spectors&ca. ers and Inspectors for the Ports of Savannah and Sun- presented & , Read bury and also Cullers and Inspectors of Lumber in the said Ports reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and ordered to be. read a Second time. Mr Ewen from the Committee appointed to prepare Ordinance ap- anc| bring- in an Ordinance for appointing- Tames Kitchen pointing a ° i i & J to&cl p°r^c' to he Collector and Comptroller of the Country Duties senitd at the Port of Sunbury, reported they had prepared the Same which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a Second time Then the said Ordi nance was read a Second time and Ordered to be En grossed. And then the House adjourned till Monday Morning Ten of the Clock. '(From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) (sic) The Ordinance for appointing James Kitchen Col lector and Comptroller of the Country duties at the Port of Sunbury was read the third time. Resolved That the Ordinance do pass. Ordered That Mr Deveaux do Carry the said Ordi nance to the upper Plouse and desire their Concurrence. 136 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE. The Ordinance for appointing Packers and Inspectors for the Ports of Savannah and Sunbury and also Cullers and Inspectors of Lumber in the said Ports was read a Second time and ordered to be Engrossed. A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery. That the upper House have agreed to a Bill Intitled from the an Act for ascertaining the Qualifications of Jurors and Upper House for establishing the Method of Balloting and Summon ing Jurors in the Province of Georgia without Amend ments and also that the upper House have agreed to a Bill intitled an Act to prohibit for a Certain time the Exportation of Indian Corn without Amendments, and also that the upper House have agreed to an Ordinance for appointing James Kitchen Collector and Comptroller of the Country Duties at the Port of Sunbury without Amendments and also that the upper House have agreed to a Bill Intitled an Act for the better Security of the In habitants by obliging the Male White Persons to Carry Fire Arms to places of Publick Worship with some Amendments to which Amendments they desire the Con currence of this House. The House took the Amendments made by the upper House to the said Bill into Consideration and agreed thereto. Ordered That Mr Morel do Carry the Bill to the upper House and acquaint them that this House doth agree to the Amendments made by their House to the said Bill. Mr Bulloch from the Committee of Conference of coTm'of coen-both Houses on the Amendments made by the upper House to the Ordinance appointing Inspectors of Hemp, Flax, and Wheat flour, for the Ports of Savannah and FEBRUARY, 1770. 137 Sunbury reported that the Committee of both Houses had agreed on certain Amendments to be made to the said Bill which he was directed to report to the House and he read the report in his place and afterwards de livered the same in at the Table where it was again read, and agreed to by the House. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday February 27th 1770 The order of the Day being read for reading a Sec- convey 'part"? ond time the Bill to enable the Commissioners appointed re^Tsecond by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province in- titled an Act for regulating the Town of Savannah and for ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging to Alien and" Convey to and their Successors in trust forever part of the said Common for the purpose of enclosing Ccemetry or Burial Ground the same was read accordingly a Second time and ordered to be Committed to a Committee of the Whole House. The House resolved itself into a Committee accord ingly to take the said Bill into Consideration and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Glen from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration and had made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to Sit again. Ordered That the Committee have Leave to Sit again. Committed 138 Messagefrom his Excelly the Governor JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE. A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery. Mr Speaker I am ordered by his Excellency the Governor to ac quaint you that if your House have any Bills ready prepared for his assent he is ready to receive the House in the Council Chamber immediately and then he with drew. Accordingly Mr Speaker with the whole House went to attend his Excellency in the Council Chamber And being returned The House Mr Speaker reported that he with the whole House Excellency & had attended his Excellency the Governor in the Council receives the Assent to sev- Chamber where he was pleased to give his Assent to the Ordinances following Acts and Ordinances Viz' [For enumeration of these Acts differently arranged, see Journal of Upper House 27 Feb. 1770. J And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday February 28th 1770 Ordered That the Treasurer, and the Collector and Treasurer thnnd Comptroller of the Country Duties for the Port of Sun- to'lay^hei^' bury do lay an Account before the Plouse of what Mon- Accos before ¦ , 1 i 1 • r , , the House ies they have received in consequence of an Act passed the 11th April 176S Intitled an Act f. >r granting to his Majesty a Duty upon Raw Neat Hides exported from this Province and for preventing the exportation of un merchantable Tanned Leather. MARCH, 1770. 189 Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to totmeSi th?" Amend an Act Intitled an Act for raising a Publick a Pubhckfto"f Store of Gun Powder for the Defence of this Province unpow er ^^ ^^ ^ amend an Act Intitled an Act for erecting a Publick Magazine and that Mr Grceme, Mr Ewen, Mr Bulloch and Mr Le Conte do prepare and bring in the said Bill Ordered That Leave he given to bring in an Ordi- SrdmanTe to nance for appointing a Harbour Master for the Port of bouTMasterar" Savannah and that Mr Crooke and Mr Le Conte do pre pare and bring in the same And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) The Same reportedand read Thursday Is' March 1770 Mr Le Conte, from the Committee appointed to pre pare and bring in an Ordinance appointing Andrew Elton Wells Harbour Master, for the Port of Savannah, re ported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a Second time. Mr. Zublys MemorialConsidered The order of the day for taking under Consideration the Memorial of John Joachim Zubly, Clerk, and the Petition from the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Eben ezer, in the Parish of Saint Matthew, being read, the House took the same into Consideration, and M1' Zubly was examined in support of his said Memorial, and some of the Petitioners were examined in support of the said Petition then the House proceeded further in the Con sideration of the said Memorial and Petition, and — 140 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Resolved That the Prayer of the said Memorial be granted, so far as respects the establishing a Ferry, as mentioned in the said Memorial. Order thereon Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for establishing Two Ferries in this Province & for vesting the same in the Persons therein mentioned, and that Mr Bulloch, Mr William Young and Mr Grceme, do pre pare and bring in the said Bill. A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery That the upper House have agreed to a Bill Entitled fromathe an Act, to regulate and ascertain the Rates of Wharfage, upper House Qc Shipping, and Merchandize, and also to ascertain the Rates of Storage in the several ports in this Province, and for a better regulation of Wharfs and of Shipping in the said Ports, and for appointing the Duty of a Har bour Master for the Port of Savannah, with Several Amendments to which Amendments they desire the Con currence of this House. The House took the said Amendments into Consid eration and agreed to some, and disagreed to others. Ordered That Mr Crooke do Carry the Bill to the order thereon upper House, and acquaint them, that this House, hav ing taken the Amendments made by their House to the said Bill into Consideration, have agreed to some of the said Amendments, and disagreed to others, therefore this Plouse desires they will appoint a Committee to join a Committee of this House in Conference upon the Sub ject matter of the said Amendments. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock MARCH, 1770. 141 (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Friday March 2a 1770 The Ordinance appointing Andrew Elton Wells Har bour Master for the Port of Savannah was read the second time, and — Ordered To be Ingrossed. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Saturday March 3d 1770 Mr Ewen from the Committee appointed to prepare p'reSnted and bring in a Bill for Granting to his Majesty a Duty on Negroes, and other Goods, Wares and Merchandize, Imported into this Province, reported they had prepared the same, which was received, and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time. And then the House adjourned till Monday Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Monday March 5th 1770 The Bill for Granting to his Majesty and imposing Same read a a Duty on Negroes and other Goods, Wares and Mer chandize Imported into this Province was read the Sec ond time. and read 142 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the fng theTo^f" whole House to take into further Consideration the Bill &ca. Conunit- to' enable the Commissioners appointed by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province Intitled an Act for regulating the Town of Savannah and for ascertain ing the Common thereunto belonging, to Alien and Con vey to Certain Persons and their Successors in Trust, part of the said Common for the purpose of inclosing a Ccemetry or Burial Ground, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Glen from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into further Consideration, gone through the same and made Several Amendments thereto which the Com mittee had directed him to report to the House, and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the Amendments in at the Table where the Amendments were again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered grossed. That the Bill with the Amendments be In- ordinance ^^e Ordinance appointing Andrew Elton Wells Har- Harbour"8 a bour Master for the Port of Savannah was read the third Master read a <.;_-_ third time lime. & passed Resolved That the Ordinance do pass. Ordered That Mr Crooke do Carry the said Ordi nance to the upper House and desire their Concurrence. A Memorial from the Commissioners of the Roads for fr^nTThfcom- the first North West Division whose^ Names are there- Roadifi or the unto Subscribed, was presented to the House and read first N^ "W/esf" Division' ' setting forth That the Memorialists by a Carefull and just discharge of the Duties imposed on them and execu tion of the Powers given them in and by an Act of the General Assembly Commonly called the Road Act, have MARCH, 1770. 143 caused the Roads in the first North West Division and also the Bridges within the same to be put into good order and Condition and presume to hope that by em ploying the Several persons liable to work on the said Road (for six days only in every Year) they will keep it so — The Memorialists further inform, the Plouse that they have at this time due, and owing them for fines im posed on Sundry Persons liable to work on the Roads within their Divisions who made Default Sixty Pounds Six Shillings and Six pence, which they have not oc casion to expend in any of the Ways directed in and by the before mentioned Act of Assembly The Memorial ists therefore humbly pray that the House taking into Consideration that the aforesaid Sum hath been acquired by the Diligence, Care and Attention of the Memorial ists will be pleased to Grant the same together with all such fines as may be recovered from Defaulters within the said Division for not working Six days yearly for the term of three years to the Memorialists or the Commis sioners of the Roads in the first North West Division for the time being in Trust and to be applied by them1 in pur chasing Materials and paying Workmen for building a Chapel of Ease, or place of Public Worship, within their Division, and that the House will appoint a Com mittee to prepare and bring in a Bill agreeable to the prayer of the Memorialists. A Petition from the Inhabitants near the North West APetitionfrom Road between Pipe makers Creek and the Spring Bridge, near the No.' i, whose Names are thereunto subscribed was presented West Road «* to the House and read Setting forth — That last Au gust the Petitioners were Summoned and ordered by the Comissioners of the high Road with their Slaves to work on the upper part of the road near Augustines Creek by which means that part of the Road near the Plantations of the Petitioners were quite neglected and left unfin- 141 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ished and unrepaired and is now almost impassable, and the Petitioners are informed that the said Commission ers have petitioned the House to have the Money which was levied on the Defaulters for not working, to be ap*- plied to the building a Chapel on Cherokee Hill contrary to the Law empowering them to raise and apply such Fines, the Petitioners therefore pray that the said Money laised which they are informed amounts to Sixty Pounds or upwards may be applied to the Purposes intended by the high Road Act and that the Spring Causeway may be repaired therewith so far as the aforesaid Sum will go that the high Road Act may be revised and Commission ers added to Inspect and Compleat that part of the Road which has remained hitherto unfinished, and the Peti tioners will pray &ca Resolved That the said Memorial and Petition be taken into Consideration on Thursday Morning next. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Tuesday March 6th 1770. The House met and adjourned till to Morrow Morn ing, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday March 7th 1770 The House met and adjourned till to Morrow Morn ing, Nine of the Clock MARCH, 1770. 145 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday March 8th 1770 The Ingrossed Ordinance appointing Packers and In spectors for the Ports of Savannah and Sunbury and also Cullers and Inspectors of Lumber in the said Ports was read the third time. Resolved That the Ordinance do pass. Ordered That Mr Stevens do Carry the said Ordi nance to the upper House, and desire their Concurrence. The order of the day being read, for taking under Consideration the Memorial and Petition presented on Monday last. The House took the Same into Consideration ac cordingly and — Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, agreeable to the prayer of the said Memorial so far as respects the Fines already incurred and that, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Odingsell, and Mr Crooke, do prepare and bring in the same — A Petition of several Persons professing the Jewish Sevlrafpe/Jo^ Religion whose names are thereunto subscribed, was je^hRligion presented to the House, and read, setting forth, that, in the Year One thousand Seven hundred and thirty three, a Number of Jew Families arrived in this Province from England, in consequence, of the Kings Proclomation, for the encouragement of Settlers therein That, upon their arrival here, General Oglethorpe allotted them a piece of ground upon the Common of the Town of Sa vannah, opposite the Lot now in possession of and be longing to David Truan, to bury their Dead in, And 10 c r -v 1 15 Upper House 146 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE where several of their Relations and Friends now lie interred The Petitioners therefore pray the House to take the same into Consideration, and to pass an Act for Confirming the first Allotment, and Vesting such a Quantity of Ground as the House shall think proper to give upon the Spot or Land before mentioned in Trust for such Persons as profess the Jewish Religion, and the Petitioners will pray &ca Resolved That the said Petition be taken into Con sideration on Monday Morning next A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery. That the upper House agrees to the Conference de- fronittie sired by this House on the Amendments made by their House to the Bill intitled an Act to regulate and ascer tain the Rates of Wharfage of Shipping and Merchan dize, and also to ascertain the Rates of Storage in the Sev eral Ports of this Province, and for the better regulation of Wharfs in the Said Ports, and for appointing the Duty of a Harbour Master for the Port of Savannah, and have appointed the Same to be held in a Room ad joining the Council Chamber to Morrow Morning, Eleven OClock — Committee, John Graham, James Edwa Powell, and James Read Esquires. Ordered That Mr Bulloch, Mr Odingsell, Mr Ewen, Mr Crooke, and Mr Andrew, be a Committee to join the Committee of the upper House in the said Conference. The House resolved itself into' a Committee of the Whole House to take into Consideration the Bill for Granting to his Majesty and imposing a Duty on Ne groes and other Goods, wares and Merchandize Import- MARCH, 1770. 147 ed into this Province, and, after some time Spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Bulloch from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration and made some progress therein, and that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to sit again. Ordered That the Committee have leave to sit again. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday March 9"1 1770 Mr Bulloch from the Committee of Conference of both «om^off&m--^-ouses on the Amendments made by the upper House ierence to t^e Tngrossed Bill to regulate and ascertain the rates of Wharfage, of Shipping and Merchandize, and also to ascertain the rates of Storage in the Several Ports of this Province and for the better regulation of Wharfs and of Shipping in the said Ports, and for ascertaining the Duty of a Harbour Master for the Port of Savannah, reported, that the Committee of both Houses had agreed on certain Amendments, to be made to the said Bill. which he was directed to report to the House, and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Table where it was again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That Mr Crooke do Carry the Bill to the upper House, and acquaint them, that this House agrees to the report of their Committee of Conference. Resolved That this House will on Thursday next, take into Consideration, whether they will enter upon a Tax Bill for the present Year. 148 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered That there be a Call of the House on Thursday next. Resolved That such Members, who do not then At tend, shall be proceeded against with the Utmost Se verity. Ordered That the Clerk do write the Several Absent Members, acquainting them of the above Order and Resolution. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday March 10th 1770 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Further comm. whole House to take into further Consideration the Bill of the Duty bui j;or grant;ng. to h;s Majesty and imposing a Duty on Negroes and other Goods Wares and Merchandize im ported into this Province and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Bulloch from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into further Consideration gone through the same and made several Amendments thereto which they had directed him to report to the House and he read the re port in his place, and afterwards delivered the Bill with the Amendments in at fhe Table where the Amend ments were again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments be In- grossed. And then the House adjourned tilE Monday Morning Ten of the Clock. MARCH, 1770. 149 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday March 12th 1770 The order of the Day for taking under Considera tion the Petition of several Persons professing the Jewish Religion, presented to the House last Thursday, being read. The House took the same into Consideration accord ingly, and — Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill, per- suant to the prayer of the said petition, and that Mr Bul loch, Mr Crooke and Mr Grceme do prepare and bring in the said Bill A Petition from William Harding was presented to APetMonfrom the House, and read, setting forth, That the Petitioner Wm. Harding ' ' o > has been from his earliest Years brought up in the Prac tice of Machinery of various kinds both in Ireland, and America, and thinks that it is in his power to make many beneficial Improvements in the Rice pounding Machines, Sawmills, &ca, preferable to any hitherto introduced in this Province, that he intends immediately to construct a Rice Machine, which may be viewed, and if not pref erable to any of the Kind that have been seen in this Province, he does not expect the Countenance and favour of the House, That the Petitioner hopes (if his Endeav ours should deserve the Attention of the House) to have a Certain Sum of Money provided conditionally, which will enable him to go on chearfully in every Branch of Machinery that may be advantageous to- the Province in General, &ca. Resolved That this House will take the said Peti tion into Consideration on Tuesday Morning next. 150 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The following Messages from the upper House by the Master in Chancery. That a Committee of the upper House having joined a ffomX3 Committee of this House the 8th of February last, on the Subject matter of the Amendments made by their House to the Ingrossed Bill from this House, entitled an Act for raising a Number of Watchmen for preserving good Order in and about the Town of Savannah the upper House desires that this House will by message acquaint them of the report of the Committee thereon Also that the upper House having on the 13th Feb ruary last, joined this House in a free Conference on the subject matter of the amendments made by their House to the Ingrossed Bill from this House, entitled an Act for ordering and Governing Slaves within this Province &c. &ca which Conference, at the request of this House is yet Kept Open the upper House therefore desires that the said free Conference may be resumed. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday March 13th 1770 The Ingrossed Bill entitled, an Act to Continue the several Laws therein mentioned, was read the third time, and an Amendment Was made, by the House to the Bill. Resolved That the Bill with the Amendments do pass. Ordered That Sir Patrick Houstoun do Carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concur rence. MARCH, 1770. 151 The Ingrossed Bill entitled an Act to enable the Com missioners appointed by an Act of the General Assem bly of this Province Intitled, an Act for regulating the Town of Savannah and for ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging to Alien and Convey to certain Per sons, and their Successors, in trust, part of the said Com mon for the purpose of inclosing a Ccemetry or Burial Ground was read the third time Resolved That the Bill do pass. Ordered That Sir Patrick Houstoun do Carry the said Bill to the upper House, and desire their Concur rence. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Wednesday March 14th 1770 A Petition from a Number of the Inhabitants of the thfiSltenS Town of Savannah, whose Names are thereunto sub- slvannaiT" °f scribed, was presented to the House, and read, setting forth, that whereas a Petition hath been presented to the House by People professing the Jewish Religion, craving a Spot of Ground upon the Common of the Town of Savannah, opposite the Lot of David Truan, to bury their Dead in, That the Petitioners have been informed, and verily believe that some of their Dead, for several Years past, have been buried a considerable distance from Town which at this time can make but little Differ ence to them to Continue there, and the Petitioners are apprehensive, should the prayer of the Petition be grant ed it would reduce the Value of many of their Lots, as the Burial Ground would be more inconvenient than either of the Christian Ccemetries are. 152 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The Petitioners therefore Pray the House to take the same into Consideration, and Act therein as shall seem meet, and the Petitioners will pray &ca Ordered That the said Petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House Mr Speaker, with the whole House, went to resume The :House re- tjie free Conference with the upper House on the In- sumes the Free l i grossed Bill, Intitled an Act for ordering and governing Slaves within this Province and for establishing a Juris diction for the trial of such Slaves, and other Persons therein mentioned, and to prevent the inveigling and Carrying away Slaves from their Masters, Owners, or Employers, and being returned, Mr Speaker reported they had at the said Conference Agreed on certain Amendments to be made to the said Bill. Conferencewith the Upper House Mr. Speaker reports Resolutionthereon H The House took the same into Consideration, and agreed thereto, but at the same time — Resolved, Nem : Con : That this House agrees to the suspending Clause solely from the Necessity of the Case, and not from any Conviction that such a Clause ought to be inserted in any Bill whatsoever, That this House looks upon suspending Clauses to be of such pernicious Conse quences, that it almost tends to annihilate the Rights of any Assembly and may prevent the execution of any Act, though ever so immediately necessary and Beneficial to the Province. Resolved Nem : Con : That this House having agreed through Necessity only to the suspending Clause to the above mentioned Bill, it ought never to be pleaded as a Precedent. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock MARCH, 1770. 153 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday March 15th 1770 The order of the day for a Call of the House being read the House was Called over accordingly. Then the other Order of the day for taking under Consideration whether this House will enter upon a Tax bill for the present Year, being read, the House took the same into Consideration accordingly and a De bate arising — The Question was put and passed in the Affirmative. Then a Motion was made that there be a Clause in the Tax Bill, exempting the Four Southern Parishes from paying Tax as not being Represented, and — Resolved That there be a Clause in the Tax Bill to exempt the Four Southern Parishes from paying Tax they not being Represented in this House. Resolved That leave be given to bring in a Bill for &r«.etion granting to his Majesty the Sum of £ (slc> for the Tax Sill use and Support of the Government of Georgia for the Year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy to be raised at certain rates and after the method therein men tioned And for the more effectual Collecting of Arrears and for exempting the Parishes of Saint David, Saint Patrick, Saint Thomas and Saint Mary they not being Represented, and that Sir Patrick Houstoun Mr Ewen, ~Mr Crooke, and Mr Reddoch do prepare and bring in the said Bill. A Petition from several of the Inhabitants of the Town the Inhabitant!! °* Savannah, whose names are thereunto subscribed was of savannah presenteci to t^e House and read Setting forth that the 154 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Petitioners understanding an application has been made to the House by the Inhabitants of this Town professing the Jewish Religion for the Confirmation of a piece of Land on the Common which many Years since was al lotted for a Burying Ground for their People, and in which many have been interred As the Petitioners can have no objection to so reasonable request and are well assured that such Allotment was really made them for that purpose they therefore hope the House will in con sideration of the Premises comply with their application and the Petitioners will pray &c — ¦ Ordered That the said Petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House. Complaint being made by a Member of this House Member forbbe- th^ he had been served with a Writ or Process by the anwriTedwith Provost Marshal during the present Session which he apprehends to be a Violation of the Rights and Prive leges of an Assembly. Ordered That the said Complaint be referred to the Committee of Priveleges, and Elections, A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery. That the upper House upon report from the Managers Message at the free Conference of both Houses on the Amend- upper House ments made by their House to the Ingrossed Bill intitled an Act for ordering and governing Slaves within this Province and for establishing a Jurisdiction for the trial of Offences committed by such Slaves, and other Persons therein mentioned and to prevent the inveigling and Carrying away Slaves from their Masters, Owners, or Employers that the upper House doth agree to the Amendments made at the said free Conference. MARCH, 1770. 155 Ordered That Sir Patrick Houstoun do Carry the following Message to the upper House That this House in Answer to their Message of this Message to the day acquaint them that upon Report from the Committee Upper House / r L of free Conference on the Amendments made to the In- grossed Bill intitled an Act for ordering and governing Slaves within this Province and for establishing a Juris diction for the trial of Offences committed by such Slaves and other Persons therein mentioned, and to' prevent the inveigling and Carrying away Slaves from their Masters Owners, or Employers, that this House have agreed (in Consequence of the great Necessity for such an Act) to the Amendments made at the said free Conference and at the same time have resolved it shall never be pleaded as a Precedent. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday March 16th 1770 Mr Crooke from the Committee appointed to prepare Tax bui pre- and bring in a Bill for Granting to his Majesty the Sum sented & Read _ _ ... _ , . ~ of i (SK> for the use and Support of the Government of Georgia for the Year 1770 to be raised at certain rates and after the method therein mentioned and for the more effectual Collecting of Arrears and for exempting the Parishes of Saint David, Saint Patrick, Saint Thomas, and Saint Mary, they not being represented, reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a Second time 156 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery. That the upper House have agreed to the Bill intitled ftonfthe an Act to Continue the Several Laws therein mentioned upper House with0ut any Amendments. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday March 17th 1770 The House adjourned till Monday Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday March 19th 1770 The House met, and adjourned till to Morrow Morn ing, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia., Vol. 48.) Tuesday March 20th 1770 The order of the day for taking under Consideration the Petition of William Harding being read, the House took the same into Consideration accordingly, and Resolved That this House will provide the sum of vote to provide One hundred Pounds, to be paid to the said William £100 for ' r wm. Harding Harding, agreeable to the prayer of the said Petition, upon his Machine being viewed by Commissioners to MARCH, 1770. 157 be appointed by this House for that purpose, and it ap pearing to them to be of a new Construction, and of Publick Utility The Bill for granting to his Majesty the Sum of Mxtutelreada£ (slc) for the use and support of the Government of Georgia, for the Year 1770 to be raised at certain rates and after the method therein mentioned for the more effectual Collecting of Arrears, and for exempting the Parishes of Saint David, Saint Patrick, Saint Thomas and Saint Mary, they not being represented, was read the Second time. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 2 Ist March 1770 The Ingrossed Bill Intitled, an Act for granting to his Duty Biiiread a Majesty, and imposing a Duty on Negroes, Goods Wares, and Merchandize, Imported into this Province, was read the third time, and sundry Amendments were made by the House to the said Bill. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 22° March 1770 The Question was put, if the Ingrossed Bill intitled an Act for granting to his Majesty and imposing a 158 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Duty on Negroes, and Merchandize Imported into this Province, should pass, and it was — Passed Resolved In the affirmative. Ordered That Mr Box do Carry the said Bill to the upper House, and desire their Concurrence A Petition from Several of the Inhabitants and Free- a Petition from holder 0f the Parishes of Saint Philip, Saint John, and Several of the l J i"raaofthepar- Saint Andrew, whose names are thereunto subscribed Pha!p0*ct was presented to the House, and read, setting forth, That it is the Earnest request of the Petitioners, that a Ferry should by Law be established from the Town of Sunbury to some convenient place in the Parish of Saint Philip, to be chose by the House, or Commissioners for that pur pose appointed, and a high Road laid out from such place to join the main Southern Road near Ogechee Ferry, as by that means the distance between Savannah and Sun bury will be made shorter by Ten Miles, and in many other respects more Convenient to Travellers, and the Com munication between the Metropolis and the flourishing Southern Settlements, rendered more open and easy, to the great Emolument and advantage of the Province in general — The Petitioners therefore Pray that a Law may be brought in and passed through the House for that pur pose. Motion was made, that the Consideration of the said Petition be postponed till Tuesday Morning next Upon the Question being put — it passed in the Affirmative — Resolved That this House will Resolve itself into a MARCH, 1770. 159 Committee of the whole House, to take under Considera tion the address of the Council of the 12th March 1770 to his Excellency the Governor as published in the Gazette of this Province on Wednesday the 14"1 this Instant — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock- (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday March 23d 1770 A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery — ¦ That the upper House have agreed to an Ordinance ap pointing Andrew Elton Wells, Harbour Master for the Port of Savannah, without Amendments That the upper House have also agreed to an Ordi nance for appointing Packers and Inspectors for the Ports •of Savannah and Sunbury an also Cullers and Inspectors of Lumber in the said Ports with an Amendment, to which Amendment they desire the Concurrence of this House. The House took the Amendment made by the upper House to the said Ordinance under Consideration, and agreed thereto.- Ordered That Sir Patrick Houstoun do Carry the Ordinance to the upper House, and acquaint them, that this House agrees to the Amendment made by their House to the said Ordinance The House according to order Resolved itself into a 160 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE committee on Committee of the whole House to take into Consideration the1 council8 to the address of the Council of the 12th this Instant March, the Go'vlrnOT3' to his Excellency the Governor, and Published in the Ga zette of this Province, and, after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Milledge from the Committee reported they had come to a Resolution which they had directed him to report to the House, and he read the same in his place and afterwards delivered it, in at the Table, where it was again Read, and agreed to by the House Nem : Con : and is as follows, Viz' Resolutionthereon Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee, that the address of the Council, of the 12th this Instant presented to his Excellency the Governor, and published in the Gazette of this Province, is an unjust Reflection, and an unprovoked Insult offered to the Dignity of this House. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R.\0.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday March 24th 1770 The House met and adjourned till Monday Morning, Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 26th March 1770 The House Resolved itself into a Committee of the committee on whole House to take under Consideration the several Ac- lllG Acco'-' against the counts delivered in to the Clerk and after some time spent Publick r therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Elbert MARCH, 1770. Itil from the Committee reported they had taken the same into Consideration and made some progress therein, and that he was directed by the Committee" to move for leave to sit again. Ordered That the Committee have leave to sit again. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of thd Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday March 27th 1770 A Petition from the Inhabitants and Freeholders of a Petition from the Parish of Saint Philip, whose names are thereunto the Inhabitants c of st. Philip subscribed was presented to the House and Read Sitting forth, that they are informed of a Petition presented to this House for laying out a New Road in that Parish and establishing a Ferry in the same by the Inhabitants of several Parishes no ways concerned and to wh:m it can be of no Benefit or Public Utility, they assert it will make at least a Difference of Ten Miles to Sunbury which the Petitioners deny it can make half that, as such a Road can not be Carried on a direct Line on Account of large Creeks and Marshes which it must head and wi',1 make a Distance at least of Fifteen or Eighteen MiLs ;h ongh bad ground, the Road already laid out and worked upon these fifteen Years is no ways compleat the Causeway having been impassable for near three Weeks aid is much damaged by the rate Fresh and is more than the few In habitants of that Parish can Keep in Repair the Petition ers therefore" Pray that such a Road be not granted and they will ever pray, &e' Thefi the order of the day for taking under Considera tion the Petition from several- of the Inhabitants and Free- ller— T0115 162 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE holders of the Parishes of Saint Philip, Saint John, and Saint Andrew, being read the House took the same into Consideration accordingly and — Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill agree- Order thereon ^ tQ thg prayer of the said petition and that there be included in the said Bill a Clause, or Clauses, appointing and empowering Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out a Road from the Town of Queensborough in the nearest and most Convenient way to the Road already laid out from Savannah to the Honbl8 Jonathan Bryan's Cowpen on the River Great Ogechee, and that Mr Grceme, Mr Crooke and Mr Rae do prepare and bring in the said Bill. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 28th March 1770 A Memorial from Samuel Savery whose name is there- l?aemiorsave^y unto Subscribed was presented to the House and read Set ting forth — That the Memorialist was in the Year 1768 employed to inspect the Survey of the Boundary Line (so Called) between this Province and the Creek Indian Nation, That the Memorialist, last Session of the Assembly preferred an Account wherein he charged at the Rate of 25/- per diem for the said Service and as he thought very moder ate from the Inconveniences, dangers and Fatigues, he labored under, which may be made manifest by those who were appointed as Commissioners to see this Work exe cuted, That the Memorialist is allowed by every Indi vidual who employs him in Surveying (which he appre hends the above work if not Similar to be nearly allied MARCH, 1770. 163 to) the Sum of 21/- per diem, and as the late Assembly only allowed him at the Rate of 15/- per day, he hopes the House taking the matter into Serious Consideration and being Convinced that it is Customary for Private Persons to pay for Resurveying 21/- per day they will allow him after the same Rate, that the Memorialist in executing this Work for the Public lost two Horses which cost him £22.. 10/- Sterling which he begs leave to sub mit to the House if a Compensation should not be made him, as it has been done to other Persons that lost their Horses and were employed as Assistants in the same Serv ice. That the Memorialist was the only Surveyor that would undertake the Service it being presumed there was great Danger attending it which he by experience found to be true that the Memorialist made no kind of agree ment with the Persons that employed him but submitted himself entirely to the Justice of the House which he still confides in and hopes the House will do in the Premisses as to their Wisdom shall seem meet &ca Ordered That the said Memorial do lye upon the Ta ble to be perused by the Members of the House. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Gomm. of the whole House to take into further Consideration the several 'Accounts against the Publick delivered in to the Clerk of this House and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Elbert from the Com mittee reported they had taken the said Accounts into further Consideration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again. Ordered That the Committee have Leave to sit again. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock 164 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. Or^B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 29th March 1770 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the offte s^w1™ *rtr^1°^e House to take into further Consideration the sev eral Accounts against the Publick delivered in to the Clerkr of this House, ahd after some time spent therein MT Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Elbert from the Com mittee reported they had taken the said Accounts into further Consideration and made some further progress; therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered That the Committee have leave to sit again. Mr Crooke from the Committee appointed to prepare* aRoddBiiipre- and bring in a Bill for laying out a Road from some Con sented & Read & . n • venient place in the Parish of Saint Philip, to join the, Main Southern Road near Ogechee Ferry and for em powering the Commissioners or Surveyors of the Roads to establish a Ferry from the Town of Sunbury and also for laying out a Road from the Town of Queensborough to the Cowpen of Jonathan Bryan Esquire on great Oge chee River and for appointing Commissioners for the- purposes herein mentioned, reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and! ordered to be read a second time if:.- Alld then the House adjourned till to* MorroW Morning Nine of the Clock MARCH, i77Q= 165 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 30^ March 1770 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Further cpmm. whole House, to take into further Consideration the sev- of the Publick ' Accos. eraj Accounts against the Public delivered in to the Clerk of this House, and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Elbert from the Com mittee reported they had taken the said Accounts into fur ther Consideration, and gone through the same and that the Committee had come to a Resolution which he was directed to report to the House and he read the report in his place, and afterwards delivered it in at the Table, where the same was again read and agreed to by the House. The Bill for laying out a Road from some Convenient Jlftimi1 ^ place in the Parish of Saint Philip to join the main South ern Road near Ogechee Ferry, and for empowering the Commissioners or Surveyors of the Roads to establish a Ferry from the Town of Sunbury, and also for laying out a Road from, the Town of Queensborough to the Cowpen of Jonathan Bryan Esquire on Great Ogechee River, and for appointing Commissioners for the purposes herein mentioned, was read the second time and ordered to be Committed. Mr Crooke from the Committee appointed to prepare Buitt, ampnd and bring in a Bill to enable the Commissioners appointed uiktmg t°heres" in and by an Act of the General Assembly of this Prov- Town &ca. pre- , • 1 m r r* aented jnce, Intitled An Act for regulating the Town of Savan nah and for ascertaining the Common thereunto belong ing, to Alien and Convey to certain Persons, and their Successors in trust, part of the said Common for the pur pose of Inclosing a Ccemetry or Burial Ground for the Inhabitants of the said Town of Savannah professing the 166 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Jewish Religion reported they had prepared the same, which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a Second time- And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday 31st March 1770 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Road Bm com- whole House, to take into Consideration the Bill for lay ing out a Road from some Convenient place in the Parish of Saint Philip to join the main Southern Road near Oge chee Ferry, and for empowering the Commissioners or Surveyors of the Roads to establish a Ferry from the Town of Sunbury, and also for laying out a Road from the Town of Queensborough to the Cowpen of Jonathan Bryan Esquire on Great Ogechee River, and for appoint ing Commissioners for the purposes herein mentioned, and, after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Guinnett from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration gone through the same, and made several Amendments there to, which the Committee had directed him to report to the House, and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill, with the Amendments in at the Table, where the Amendments were again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Bill, with Amendments be In- grossed Resolved That the Title of the said Bill be a Bill, In- Titie Altered titled an Act for laying out a Road in the Parish of Saint Philip, and empowering the Commissioners to establish Resolutionthereon APRIL, 1770. 167 a Ferry to the Town of Sunbury and also for laying out a Road from the v Town of Queensborough to join the Newington Road leading to Savannah, and for clearing the River Great Ogechee. The Master in Chancery by order of his Excellency sundry Papers the Governor, presented to the House several Papers, laid before the r House by OTder which his Excellency had received relative to the Inhabi tants of Wrightsborough Township, and the said Papers being severally read, the House took the same into Con sideration, and — • Resolved That this House will provide a Sum not exceeding One hundred pounds to be appropriated for the protection of the said and adjacent Inhabitants from the Insults of the Stragling Indians, who steal their Horses and Commit other Depridations. And then the House adjourned till Mon day Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 2d April 1770 Bui for Laying ^ie Ingrossed Bill Intitled an Act for laying out a radathedthi?radR°ad in the Parish of Saint Philip and empowering Com- '""'" missioners to establish a Ferry to and from the Town of Sunbury and also for laying out a Road from the Town of Queensborough to Join the Newington Road leading to Savannah and for clearing the River Great Ogechee was read the third time and some Amendments were made by the House to the Bill. Resolved That the Bill with the Amendments do pass. Ordered That Mr Crooke do Carry the Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence and Passed 168 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Mr Grceme from the Committee of Conference of both cfmm'ol Cpen- Houses on the Amendments made by the upper House to the Ingrossed Bill Intitled an Act for raising a Num ber of Watchmen for preserving good order in and about the Town of Savannah, reported that the Committee of both Houses had agreed on certain Amendments to be made to the said Bill which he was directed to report to the House and he read the report in his place and after wards delivered the same in at the Table where it was again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That Mr Crooke do Carry the Bill to the upper House and acquaint them that the House agrees to the report of their Committee of Conference. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 3d April 1770 The Bill to enable the Commissioners in and by an Act pni for grant- of the General Assembly of this Province Intitled an Act Ground to Per- for regulating the Town of Savannah and for ascertaining sons professing ' . " ' the Jewish Re- the Common thereunto belonging- to Alien and Convey Ugion read a ° ° r second time t0 certain Persons and their Successors in trust part of the said Common for the purpose of Inclosing a Ccemetry or Burial Ground for the Inhabitants of the said Town of Savannah professing the Jewish Religion, was read a Second time and ordered to be Committed — Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill for order for :. Bill the encouraging the Cultivation of Tobacco in this Prov- to e^.courfge ° ° of-Tob^'cco'1'0" ince and appointing Inspectors thereof in the Town of Augusta and that Mr Crooke Mr Rae, Mr Ewen, and Mr Ebert do prepare and bring in the said Bill — APRIL, i?7Q, 169 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the of^BiiTiw Whole House to take into Consideration the Bill to en- BTtiai" Ground able the Commissioners appointed in and by an Act of PfofessinsTthe the General Assembly of this Province Intitled an Act for Jewish Re- .' . ' _. ' ' . . ligion regulating the Town of Savannah, and for ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging to Alien and Convey to certain persons and their Successors in trust, part of the said Common for the purposes of Inclosing a Cceme- try or Burial Ground for the Inhabitants of the said Town of Savannah professing the Jewish Religion, and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Elbert from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration gone through the same and made several Amendments thereto' which he was directed to Report to the House and he read the report in his place, and afterwards delivered the Bill with the Amendments in at the Table where the Amendments were again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Bill with the Amnedments be In- grossed. Ordered That the said Bill be offered for the third Reading on Friday next. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock Committee on the Estimate (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 4th April 1770 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to take into Consideration the Estimate of the necessary Charges of Government in the Province of Georgia for one Year commencing the 29th September 1 769 and ending the 29th September 1 770 and after some 170 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Elbert from the Committee reported they had taken the same into Consideration and made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to sit again. Ordered That the Committee have Leave to sit again. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 5th April 1770 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole ofUthe Esttakte House to take into futher Consideration the Estimate of the Necessary Charges of Government in the Province of Georgia for one Year Commencing the 29th September 1769 and ending 29th September 1770 and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Elbert from the Committee reported they had taken the said Estimate into further Consideration gone through the same, and come to several Resolutions which the Committee had directed him to Report to the House and he read the Report in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Table where it was again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That a Committee of ways and means be Comm.of wayB aPP0inted bring in an Ordinance for appointing an Agent to silted Pre" Sollicit the Affairs of this Province in Great Britain to commence the first day of June next and to Continue for one Year, reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time. The Ingrossed Bill Intitled an Act for appointing In- reVaThird specters of Tobacco and to prevent the exportation of bad and unmerchantable Tobacco was read a third time. & passed Resolved That the Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Crooke do carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence Ordered That Mr Crooke do Carry the Bill Intitled t? th? upper an Act for Granting to his Majesty the Sum. of House £3355.. 9.. oy4 for the use and Support of the Govern ment of Georgia for the Year 1770 to be raised at certain 184 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE a Memorial from Thomas Moodie Dy. -Secretary Rates, and after the method therein mentioned for the more effectual Collecting of Arrears and for exempting the Parishes of Saint David, Saint Patrick, Saint Thomas, and Saint Mary They not being represented to the upper House and desire their Concurrence. A Memorial from Thomas Moodie Deputy Secretary whos name is thereunto Subscribed was presented to the House and Read Setting forth, that the Memorialist has Acted as Deputy Secretary of this Province since the 2d January 1765 and he hopes to the Satisfaction of all Concerned That the Commons Blouse of Assembly has hitherto been pleased to provide him a Sum for doing publick business not exceeding £60 payable the 29th Sep tember every year, and so late as the Year 1767 as will appear by the Several Tax Acts, That since that time they have only provided Yearly the Sum of £40 for the said Business, these Provisions were made in order to pay him for Business done to the 29th September in each Year The State of his Account for Two Years are as follows — The Amount of his Account to 29th Sep tember 1765 £62.. 14.. 1 1 y2 he only Received what was provided for him.. 60.. -.. - which Sum was provided in next Tax Act £ 2.. 14.. ny2 He was provided in the Act 1766 £60.. -.. - but his Account came only to 52.. 10.. 9^ So his Account were short of the Pro-] vision for him this Ballance he did not If 7.. 9.. 2l/2 nor could not Receive j That it will appear by all his former Accounts the MAY, 1770. 185 Business he is intitled to do as Secretary has always been done before he demanded the Money of the Treas urer That he has no appointment from the Publick nor Salary and that considering his Circumstances and Ne cessity's he humbly hopes the Assembly will take his Case into their Serious Consideration and allow such a Sum as will enable the Treasurer to pay him what will fall due by his Attested Account to the 29th September next as usual &ca That the said Memorial do lye upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday May 2d 1770 Order for a Bin Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill em- inhabitants of powering Commissioners to assess the Inhabitants of the Savannah cfcca. _ - - ¦ for support of Town of Savannah in the Sum of £200.. 13.. 4 and also a Town Watch O t to empower the Treasurer to issue Certificates for the Sum of £100.. 6.. 8 to be sunk in the next General Tax Act for supporting a Watch in the Town of Savannah and that Mr Grceme, Mr Le Conte, and Mr Ewen do pre pare and bring in the said Bill ordinance Re- The Ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Franklin appointing the <-. Serandrtimea Esquire Agent to Sollicit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain to commence the first day of June next and to continue for One Year was read the second time and Ordered To be Ingrossed. The House took into Consideration the Amendments 186 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The House con- made by the upper House to the Ingrossed Bill intitled Amendments an Act for laying out a Road in the Parish of S' Philip made by the ,. . , _. .. . .^ upper House to and lmpowermg the Commissioners to establish Ferrys the Road Bill rr\ ¦ to and from the Town of Sunbury and also for laying out a Road from the Town of Queensborough to Join the Newington Road leading to Savannah and for clear ing the River Great Ogechee and agreed to all the said Amendments except one. Ordered That Mr Grceme do Carry the Bill to the upper House and acquaint them, that this House, having taken the Amendments made by their House to the said Bill into Consideration, have agreed to all the Amend ments except one-, therefore this House desires they will they will (sic) appoint a Committee to join a Committee of this House in Conference upon the Subject matter of the said Amendments And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday May 3d 1770 Mr Le Conte from the Committee appointed to pre- Bm to assess pare and bring in a Bill empowering: Commissioners to the Inhabitants L ° l & ofthe Town of assess the Inhabitants of the Town of Savannah in .the Savannah &ca- TorwSnPWatc°h£a Sum of £200.. 13.. 4 and also to empower the Treasurer to issue Certificates for the Sum of £100.. 6.. 8 to be sunk in the next General Tax Act for supporting a Watch in the Town of Savannah, reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and Or dered to be read a Second time. The Ordinance for Reappointing Benjamin Franklin MAY, 1770. 187 ordinance for Esquire, Agent to Sollicit the Affairs of this Province in theTgent read Great Britain, to Commence the first day of June next, a third time ^^ tQ Continue for One Year, was read a third time. & Passed Resolved That the Ordinance do pass. Ordered That Sir Patrick Houstoun do Carry the said Ordinance to the upper House, and desire their Concurrence. A Message from the upper House" by the Master in Chancery. Message from the Upper House Report' of the Committee of Conference That the upper House agrees to the Conference de sired by this House on the Amendments made by their House to the Ingrossed Bill for laying out a road in the Parish of Saint Philip, and empowering Commissioners to establish Ferries &c, &c, and have named a Committee for that purpose, and do appoint the same to be held in the Room adjoining the Council Chamber immediately Committee James McKay and James Read Esquires Ordered That Mr Le Conte, Mr Farley and Mr Grceme be a Committee to join the Committee of the upper House in the said Conference, and accordingly they went to the said Conference, and being returned Mr Grceme reported that they had joined the Committee of the upper House in Conference on the Amendments made to the said Bill and had agreed to the same which he was directed to report to the House and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Table where it was again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That Mr Grceme do Carry the Bill to the upper House and acquaint them that this House agrees to the report of their Committee of Conference. 188 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE A Message from, the, upper House by the Master in Chancery. That the upper House desires that they may have laid theupper from before them the Correspondence that has passed between Mr Benjamin Franklin and the Publick during the time he has been appointed Agent for this Province Ordered That the upper House be furnished with the same The House took under Consideration his Excellency the Governor's Message N° 2 of the 7th of November last, and Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up an Address in Answer to the said Message, and a Com mittee was appointed accordingly. Committed to Mr Le Conte, Mr Andrew, Mr Grceme, Mr Crooke, and Sir Patrick Houstoun. Ordered That his Excellency the Governor's Mes sage be referred to the said Committee. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday May 4th 1770 The Bill for empowering Commissioners to assess the Biiito assess Inhabitants of the Town of Savannah in the Sum of the Inhabitants sivhe&crnof £2°°- I3" 4 and also to empower the Treasurer to issue tfme a Se"md Certificates for the sum of £100.. 6.. 8 to be sunk by the next General Tax Act for supporting a Watch in the MAY, 1770. 189 Town of Savannah, was read a second time, and ordered to be Committed. A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery That the upper House have agreed to the Ingrossed tteBupperfrom Bil1 for granting to his Majesty the Sum of houm £3355.- 9- 034 for the use and Support of the Govern ment of Georgia for the Year 1770, to be raised at cer tain Rates, and after the method therein mentioned, for the more effectual Collecting of Arrears and for exempt ing the Parishes of Saint David, Saint Patrick, Saint Thomas, and Saint Mary, they not being represented, without any Amendment. And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday May 5th 1770 A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery. That the upper House have agreed to the Bill Intitled, Message from an Act for further Amending- an Act, Intitled an Act the Upper * ' House for the better regulating the Town of Savannah and for ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging without any Amendments, that the upper House have also agreed - to a Bill, Intitled, an Act for appointing Inspectors of Tobacco, and to prevent the exportation of bad and un merchantable Tobacco, without Amendments. That the upper House have also agreed to an Ordi nance for Reappointing Benjamin Franklin Esquire 190 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Agent to Sollicit the Affairs of this Province in Great Britain, to Commence the first day of June next and to Continue for One Year, with some Amendments, to which Amendments they desire the Concurrence of this House. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the fhTBiiTtoM- Whole House to take into Consideration the Bill for itantshofIltheb" empowering Commissioners to assess the Inhabitants of Bah&ca. avan" the Town of Savannah in the Sum of £200.. 13.. 4 and also to empower the Treasurer to issue Certificates for the Sum of £100.. 6.. 8 to be sunk by the next general Tax for supporting a Watch in the Town of Savannah, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr William Young from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration, gone though the same, and made several Amendments thereto, which the Committee had directed him to Re port to the House and he read the Report in his place, and afterwards delivered the Bill, with the Amendments in at the Table where the Amendments were again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments be Ingrossed The House took under Consideration the amendments made by the upper House to the Ordinance for Reap pointing Benjamin Franklin Esquire Agent to Sollicit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain to Com mence the first day of June next, and to Continue for One Year and agreed to the same. Ordered That Mr Grceme do Carry the Ordinance to the upper House, and acquaint them that this House agrees to the Amendments made by their House to the said Ordinance. MAY, 1770. 191 The Ingrossed Bill for empowering Commissioners to ?hMBtimeeada Assess the Inhabitants of the Town of Savannah in the Sum of £200.. 13.. 4 and also to empower the Treasurer to issue Certificates for the Sum of £100.. 6.. 8 to be sunk by the next general Tax Act for supporting a Watch in the Town of Savannah was read a third time. and Passed rES0Lved That the Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Grceme do Carry the Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence. Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw Committee ap- pointed to draw up such Instructions as may be thought proper to be up Instructions J ° A to the Agent transmitted to the Agent, and report the same to the House, and a Committee was appointed accordingly Committed, to Mr Crooke, Mr Le Conte, Mr Simpson, Mr Ewen, and Mr Grceme. A Message from the upper House to the Master in Chancery — That the upper House have agreed to the Ingrossed theuppar from Bill for empowering Commissioners to Assess the In- Bouse habitants of the Town of Savannah in the Sum of £200.. 1 3. .4 and also to empower the Treasurer to issue Certificates for the Sum of £ioo..6..8 to be sunk by the next general Tax Act for supporting a Watch in the Town of Savannah, without any Amendments. And then the House adjourned till Mon day Morning Nine of the Clock 192 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday May 7th 1770 The House met and adjourned till to Morrow Morn ing, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday May 8th 1770 The House met and adjourned till to Morrow Morn ing, Nine of the Clock j (From, B. P.R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday May 9th 1770 The House met and adjourned till to Morrow Morn ing, Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday May 10th 1770 A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery — Message from His Excellency the Governor requires the Attendance ,ncyof this House in the Council Chamber immediately Accordingly Mr Speaker with the whole House went tends'his Exat" to attend his Excellency the Governor in the Council £"eesn hisaAds-he Chamber, and being returned Mr Speaker reported that Aet» *ca".evc ''* he with the whole House had attended his Excellency MAY, 1770. 193 in the Council Chamber where he was pleased to give his Assent to the following Acts and Ordinances Viz' [For enumeration of these Acts, see Journal of Upper House 10 May 1770.] Mr Speaker further reported that his Excellency the Governor was pleased to say he would consider of the following Bills Viz' [For enumeration of these two Bills, see Journal of Upper House 10 May 1770.] Mr Speaker further Reported that his Excellency was pleased to make the following Speech to both Houses of Assembly Viz' Honble Gentlemen — His Excel lencys Houses of As- [For transcript of Governour's Speech see Journal of Upper House 10 May 1770] James Wright Council Chamber the 10th May 1770 And that his Excellency was pleased to enquire whether the House had anything further to do, Mr Speaker, an swered that the House had some further Business yet to Consider of — Mr Grceme from the Committee appointed to draw up ooStteethfP- such Instructions as may be thought proper to be trans- Sp iStructio^ mitted to the Agent Reported that the Committee had ted the Agent come to several Resolutions which they had directed him to Report to the House, and he read the Report in his place, and afterwards delivered the same in at the Table, where the Resolutions were severally again Read and agreed to by the House and are as follows Viz' 13 c r— vul 15 1»4 f JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Resolved That it is the Oppinion of this Committee that the Agent be Instructed by the Committee of Cor respondence to use his utmost endeavours to obtain his Majesty's Royal Assent as soon as possible to the Act passed this Sessions for ordering and governing Slaves &ca Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that the Agent be instructed to use his utmost endeavours to obtain an Instruction from his Majesty permitting his Excellency the Governor to issue Writs for Electing Members to represent the Parishes of Saint David, Saint Patrick, Saint Thomas and Saint Mary. Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that the Agent be instructed to use his utmost endeavours to obtain an Instruction from his Majesty permitting his Excellency the Governor to give his Assent to a Law of the same Tenor and Purport as a Bill passed both Houses of Assembly this Session Intitled an Act, to amend an Act, to ascertain the manner and form of Electing Mem bers to Represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly — Resolved That, it is the Opinion of this Committee that the Agent be instructed to use his utmost endeavours to obtain from William Knox, Esquire (lately an Agent for this Province) the Plan of the Lands claimed by the late Sir William Baker, deceased and the Petition ac companying it, which was transmitted to him, to be presented to his Majesty, and that the Agent be further Instructed to present the said Petition to his Majesty with all Convenient Speed — Ordered That the above Resolutions be referred to the Committee of Correspondence as an Act of this House — MAY, t-^o. 195 The Hous** being informed that the Machine, con structed by William Harding, for the Pounding of Rice, will be ready to be viewed in a few Weeks therefore — Ordered That a Committee be appointed to inspect a£potated*"to the said Machine and report their Opinion thereon at the Barkings next meeting' of tlie House and a Committee was ap- pointed accordingly — Committed to Mr Milledge, Mr Bulloch, Mr Mullryne, Mr Isaac Young, Mr Ewen, Mr Le Conte, Mr Odingsell, Mr Andrew, Mr Stevens Mr Rae, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Grceme and Mr Box. Ordered That Mr Grceme do acquaint the upper wJSe^HcSJe116 House that this House being of, Opinion, that the Bill intitled, an Act, for amending an Act, to ascertain the manner and form of Electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly" will be a great advantage to this Province, which was passed both Houses of Assembly this Session, and his Excellency was pleased (upon its being presented for the Assent) to say he would consider of it, therefore this House desires they will appoint a Committee to Join a Committee of this House in preparing an Address to be presented to his Excellency, Requesting, that he would be pleased to use his utmost endeavours and Influence to obtain an Instruction from his Majesty permitting him to Assent to a Law of the same Tenor and purport. A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery That the upper House agrees in Opinion with this House with respect to the Bill entitled iui Act r~- amend ing an Act, to ascertain the manner and r_/m of electing Members to Represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly, and have appointed 196 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE a Committee to Join a Committee of this House in pre paring an Address accordingly. Committed to John Graham, and James Edward Powell, Esquires. Ordered That Mr Grceme and Sir Patrick Houstoun be a Committee to Join a Committee of the upper House in preparing the said Address — Report from the Comm. ap Upper House Mr Grceme from the Committee appointed to Join a Committee of the upper House to draw up an Address to a0comm!rf)the his Excellency the Governor, requesting that he would be pleased to use his utmost Endeavours and Influence to obtain an Instruction from his Majesty permitting him to assent to a Law of the same Tenor and Purport with a Bill passed both Houses of Assembly this Session Intituled an Act for amending an Act. to ascertain the Manner and Form of electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly, reported they had prepared the same, which was received and read, and agreed to by the House A Message from the upper House by the Master in Chancery. Messagefrom the That the upper House, upon report from the Com mittee of their House appointed to join a Committee of upper House ^s fjouse jn preparing an Address to his Excellency the Governor, requesting that he would be pleased to use his utmost Endeavours and Influence to obtain an Instruction from his Majesty permitting him to assent to a Law of the same Tenor and Purport with a Bill passed both Houses of Assembly this Session intituled an Act for amending an Act to ascertain the Manner and Form of Electing Members to Represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly' have agreed to the Address so prepared — MAY, 1770. _ 197 Ordered That Mr Grceme do acquaint the upper House, that this House doth agree with their House in the said Address. Ordered That the said Address be Ingrossed The said Address being ingrossed was -read to the House in the Words following Viz' To his Excellency James Wright, Esquire Captain General and Governor in Chief of his Majesty's Province of Georgia, Chancellor, and Vice Admiral of the same. The humble Address of both Houses of Assembly in general Assembly met. May it please your Excellency — Both Houses Whereas a Bill Address to his Excellency the [For transcript of Address to the Governor, see Jour nal of Upper House 10 May 1770] Resolved That this House will join the upper House in presenting the said Address — Ordered That Mr Grceme do join a Member of the upper House to know his Excellency, the Governors pleasure, when he will be attended by both Houses, and accordingly he withdrew, and being returned, Reported, that, pursuant to order, he had joined a Member of the upper House, to know his Excellency's pleasure, when he would be attended by both Houses of Assembly with their Address, and that his Excellency was pleased to say he should" be ready to receive them in the Council Chamber immediately — Accordingly Mr Speaker with the whole House went '8 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The House at- to atte"d his Excellency in the Council Chamber when c5teL» wi**" the Address of both Houses was presented, and read to his Excellency, by the President of the Upper House, in Answer to which he was pleased to say — Gentlemen. [For transcript of Governor's Answer to an Address ~ (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 4th February 1771 Motion was made, that John Morel, Esquire, a Member of this House, in Custody of the Messenger, be admitted to make his excuse for not attending his Duty in Assem bly And the House being informed he was attending at the Door he was called in, and,, at the Bar of the House, al- ledged, that the Badness of the Weather had prevented his attendance, and that he did not mean any disrespect to the House — Resolved That as it appears John Morel, Esquire,. was absent from his Duty in Assembly without Leave of the House but declaring he did not mean any disrespect. to the House therefore — Ordered That the said John Morel, Esquire, be dis charged out of Custody of the Messenger, upon Payment of his Fees. Motion was made, that the Ingrossed Ordinance from the Upper House for appointing the Honorable James Read Esquire, a Commissioner in the General Loan Office of this Province, in the Room of the Honorable Francis Harris, Esquire, who has declined serving in the said Office, should be read the first time, a debate arising there on, and the Question being put, It was passed in the Negative Resolved That, as it is the Opinion of this House that an Ordinance of this Nature ought constitutionally to take its Rise in the Commons House of Assembly, there fore — Ordered That Leave be given to bring in an Ordi- 286 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE nance for appointing the Honorable James Read, Esquire, a Commissioner in the General Loan Office, in the Room of the Honorable Francis Harris, Esquire, who has de clined serving in that Capacity and that Mr Simpson, M1' Ewen, and Mr Elbert, be a Committee to prepare and bring in the Same — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 5th February 1771 Mr Simpson, from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in an Ordinance for appointing the Honorable James Read, Esquire, a Commissioner in the General Loan Office in the Room of the Honorable Francis Harris Esquire, who has declined serving in that Capacity, re ported they had prepared the Same which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a Second time — The order of the day, for taking into Consideration the necessity of erecting Places of Public Worship in the dif ferent Parishes of this Province, and for providing for Ministers to Officiate therein, and also to provide for an Assistant for the Parish of Christ Church, being read, the House took the same into Consideration accordingly, and — Resolved That there is an absolute necessity for erecting places of Publick Worship in Several Parishes of this Province and for providing for Persons to officiate therein, and also to provide for an Assistant for the Par ish of Christ Church. FEBRUARY, 1771. 287 Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for erecting Churches, Chapels, or Schools, in the several Parishes herein after mentioned, and also for the Main tenance of Persons to Officiate therein, and also for a Maintenance of an Assistant for the Parish of Christ Church, and that Mr Farley, Mr Bulloch and Mr LeConte be a Committee to prepare and bring in the said Bill — Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for laying a Duty on Goods, Wares, and Merchandize, sold at Vendue, and for appropriating the Same, and that Mr Le Conte Mr Rae; and Mr Crooke, be a Committee to prepare and bring in the said Bill — Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill for laying a Duty upon Deer Skins exported, and for appropriating the same — The Question being put It passed in the Negative. And then the House adjourned till t« Morrow morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Wednesday, 6th February 1771 The Ingrossed Bill for laying a Duty upon Negroes, Rum, and Wines, imported for Sale, and for appropriat ing the same, was read a third time, and Some Amend ments were made to the Bill — The Question was put if the said Bill should pass, it It passed in the Negative — 288 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The Ordinance for appointing the Honorable James Read, Esquire, a Commissioner in the General Loan Office, in the Room of the Honorable Francis Harris, Es quire, who has declined Serving in that Capacity, was read the Second time and ordered to be Ingrossed — A Petition from several Inhabitants of the Town of Queensborough whose names are. thereunto Subscribed, was presented to the House, and read setting forth, That the kind Reception which their Friends and Country Peo ple met with upon their Arrival in this Province, and, from the great encouragement they had from the Publick ; The Petitioners were influenced to part with what little personal substance they were possessed of in order to en able them to come to this Province and upon their Arrival the scarcity of Provisions and the Inconveniences they were put to for purchasing the same, laid them under the Necessity of parting with what little remains they had of their former Substance and whereas the Securing of their Land is a Matter of the utmost Importance unto them and their Posterity, and being utterly unable of themselves to secure the Same, and being encouraged by former Generosity extended to Strangers in General, and to them in particular, in assisting them to their Settle ment : The Petitioners therefore beg that the House would take their Necessity into Consideration, and Grant them such Assistance as to its Wisdom shall seem meet towards the taking out the Grants of their Land, &ca Motion was made that the prayer of the said Petition be granted — The Question being put, it It passed in the Negative Resolved That this House will, on this day fortnight, FEBRUARY, 1771. 289 take into Consideration the entering upon a Tax Bill for the present year — Ordered That there be a Call of the House on the same day previous to the taking the said Resolution into Consideration Resolved That such Members who do not attend at that time shall be proceeded against with the utmost Severity. Resolved That during an Adjournment or Proroga tion of the General Assembly, if any Member of the Com mons House of Assembly shall die, that then and in that Case, Mr Speaker for the time being shall have full power and Authority to Address his Excellency the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time being, requesting, that a Writ or Writs may issue for electing a Representative or Representatives in the Room of such Member or Mem bers so dying, and the Address, so prepared signed and presented, shall be deemed an Act of the House — Motion was made for altering the fifth Rule of this House and that for the future not less than twelve Mem bers and the Speaker shall proceed to Business except in issuing Warrants, and ordering letters to be wrote to Members of this House, or any other Person, that then and in that Case Eight Members and the Speaker shall have full power and Authority for these purposes and no other — • Resolved That this House will take the said Motion into Consideration this day Week — A Message from the Upper House by their Clerk That the Upper House have agreed to the Ingrossed Bill to em power Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and repair the Roads already laid out, or may hereafter be 19 0 r— vol 15 290 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE necessary, and also to clear the Rivers and Creeks within their respective Divisions, with some Amendments, to which Amendments they desire the Concurrence of this House and also that the Upper House have agreed to the Ingrossed Bill for establishing several Ferries, and for Vesting the same in the Persons herein mentioned, with some Amendments, to which Amendments they desire the Concurrence of this House, and then the Messenger with drew — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock — (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Thursday 7th February 1771 The House took into Consideration the Amendments made by the Upper House to the Ingrossed Bill for es tablishing several Ferries, and for Vesting the same in the Persons herein mentioned, and agreed to the Same — Ordered That Mr Farley do carry the Bill to the upper Blouse and acquaint them that this House hath agreed to the Amendments made by their House to the said Bill The Ingrossed Ordinance for appointing the Honorable James Read, Esquire, a Commissioner in the General Loan Office, in the Room of the Honorable Francis Har ris Esquire, who has declined serving was read the third time — Resolved That the Ordinance do pass Ordered That Sir Patrick Houstoun do carry the FEBRUARY, 1 771. 291 said Ordinance to the upper House, and desire their Concurrence — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 8th February 1771 Ordered That an Address be prepared and presented to his Excellency the Governor, requesting he will be pleased to give orders for issuing a Writ to elect a Repre sentative for the Parish of Saint Philip, in the Room of Samuel Jones Esquire, deceased — The said Address being prepared, was read and agreed to by the House Ordered That Mr Le Conte and Mr Crooke do wait upon his Excellency and present the said Address, and being returned Mr Le Conte reported they had waited on his Excellency and presented the Address, and that he was pleased to answer that he would give directions for issu ing the said Writ immediately — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Saturday 9"1 February 1771 The House met and adjourned till Monday morning Ten of the Clock 292 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday IIth February 1771 The House met and adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 12th February 1771 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take into further Consideration the Bill to ascertain and regulate Publick Officers Fees, and also the Fees of other persons herein after mentioned and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Sir Patrick Houstoun from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into further Consideration, gone through the Same, and made several Amendments thereto, which the Committee had directed him to report to the House when the House will please to receive the Same — Ordered That the report on the Amendments to the said Bill be made to morrow morning — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 13th February 1777 (slc) Sir Patrick Houstoun (according to order) reported from the Committee of the whole House to whom the Bill FEBRUARY, 1 771. 293 to ascertain and regulate Publick Officers Fees, and also the Fees of other Persons herein after mentioned was committed, the Amendments which the Committee had made to the Bill, and which they had directed him to re port to the House, and he read the Report in his place, and afterwards delivered tlie Bill, with the Amendments in at the Table where the Amendments were read and agreed to by the House — Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments be In- grossed The order of the day for taking under Consideration the Motion for altering the fifth rule of this House, and for the future that not less than Twelve Members and the Speaker shall proceed to any Business, except in issuing Warrants and ordering Letters to be wrote to Members, or any other Person, then and in that Case, Eight Mem bers and the Speaker shall have full power and Authority for these purposes, and no other ; being read, The House took the Same into Consideration accord ingly, and Resolved That the said fifth Rule be altered, and that for the future the Speaker and Twelve Members shall be a Quorum to act as if all the Members were present, but that the Speaker and Eight Members may order Letters to be wrote to, or issue warrants against absent Members, and in no other Business of the House And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock 294 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Thursday 14th February 1771 Mr William Young, from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for altering part of an Act, In- titled an Act for raising a certain Number of Watchmen for preserving good order in and about the Town of Sa vannah reported they had prepared the same, which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a Second time — The House took into Consideration the Amendments made by the Upper House to the Ingrossed Bill To em power Commissioners, or Surveyors to lay out, make and repair the Roads already laid out, or may hereafter be necessary, and also to clear the Rivers and Creeks within their respective Divisions, and agreed to some, and disagreed to others — ¦ Ordered That Mr Farley do Carry the Bill to the Upper House and acquaint them, that this House having taken the Amendments made by their House to the said Bill into Consideration, have agreed to some, and dis agreed to others, therefore this House desires that (sic) will appoint a Committee to join a Committee of this House in Conference on the Subject matter of the said Amend ments And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Friday 15th February 1771 The House met and adjourned till to Morrow morn ing Nine of the Clock FEBRUARY, 1771. 295 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday 16th February 1771 The House met and adjourned till Monday morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 18"1 February 1771 Mr Farley from the Committee appointed to examine the proceedings of the several Courts of Justice and also to enquire into the State of the Publick Offices to whom was referred a Complaint made to the House against Thomas Shruder, Esquire, Deputy Surveyor General for exacting Double Fees of several Persons for their pre cepts for Lands, reported the Committee found it neces sary to require the Attendance of Thomas Moodie, Es quire, Deputy Secretary to answer such Questions as the Committee might deem expedient to propose — Your Committee accordingly made an order on the said Mr Moodie for that purpose who attended on Thurs day last and being acquainted that it was a Resolution of the Committee to examine all Persons called before them on Oath, the following was read to him ("you shall true answer make to all such Questions as may be required of you by this Committee relative to Fees allowed to be taken by the several Officers respecting Lands laid out and reserved for the use of the Irish and other Settlers So help you God") Mr Moodie being then asked whether he would take the said Oath, Replied That as he apprehended no Oath whatever hath here tofore been required of any Person called either before the House of Assembly or a Committee thereof — he did 296 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE not chuse to be made the first example, for that reason he said he would not take the Oath requested of him' — Your Committee are unanimously of Opinion that the Refusal of the said Mr Moodie to comply with their re quest is a presumptuous Breach of the Privilege of the House and a daring Contempt of the Authority of your Committee whereby the Course of Publick Justice is re tarded the injured Complainants are unredressed and our Constituents exposed to the rapacity and Insolence of Office— The said Report being read The Question was put if the House agree to the said Report It passed in the Affirmative therefore — Ordered That Mr Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Messenger attending this House and the Acting Pro vost Marshal to take and commit the Body of the said Thomas Moodie immediately to the Common Goal in Savannah there to remain during the Pleasure of the House — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 19"1 February 1771 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take into Consideration the Bill for al tering part of an Act Intitled "an Act for raising a Cer tain number of Watchmen for preserving good order in and about the Town of Savannah" and after some time spent therein M1' Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Far- FEBRUARY, 1771. 297 ley from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration gone through the same and made some Amendments thereto which he was directed by the Committee to report to the House and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the Amendments in at the Table where the Amendments were read and agreed to by the House — ¦ Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments be In- grossed Two Messages from the Upper House by their Clerk Viz' That the Upper House have agreed to the Ingrossed Bill For the Relief of Parishes from such Charges as may arise from Bastard Children without any Amend ment and also that the Upper House have agreed to the Conference desired by this House on the Amendments made (slc) their House to the "Ingrossed Bill to empower "Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and repair "the Roads already laid out or may hereafter be neces- "sary and also to clear the Rivers and Creeks within their "respective Divisions" and have appointed a Committee accordingly to meet in the Room adjoining the Council Chamber To morrow morning Ten of the Clock Committed to the Honorable John Graham, James Edward Powell, and Lewis Johnson, Esquire — Ordered That a Committee be appointed to join a Committee of the Upper House in Conference on the Amendments made by the Upper House to the said Bill Committed to Mr Bulloch, Mr Le Conte, Mr Andrew, Sir Patrick Houstoun and Mr Bryan — And then the House adjourned till To morrow morning Nine of the Clock 298 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 20th February 1771 The order of the day, for a Call of the House being read the House was called over accordingly; and the Names of John Millidge, Button Guinnett, and Edward Barnard, Esquires, being called over a Second time and they not appearing, nor any excuse for their Absence — - Ordered That the Clerk do write John Millidge, Es quire that the House requires his attending his Duty in Assembly immediately — Ordered That the Speaker do issue his Warrant for taking into Custody Button Guinnett, Esquire, a Member of this House, for absenting himself from his Duty in As sembly. Resolved That if Edward Barnard, Esquire, a Mem ber of this House, do not attend his Duty in Assembly on or before this day fortnight, his Seat shall be deemed Vacant — Ordered That the Clerk do write to the said Edward Barnard, and acquaint him of the above Resolution — The other order of the day for taking into Considera tion the entering upon a Tax Bill for the present year being read, the House took the same into Consideration accordingly and A Motion was made, that the House or der in a Tax Bill for the present year, and a Debate arising thereon, The Question was put, and it It passed in the Negative Resolved That this House will not enter upon a Tax FEBRUARY, 1771. 299 Bill for the present year, the Parishes of Saint David Saint Patrick, Saint Thomas and Saint Mary, not being represented — The Ingrossed Bill to ascertain and regulate Publick Officers Fees, and also the Fees of other Persons herein after mentioned, was read the third time — Resolved That the Bill do pass Ordered That Mr Bulloch do carry the said Bill to the Upper House and desire their Concurrence — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 21s' February 1771 The House met and adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 22s February 1771 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to take into further Consideration the Sev eral Accounts delivered in against the Publick, and, after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair. and Sir Patrick Houstoun from the Committee reported they had taken the said Accounts into further Considera tion gone through Sundry of the said Accounts, which he was directed to Report to the House, and he read the re- 300 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE port in his place, and afterwards delivered the Report in at the Table, where the Report was read and agreed to by the House — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow morning Nine of the Clock But on the Evening of the same day being the 22d of February 1771, His Excellency the Governor was pleased to dissolve the Assembly by Proclamation — (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) GEORGIA. Journal of the Proceedings of the Commons House of Assembly of the Province of Georgia at the first Meeting of the Eight General Assembly of the Said Province, con vened at the Town of Savannah on Tuesday the Twenty third day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy One, by his Excellency James Wright Esquire, Captain General and Governor in Chief of the Province aforesaid A True Copy from the Original Jour nals Examined ^ Jn° Simpson C : D : C : Recd Ocf 30, 1 77 1. Journal of the Proceedings of the Commons House of Assembly of the Province of Georgia at the first Meeting of the Eight General Assembly of the Said Province, con vened at the Town of Savannah on Tuesday the Twenty third day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy One, by his Excellency James Wright Esquire, Captain General and Governor in Chief of the Province aforesaid APRIL, 1771. 301 The Commis sion for quali fying- the Members de livered to the Clerk The Clerk of the Council delivered to the Clerk of the Commons House of Assembly, by order of his Excellency the Governor a Commission directed to Jonathan Bryan, Noble Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch, and William Young Esquires, the Members elected and returned to serve in General Assembly for the Town and District of Savannah The Clerk of the Council also delivered the several Writs of Election upon which the Representatives are elected and returned together with the several In dentures from the Provost Marshal The Clerk of the Commons House of Assembly after the several63 having examined the several Indentures returned with wrthnthTwrits the Writs of Election read to the Representatives present cS^mtsston6 the aforesaid Commission in the words following Viz' Georgia By his Excellency James Wright, Esquire, Captain General, Governor and Comander in Chief of his Majesty's said Province of Georgia, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same — - To Jonathan Bryan, Noble Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch, and William Young, Esquires, Greeting TheCommission Whereas his most Sacred Majesty in and by his Royal Commission to me under the Great Seal of Great Britain hath amongst other things directed that the several Per sons duly elected to serve as Members of the General As sembly of this Province shall before their Sitting take the Oaths mentioned and appointed to be taken by an Act Passed in the first year of the Reign of his late Majesty King George the first entitled "an Act for the further "Security of his Majesty's Person and Government and "the Succession of the Crown in the Heirs of the late "Princess Sophia being Protestants, and for extinguish ing the Hopes of the Pretended Prince of Wales and 302 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE "his open and Secret Abettors" And whereas the said Act was altered by an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain made in the Sixth year of the Reign of our Sov ereign Lord the King, that now is entitled "an Act for altering the Oath of Abjuration, and the assurance and for amending so much of an Act of the Seventh Year of her late Majesty Queen Anne entitled "an Act for the "improvement of the Union of the two Kingdoms" as "after the time therein limited requires the Delivery of "Certain Lists and Copies therein mentioned to Persons "indicted of high Treason or Misprision of Treason" And whereas the said Persons so elected are required also to make and subscribe the Declaration mentioned in an Act of Parliament made in the Twenty fifth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second entitled "An Act for preventing Dangers which may happen from Popish Re cusants" which said Oaths (in the Form- prescribed by the Act of Parliament last ab.ove mentioned) and the Declar ation aforesaid I am fully authorized and empowered to commissionate fit Persons under the Seal of the Province aforesaid to tender and administer to the said several Persons so elected, And it is by his Majesty's Royal Commission and Instructions declared that untill the same be so taken and subscribed no Person shall be capable of Sitting though elected, I therefore reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity Care and Circumspection of you the said Jonathan Bryan, Noble Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch, and William Young, have Commis- sionated and appointed and by Virtue and pursuant to the Powers Vested in me as aforesaid do give unto you or any two or more of you full Power and Authority to ten der and administer the Oaths in the last mentioned Act of Parliament contained and also the Declaration above mentioned unto the several Persons elected or that may hereafter be elected to serve as Members of the said Gen eral Assembly and to see them subscribe severally the said APRIL, 1 77 1. 303 Declaration when and as often as the same shall be requi site and necessary to be done, and you the said Jonathan Bryan, Noble Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch, and William Young are hereby required to make a due return of your Proceedings by Virtue of this Commission from time to time unto me under your Hands and Seals with the Names of such Members as have been duely Quali fied before you as aforesaid — This Commission to Continue during Pleasure Given under my Hand and the Great Seal of his Majesty's said Province of Georgia the Twenty third day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy One and in the Eleventh Year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the Third James Wright L S Secretary's Office By his Excellencys Command Thomas Moodie, Deputy Secretary The following Representatives being met, Viz' Noble Several Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch, and William Young QuSimed Esquires, for the Town and District of Savannah, James Habersham, Jun1 Esquire, for the Town of Frederica and Parish of Saint James, Edward Barnard and Richard Cunningham Crooke, Esquires, for the Town of Augusta and Parish of Saint Paul, William Ewen, John Adam Treutlen and Stephen Millen, Esquires, for the Town of Ebenezer and Parish of Saint Matthew, Philip Box, Es quire, for the Village of Acton in the Parish of Christ Church, Richard Wylly, Esquire, for the Town of Ver nonburgh in the Parish of Christ Church, Benjamin An drew, and Josiah Powell, Esquires, for Medway and Parish of Saint John, Collin Reddock, Esquire, for Hali- 304 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE fax, and Parish of Saint George Samuel Farley, Esquire, for the District of Great Ogechee and Parish of Saint Philip, proved themselves duly qualified to serve as Rep resentatives according to the Terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province Passed the 29th day of June 1761, entitled "an Act to Ascertain "the manner and Form of electing Members to represent "the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House "of Assembly" and then took the Oaths and made and subscribed the Declaration and took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration and then took their Seats — The cierk of ^e Clerk of the Council by order of his Excellency infoSsthe *he Governor, acquainted the Members present that as etet'th^thisres" his Excellency apprehended there might be a thin meeting would 1SCm the to day, he would come to the Council Chamber to mor- ber to Morrow row, at Ten of the Clock in the morning-, when he would at 10 of the ° clock and send send them a Message. them a Message ° And then the Clerk of the Commons House of Assem bly at the desire of the Members Present took the Chair, and adjourned them till to morrow morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 24th April 1771 Jonathan Bryan, Esquire, elected and returned for the Me^mifeVs Town and District of Savannah, John Rae, Esquire elect- Qualified ecj ancj returried for the Town of Augusta, and Parish of Saint Paul, William Wylly, Esquire, elected and returned for Halifax and Parish of Saint George proved them selves duly qualified to serve as Representatives, accord ing to the Terms Prescribed in and by an Act of the Gen eral Assembly of this Province, and then took the Oaths, APRIL, 1 771. 305 and made and Subscribed the Declaration, and made and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration and then took their Seats — A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Clerk of the Council — Gentlemen His Excellency His Excellency the Governor has ordered me to ac- requires the -' !frocneeTto%iecluaint y°u That you have his Leave and Direction t© Pro- sSVfa ceed to the Choice of a Speaker- Then the Members Present Proceeded to the choice of a Elated63 Speaker, and unanimously elected Noble Wimberly Jones, Esquire, to be their Speaker, and he was accordingly conducted to the Chair — Speaker Mr Bulloch and Mr Crooke, were ordered to attend his ^weTto^at- Excellency the Governor, and acquaint him, that the ktncy^na^ac-3'" Members had unanimously made choice of Noble Wim- thereof berly Jones, Esquire, to be their Speaker, and desire to know when they should attend his Excellency to present him, accordingly they withdrew, and being returned, re ported, that his Excellency the Governor had been Pleased "prov^of by to disapprove of the Choice of Noble Wimberly Jones, his Excellency j?SqUire, to be the Speaker, and therefore required they would proceed to the Choice of another Speaker Then the p^c^to'the Members Present Proceeded to the Choice of another otherspeaker Speaker and unanimously elected Archibald Bulloch, Es- kwh Elected quire, to be their Speaker, and he was accordingly con ducted to the Chair Mr Crooke and Mr Barnard were ordered to attend his a committM Excellency the Governor, and acquaint him, that the toey andEae-eI" Members present had unanimously elected Archibald Bul- X£j£fhlm loch, Esquire, to be their Speaker, in the room of Noble Wimberly Jones, Esquire, who was rejected by his Ex- 20 c r— vol 15 306 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE cellency, and desire to know when they should attend his Excellency to present him, accordingly they withdrew, and being returned, reported, that his Excellency was pleased to say, immediately M1' Crooke and Mr Barnard were appointed a Corn- Mr. Crookepre- ,,.__*,, . , , _ aented and ap- mittee to attend his Lxcellency with the Speaker elect, proved of S _ j r > and present him for his Excellency's approbation who was pleased to approve of him —£ And then Mr Speaker informed the House he had de- fj^m33pt^erin" sired his Excellency, in the Name and behalf of this House quests h^hll6" that he will be pleased to grant that they may have free- Siiency in theft dom of Speech, as by right of Custom they used to have, half "" and all their Just Priveleges and Liberties allowed them, and that in any thing he should deliver in the Name of the House, if he committed any mistake it may not be imputed to the House, but that he may resort again to the House for a Declaration of their true Intent and meaning, and that, as often as his Majesty's Service, or the good of the Province, required, he might by Direction of the House, have free Access to his Excellency, To HisExceiien- which his Excellency was pleased to Answer, that he cy-. Awwer wJn Grant the Assembly every Right and Privelege that they have usually enjoyed, and which he conceives they can justly Claim, and that (slc) is in his Power to Grant them, consistant with his Majestys Royal Instructions, And whatever may be delivered in the Name of the House if there is any Mistake in it, he shall have free Liberty to resort to the House and correct or amend such Mis take, and he shall have free Access to him whenever the Publick Business may require it. A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the &££ Clerk of the Council. APRIL, 1771. v> ¦"¦.'.!., 307 Mr Speaker I am ordered by his Excellency the Governor to ac quaint you that he requires the Attendance of this House in the Council Chamber immediately Accordingly Mr Speaker, with the House, went up ten «jeHhfai,iiit" to attend his Excellency, and being returned, Mr Speaker cha£b£ea reported, that he with the House, had attended his Ex cellency and that he was pleased to make a Speech to both Houses of Assembly, of which Mr Speaker said he had to prevent Mistakes, obtained a Copy, which he read to the House, and is as followeth, Viz' Honorable Gentlemen Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly Tbe Governors [For transcript of Gov" Speech see Journal of the Upper House 24 Apl 1773 J Xeselutlon of the House thereupon Savannah in Georgia ] Council Chamber the [ 24th April 1 771 J Resoeved, Nem. Con. That an Humble Address of thanks be presented to his Excellency the Governor for his Speech delivered to both Houses at the opening of the present Sessions to beg his Acceptance of our Grate- full Acknowledgements for the Attention he has been pleased to pay to the united request of both Houses of the late Assembly respecting the Election Bill as at the same time he assures us his Majesty has been graciously pleased to permit him to Assent to an Act for that pur pose, but with concern observe, that the material clause for limiting the duration of Assembly is excepted not withstanding the advanced Season of the year, we shall chearfully proceed to frame all such Bills as to us may appear most conducive to the real interest of our Constitu- 308 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ents ever keeping in view the great and essential Rights of the People and the Honour and Dignity of the Crown Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up p^Sted'on the an Address to be presented to his Excellency upon the «ai Reao utwn ^ ^ Resolution, and a Committee was appointed accord ingly — Committee, Mr Crooke, Mr Barnard, Mr Farley, Mr William Young, Mr Ewen, Mr Habersham and Mr Andrew — Ordered That his Excellency's Speech be referred to the said Committee Sir Patrick Houstoun, Baronet, elected and returned sir Patrick one of the Representatives for Darien and Parish of Houstoun de- MlnseatakiDsr Saint Andrew attended the House & in person declined taking his Seat as a Member of this House, upon account of his private affairs not permitting him to attend. The Clerk presented to the House a Letter from Jermyn eIq™ decune?* Wright, Esquire, elected and returned for the parish of taking his seat gaint Thomas directed to him, wherein he sets forth that theElectors for theParish of Saint Thomas had, unknown to him, elected him to serve as a Representative for that Parish in the Commons House of Assembly, that he ac knowledges himself obliged to them for their favour, but that his being at so great a Distance from Savannah, when at his place of Residence, it will by no means be convenient to him to attend the House as a Member, therefore requests the Clerk to acquaint the Gentlemen who do serve, that a Writ may be applied for to chuse another in his Stead — Resolved That as Jermyn Wright, Esquire, was elected a Representative for the Parish of Saint Thomas without his knowledge, and as it appears he cannot con veniently attend his Duty in Assembly that his written excuse be admitted for his not serving — Address order- APRIL, 1 771. 309 Ordered That an Address be prepared and presented ed to be Pre^ to his Excellency the Governor requesting he will be sented to his pleased to give Orders for issuing two Writs of Election, Excellency re- ., T. t -questing he Viz1 One to elect a Representative for Darien and Parish will order new x write to issue 0f Saint Andrew in the room of Sir Patrick Houstoun, Baronet, who has declined taking his Seat as a Member of the House and also another to elect a Representative for the Parish of Saint Thomas, in the room of Jermyn Wright, Esquire, who has likewise declined taking his Seat as a Member of the House. Ordered That Mr Harley and Mr Andrew do wait upon his Excellency the Governor and present the said Address Ordered That a Committee of Priveleges and Elec- PrtJ™iM" °fnd tions be appointed, and a Committee was appointed ac- iteetions ap- cordingly and they are to meet as often as there is Occa sion, and they are to take into Consideration all such Matters as may or shall come in Question touching Re turns, Elections and Priveleges, and to proceed upon double Returns in the first place, and to report their pro ceedings with their Opinions thereupon, to the House from time to time, and all Persons who will question any Returns are to do it within fourteen days next and so within fourteen days next after any new Returns shall be brought in, and the Committee are to have power to send for Persons, papers and Records for their Information, and all Members who are returned for two or more places are to make their Election by this day Week for which of the places they will serve, Provided there be no question upon the Returns for that place, and if any thing shall come in Question touching the Return, Election, or Matter of Privelege, of any Member he is to withdraw during the time the Matter is in Debate, and that all Members returned upon double Returns do withdraw till their Returns are determined. 310 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Committee, Mr Ewen, Mr Crooke, Mr Jones, Mr Bryart Mr Farley, Mr Richard Wylly and Mr William Young. Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw S?™otatedetoe up standing Rules, and report the same, with their Opinion rS of the thereupon to the House, and a Committee was appointed House ,• , accordingly. Committee, M1' Jones, Mr Farley, Mr Rae, Mr Barnard. and M1' Box. .„. . Ordered That a Committee of Grievances be ap- Committee of , 1 poruttediec?:aP"P°*'ntec^ anweth viz' [For transcript of Speech see Journal of the Upper House 22 April 1772] Savannah in Georgia — Council Chamber the 22a April 1772 Resolved, nem, con, That an humble address be pre sented to his Honour the President for his Speech deliv ered to both Houses at the Opening of the Present Ses sion : That we thank him for his warm expressions of Attachment and good disposition towards the Province, and readily Perswade ourselves that the trust repossed in him by his Majesty, his long residence amongst us, and Anxiety for our Prosperity, will point out to his Honour the most Salutary Steps necessary to be Pursued at this important juncture, and are truly Sensible of the detri ment that must Arise to our Private Affairs on Account of Meeting at this inconvenient Season, and nothing but the Welfare of our Constituents could induce us to Neglect our Private Concerns at this time, added to the Necessity we See of Proceeding upon Business, and Supporting the APRIL, 1772. 325 Publick faith, we shall therefore endeavour to avoid every impediment that can Possibly arise to Obstruct those desirable ends, and Postpone every Matter which shall not appear immediately necessary. We also Observe with Pleasure the Account his Honour has received of Satisfaction being Obtained of the Creek Indians for the Murder committed by one of their People at Queenbor- ough a Circumstance which shews their Peaceable dispo sition towards us, and when a State of the Public debts shall be laid before us we shall readily take into our Se rious Consideration what his Honour was pleased to rec ommend respecting them — Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up an Address to be Presented to his Honour upon the said Resolution, and a Committee was appointed Accordingly. Ordered That his Honour's Speech be referred to the said Committee Resolved That the Minutes of this House be inserted weekly in the Gazette Ordered That a Committee of Privileges and Elec tions be appointed and a Committee was appointed Ac cordingly, and they are to meet as often as there is Oc casion, and they are to take into Consideration all such Matters as may or shall come in question touching re turns, Elections, and Privileges, and to Proceed upon double returns in the first Place and to refer their pro ceeding, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House, from time to time: and all Persons who will Question any re turns are to do it within fourteen days next, and so with in fourteen days next after any new return shall be brought in : and the Committee are to have Power to send for Persons, Papers, and Records, for their Infor mation: and all Members who are returned for two or 326 ,: JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE more Places are to make their Election by this day Week for which of the Places they will Serve, Provided there be no Question upon the return for that Place: and if any thing shall come in Question touching the return, Election or matter of Privilege, of any Member, he is to withdraw during the time the Matter is in debate, and that all Members returned upon double returns to with draw till their returns are determined, Committed to Mr Hall, Mr Le Conte Mr Jones, Mr William Young Mr Cochran Mr Bryan Mr Farley M1' Inglis and Mr Carter — Resolved That the rules of the former House of As sembly (excepting the fifth) shall be the Standing rules of this House until altered — Resolved That (instead of the fifth rule of the form er Assembly) not less than Eighteen Members and the Speaker shall Proceed to any business except issuing war rants and ordering Letters to be wrote to members, or any other Person, that then and in that Case eight Members and the Speaker shall have full Power and authority for these Purposes, and no other Resolved That this House will attend Mr Speaker to divine Service on Sunday next — Ordered That Mr Hall and and M1' Inglis do wait on the Rev Mr Lowten, and Acquaint him therewith — And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, nine of the Clock— (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 24"' April The House met according to Adjournment, and ad journed till to Morrow Morning, nine of the Clock APRIL, 1772. 327 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 24th April George Baillie Esqr Elected for the Parish of S* Thom as, and on a double return for the Town of Vernonburgh, in the Parish of Christ Church Attended, and declined Serving for the said Parish of S' Thomas and chose to abide by the determination upon the double return for Vernonburgh — ¦ Resolved That an Address be presented to his Hon our the President requesting he will be pleased to order a Writ to.be issued for electing a Member for the Parish of S' Thomas, in the room of George Baillie, Esqr who being returned for the said Parish and also on a double return for the town of Vernonburgh, in the Parish of Christ Church, chose to decline Serving for the said Par ish of S' Thomas. George Mackintosh Esq1" Elected and returned for the Parish of S' Andrew, proved himself duly Qualified to Serve as a Representative according to the Terms Pre scribed in and by an Act of the general Assembly of this Province, and then took the Oaths, and made and Sub scribed the declaration, and made and Subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, and then took his Seat — Mr Speaker received a Letter from John Thomas Esqr Elected for the Parish of S' George, Setting forth, that being elected contrary to his inclination, begged to be ex cused Serving, as it would be highly injurious to his Private interest — Resolved That the said excuse be admitted, it ap pearing that he was Elected contrary to his inclination Resolved That an Address be presented to his Hon- 328 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE our the President requesting that he will be pleased to order a Writ to be issued for Electing a Member for the Parish of S' George, in the room of John Thomas Esq1 who has declined Serving — Mr Hall from the Committee appointed to wait on the Rev : Mr Lowten, Reported they had accordingly called at his house, and were informed that he was out of town, and that they had left a Note to inform him of the Same. Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a bill to continue the Several Laws that are near Expiring, Com mitted to Mr Farley Mr Andrew and Mr William Young. A Message from his Honour the President by the Clerk of the Council Mr Speaker. His Honour the President commands the Attendance of your Clerk with the Journals of this House in the Council Chamber immediately And then the House adjourned till to Morrow Morning, nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday. 25th April Mr Barnard from the Committee appointed to draw up an Address to be Presented to his Honour the President, Reported, that the Committee had drawn up an Address accordingly, and was ready to make their Report whew the House Please to receive the Same — Resolved That the Committee have leave to make theii' Report APRIL, 1772. 329 M1' Barnard accordingly read the Same in his place, which was approved of, and is as follow's To his Honour James Habersham Esq' President and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Province of Georgia, Chancellor, Vice Admiral, and Ordinary of the Same — The Humble Address of the Commons House of Assembly. May it please your Plonour We his Majesty's dutiful and loyal Subjects the Com- mons of Georgia in General Assembly met, return youi Honour our Sincere thanks for your Speech delivered to us at the Opening of the Session We thank you Sir, for your warm expressions of At tachment and good disposition towards the Province, and we readily perswade ourselves that the trust reposed in you by his Majesty, your long residence amongst us, and anxiety for our prosperity, will point out to your Honour the most Salutary Steps necessary to be pursued at this Important juncture — We are Truly Sensible of the detriment that must arise to our private affairs on Account of Meeting at this in convenient Season, and nothing but the Welfare of our Constituents could induce us to Neglect our private Con cerns at this time, added to the Necessity we See of pro ceeding upon business and Supporting the publick faith we shall therefore endeavour to avoid every impediment that can possibly arise to Obstruct these desirable ends and postpone every matter that shall not appear imme diately necessary, we Observe with pleasure the Account your Honour hath received of the Satisfaction being Ob tained from the Creek Indians for the Murder committed 330 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE by one of their people at Queensborough a Circumstance which shews their peaceable disposition towards us — When a State of the publick debts shall be laid before us we will readily take into our Serious Consideration what your Honour is pleased to recommend respecting them. Ordered That Mr Speaker do sign the said Address Ordered That Mr Young and Mr Hall do wait on his Honour the President to know when he will be pleased to receive the above Address Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in an ordinance to appoint Benjamin Franklin Esqr Agent to Solicit the Affairs of this Province in Great Britain- Committed to Mr Jones and Mr Le Conte. Ordered That all persons having any demands against the publick do deliver their Accounts immediately, properly attested, to the Clerk of this House — Ordered That notice thereof be published in the Ga zette — • A Message from his Honour the President by the Clerk of the Council — Council Chamber, 25'"- April, 1772 M' Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I am Extremely Sorry to find by your journals that some very Exceptionable Minutes are entered I particu larly mean your third Choice of Noble Wimberly Jones Esqr as your Speaker, upon whom I had, Agreeable to his Majesty's express directions, twice put a Negative, and that your Choice of your present Speaker was only APRIL, 1772. 331 in Consequence of his declining the Chair, if this Minute is to Stand upon your Journals, I have no Choice left but to Proceed to an immediate dissolution, I therefore desire you will Come to a Present and Speedy determination to recede from it, if you do, I shall with the most unfeigned Satisfaction proceed to Business which you cannot but be Sensible will be of the highest Advantage to the Province, I shall expect your immediate answer to this Message, that my conduct may be regulated by it, and shall for that purpose remain in the Council Chamber. James Habersham The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to Consider of an answer to the said Mes sage, and, Mr Speaker having resumed the Chair Mr Ewen from the Committee Reported, that it was the Opinion of the said Committee that a Committee be ap pointed to draw up an address in Answer to his Honour the President, and that a Message be sent to Acquaint his Honour thereof — ¦ Ordered That Mr Le Conte Mr Bryan Mr Farley Mr Inglis and Mr Jones, be a Committee to prepare the Same Ordered That Mr Inglis and Mr Spalding do carry the following Message to his Honour the President — May it Please Your Honour This House having taking into the Consideration your Message of this day have appointed a Committee to meet this Afternoon to draw up an Address in answer thereto, which they doubt not will be Satisfactory. They accordingly withdrew, and, being returned, Mr Inglis Reported that they had waited on his Honour the President, and he was Pleased to say he would be in the 332 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Council Chamber at Six O'Clock in the afternoon to re ceive their Answer — And then the House Adjourned until five of the Clock afternoon Mr Farley from the Committee appointed to draw up an address in answer to his Honour the President's Message, Reported, that they had agreeable to order, Prepared the same, and was ready to make their Report when the House Please to receive the Same — Resolved That the Committee have leave to make their Report — Mr Farley accordingly read the said Address in his Place, which was approved of, and is as follows — To His Honour James Habersham Esqr President and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Province of Georgia, Chancellor, Vice Admiral, and Ordinary of the Same The Humble Address of the Commons House of Assembly May it please your Honour We his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Commons of Georgia in General Assembly met, are very unhappy to find, by your Message to us of this day, that any Minutes entered in our Journals should be construed by your Honour in a manner so very different from the true intent and design of this House. Conscious we are Sir, that our third Choice of Noble Wimberly Jones Esq1', as our Speaker, was not in the least meant as disrespectful to his Majesty or you his Representative, nor thereby APRIL, 1772. 333 did we mean in infringe on the just Prerogative of the Crown, We have Seriously reconsidered that particular Minute which Seems to have given your Honour so much Offence, and cannot Perceive wherein it is contrary to the Strict mode of Parliamentary Proceeding, or repugnant to any thing communicated to us by your Honour, We were hopefull that no further impediment would have arisen to retard the urgent business of the Publick, and Still flatter ourselves that we may be Permitted to do that Justice to our Constituents which they have a Right to expect from us, and we do Sincerely assure your Hon our that it is our hearty wish and desire to finish the Business recommended to us by yon with all harmony and dispatch — Ordered That M1' Speaker do sign the said Address Ordered That Mr Cochran and M1' Farley do wait on his Honour the President to know when he will be At tended therewith — ¦ They According!)' withdrew, and being returned Mr Farley Reported, that they had waited on his Honour and he was Pleased to say he would Let the house know in a few Minutes — • Motion being made, that this House do Pass a vote of Credit, in order to Establish a Watch in the town of Savannah, as a means to Protect (sic) from the danger of fire, and other unhappy Consequences that May happen to the Province in General from the want of such a Watch, a debate arising thereon, the House divided, and it Passed in the Negative — A Message from his Honour the President by the Clerk of the Council 334 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Mr Speaker His Honour the President desires the Attendance of this House in the Council Chamber immediately. Accordingly Mr Speaker with the house Attended his Honour the President, and being returned Mr Speaker reported, that he had Accordingly with the House waited on his Honour and did deliver the Address, and then Mr Speaker with the House withdrew — A Message from his Honour the President by the Clerk of the Council Mr Speaker His Honour the President desires the Attendance of this House immediately Accordingly Mr Speaker with the whole House, went to attend his Honour in the Council Chamber and his Hon our was Pleased to Dissolve the general Assembly — Examined & Compared with the Original. Rich" CuNBm Crooke C. D. C. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, 1 'ol. 48.) The Journal of the proceedings of the Commons House of Assembly of the Province of Georgia, at the first Meeting of the Eighth General Assembly of the said Province, convened at the Town of Savannah, on Wednesday the Ninth Day of December, in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven Hundred and Seventy Two, by His Honour James Habersham, Esquire, President and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Province of Georgia, Chancellor, Vice Admiral, and Ordinary of ihe same, for the time be'ng DECEMBER, 1772. 335 The Clerk of the Council delivered to the Clerk of the Commons House of Assembly, by Order of his Honour the President, a commission, directed to Jonathan Bryan, Noble Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch, and William Young, Esquires, Elected and returned for the Town and district of Savannah, the Clerk of the Council also deliv ered the Several Writs of election upon which the repre sentatives are elected and returned, together with the Several Indentures from the Provost Marshal — The Clerk of the Commons House of Assembly, after having examined the several Indentures returned with the Writs of election, read to the representatives present the aforesaid Commission in the Words following, Viz — [For transcript of Commission see ante Minutes of Commons House 21s' April 1772.] [This ends thus : — J Given under my Hand and the great Seal of his Maj- eesty's said Province of Georgia the Ninth day of Decem ber, in the Year of our Lord, one thousand seven Hun dred and seventy Two, and in the thirteenth Year of his Majesty King George the Third (L. S.) James Habersham Secretarys Office. By his Honour's Command Thomas Moodie Dep. Sec. The following Representatives being- met, Viz. Jona than Bryan, Noble Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch, and William Young, Esquires, for the Town and district of Savannah, David Zubly, Esquire, for the Village of 336 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Acton ; John Jamieson, Esquire, for the Town of Ver- nonburg, in the Parish of Christ Church ; Henry Yong?, Esquire, for the Islands of Wilmington, Skidaway, and Green Island, in the Parish of Christ Church; Henry Bourquin, Esquire for the district of Little Ogechee in the Parish of Christ Church, William Le Conte, and John Baker, Esquires, for the Parish of Saint Philip. John Stirk, Esquire, for the Town and district of Eb enezer, in the Parish of Saint Matthew, Benjamin An drew, Josiah Powell, and Audley Maxwell, Esquires, for Midway and Parish of Saint John; Sir Patrick Hous toun, Bart, and Thomas Young, Esquire, for Darien and Parish of Saint Andrew; William Jones, and John Simpson, Esquires, for the Parish of Saint George; James Houstoun, Esquire, for the parish of Saint James ; Edward Barnard, Thomas Shruder, and Thomas Nether- clift, Esquires,_ for Augusta and Parish of Saint Paul ; Francis Brown, Esquire, for the Parish of Saint Patrick ; proved themselves duly qualified to serve as representa tives, according to the terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province, passed the 29th day of June 1761, entitled an Act to ascertain the Manner and form of electing Members, to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly, and then took the Oaths, and made and Sub scribed the declaration, and took and Subscribed the Oath of abjuration, and then took their Seats. A Message from his Honor the president by the Clerk of the Council. Gentlemen, Plis Honour has directed me to deliver you the several Writs of election which have been Issued for calling yoi together, and the returns thereon made by the Provost Marshal ; also a commission empowering- and requiring DECEMBER, 1772. 337 Noble Wimberly Jones, Jonathan Bryan, Archibald Bul loch, and William Young, Esquires, to qualify the Mem bers who have been elected, by Administering the State Oaths &c and, when that is done, the House have his Honour's permission and direction to proceed to the choice of a Speaker — 9th December 1772 Alex. Wylly, C: C. In Consequence of his Honours Message the Members present proceeded to the choice of a Speaker, and Sir Patrick Houstoun, Bart and Noble Wimberly Jones, Esquires, being Nominated, the Majority of Votes ap pearing in favour of Noble Wimberly Jones, Esquire. Resolved That Noble Wimberly Jones Esqr be speaker and he was Accordingly conducted to the Chair And then the Speaker Elect, at the desire of the Mem bers present, adjourned them untill tomorrow Morning Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday December 10, 1772 The House met according to Adjournment. Stephen Millen, Esquire elected and returned for the Town and district of Ebenezer, in the parish of Saint Matthew, proved himself duly qualified to serve as a rep resentative, According to the terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly, of this Province, passed the 29th day of June 1761, entitled an Act to Ascertain the Manner and form of electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the commons House of Assembly, and then took the Oaths, and made and 22 c r— vol 15 338 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Subscribed the declaration, and took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration and then took his seat as a Member of this House. Noble Wimberly Jones, Esquire, having been elected Speaker, observed That this repeated Mark of approba tion from the representatives of the Province in General Assembly gives him the highest pleasure, beyond what he is able to express, and is certain far exceeds his Abilities to merit, and, if he has any claim thereto, it must proceed from his integrity of heart, and resolution to support the Liberties of his fellow Subjects, that can in the least entitle him to it, and though this Instance would oblige him in gratitude to do all in his power that the Province could request, yet, as it would so very much interfere with his private business, he trusts that the Gentlemen will at this time indulge him in resigning the high office which they have conferred upon him, but may depend on his best endeavours in every other duty as a Member of the House. The Members Present then Proceeded to the choice of another Speaker and Sir Patrick Houstoun, Bart and William Young, Esquire, being Nominated, and the ma jority of Votes appeared in favor of William, Young Esquire. Resolved, that William Young, Esquire, be Speaker and he was accordingly conducted to the Chair Ordered That Mr Simpson and Mr Thomas Young do wait on his Honour the President and Acquaint him, that the Members had proceeded to the choice of a Speak er, and desire to know when they shall attend his Honour to Present him — DECEMBER, 1772. 339 Accordingly they withdrew, and being returned report ed, that his Honour was pleased to say that he would be in the Council Chamber at four of the Clock this after noon to receive the House with their Speaker — Resolved that Peter Tondee be Messenger and Adam Irick Door keeper of this House — ¦ And then the Speaker Elect, at the desire of the Mem bers Present adjourned them untill half an hour after three of the Clock afternoon — A Message from his Honor the President by the Clerk of Council Gentlemen His Honour the President desires the Attendance of this House, and is ready to receive the House, and is ready to receive, the House in the Council Chamber im mediately with their Speaker. Mr Speaker with the House accordingly attended his Honour the President and being Returned. Mr Speaker informed the House, that he had desired his Honour would be pleased to grant that the Commons House of Assembly may have freedom of Speech as by right and custom they have used, and all their ancient and just Privilege and Liberties allowed to them, and that, in any thing he may deliver in the Name of the House, if he should commit any mistake ; it may not be imputed to the House, but that he may resort again to> the House for a true declaration of their intent, and meaning; and that, as often as Necessity for his Majesty's Service and the good of the Province shall require, he may, by direction of the House, have free Access to' his Honour. To which his Honour was pleased to Answer, that he would grant the Assembly every Right and priyiledge that they usu- 310 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ally enjoyed, and which was in his power to grant them; and that, whenever the Publick business should require, he should have free Access to his person. A Message from his Honour the President by the Clerk of the Council. Mr Speaker I am ordered by his Honour the President to Acquaint yon that he requires the attendance of the House in the Council Chamber immediately — Accordingly Mr Speaker, with the House, attended his Honour, and being returned, Mr Speaker reported, that he, with the House, had Accordingly attended his Hon our, who was pleased to make a speech to both Houses, of which Mr Speaker said he had, for fear of Mistakes Obtain'd a Copy, which he read to the House, and is as followeth, Viz' [For transcript of Speech see Minutes of Upper House 10 Dec. 1772] Savannah in Georgia council Chamber, the io'h December 1772. And then the House adjourned till nine of the Clock tomorrow Morning. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday December 11, 1772 The House met according to adjournment Resolved that not less than Eighteen Members and the DECEMBER, 1772. 341 Speaker, shall proceed to any business except Issuing Warrants and ordering letters to be Wrote to Members, or any other person, that then and in that case, eight Members and the Speaker shall have full power and au thority for these purposes, and no other. Resolved, nem, con, that an humble address of thanks be presented to his Honour the President for his speech delivered at the opening of the Session; that we are truly Sensible of the Necessity of immediately entring upon publick business : that we observe with pleasure the progress of this colony towards wealth and importance, and to thank his Honour for his repeated Assurances to promote its Interest and prosperity: to permit us to de clare that we meet him (as the representatives of a free and truly loyal people) with hearts disposed to prove their duty to their Sovereign, and regard to the interest of this his province which we will endeavour to manifest by a close application to the important matters by his Honour recommended to our consideration : that we are Sorry to observe that from the Accounts he has received from the Treasurer, there should be any deficiency in the tax collection for some time past, which plainly points out the Necessity of an enquiry therein ; and that he may be assured that the publick certificates now circulating will be an object of our attention : that we will not fad to take under our consideration the state of the publick Goal in Savannah, and also that of fort George on the Island of Cockspur, and the continuing and making such Laws as shall appear Necessary for the good of the Prov ince : that when a State of the publick Accounts are laid before us we will Seriously consider what his Honour recommends respecting them Ordered That a committee be appointed to draw up 842 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE an address to be presented to his Honour the President upon the said resolution, and a committee was appointed Accordingly Ordered That his Honour's Speech be refered to the said Committee. Ordered, that a Committee of priviledges and elections being appointed and a committee was appointed Accord ingly, and they are to meet as often as there is Occasion,. and they are to take into consideration all such matters as may or shall come in question touching returns, elec tions, and priviledges, and to proceed upon double returns in the first place, and to report their Proceedings, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House, from time to time; and all persons who will question any returns are to do it within fourteen Days next and so within fourteen Days next after any new return shall be brought in ; and the committee are to have power to send for persons, papers, and records, for their information ; and Members who are returned for two or more places are to' make their election by this day Week for which of the places they will serve, provided there be no question upon the re turn for that Place : and if any thing shall come in ques tion touching the return, election or matter of priviledge, of any Member he is to withdraw during the time the mat ter is in debate; and that all Members returned upon double returns do withdraw till their returnes be deter mined Committed to Dr Jones, Mr Simpson, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Andrew, Mr Le Conte, Mr Netherclift, and Mr William Jones. Resolved That this House will attend Mr Speaker to divine Service on Sunday next. Ordered, that Mr Simpson and Mr Thos Young do wait on the Rev. Mr Lowten and Acquaint him there- DECEMBER, 1772. 343 with, Accordingly they withdrew, and being returned, Mr Simpson reported, that they had Waited on the Rev : Mr Lowten, who was pleased to say that he would pre pare a Sermon Accordingly Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend an act, entitled, an Act, to ascertain the manner and form of electing Members to represent the inhabi tants of this Province in the Commons House of As sembly, committed to Dr Jones, Mr Barnard, Mr Shruder, Dr Houstoun, and Mr Thos Young. Mr Jones, presented to the House the Petition of Samuel Farley, Esqr Sitting forth, That, at an election, held on the Island of Burnpot, on Monday the sixteenth day of November last, for one Member to represent the district of that part of the Parish of Christ Church com monly called the Sea Islands, Henry Yonge, Jur Esqr and the petitioner were Nominated candidates, who hav ing taken the Oath prescribed by an Act of this Province, Several freeholders residing in the said district presented themselves to the returning officer, and requested their Votes might be taken and entered on the poll for the Petitioner, but the returning officer, notwithstanding the said freeholders were willing to take the Oath agreeable to the election Law, did absolutely refuse to receive them unless they1 would be qualified by an Oath he at the same time tendered differing from that directed by the said Act, in manifest breach of the known rights and privi ledges of election. And the petitioner further sheweth, That, by reason of the refusal and non acceptance of the said Voters in his favour, the 'Number entered on the poll for the other candidate appears to exceed that of the petitioner, who therefore prays this Honorable House will take the premisses into consideration, and grant such 344 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE relief therein as to its Wisdom shall seem meet and the petitioner shall pray. &c Samuel Farley December n'h 1772 Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the committee of priviledges and elections Mr Speaker received a Letter from Joseph Law Es quire Elected and returned for the Parish of Saint Mary, which being read, Resolved that the same shall not be Admitted as a sufficient excuse for his declining Ordered that the Clerk do wright to Joseph Law, Esqr to acquaint him that this House requires his attend ance in person to declare his Intention. Ordered that a committee be appointed to enquire into such Laws that have expired, or are near expiring, and also such laws as require amending and continuing, and report their Oppinion thereon to the House, com mitted to Mr Shruder Mr Stirk, Mr Baker, Mr Jamieson, D1' Jones, Sir Patrick Houstoun, and Dy Houstoun. Ordered, that the Clerk do wright to the absent Mem bers to require their attendance immediately Resolved that an Address lie presented to his Honour fhe president, requesting that he will be pleased to Order a Writ to be issued for electing a Member in the room of John Baker, Esqr elected and returned for the Parish of Saint Philip, and likewise for the Parish of Saint Thomas, who made his election for the said Parish of Saint Philip DECEMBER, 1772. 345 Ordered that Mr Le Conte, and Mr Andrew do wait on his Honour the president and present the same Motion being made, that this House do pass a Vote of Credit to enable and empower the Treasurer to issue a Sum of Money, to pay a guard of Six men, to be estab lished for one Month during the time of Christmas holli- days for the protection of the publick offices and records of this Province, and the question being put, it passed in the Nagative And then the House adjourned until to morrow Morning, nine of the Clock — (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday Decern1, 12"1 1772 The House met according to adjournment and then Adjourned till Monday Morning Nine of the Clock — ''From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia., Vol 48.) Commons House of Assembly, Monday Decr 14th 1772 The House met according to Adjournment. Resolved that the Minutes of this House be inserted weekly in the Gazette Resolved. That the yeas and Nays be likewise in serted either when the Members who make the Motion, or the Majority of the Members present, shall think proper Mr Speaker informed the House, that he, with the House, did attend devine Service Yesterday, agreeable to a resolution of the House, and that the Rev : Mr 346 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Lowten did Accordingly make a very Suitable discourse upon the Occasion. Resolved that the thanks of this House be given to the Rev : Mr Lowten for his discourse delivered Yester day Ordered that Mr Thomas Young, and Mr Netherclift do acquaint him therewith Mr Simpson, from the committee appointed to draw up an Address to be presented to his Honour the president, reported that the committee had drawn up an address Accordingly, and were ready to make their report when the House please to receive the same Resolved that the committee have leave to make their report Mr Simpson Accordingly read the same in his place, and afterwards delivered it in at the Table, where the same was again read, and ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole House The House resolved itself into a committee accord ingly, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Barnard, from the Commit tee, reported they had taken the said Address into con sideration, and made several Amendments thereto, and he read the same in his place, and afterwards delivered the address, with the amendments, in at the Table, Where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the House, nem, con. Ordered that the address with the amendments, be engrossed . DECEMBER, 1772. 347 The said Address being engrossed was read to the House in the Words following Viz : Georgia To his Honour James Habersham, Esquire Presi dent and commander in Chief of his Majesty's said Province, Chancellor, Vice Admiral, and Ordinary of the same The Humble Address of the Commons House of Assembly. May it please your Honour We his Majesty's dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Com mons of Georgia, in General assembly met, return your Honour our sincere thanks for your affectionate Speech delivered at the Opening of the Session. We are truly, sensible of the Necessity of immediately entering upon publick business We observe with pleasure the progress of this Colony towards wealth and import ance, and thank your Honour for your repeated Assur ances to promote its interest and prosperity, permit us to declare, that we meet you (as the representatives of a free and truly Loyal people) with hearts disposed to prove our duty to our Sovereign, and regard to the in terest of this his Province, which we will endeavour to manifast by a close application to the important Matters by your Honour recommended to our consideration We are sorry to observe that, from the Accounts you have received from the Treasurer, there should be any deficiency in the tax collected for some years past, which plainly points out the necessity of an enquiry therein, and you may be assured That the publick certificat.es now circulating will be an object of our attention 348 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE We will not fail to take under our consideration the state of the publick Goal in Savannah, and also that of Fort George on the Island of Cockspur, and the continu ing and making such laws as shall appear Necessary for the good of the Province When a state of the publick Accounts is laid before us we will Seriously consider what your Honour recom mends respecting them Ordered that Mr Speaker do sign the same Resolved that the said address be presented to his Honour the president by the whole House Ordered that Sir Patrick Houstoun, and Mr Barnard, do know his Honour the presidents pleasure when he will be attended by this House Accordingly they withdrew, and being returned, re ported, that they had attended his Honour and that he was pleased to say he would be ready to receive the House in half an hour Mr Speaker with the House accordingly went to at tend his Honour to present the Address of this House, and being returned, reported, that he, with the House had attended his Honour and presented their Address, to which his Honour was pleased to give the following answer Viz. Mr Speaker and Gentl" of the Assembly Accept of my hearty thanks for this Address the as surance you give me for making the important Matters I have recommended an Imediate object of your con sideration must be highly pleasing to me ; and as it is my duty, I can with truth say that my inclination coinsides DECEMBER, 1772. 345* to do every thing in my power to make the inhabitants. of this Province an happy and flourishing people James Habersham Savannah 14th Decer 1772 Ordered that the Clerk do furnish the Printer with a Copy of the address of this House to his Honour the president, and also with a Copy of his Honours answer, and that the same be Inserted in the Next Gazette. And then the House adjourned till to morrow Morning Nine of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 15th December 1772 The House met According to adjournment Thomas Carter, Esqr elected and returned for the Parish of Saint David, and Joseph Law, Esqr for the Parish of Saint Mary, proved themselves duly qualified to serve as representatives, According to the terms pre scribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province passed the 29th day of June 1761, entitled, an Act to ascertain the Manner and form of electing Mem bers to represent the inhabitants of this Province in the commons House of Assembly, and then took the Oaths; and made and Subscribed the declaration, and took and subscribed the Oath of abjuration, and then took their seats. Motion being made that leave be given to bring in a Bill for the preservation of Deer and to prevent the Mischiefs arrising from the practice of hunting and killing Deer by Night, a debate arising thereon, the 350 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE House divided and it passed in the affirmative, the Mem bers for the Motion were, Mr Simpson, Mr Netherclift, Mr Jamieson, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Dr Houstoun, Mr Henry Yonge, Mr Le Conte, Mr Maxwell, Mr Andrew, Mr Shruder, Mr Stirk, Mr Millen, Mr William Jones, Mr Baker, Mr Thomas Young, Mr Bourquin, Mr Powell, and Mr Law, The Members against the Motion were, Mr Brown, Mr Carter, Mr Bryan, Dr Jones, Mr Zubly, and Mr Barnard. Ordered that Mr Simpson, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Thomas Young, Mr Netherclift, and Mr Le Conte, be a committee to prepare and bring in the said Bill Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill, entitled, an Act to empower the several commissioners or Sur veyors hereafter named to lay out and make such publick Roads, in the province of Georgia as aie herein after mentioned and Directed, and to continue to work upon, clair, and repair, and improve the several roads, already laid out, and also the rivers and Creeks within their Sev eral and respective Divisions, and that Sir Patrick Hous toun, Mr Bryan Dr Jones Mr Carter, Mr Andrew, Mr Thomas Young and Mr Baker do prepare and bring in the same Mr Le Conte from the committee appointed to wait o.i his Honour the president with an address, requesting that he will be pleased to Order a Writ to be issued in the room of John Baker, Esqr elected and returned for the Parish of Saint Philip, and also for the Parish of Saint Thomas, and who made his election for the said Parish of Saint Philip, reported, that they had Accord ingly waited on his Honour, and presented the Address, and he was pleased to say he would give Orders for that purpose immediately DECEMBER, 1772. 351 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday Decr 16th 1772 The House met according to Adjournment Motion being made, that the House do' resolve itself into a committee of the whole House to take under con sideration the rules of the House Accordingly resolved itself into a committe of the whole House and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair anu Mr Shruder from the committee reported, that the com mittee had drawn up several rules, which they directed him to report to the House, and which he read in his place and delivered it in at the Table Resolved that the report of the said committee be taken into consideration to morrow morning And then the House adjourned untill Tomorrow morning nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday Decer 17, 1772 The House met according to Adjournment The order of the day being read, the House took under* consideration the report of the said Committee upon the said rules, and made some amendment there unto, which amendments were agreed to by the House Ordered that the said rules, with the amendments, be engrossed And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow morning 9 of the Clock. 352 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday Decer 18th 1772 The House met accordingly to adjournment Dr Jones, from the committee, of priviledges and elec tions, reported, that they had Examined several Wit nesses with respect to the Election of the sea Islands in consequence of a petition from Samuel Farley, Esqr that they are of Oppinion that the circumstances attending the same are of so extraordinary a Nature that Nothing they could do in the Matter would be conclusive, and therefore recommended the consideration thereof to the House Ordered that Mr Powell and Mr William. Jones do wait on his Honour the president and request that his Honour will be pleased to Adjourn the House till after, the ensuing holidays; and Accordingly they withdrew and being returned, Mr Powell reported, that they had waited on his Honour the president agreeable to order, and that, he was pleased to say that he would send for the Clerk of the Council and have it done immediately Ordered that leave be given to bring in a bill for the better ordering of the Militia and that Mr Stirk, Mr Zubly, Mr Carter, Mr Law, and Mr Jamieson be a Com mittee to prepare and bring in the same Resolved that the report of the committee of Privi ledges and elections be taken into consideration theTwen- tieth of January next Ordered that Henry Yonge and Samuel Farley Esq™ do attend on that day with their respective Witnesses JANUARY, 1773. 363 Ordered that the Clerk do Acquaint Henry Yonge, and Samuel Farley Esq" therewith Ordered that a. Committee be appointed to examine into the Treasurer's Accounts, committee, Mr Simpson, Mr Thomas Young, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Nether clift, Mr Shruder, Dr Jones, Mr Zubly, and Mr Bryan, A Message from his Honour the presedent by the Clerk of the Council Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I do hereby adjourn the Commons House of Assembly until Monday the 18th day of January next, then to meet for the dispatch of business, and it is Accordingly ad journed to the said 18th day of January next, Given under my. Hand, at Savannah, 18th day of December, 1772 James Habersham To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the commons House of Assembly — (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Commons House of Assembly, Monday January 18th 1773- The House met according to Adjournment Archibald Bulloch, Esquire, elected and returned for the Town and district of Savannah, in the Parish of Christ Church, appeared, and did in person decline taking his seat Ordered that an Address be presented to his Honour 23 0 r— vol 15 364 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE the president, requesting that he w;ll be pleased to Order a writ to be issued for the electing of a Member for the Town and district of Savannah in the Parish of Christ Church, in the room of Archibald Bulloch, Esqr who has declined Serving The said Address being prepared was read and agreed to by the House Ordered, that Mr Zubly, and Mr Le Conte do wait on his Honour to present the said address. Motion being made, that the committee appointed to examine the Treasurer's Account may also be Ordered to examine the Accounts of the commissioners of the Loan office Ordered that the Committee do examine into the said Accounts and make their report thereon to the House. The House being informed that the Clerk of the Crown and peace attended at the door, he was called in, and at the bar of the House delivered in Several papers, entitled, The presentments of the Grand Jury for Decern-. ber Sessions 1770, June and December Sessions 1771 and June and December Sessions 1772 OrdEREd that the said papers do lie upon the table to be perused by the Members of the House And then the House adjourned until nine of the Clock tomorrow morning. JANUARY, 1773. 355 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday, January 19th 1773 The House met According to Adjournment Ordered that Mr Speaker do issue his warrant to take into custody Isaac Young, Esqr elected and returned for the district of Goshen, in the Parish of Saint Matthew, he not appearing, or any excuse offered for his non at tendance Ordered that the Clerk do write to the absent Mem bers to require their immediate attendance Mr Simpson from the committe appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill, entitled, an Act for the preservation of Deer, and to prevent the Mischiefs Arising from the practice of hunting and killing Deer by Night, reported that they had prepared the same, which was received and read the first time, and Ordered to be read. a Second time Mr Le Conte appointed to wait on his Honor the president with an address, to request that he would be pleased to give orders tor issuing a Writ of election for the town and district of Savannah, in the room of Archi bald Bulloch, Esqr who declined Serving, reported that he, with Mr Zubly, had, accordingly to order, waited on his Honour the president, who was pleased to say he would give Order for that purpose immediately Motion being made for leave to bring in a Bill for Ihe relief of Parishes from such charges as may arise from bastard Children, a debate, Arising thereon, and the question being put it passed in the Nagative, the Mem bers for the Motion were: Mr Andrew, Mr Baker, Mr Stirk and Mr Powell, the members against the Motion 356 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE were: Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Thomas Young, Mr Simpson, Mr Shruder, Dr Houstoun, Mr Brown, Mr Carter, Mr Millen, Mr Le Conte, Mr Jamieson, Mr Henry Yonge, Mr Bourquin, Mr William Jones, and Mr Max well. Motion being made for leave to bring in a bill to- Declare an Act of Parliament of Great Britain, made in the 24th year of the reign of his late Majesty KingGeorge the second, entitled an Act for rendering Justices of the peace more Safe in the execution of their office, and for indemnifying Constables and others Acting in Obedience to their Warrants, of force in this Province, a debate arising thereon, the House, devided, and it passed in the Affirmative, The members for the Motion were: Mr Simpson, Mr Thomas Young, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Bourquin, Dr Houstoun Mr Baker, Mr Shruder, Mr Yonge, Mr William Jones, Mr Jamieson, Mr Stirk, Mr Carter, Mr Powell, and Mr Brown, The Members against the Motion were Mr Le Conte, Mr Andrews, Mr Max well, and Mr Millen, Ordered That leave be given to bring in the said Bill, and that Mr Shruder, Mr Jamieson, Mr Thomas Young, Sir Patrick Houstoun, and Mr Simpson, do Pre pare and bring in the same. And then the House adjourned until to morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock — (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday, Jany 20. 1773 The House met according to Adjournment John Adam Treutlen, Esqr elected and returned for the JANUARY, 1773. 357 Town and district of Ebenezer, in the Parish of Saint Matthew, proved himself duly qualified to serve as a Representative, according to the terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General assembly of this Province, passed the 29th day of July 1761, entitled, an Act to ascertain the Manner and form of electing Members to represent the inhabitants of this Province in the Com mons House of Assembly, and then took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the declaration, and took and sub scribed the Oath of Abjuration, and then took his Seat A petition from Thomas Burton was presented and read, Setting forth, That the petitioner, having purchased a Tract of Land in the Parish of Saint George, and made a Settlement thereon with an intention to reside in the Province: that the petitioner farther begs leave to in form the House that he had, at a considerable expence and trouble, provided himself with proper Boats, and laid out a rode through the Swamp, of a Mile and a half in length, on the Opposite side of the River in South Carolina which travellors may at any time (except in a very extraordinary high Fresh, and then by carrying them about half a Mile's distance only) be conveyed from this to the Neighbouring Province in a more expeditious manner than any hitherto fallen upon or established : the petitioner therefore prays the Honourable House to take the premises under consideration, and be pleased to estab lished a ferry from his said plantation, in Saint George's Parish, to the opposite side in South Carolina, and vest the same in the Petitioner for such a Number of Years as the House shall think proper : and the petitioner shall pray &° The order of the day being read, Ordered, that the petition of Samuel Farley, Esqr be read. Samuel Farley Esq was then heard, in Support of his Petition, the re- 358 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE turning Officer was then called in and examined, and being directed to withdraw, Samuel Farley, Esqr was again heard, Henry Yonge, Esqr was then heard, a Wit ness was was then called in and examined, with respect to his qualification, and being directed to withdraw, an other witness was called in and examined who was like wise directed to withdraw, Another witness was then called and examined and afterwards directed to with draw, another Witness was then examined, and being directed to withdraw, another was called in and examined, and he being directed to withdraw, the House resolved that the further consideration of the Order of the day be postponed until tomorrow Morning Ordered that Mr Shruder, Mr Netherclift, Mr Andrew, and Mr Le Conte, be a committee to go down to Tybee Island to examine the light House, and report their Op- pinion whether the same is compleated in a proper man ner so as to answer the purposes intended The House being informed that Isaac Young, Esqr in custody of the Messenger of this House attended at the door, he was accordingly, called in. Ordered that Isaac Young, Esqr be discharged upon paying his fees, Then Isaac Young, Esqr elected and re turned for the district of Goshen in the Parish of Saint Matthew, proved himself duly qualified to serve as a representative, according to the terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province passed the 29th day of June 1761, entitled an Act to as certain the manner and form of electing Members to represent the inhabitrnts of this Province in the com mons House of Assembly and then took the Oaths, and JANUARY, 1773. 359 made and Subscribed the declaration, and took and Sub scribed the Oath of Abjuration, and then took his Seat And then the House adjourned until to morrow Morning Nine of the Clock — (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday Jany 21st 1773. The House met according to Adjournment The House, according to Order, took into further con sideration the Order of the Day on the report of the committee of priviledges and elections with respect to the election of the sea Islands. Motion being made that the House do determine whether William Oldis had a Legal Vote for a represen tative, at an election held on burnpot Island in November last, for the Islands of Wilmington, Skidaway, Tybee, and Green Island. Resolved that it appears to the House that the vote of the said William Oldis is not legal Motion being likewise made, that the House do deter mine, whether Thomas Ellis had a legal Vote for a representative, at an election held on Burnpot Island in November last, for the Islands of Wilmington, Skidaway, Tybee, and Green Island Resolved that it appears to the Plouse that the Vote of the said Thomas Ellis is not legal Motion being made, that the House will Determine whether the election for the sea Islands be deemed an 360 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE undue election, as it appeared that the returning officer, refused the Votes of Several persons that were entitled to Vote within the district, agreeable to the meaning of the Writ and Custom for many Years past, a debate arising thereon, the House divided, and it passed in the affirmative, the Members for the motion were, Mr Isaac Young, Mr Bakery Mr Carter, Mr Brown, Mr Millen, Dr Jones, Mr Zubly, Mr Treutlen, Mr d^k'111 Jones> Mr Maxwell, Mr Le Conte, Mr Bourquin,^r Andrew, and Mr Stirk, the Members against the Motion were: Dr Houstoun, Mr Simpson, Mr Netherclift, Mr Jamieson, Mr Shruder, Sir Patrick Houstoun, and Mr Thomas Young Ordered that Mr Thomas Young, Mr Simpson, Mr William Jones, Mr Stirk, and Mr Isaac Young, be added to the committee appointed to go down to Tybee Island to examine the light House, and report their Oppinion whether the same is compleated in a proper manner so as to answer the purposes intended The House being informed that a Vessell had arrived from Philadelphia with a person on board infected with the small pox, and that the said Vessell was now lying of the Trustees Gardens Ordered that an Address be presented to his Honour the president, to request his Honour to enforce the Ouar- antain Law, in that case made and provided, in such Manner that the impending danger of that distemper's being Spread may be prevented as far as it can by all legal precautions. Which address being prepared and read was agreed -c Qp.dEREd that Mr Speaker do Sign the same. JANUARY, 1773. 361 Ordered that Mr Shruder, and Mr Simpson, do wait on his Honour the president with the said Address, ac cordingly they withdrew, and being returned Mr Shruder reported, that they had, agreeable to Order Waited on his Honour the president with the address, who was pleased to say, that he would send the House an Answer tomor- OrderEd that an Address be presented to his Honour the president to request him to issue a Writ for electing of a Member for the sea Islands in the Parish of Christ Church in the room of Henry Yonge Junr Esqr whose election was resolved to be undue Ordered that Mr Simpson and Mr Zubly do wait on his Honour the president with the said Address A Message from his Honour the president by the Clerk of the Council Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly In answer to your Message of the evening, respecting a Vessell which arrived a few Days since from Philadel phia, having a person on board infected with the Small pox, and that the said Vessell is yet lying off the Trus tees Gardens ; as it is apprehended contrary to the law in that case made and provided and requesting me to put in force (he Quarantain law in such manner as to prevent as far as may be, the impending danger that may be ap prehended from the Spreading of the said disorder in this Province, I acquaint you, that I have taken every Step in my power, agreeable to the law referred to in your Message, to prevent the evils you dread from falling on the inhibantants of this Town in particular and the Province In General, and that nothing but contrary 362 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Winds, bad weather and Other unavoidable circumstances could possibly have prevented the Vessell, and all the persons which arrived in her being removed so far from Savannah as to render it almost impossable that any in fection could be communicated James Habersham Savannah 21s' Jan7 1773 And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow morning nine of the Clock — (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday Jan7 22d 1773. The House met According to adjournment Resolved that if Edward Barnard, Esqr a Member of this House, does not attend his duty in the House on Monday next, that the Speaker's Warrant shall be issued to take the said Edward Barnard into the custody of the Messenger of this House Mr Simpson, appointed to wait on his Honour the president with an Address, requesting him to Issue a Writ for electing a Member for the Sea Islands in the Parish of Christ Church in the room of Henry Yonge Esqr whose election was resolved to be undue, reporte, that he with Mr Zubly, had waited on his Honour, and who was pleased to Say, he would give Orders for that purpose immediately. OrdErEd that the Minutes of the commitee of cor- respondance be laid before the House : which were Ac cordingly presented to the House and read; and then Noble Wimberly Jones, Esq1 read to the House para- JANUARY, 1773. 363 graph's of several Letters he had received from Mr Frank lin the late Agent, during, the interval Occasioned by the late dissolutions Ordered that leave be given to bring in an Ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Franklin Esq1 Agent to solecite the affairs of this Province in Great Britain. Ordered that Dr Jones, Mr Simpson, Mr Le Conte, Mr Zubly and Mr William Jones do prepare and bring in the same. Mr Thomas Young from the committee appointed to prepare and bring in a bill, intitled, An Act, to declare an Act of Parliament made in the twenty fourth Year of the reign of his late Majesty King George the second, entitled, an Act for rendering the Justices of the peace more safe in the execution of their Office, and for en- demnifying Constables and Others Acting in Obedience to their Warrants of force in this Province, reported, that they had prepared the same, which was received and read the first time, and Ordered to be read a Second time. Dr Jones from the committee appointed to prepare and bring in a bill for the better Ordering the Militia, re ported, that they had prepared the same, which was re ceived and read the first time, and Ordered to be read a Second time Ordered that all persons having "Demands against the Publick do deliver in their Accounts, properly attested, to the Clerk of this House, on or before the 15"1 Feb ruary next Ordered that notice thereof be published in the next Gazette 364 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Resolved that if Jonathan Bryan Esq1" a Member of this House, does not attend his duty in the House on Monday 'Next, that the Speakers Warrant be issued to take the said Jonathan Bryan into the custody of the Messenger of this House And then the House adjourned until Monday Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Commons House of Assembly Monday January 25'11 ^77 3 The House met According to adjournment and then Adjourned until tomorrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday Jany 26th 1773 George Baillie, Esqr elected and returned for the Parish of Saint Thomas, appeared, and did in person de cline taking his seat Ordered that an Address be presented to his Honour the president to request him to Order a Writ to be issued for the electing of a Member in the room of George Bail- lie, Esqr elected and returned for the Parish of Saint Thomas who declined Serving. Ordered that Mr Thomas Young and Sir Patrick Houstoun do wait on his Honour the president with the said Address they Accordingly withdrew, and being re turned, Mr Young reported that they had Accordingly JANUARY, 1773. 366 waited on his Honour who was pleased to say he would give Orders for that purpose immediately Ordered that leave be given to bring in a bill to As certain and regulate the ffees of publick Officers, and also the fees of other persons therein mentioned and that Mr Le Conte, Mr William Jones, Mr Andrew, Mr Shruder, and Mr Simpson do prepare and bring in the same The Petition of Thomas Ross was presented to the House and read Setting forth : that the petitioner acted as Cryer to the General Court and Court of Sessions of Oyer and Terminer and General Goal delivery and also as Tipstaff to the Justices of the said Courts, and keeper of the Court House in Savannah from the 15"1 day of August 1771, as appears by his Commission; and that, as the business of the said Courts has lately much en- creased, the petitioner has Sustained great loss by his attendance to them; and that the fees appointed by his Excellency the Governor in Council to be taken and re ceived by the Cryer of the Supreme Courts though duly paid, have been inadequate to' his attendance; he there fore prays that the House will take his case into consid eration and grant him such Salary for his trouble and attendance as the House shall think proper — Ordered that the said Petition do lie upon the table to be perused by the Members of the House A bill entitled an Act for the preservation of deer, and to prevent the Mischiefs, arising from the practice of hunting and killing Deer by Night, was read the second time, and ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole House The House immediately resolved itself into a Com mittee and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker re- 366 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE sumed the Chair, and Sir Patrick Houstoun, from the committee, reported, they had taken the said Bill into consideration, gone through the same, and made Several Amendments thereto, Which the committee had directed him to report to the Blouse Ordered that the report of the said committee be re ceived to morrow morning Ordered that Mr Speaker do issue his Warrant, agree able to a resolution of the House on the 22a instant, to take into custody Edward Barnard, Esqr, a Member of this House, Mr Speaker did Accordingly issue his War rant agreeable to Order. And then the House Adjourned until to morrow morning nine of the Clock — (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday Jan7 27th 1773 The Blouse met according to adjournment The House being informed that Edward Barnard Esqr against whom the Speakers warrant was issued yesterday, was prevented from Attending the House by an indis position, Ordered, that the said warrant be withdrawn A petition of Several of the inhabitants of the parish of Saint Andrew was presented to the House and read setting forth ; that a dispute had for some time Subsisted between the inhabitants of Saint John and SaintAndrew's Parishes Owing to the commissioners of the Roads for Saint John refusing to Join their Road at the Bridge built over South Newport River by the Petitioners, JANUARY, 1773. 367 which leaves the Space of about three quarters of a Mile of Swamp upon the parish line between the two Rodes undetermined though many of the petitioners have proposed to terminate the dispute by working Jointly upon that part of the rode, the want of which entirely cuts off the communication with the Nothern parts of the Province; and the petitioners being informed that a New Road Bill is now depending in the Honourable House, they therefore pray that a clause may be inserted in the said bill to oblige the inhabitants of this Province, of Saint John's Parish, to make twelve feet wide of the rode now in dispute upon the parish line for the whole distance and the inhabitants of this parish to make the other twelve feet, before any Other roades are worked upon, and the petitoners, as in duty bound will ever pray Ordered that the said petition be taken under consid eration of the House next Monday Se'nnight Sir Patrick Houstoun, (according to Order) from the Committee of the whole House, to whom the bill, en titled, an Act for the preservation of Deer, and to prevent the Mischiefs arising from the practice of hunting and killing Deer by Night, reported, that they had taken the same into consideration, and Made several amendments thereto which he read in his place, and afterwards deliv ered the bill, with the amendments, in at the Table where the amendments were read and agreed to by the House Resolved, that the title of the said bill shall be, a bill, entitled, an Act to prevent the Mischiefs arising from the practice of hunting with fire and killing Deer by Night Ordered that the bill with the amendments be en grossed Dr Jones from the committee appointed to prepare and 368 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE bring in an ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Frank lin, Esqr agent to solicit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain, reported, they had prepared the Same, which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a Second time. Mr Le Conte, from the committee appointed to prepare and bring in a bill to Ascertain and regulate the fees of the Publick officers, also fees of other persons therein mentioned, reported, They had prepared the same, whicn was read the first time and Ordered to be read a Second time and then the House adjourned until to Morrow morning nine of the Clock — • (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday Jan7 28, 1773. The house met according to adjournment An ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Franklin, Esqr agent to Solicit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain, was read the second time Ordered that the said Ordinance be committed to a committee of the whole House The House immediately resolved itself into a committee and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Shruder from the committee, reported, they had taken the said Ordinance into consideration, gone through the same and made an amendment thereto, which the committee directed him to report to the House and he read the report in his place, and afterwards delivered JANUARY, 1773. 36'? the Ordinance with the amendment, in at the table, where the amendment was read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the Ordinance with the amendment be engrossed Motion being made for leave to bring in an ordinance to appoint the Honourable Grey Elliott, Esqr to be the Provincial agent in Great Britain in case of Mr Frank lin's absence from Great Britain a debate arising thereon and the question being put, it passed in the affirmative the Members for the Motion were Mr Simpson, Mr Millen, Mr Stirk, Mr Law, Mr Netherclift, Dr Houstoun, M1" Thomas Younge, M1' Andrew, Sir Patrick, Houston Mr Shrewder, Mr Isaac Young, Mr William Jones, Mr Jamie son, M1' Carter, and Mr Barnard the Members against the Motion were Dr Jones, Mr Bryan, Mr Zubly and Mr Le Conte Ordered that Mr Simpson, Mr Netherclift, Mr Shruder, Sir Patrick Houstoun, and Mr Carter do prepare and bring in the same. Mr Speaker informed the House that he would on Monday next offer for a third reading, an ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Franklin, Esq' agent to Solecit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain, and also a bill entitled an Act to prevent the Mischiefs arising from the practice of hunting wi;h fire and killing Deer by Night— a bill for the better ordering of the Militia was read a Second time and then the House adjourned until to morrow Morning nine of the Clock. -vol 15 Sftf JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday Jan7 29 1773 The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed until Monday Morning nine of the Clock — (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Commons House of Assembly, Monday Feb7 Is' 1773. An ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Franklin Esq1" agent to Solicit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain was read the third time Resolved, nem. con. that the said Ordinance do pass. Ordered that Mr Le Conte do cany the same to the upper House and desire their concurrence thereto A bill, entitled, an Act to Prevent the Mischiefs arising from the Practice of hunting with fire, and killing deer by Night was read the third time Resolved that the said bill do pass. Ordered that Mr Thomas Young do carry the same to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto. Mr Netherclift from the committee appointed to go down to Tybee Island to examine the light House, and report their Opinion Whether the same is compleated in a Proper Manner so as to answer the purpose intended reported that they had, agreeable to Order, gone down to Tybee Island, and that they had come to the following resolutions, Viz' Resolved that it is the Opinion of the committee, after FEBRUARY, 1773. 371 having carefully reviewed and examined the light House, on Tybee Island, that the same is fully and compleatly finished agreeable to the contract entered into by the commissioners with John Mullryne, Esq1 Resolved that it is the Opinion of this committee that they cannot in Justice to the undertaker, omit to observe, that the foundation is made upwards of four feet in di ameter more, and the House, included the Spire and ball, many feet higher than contracted for, Resolved that it is the Opinion of this Committee that the meterials appear to them to be of the very be.-t -quality Resolved that it is the Opinion of this committee that upon the whole, the publick has had the most punctual Justice done by Mr Mullryne in the erection of the "Same Resolved that it is the Opinion of this Committee that it will effectually answer the purpose intended, as well for a Land Mark as a leading mark over the bar Resolved that it is the Opinion of this committee that it will be necessary to cut down a few more trees to the westward and Southward in order to render it more con spicuous Resolved that it is the Opinion of this committee th'.t the same be recommended to the commissioners of the pilotage to consider of and get effected The House resolved itself into a committee to take into consideration a bill for the better ordering the Militia, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Barnard, from the committee reported that they had taken the said bill into considera- 372 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE/ tion, and made some progress therein, and he was di rected by the committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the committee have leave to sit again. and then the House adjourned until Nine of the Clock tomorrow morning (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday Feb7 2a 1773 The House met according to adjournment * The House resolved itself into a committee to take into further consideration a bill for the better Ordering the Militia, and, after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Barnard from the committee reported that they had taken the said bill into further con sideration gone through the same, and made several amendments thereto, which he read in his place, and afterwards delivered the bill with the amendments in at the Table, where the same were again read and agreed to by the House, except the first Ordered that the said bill with the Amendments, De engrossed And then the House adjourned until to- morrow morning nine of the Clock FEBRUARY, 1773. 373 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday Feb7 3rd 1773 The House met according to adjournment a petition from Thomas Morgan was presented to the House and read setting forth : that the petitioner is in formed that Thomas Burton of the parish of Saint George, planter, hath made application to the Hon"'* House, for establishing a ferry from his plantation .n the said parish, and to vest the same in him for such Num ber of Years as the House shall think proper, the peti tioner therefore begs leave to acquaint the House, that the land on which the said Thomas Burton resides formerly belonged to the petitioner, and, at the time of the sale thereof, he did reserve to himself five Acres out of the said Tract, as being a very proper and convenient place for the purpose of conveying persons from this to the Neighboring province, and, although the same is not confirmed, by law yet Travellers have been for some time past accommodated there, and is well known by the name of duns ferry : The petitioner therefore prays that if the House are of Opinion with him that establishing a ferry at the place above mentioned will be of publick utillity, that the same may be vested in the petitioner and his assigns for any Number of years the House ia their wisdom shall think fit, and if Necessary that the petitioner may be heard in the premises Ordered that the said petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the members of this House A bill, entitled, an Act to ascertain and regulate pub lick officers fees, and also the fees of other persona herein after mentioned was read a second time, and Or- 374 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE dered to be committed to a committee of the whole House A bill, entitled, an Act to empower commissioners or Surveyors to lay out, make, and repair the Roads already laid out, or may hereafter be necessary, and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective Divisions, was read a Second time, and ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole House A petition, signed, by the officers and men of the Granadier Company, was presented to the House and read, Setting forth thai the petitioners have been consti tuted by commission from his Honour the president, and have at much trouble acquired a proper exercise: that they have been always ready and willing to turn out upon duty whenever there was the least probabili.y of danger in the Town, and have sent to England at a very great expence for Necessary Cloaths and Accoutrements, which they daily expect : And the petitioners humbly conceive that they would be the better able to serve the Province upon any alarm of danger or other emergency, if they were incorporated and exempt from some particular du ties. The petitioners therefore humbly pray the said company may be incorporated, and such privileges grantepl them as may the better encourage and enable them to serve the Province, and particularly that they may be ex empted from serving the office of Constable; and the petitioners will ever pray &° Ordered that the said petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of this House and then the House adjourned until to- J .- morrow morning nine of the Clock. FEBRUARY, 1773. 375 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday Feb7 4th 1773 The House met according to adjournment and then adjourned until tomorrow morning nine of the Clock — (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Commons house of assembly, Monday Feb7 8tb 1773 A petition from Several of the inhabitants of Saint John's Parish was presented to the House and read Set- tnig forth : That by the first Road Act passed in this Province, a road was ordered to be laid out, and made from Savannah to the Southern Boundary of this Prov ince, to be carried on in such order as that every South ern parish or district should begin their part of the same where the adjoining northern parish ended, and which order was followed till interrupted by Saint Andrews Parish that the petitioners being desirous to accommodate their Neighbours in the best Manner had appointed a day and place to meet the commissioners of Saint An drews to consult with them which way they chose the road should be laid out. That the commissioners of the said parish of Saint Andrew refused to meet, and that then the commissioners of Saint John's employed a Sur veyor to run a traverse to the plantation of Capt" John McIntosh near Sapelo Bridge, by which means they were enabled to open an easier communication with Savannah, but that the inhabitants of Saint Andrews parish, refus ing to Join the inhabitants of Saint John's obtained an Act of assembly compelling the inhabitants of the said parish of Saint John to carry their road to Hasting's line which was disapproved of by the Commissioners of 376 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE the said parish of Saint John, who adjudged it too dif ficult to be accomplished : the petitioners notwithstand ing opened the road near the said line and threw up s very considerable part thereof : and that the inhabitant'--, of Saint Andrew by another application to the House >f Assembly, had instead of getting one communication, as the law directed, obtained two, the one to the westward, and the other to the eastward : that the inhabitants of Saint Andrew's did again alledge that neither of these roads gave them a proper communication with Savannah, (though directed by themselves) and by another applica tion, obtained a Middle road to be made by the petitioners : by which means the parish of Saint John is burthened in the Southern part of it with three publick roads for the use of the parish of Saint Andrew : and as the said parish of Saint Andrew do again petition that the com missioners may be compell'd to make more roads for them the petitioners therefore humbly pray that no other bur then of the like Nature may be laid upon them for the use of the said inhabitants of the parish of Saint Andrew on whose account they have already suffered considera bly, and the petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray &c Then the house proceed to consider the order of the day, and the above recited petition, and Motion being made, that a clause may be insterted in the road bill 10 oblige the inhabitants of the parishes of Saint Andrew and Saint John to make and keep in, repair, by their Joint labour, that part of the road which remains un opened between the Two parishes on the lower road and is on the line dividing the above parishes, a debaie arising thereon, the House divided and it passed in the Nagative A petition of Several of the freeholders and inhabitants of the parish of Saint Andrew was presented to the FEBRUpVRY, 1773. 377 House and read, Setting forth: That the petitioners Laboured under Several grievances from the large ex-^ tent of their parish and the badness of the roads occa sioned thereby: the petitioners therefore have thought proper to lay before the House a state of the Several roads in the said parish, and pray that the Plouse will take under consideration the several grievances, particularly that part of the road from Sapelo to Darien, which they look upon to be of no benefit of their parish and the petitioners do request that it be entirely set aside, and another laid out from Sapelo to the meeting House H the said parish, and from thence to the river road near Cathead: the petitioners also pray that their parish mny be laid out in different divisions and Districts and that line be run parallel with their parish line by the above mentioned Meeting House : and likewise that a line be run from the East side of the plantation of William Le Conte Esqr to the Alatamaha, near Mr Lewis's Old place, agreeable to a plan presented to a former House, and the petitioners will ever pray &c Ordered that the said petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House A petition from Peter Tondee and Joseph Dunlap was presented to the House and read, Setting forth : that in the Year 1765 the petitioners were employed, to build a Two Story brick House for the purpose of holding the General Courts of this province under the direction of the commissioners appointed to contract for the same, an estimate of which amounting to £450.. 19.. 6 was laid before the said commissioners that the petitioners having made now a calculation of the work done find themselves great losers thereby the calculation made by measurement amounting at the lowest rate to £595.. o.. o in conse quence of which there appears a loss much grater than 37,8 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE the petitioners can bear: the petitioners therefore pray the House will take the premises under consideration, and grant such farther Allowance as in their wisdom shall seem meet, and that one of the petitioners may be permitted to explain the matter to the House : the peti tioners further set forth, that there is still a considerable ballance due them, exclusive of any additional allowance this House may please to grant, the want of which oc casions the petitioners to labour under many hardships, a state of which the petitioners have annexed hereunto; the petitioners further observe, That a petition of the same import with the present was delivered to the com mons House of Assembly the 17th December, 1770, but as that House was dissolved there could be no provision made for the petitioners : they therefore pray the House will take the whole under consideration, and the peti tioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray &'' Ordered that the said pe.ition do lie on the Table to be perused by the Members of the Blouse a message from the upper House by their Clerk : that the upper House had agreed to the Ordainance for re appointing Benjamin Franklin, Esqr agent to Solicit the affair^ of this Province in Great Britain with an amend ment; and that they have also agreed to the bill, entitled an act to prevent the Mischiefs arising from the practice of hunting with fire, and killing Deer by Night, with several Amendments, to which amendments they desire the concurrence of this House And then the House adjourned until nine of the Clock to morrow Morning—- FEBRUARY, 1773. 379 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday Feb7 9th 1773 The House met according to adjournment A petition of Hugh Kennedy was presented to the House and read Setting forth : that about two Years ago. an Act passed a former House of Assembly to establish a ferry over Savannah River in Saint Matthews Parish, and to vest the same in the petitioner, the petitioner has since made a Road from that of Augusta to Savannah river convenient for Carriages, and also cut a canal from the river to the high Land ; the petitioner therefore prays that the House will establish a ferry, and vest it in the petitioner in the same manner as the ferry Opposite to the petitioner has been established by the province of South Carolina, and that the Road now cut out may be kept in repair by the parish, and the petitioner will pray &° Ordered that the said petition do lie upon the table to be perused by the Members of the House. A petition from several of the inhabitants of Saint Matthew's parish was also presented to the House and read setting forth : that they are informed a publick ferry is to be established opposite the two Sisters on Savannah River, and a publick road leading thereto to be laid out through the Land of Hugh Kennedy, the swamp of which is upwards of a Mile wide and very deep ; and as the petitioners are weak Handed, and even not able to put the publick Roads already laid out in such proper Manner as they ought to be, and likewise the river for the con- veniency of boats and rafts ; and as the petitioners cannot conceive that the said road or ferry will ever answer any- •380 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE other purpose than drawing insupportable hardships upon them, and as there is more convenient places where ferries might be established they humbly conceive the best should be chosen : the petitioners therefore confide in the wisdom and clemency of the House, and flatter themselves that the House will so Order matters as to give them reason to pray &c Ordered that the said petition do lie upon the table to be perused by the Members of the House The House resolved itself into a committee, to take into consideration a bill to empower commissioners or Surveyors to lay out, make, and repair the roads already laid out or may hereafter be Necessary, and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Jamieson from the committee, reported, that they had taken the said bill into consideration and made some progress therein and he was directed by the ¦committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the committee have leave to sit again- - The memorial of John Mulryne Esqr to his Honour the president, to his Maje-ty's Honourable Council, to the honourable Speaker and Members of the commons House of Assembly was presented to the House and read setting forth : that the memorialist had the Misfortune to have his dwelling- Horre in the parish of Christ Church with the greatest part of his furniture and effects, de stroyed by fire in the Night, in the 8th day of January in the Year 1771 : That a very little time before the said accident happened the Memorialist had received a con siderable Sum of Money in the bills of Credit of this Province, some part of which he had paid away, but to the best of his recollection and belief there was remain- FEBRUARY, 1773. 38* ing in his desk, which was totally consumed, the sum of £60.. o.. o or more, in the said bills: that as the said bills of Credit were issued by the publick for a Valuab'e consideration the publick must of course be gainers by the memorialist's loss, unless the Legislature shall think it equitable to relieve him in the premises, in the same- manner as was clone in a case of the like Nature some Years ago, the memorialist therefore hopes that the same may be taken under consideration, and that leave may be given to bring in a bill to empower the commissioners of the General Loan office, to issue biils of credit to the amount of £60.. o.. o to be paid to your memorialist in lieu of and to replace the like Sum lost by the accident of fire aforesaid Ordered that the said memorial do lie upon the Table to be perused by the members of the House. Motion being made that a committee be appointed to examine into the State of the Governors House, and if any repairs be found Necessary to report the same to the House a debate arising thereon, the House divided, and it passed in the Nagative, the members for the motion were, Mr Stirk, Mr Jamieson, Mr Thomas Young, Mr Shruder, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Law, Mr Treutlen, M1' Simpson, and Mr Barnard, the Members against the Motion were : Mr Bourquin, Mr Millen, Mr Brown, Mr Baker, Mr Carter, Mr Andrew, M* Le Conte, Dr Jones, Mr Zubly Mr Powell Mr Maxwell and Mr Bryan And then the House adjourned until to morrow morning nine of the Clock. 382 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday Feb7 io'h 1773 The House met according to adjournment A petition from several of the inhabitants of Saint Matthew's parish was presented to the House, setting forth : that the petitioners had presented to a former House of Assembly a petition pointing out the incon- veniency of a publick road through their Lands to Mid dlesex ferry but as tlie commissioners of the publick roads have already laid out a private road for the Rev : Mr Zubly leading to the place above mentioned, and that the said M1' Zubly hath not met with any obstruction from any of them with respect to the private road laid out for him, the petitioners therefore humbly Solicit the House that, as they are already great Sufferers by the road aforesaid going through their small Tracts of Land, they reay not be burthened with working- on or making the road aforesaid, and the petitioners will ever pray. Ordered that the said petition do lie upon the Table to bo perused by the members of the House Joseph Clay Esq1 elected and returned for the Town and district of Savannah in the parish of Christ Church, proved himself duly qualified to serve as a representative, according to the terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General assembly of this province, passed the 29th day of June 1761, entitled, an Act to ascertain the man ner and form of electing Members to represent the in habitants of this province in the commons house of as sembly and then took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the declaration, and took and subscribed the Oath of ab juration, and then took his seat. FEBRUARY, 1773. 38S The House took into consideration the amendments made by the upper House to the engrossed Ordinance, en titled, an Ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Frank lin, Esq1" Agent to Solicit the affairs of this province in Great Britain, and agreed to the same Ordered that Mr Simpson do carry the ordinance to the upper House and acquaint them that this House have agreed to the amendments madq by their House to the said Ordinance The House also took into consideration the amend ments made by the upper House to the engrossed bill, entitled, an Act to prevent the Mischiefs arising from the practice of hunting with fire and killing deer by Nigh', and agreed to some of the said amendments, and dis agreed to Others. Ordered that Mr Simpson do carry the bill to the up per House, and acquaint them that this House have agreed to some of the amendments made by their House to the said bill, and disagreed to others, and that this House desires that they will appoint a committee to Join a committee of this House in conference on the sub ject matter of the said Amendments Ordered that the commissioners appointed to lease out the spring and watch House do lay their Accounts be fore this House on Monday next. The House resolved itself into a committee to take into further consideration the bill to empower commissioners or Surveyors to lay Out, make, and repair the roads already laid out, or may hereafter be necessary: and also to clair the rivers and Creeks within their respective Divisions ; and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr Jamieson from the committee 384 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE reported that they had taken the said bill into considera tion, and made some further progress therein, and he was directed by the committee to^ move for leave to Sit again. Ordered that the committee have leave to sit again Ordered that the commissioners appointed to dispose of such Materials as were provided for rebuilding Christ Church in Savannah, and to place out at Interest the Monies arising, by the sale thereof, together with the monies provided by several acts of Assembly for repair ing and rebuilding of the said Church, then in the Hands of the Treasurer, be ordered to lay their Accounts be fore the House on or before the i8'b Instant And then the House adjourned until to morrow morning nine of the Clock. (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday Feb7 ii"1 1773 The House met according to adjournment Motion being made, that a committee be appointed to wait on his Excellency Sir James Wright, Baronet, on his Arrival at the landing place, to congratulate him on his safe return to this province, and a debate arising thereon, the House devided, and it passed in the affirma tive, the members for the motion were: Mr Carter, Mr Clay, Mr Treutlen, Mr Jamieson, Mr Law, Mr Nether clift, Mr Shruder, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Simpson, Mr Thomas Young, DT Houstoun, Mr Powell, Mr Millen, Mr Maxwell, Mr Stirk, Mr Barnard, and Mr Brown, The Members against the motion were Mr Bourquin, Mr FEBRUARY, 1773. 386 Isaac Young, Mr Le Conte, Mr Zubly, Dr Jones, Mr Baker, Mr Andrew, and Mr Bryan, Ordered that Mr Thomas Young, M1' Shruder, M" Simpson, Mr Maxwell, Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Jamie son, and Mr Barnard be a committee to wait on his ex cellency the Governor on his Arrival at the landing place, to congratulate him on his safe return to this prov ince The House resolved itself into a committee to take into further consideration the bill to empower commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or may hereafter be necessary, and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions, and after some time spent therein. Mr Speaker resumed the chair and Mr Jamieson, from the committee, reported, that they had taken the said bill in consideration and made some further progress therein, and he was directed by the committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the committee have leave to sit again A message from his Honor the president by the Clerk of the Council : Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the assembly In the month of April last, one Joseph Prine, a no torious Horse Stealer, broke out of the Goal in Savan nah, and, as I understood he had threatened the lives of many Gentlemen of consequence in this Province, I laid the matter before his Majesty's Council, who advised me to issue a proclamation, offering a Reward of £50.. o.. o.. to any person who should Apprehend and deliver him into the said Goal in hopes thereby to avoid the evils ap prehended from his being at Large, Yesterday the said Joseph Prine was brought from Carolina and is now in 25 c r— vol 15 386 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Goal, but as I have no fund from whence to take the sum mentioned in the proclamation, all I have been able to do has been to get the Treasurer to advance the same to the persons who apprehended him, and I doubt not but you will provide for his reimbursment, at the same time I am under an indispensable necessety of once more reminding you of the present insecure state of the Goal, which is such that I am apprehensive the felons now confined in it will avail themselves of it, and avade Jus tice, especially since one, who has already, escaped twice therefrom, is now with them, and I think the only method at present to prevent such an escape will be to have a Guard at the Goal, which I recommend to you to con sider of James Habersham Savannah the IIth February 1773 — Another Message from his Honour the President was also delivered by the Clerk of the Council Viz' Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the assembly Since my message to you of this day concerning Joseph Prine, and the insufficiency of the common Goal, I am informed by the Provost Marshal that John Mc- Luer, a carpenter, who he employed to lay a new floor and make some other repairs to the Goal, reported to him, that the whole building is so rotten and defective that he dare not venter to lay a new floor lest the weight of the same should bring down the prison, as all the lower part of the frame is totally rotten, and that he is of opin ion it cannot stand many days, I therefore recommend this matter1 to your immediate and serious consideration, as the lives of the unhappy people now confined there are in imminent danger James Habersham Savannah 11th February 1773 j FEBRUARY, 1773- 38T Resolved that as it had been represented to this House by his Honour the president, that Joseph Prine, a most Notorious and atrocious Villain is now confined in the common Goal of Savannah, and that there is great reason to apprehend he will attempt an escape which may be attended with dangerous consequences, a yote of credit may pass this House for a sum not exceeding £10.. o.. o Sterling to be applied to the payment of a guard to as sist the Provost marshal in preventing the escape of the said Joseph Prine And then the House adjourned until to morrow morning nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday Feb7 12th 1773 The house met according to adjournment The House resolved itself into a committee to take into further consideration the bill to empower commission ers or Surveyors to lay out, make, and repair, the roads already laid out, or may hereafter be necessary; and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr Jamieson from the committee reported that they had taken the said bill into considera tion, and made some further Progress therein, and he was directed by the committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the. committee have leave to sit again And then the House adjourned until Monday Morning, ten, of the. Clock aw J JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 15"1 February 1773 A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Clerk of the Council I do hereby Adjourn the Commons House of Assem bly to Tuesday 23rd day of this Instant Feb7 and the said House is hereby Adjourned Accordingly until the said Twenty third day of February then to meet for the dispatch of Business Given under my hand At Savannah in Georgia the 15"" day of February 1773 James Wright To the Honble the Speaker and Members of the Com mons House of Assembly (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 23rd of February 1773 The House met According to Adjournment and then Adjourned until Nine of the Clock tomorrow Morning (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 24th February 1773 The House met According to Adjournment and the» Adjourned until nine of the Clock Tomorrow Morning1 MARCH, 1773. 389 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 25th of February 1773 The House met According to Adjournment and then Adjourned until Nine of the Clock Tomorrow Morning (From B. P: R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 26th February 1773 The House met According to Adjournment and then Adjourned until Monday Morning ten of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday Ist March 1773 Mr Thomas Young from the Committee Appointed to wait on his Excellency Sir James Wright Baronet on his Arrival at the landing Place to Congratulate him on his safe return to this Province reported, that they had according to Order waited on his Excellency the Gov ernor who was Pleased to say "That he took it exceed ingly kind of the Commons House of Assembly That he was much obliged to them for their Civility and de sired his Compliments might be made to the Speaker and the rest of the Members — A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Clerk of the Council — Mr Speaker and Gentlemen — His Excellency the Governor requires the Attendance of this House in the Council Chamber immediately $90 y f JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Accordingly Mr Speaker with the House Attended his Excellency the Governor, and being returned, reported,. that he, with the House had attended His Excellency,. when he was pleased to make a Speech to both Houses, and which for fear of Mistakes Mr Speaker said he had obtained a Copy, which he read to the House, and is as followeth Viz' [For transcript of speech see Minutes of Upper House i March 1773] Savannah in Georgia Council) Chamber Ist March 1773 ) Resolved Nem : Con : That an humble Address of thanks be presented to his Excellency the Governor for his Speach delivered to both Houses begging Leave to return him our thanks for his affectionate Speech to both Houses, that we with the Greatest Pleasure learn from him that our most Gracious Sovereign has approved of the plan for enlarging the Boundaries of this Province which will be an object, when compleated of the utmost importance to us and will in all probability be attended with the Salutary consequencies Mentioned by his Ex cellency that we cannot b,ut in Justice Acknowledge how much the Province is indebted to his Excellency on this Occasion as well for his effectual endeavors exerted while in England as his Excellency's assurances that his re turn to this Province is to compleat his Majesty's gra cious intentions in the Most beneficial Manner That his Excellency may rely that we Shall on our parts as far as in us lies, give every proper encourage ment to such Settlers as may come in to purchase and reside on the Land proposed to be ceded — That we shall pay due Attention to the several Matters which may come before us and that any Expence that we may find' MARCH, 1773. 391 t Necessary to lay on our constituents we shall take care to make as easy as possible Ordered that a Committee be Appointed to draw up an Address to be presented to his Excellency the Gov ernor upon the said resolution Ordered that his Excellency's Speech be referred to the said Committee Henry Yonge Junr Esqr elected and returned for the Islands of Wilmington, Tybee Skidaway and Green Isl and in the parish of Christ Church proved himself duly Qualified to serve as A Representative agreeable to the terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General Assem bly of this Province, and then took the Oaths, and made and Subscribed the declaration and Subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, and then took his Seat A Petition from Several of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Saint George was Presented to the House and read Setting forth That the Petitioners are Informed that Thomas Morgan of Savannah, Taylor, has Peti tioned to the House to establish a Ferry, and to vest the same in him as he (the said Thomas Morgan) did at the time of the sale of the Land now belonging to Thomas Burton reserve to himself five acres of the said Tract as being a very proper and convenient Place for the purpose of conveying Persons from this to the Neigh bouring province and that Travellers have been for some time Accommodated there, and is well known by the Name of Dunn's Ferry, the Petitioners therefore beg leave to inform the House that the Ferry has been now Mr Simpson reported to the House that his Excel lency the Governor having been waited upon (pursuant to Order) to know his Excellencys Pleasure when he wou'd be attended by the House, with an Address, had been pleased to say, that, he wou'd receive the House at ten of the Clock tomorrow Morning And then the House Adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B.P- R. O.—B. of T.,. Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 3rd of March 1773 Mr Speaker informed the House that he with the MARCH, 1773. 397 House had Attended his Excellency the Governor with the Address of the House, and that his Excellency was pleased to return the following Answer Viz' Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I thank you for this Address and the pleasure you ex press at our most gracious Sovereign's approbation of the plan for extending our boundary And Gentlemen, I am Obliged to you for Your Ac knowledgement of any Services rendered, or Intended by me for the welfare of this province and the Assur ance you are pleased to give me, that, you will pay due attention to the several Matters recommended, and which may come before you, is very agreeable to me James Wright Savannah in Georgia A Message from the upper House by their Clerk — Mr Speaker In Answer to your message of the io'h of February desiring this House to appoint a Committee of Confer ence to Join a Committee of your House on the Subject Matter of the Amendments made by this House to the Bill Entitled an Act to prevent the Mischiefs Arising from the practice of hunting with fire and killing Deer by night, This House doth agree thereto and hath ap pointed a Committee Accordingly to meet in the Room adjoining the Council Chamber Tomorrow Morning 10 oClock Committee the Honourable Anthony Stokes, James Edward Powell, and Clement Martin Esquires Ordered that a Committee be Appointed to Join a Committee of the upper House in Conferrence on the amendments made by the upper House to the said Bin,. 398 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE and a Committee was appointed Accordingly, Committed to Mr Simpson, Mr Thomas Young, Mr Le Conte, Mr Andrew, Mr Henry Yonge, Docf Jones and Mr Shru der — The House resolved itself into a Committee to take into consideration the Bill to ascertain and regulate the fees of Publick officers, and also the fees of other per sons therein mentioned, and after sometime spent therein ! Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee reported, that they had taken the said Bill into consideration, gone through the same, and made sev eral amendments thereto, which he was directed to report, when the House will please to receive the Same Ordered that the said report be received Tomorrow Morning — And then the House Adjourned until Tomorrow Morning nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 4th March 1773 Mr Clay pursuant to Order reported from the Com mittee of the Whole House to whom the Bill to ascer tain and regulate the Publick officers ffees and also the Fees of other persons herein after mentioned, was com mitted the Amendments which the Committee had made to the Bill, and which they had directed him to report to the House and he read the report in his place and after wards delivered the Bill with the Amendments, in at the Table where the Amendments were read and agreed to by the House MARCH, 1773. 399 Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be In- grossed — Then the Order of the day, for a third reading of a Bill for the better Ordering of the Militia was read — Ordered that the same be adjourned over till To morrow morning And then the House adjourned until nine of the Clock Tomorrow Morning (Prom B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 5th March 1773 A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Clerk of the Council Mr Speaker His Excellency the Governor has Ordered me to de liver you an Estimate of the necessary Charges of Gov- ernment in the Province of Georgia commencing the Twenty Ninth of September 1 770 and ending the Twenty Ninth of September 1773 and also the several Accounts against the publick which have come to his Hands Ordered that the said Estimate with the Accounts do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House The Bill Entitled an Act for the better Ordering of the Militia was read a third time Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Stirk do carry the Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto 40© g[[ ' JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Complaint being made by Mr Treutlen a Member of the House that he had received an Insult from John Oates Ordered that the said John Oates do attend this House on Monday Morning Ordered, that, the Messenger do Acquaint him there with Mr Simpson from the Committee appointed to Join a. Committee of the upper House in conferrence on the amendments made by their House to the Bill "Entitled an Act to prevent the Mischiefs Arising from the practice of hunting with fire and killing deer by Night, reported, that the Committee had Joined the Committee of the upper House in conferrence and had taken the Matters recommended to them under consideration but not being Able to come to any determination, were of Opinion that the same should be referred to a free Conferrence of both Houses — And then the House Adjourned until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock — (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday March 8th 1773 The House being informed that John Oates agreeable to Order was attending at the door Ordered that the said John Oates be Called in and the said John Oates being called in and several Questions asked him Ordered that he do withdraw MARCH, 1773. 4'0J Resolved that John Oates, by Insulting John Adam Treutlen Esquire a Member of the House and likewise in Speaking certain words in a pubblick Manner highly reflecting upon the Honour of the House is guilty of a breach of privilege of this House Ordered that John Oates be called to the Bar of the House and upon his asking Pardon of the House be reprimanded by Mr Speaker John Oates was Accordingly again called in, and at the Bar of the House did Acknowledge his fault, and asked Pardon of the House and being reprimanded by the Speaker was Ordered to be dismissed A Petition from Hugh Kenedy was presented to the House and read setting forth that the Petitioner lately petitioned the House to grant him a Publick Ferry over Savannah River, and a road through his Land to the said Ferry opposite to the Established Ferry on tlie Carolina side that it appears that since the above men tioned petition Another was presented by Several of fie Inhabitants of the parish aforesaid setting forth a sup posed burthen on the Parishoners if compelled to make and repair the said Road, alledging that it is upwards of a Mile from the High Lands Belonging to the Peti tioner, to the River, that the Petitioner caused the dis tance to be Measured and it appears to be, no more than fifty Chains, and that it is well known that the swamp on the said Land is passable when all others for several Miles up or down the river are not that there is another inconveniency in Establishing a Ferry elsewhere, if it be done for The Conveniency of Travellors and not f dr the benefit of an Individual, as there is an impossibility of swiming Cattle over the river for Ten Miles down or five Miles up the river (palachocala Excepted) from the said Ferry that the Petitioners against the Road and 26 0 r— vol 15 402 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ferry applied for by the Petitioner are Strangers to the whole that it Seems inconsistant as well as Inconvenient to have two Ferries within one Mile of each other, as no other is allowed to be kept within Six Miles of the one Established on the Carolina Side and to which a Road is already Opened and which is Opposite the Peti tioners Land that as the petitioners against the road above mentioned were of Opinion the Number of Hands ap plied for by the Petitioner were not sufficient to keep the same in repair the Petitioner is willing hereafter to do it at his Own expence if it is not thought proper to grant the said Road as Roads in General are, the petitioner is informed that a Neighbour of his reports that he has a Grant of a Ferry on his Land a little below the petitioner where Passengers may be put over to the Carolina Shore that he further says no other Individual is to put over any Traveller within Ten Miles up or down the river, and that the petitioner does not know what to think of the Ferry already Established on the Carolina side Ordered that the said petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House A Memorial of Samuel Savery was likewise presented to the House and read Setting forth that the Memorial ist on or about the first day of June 1768 was Emploied to run the boundary line between this Province and the Creek Indians under direction of Commissioners ap pointed for that Purpose That the Memorialist Accord ingly attended the Commissioners and run the same from a place called Williams Creek about 50 Miles above Augusta to the river Saint Mary the Southern extrimety of the Province being about 260 Miles that the Memo rialist was three Months on this Service and was ex posed to all the inclemencies of the season to the great Injury of his Health that some time in the Year of 1769 the Memorialist presented his Account for running the MARCH, 1773. 403 said Line to the House then Sitting (a Copy of which is hereunto annexed) who provided Sixty five pounds for the Memorialist in the Tax Bill of that Year which was greatly inadequate to the Trouble Loss of time and health of the Memorialist; that sometime in the ensuing Year, the Memorialist again applied for the remainder of his Account And also to be paid for two Horses which were killed with fatigue on that Occasion, that Cost the Memo rialist Twenty two pounds Ten Shillings Sterling but that House of Assembly being desolved nothing could be done in the application of the Memorialist that every other Man who lost horses in that Service was Paid the full Value of the same with which' the Memorialist was not Acquainted when he made his first Application to the House but when he found that all others were reim bursed for their Losses he thought it but Justice that he •should be also and therefore Applied as aforesaid that the usual Fee to Surveyors upon Common Occasions is Twenty one Shillings Sterling Per Day and Generally about Plantations where they may be comfortably Ac commodated but this being a Work of excessive Labour, risque and fatigue the Memorialist charged Twenty five Shillings Per day which he apprehends in consideration of the Trouble — was but a Moderate Charge that the Memorialist had the fullest Assurances from the Com missioners that the House would make him ample Satis faction for his Services and then he undertook the Ar duous business upon the Strongest conviction that he should be generously rewarded, the Memorialist therefore humbly prays the House to take the premisses into con sideration and grant him relief therein, by providing payment In the Tax Bill for such Sum as may be found upon due enquiry to be due to the Memorialist, and the Memorialist will ever pray &° 404 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered that the said Memorial do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House Ordered that the commissioners for regulating the Market in the Town of Savannah do lay their Accounts before this House on Monday next Dr Jones from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill to amend an Act entitled an Act to Ascertain the Manner and form of Electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Com mons House of Assembly, reported that they had pre pared the same which was received and read the first time and Ordered to be read a Second time And then the House adjourned untill to morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday March 9"1 1773 Peter Sallins Esquire Elected and returned for the parish of Saint Thomas proved himself duly Qualified to serve as a representative, agreeable to the Terms pre scribed in and by an Act of the General assembly of this Province and then took the Oaths, and made and Sub scribed the declaration and took and Subscribed the Oath of abjuration and then took his Seat Alexander Wylly Esquire one of the Commissioners appointed to lease the Spring and Watch House, attend ed agreeable to Order and made a report Resolved that the report made to this House by the Commissioners to lease the Spring and Watch House is, not Satisfactory MARCH, 1773. 405 Ordered that the said commissioners be directed to pay into the Hands of the Treasurer the Monies Arising from the Sale of a Lease made by them of a Building in the Town of Savannah called the Watch House agreeable to an Act of assembly passed the Twenty fifth of March 1765 on or before the Eighteenth Instant and that they produce their Accounts to this House on that day to gether with the Treasurers receipt for the Monies so to be paid — Ordered that the Commissioners empowered by an Act passed the Eleventh of April 1768 to Sell for a term of Years the Ferry over great Ogechee river do lay their Accounts before this House on or before the Eighteenth Instant Ordered- that a Messenger be Sent to the upper House to Acquaint them that the Committee of this House having reported they did not come to any determination with their committee appointed to confer on the Subject Matter of the Amendments made by their House to the Bill to prevent the Mischiefs Arising from the practice of hunting with fire and killing deer by Night this House therefore desires they will agree to a free conferrence of both Houses on the Subject Matter of the said Amend ments Ordered that Mr Thomas Young do carry the said Message to the upper House Mr Shruder According to Order from the Committee appointed to enquire into such Laws that have expired or are near expiring also such Laws as require amending and continuing and report their Opinion thereon to the House reported that the Committee had examined Ac cordingly the said Laws, and come to a resolution, which they had directed him to report to the House, and he 406 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE read the report in his place, and afterwards delivered it in at the Table, where it was again read and is as fol- loweth Resolved that it is the Opinion oi this Committee that the following Acts will expire with the end of the present Sessions — Viz' An Act passed the io'h of May 1770 for raising a certain Number of Watchmen for preserving good Order in and about the Town of Savannah, ought to be continued An Act passed the 27th of March 1759 for the better regulating Taverns, Punch Houses and retailers of Sperituous Liquors and further Continued 4th March 1762 And an Additional Act passed the 25th of March 1765 Ought to be continued in one Act An Act passed the 11th of April 1768 for regulating the Assize of Bread ought to be continued An Act passed the 25th of March 1 765 to prevent Masters of Vessels from carry ing off Persons in Debt from this Province Ought to be continued An Act passed the 26th of March 1767 to pre vent Stealing of Horses and Neat Cattle and for the more effectual discovery and punishment of such per sons as shall unlawfully Brand, Mark, Kill, or drive the same, and further continued io'h May 1770 Ought to be continued, An Act passed the 7th of April 1763 for holding Special or extraordinary Courts of Common Please for the Trial of causes arising between Merchants dealers and Others and Ship Masters Supercargoes and other Transient persons and further continued 26th of March 1767 ought to be continued, An Act passed 29th February 1764 for the punishment of Vagabonds and other Idle and disorderly persons and for Erecting pris ons places of Security in the Several parishes of this province and for preventing Trespasses on Lands of the Crown or Lands reserved for the Indians and the more effectual Surpressing and punishing persons bartering with the Indians in the Woods and further continued MARCH, 1773. 40? 26th March 1767 Ought to be continued. An Act passed 4th March 1762 to oblige Masters of Vessels and Super- cargoes and other Transient persons importing Goods and Merchandize into this province to pay Tax for the same and further continued 26th of March 1767 Ought to be continued an Act passed 29th February 1764 to Sup press Lotteries and prevent other excessive and Deceitful gaming An Additional Act passed 25th March 1765 to the said Act ought to be continued in one Act, An Act passed the 11th of April 1768 to prevent as much as may be the spreading of the Small pox in this province ought to be continued An act passed 7th of April 1763 to prevent persons throwing ballast or rubbish or Faling Trees into the Rivers and Navigable Creeks within this province and for keeping Clear the Channels of the same to be continued, An Act passed to amend the same ought to be continued, An Act passed 25th of March 1765 to prevent frauds and Abuses in Admeasuring and laying out his Majesty's Lands in this province ought to be continued, An Act passed 25th of March 1765 to amend An Act entitled an Act to prevent private persons from purchasing Lands from the Indians and for preventing person Trading with them without a License ought to be continued an Act passed 6th March 1766 for punishing Seamen and Mariners Neglecting or deserting their duty on Board their respective Ships or Vessels and from preventing seamen or Mariners from being harbered or running in debt ought to be continued, an Act passed 27th of February 1770 for the better Security of the In habitants by obliging the Male White persons to Carry fire Arms to places of publick worship ought to be con tinued An Act passed the fourth of March 1762 for the relief of Debtors who may be confined in Goal and are unable to Support themselves during such their confinement Ought to be continued, An Act passed 6th of March 1766 to prevent frauds and deceits in Selling, 40 S JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Beef, Pork, pitch, Tar, Turpentine and Firewood ought to be continued, An Act passed 6th March 1766 to amend An Act for the better regulating the Town of Savannah and for Ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging and also to Authorize and empower the Church Wardens and Vestry of the parish of Christ . Church to appoint a Beadle for the purposes therein Mentioned Ought to be continued, An Act passed the 26"1 of March 1767 to regulate the Making of Cypress Oak and pine Lumber, Staves and Shingles and for ascertain ing the Quality thereof ought to be continued, An Act passed 26th March 1767 to prevent the bringing and Spreading of Malignant and Contagious distempers in this province and to oblige Masters or Commanders of Vessels going out of any port within the same first to produce a pasport from the Governor or Commander in Chief to prevent the harbouring of Sick Sailors and Others and for regulating and well Ordering the Laza retto upon the Island of Tybee further continued 10th May 1770 ought to be continued An Act passed io'11 May 1770 to amend the same ought to be continued an Act passed 24th December 1768 for encouraging the Culti vation of hemp Flax and wheat and for regulating the Inspection of Hemp, Flax and wheat Flour, ought to be continued, an Act passed 10th May 1770 to regulate and ascertain the rates of Wharfage of Shipping and Mer chandize and also to ascertain the Rates of Storage in the Several ports of this province and for the better regulation of Wharves and Shipping in the said ports and for ascertaining the duty of an Harbour Master for the port of Savannah, ought to be continued an Act passed io'h May 1770 for appointing inspectors of To bacco and to prevent the Exportation of bad and un merchantable Tobacco ought to be continued An Act passed IIth April 1768 to empower the Commissioners therein Named to put up to Sale for the benefit of the MARCH, 1773. 409 Publick the Ferry over great Ogechee, at a place called pine Bluff for a Term of Five Years and to Authorize the said Commissioners to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry ought to be renewed, an Act passed n*h of April 1768 for establishing Several Ferries in this province and for Vesting the same in the persons therein Men tioned ought to be continued, A Ordinance passed 11th April 1768 for appointing Inspectors of Tanned Leather for the ports of Savannah and Sunbury in this province ought to be continued An Ordinance passed 27th February 1770 appointing Inspectors of Hemp Flax and wheat Flour for the ports of Savannah and Sunbury ought to be continued that a new Ordinance should be brought in appointing an Harbour Master for the port of Savannah. That a new Law is much wanted to lay a duty upon raw neat Hides exported from this province That it is the opinion of this Committee that the fol lowing Acts require amendments Viz' an Act passed the 9th of June 1761 for Subjecting and making liable to at tachment the Estate real and personal of Absent debtors in the Custody or power of any person or persons within this Province ought to be amended An Act passed thei5'h of March 1758 for constituting and dividing the Several Districts and divisions of this Province into Parishes and for establishing religious worship therein according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England and also for empowering Church Wardens and Vestrymen of the respective Parishes to assess rates for the repair of Churches the relief of the poor, and other parochial Serv ices ought to be amended, An Act passed 4"1 March 1762 for regulating the pilotage of Vessels into the Sev eral ports of this Province ought to be amended, An Act passed the 7th of April 1 763 for regulating a Work House for the Custody and punishment of Negroes, ought to be amended and continued, an Act passed 27th March 1759 for establishing the Method of appointing Constables as- 410 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE certaining the Qualifications of persons to serve in that office and to point out the duties attending the same ought to be amended An Act passed 29th February 1764 to di rect Executors and Administrators in the Manner and Method of returning Inventories and Accounts of their Testator and Intestates Estates and for allowing them and all other persons who shall or may be intrusted with the care and Management of Minors and others Estates to charge commissions thereon, ought to be amended and continued, An Act passed 18th November 1765 for the Establishing and regulating patrols and prevent any per son from purchasing provisions or any other Commodi ties from or Selling such to any Slave unless such Slave shall produce a Ticket from his or her Owner Manager or Employer ought to be amended and continued An Act passed 7th of April 1763 to prevent damages which may- arise from dams or Banks for reserving or Stopping of Water ought to be amended and continued An Act passed. 24th december 1 768 to prevent fraudulent Mortgages and Conveyances and for making Valid all deeds and Convey ances heretofore made with respect to' any defect in the form and manner of making thereof with certain restric tions, ought to be amended and continued Ordered that the said report be taken under consid eration of a committee of the whole House tomorrow Morning A Message from the Upper House by their Clerk Mr Speaker In answer to your Message of this day desiring a free conference of both Houses on the subject matter of the amendments made by this House to the Bill to prevent hunting by Fire Light &c this House doth agree to the MARCH, 1773. 411 same and are ready to meet your House in the room ad joining the Council Chamber immediately Upper House of Assembly 9"1 March 1773 Mr Speaker informed the House that he would offer for a third reading Tomorrow Morning the Bill to ascer tain and regulate the publick officers Fees and also the Fees of other persons herein after mentioned, and also that he would on Thursday next offer for a third reading the Bill to empower Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or may hereafter be necessary and also to clear the Rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning 9 of the Clock — ¦ (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday March io'h 1773 The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take into consideration the report of the Committee appointed to enquire into such Laws as have expired or near expiring also such Laws as require amending and continuing and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Barnard from the Committee reported that they had taken the same into consideration gone through the same and made some Amendments thereto which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the report with amendments in at the Table where the amendments were read and agreed to by the House and are as follows Viz' An Act passed 10th May 1770 for raising a certain 412 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Number of Watchmen for preserving good Order in the Town of Savannah Resolved that such a Law is Necessary An Act passed 27th March 1759 for better regulating taverns punch Houses and retailers of Sperituous Liquors and an additional Act passed 25th March 1765 Resolved that the same be continued An Act passed ntb of April 1768 for regulating the Assize of Bread ought to be continued. An Act passed 25th of March 1765 to prevent Masters of Vessels from carrying off Persons in deb.t from this province ought to be continued An Act passed 26th of March 1767 to prevent Stealing of Horses and Neat Cattle and for the more effectual dis covery and punishment of such persons as shall unlaw fully, Brand, mark, Kill or drive the same Resolved that the same be continued An Act passed 7"1 of April 1763 for holding Special or extraordinary Courts of Commons Please for the trial of Causes arising between Merchants Dealers and others and Ship Masters Supercargoes and other Transient Persons Resolved that such a Law is Necessary — An Act passed 29th of February 1764 for the punish ment of Vagabonds and other Idle and disorderly persons and for erecting prisons and places of Security in the Several Parishes of this Province and for preventing tres passers on the Lands of the Crown or Lands reserved for MARCH, 1773. 413- the Indians and the more effectual Suppressing and pun ishing persons Bartering with the Indians in the Woods Resolved that the same be continued An Act passed 4"1 March 1762 to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Transient Persons im porting Goods and Merchandize into this Province to pay Tax for the same Resolved that the same be amended and continued An Act passed 29th of February 1764 to suppress Lot teries and prevent other excessive and deceitful gaming: an Additional Act passed 25th March 1765 Resolved that the same be continued An Act passed 11th April 1768 to prevent as much as may be the spreading of the small pox in this Province Resolved that the same be continued An Act passed 7"1 of April 1763 to prevent persons throwing ballast or rubbish or falling Trees into the riv ers and Navigable Creeks within this Province and for keeping Clear the Channels of the same Resolved that it requires to be amended and Con tinued An Act passed 25th of March 1765 to prevent frauds and Abuses in. admeasuring and laying out his Majesty's Lands in this Province Resolved that it be continued An Act passed 25th of March 1765 to amend an Act entitled an Act to prevent private persons from purchas- 414 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ing Lands from the Indians and for preventing persons Trading with them without a License Resolved that it be continued An Act passed 6th March 1 766. for punishing Seamen and Mariners Neglecting or deserting their duty on board their respective Ships or Vessels and for preventing Sea men or Mariners from being harboured or running in Debt Resolved that it be continued An Act passed 27th of February 1770 for the better Security of the Inhabitants by obliging the male white persons to carry fire arms to places of publick Worship Resolved that it be continued An Act passed 6th March 1766 for the relief of Debtors who may be confined in Goal and are unable to support themselves during such their confinment Resolved that such a Law is necessary An Act passed 6th March 1766 to prevent frauds and deceits in Selling Beef Pork, pitch, Tar Turpentine and firewood Resolved that it be continued An Act passed 6th March 1766 to amend an Act for the better regulating the Town of Savannah and for ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging, and also to Authorize and empower the Church Wardens and Vestry of the Parish of Christ Church to appoint a Beadle for the purpose therein Mentioned Resolved that it be continued MARCH, 1773. 415 An Act passed 26th March 1767 to regulate the mak ing of Cypress Oak and pine Lumber Staves, and Shin gles and for ascertaining the Quality thereof Resolved that the same be continued An Act passed 26th March 1767 to prevent the bring ing into and Spreading of Malignant and Contagious distempers in this Province and to oblige Masters or Commanders of Vessels going out of any Port within the same first to produce a passport from the Governor or Commander in Chief to prevent the Harbouring of Sick Sailors and others (Blc) for regulating and well ordering the Lazaretto upon the Island of Tybee and an Act passed io'h May 1770 to amend the same Resolved that the said Laws be continued An Act passed the 24th December 1768 for encourag ing the cultivation of Hemp, Flax, and Wheat and for regulating the Inspection of Hemp Flax and Wheat Flour Resolved that this Law is Expired An Act passed io'h May 1770 to regulate and ascer tain the rates of Wharfage of Shipping and Merchan dize and also to ascertain the rates of Storage in the several Ports of this Province and for the better regula tion of Wharves and Shipping in the said Ports and for ascertaining the duty of an harbour Master for the Port -of Savannah -1 Resolved that the same be continued An Act passed 10th May 1770 for appointing Inspec tors of Tobacco and also to prevent the Exportation of tbad unmerchantable Tobacco Resolved that the same be continued 416 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE An Act passed 11th April 1768 to empower the Com missioners therein named to put up to Sale for the bene fit of the publick, the Ferry over Great Ogechee River at a Place called the Pine Bluff for Five Years and to authorize the said Commissioners to Inspect and regu late the said Ferry Resolved that a new Law is Necessary An Act passed 11th April 1768 for establishing several Ferries in this Province and for Vesting the same in the Persons therein Mentioned Resolved that it be continued Resolved that a Law is much Wanted for the laying a Duty upon raw and Neat Hides exported from this Province Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that the following Laws require amendment An Act passed the gth June 1761 for Subjecting and making liable to Attachment the Estate real and Per sonal of absent debtors in the custody or power of any Person or Persons within this Province An Act passed 15th March 1758 for constituting and dividing the several districts and divisions of this Prov ince into Parishes and for establishing religious Wor ship therein According to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England and also for empowering Church Wardens and Vestry men of the respective Parishes to assess rates for the repair of Churches the relief of the poor and other Parochial Charges — An Act passed 4th March 1762 for regulating the pilotage of Vessels into the Several Ports of this Prov ince MARCH, 1773. 417 An Act passed 7'11 April 1763 for regulating a Work House for the custody and punishment of Negroes Resolved that the same be amended and continued An Act passed 27th March 1759 for Establishing the Method of appointing constables ascertaining the Quali fications of persons to serve in that office and to point Out the duties attending the same An Act passed 29th February 1764 to direct Executors and administrators in the manner and method of return ing Inventories and accounts of their Testators and in testates Estates and for allowing them and all other persons who shall or may be intrusted with the eare and management of Minors and others Estates to charge Commissions thereon — An Act passed 18th November 1765 for Establishing and regulating Patrols and to Prevent any Person from purchasing provisions or any other commodities from or Selling such to any slave unless such Slave shall produce a Ticket from his or her Owner Manager or Employer An Act passed 7"1 April 1763 to prevent damages which may arise from Dams or Banks for reserving or Stopping of Water — An Act passed 24th December 1768 to prevent fraudu lent Mortgages and conveyances and for making Valid all Deeds and conveyances heretofore made with respect to any defect in the form and manner of making thereof with certain restrictions Resolved that the following Ordinance is Necessary Viz' An Ordinance for appointing Inspectors of Tanned 27 or -vol 15 418 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Leather for the ports of Savannah and Sunbury in this Province Resolved that an Ordinance appointing Inspectors of Hemp Flax and Wheat Flour for the Ports of Savannah and Sunbury is unnecessary Resolved that it is the Opinion of this Committee that an Ordinance should be brought in for appointing an Harbour Master for the Port of Savannah An Engrossed Bill from the upper House by their Clerk Entitled an Act to Explain amend and reduce into one Act of Assembly the Several Laws now in being re lating (9lc) holding Special Courts for the Trial of per sonal Actions wherein any Transient Person or persons is or are plaintiff or plaintiffs Defendant or Defendants was read the first time and Ordered to be read a Second Time The Members Appointed to Manage at the free con ferrence of both Houses upon the subject matter of the Amendments made by their House to the Bill entitled an Act to prevent the Mischiefs Arising from the Prac tice of hunting with Fire and killing Deer by Night Re ported that they had agreed to the amendments made by the upper House with the Alterations made therein at the said Conference Ordered that Mr Shruder do carry the following Mes sage to the upper House Honorable Gentlemen This House having taken into consideration the re port of the Messengers of the free conference of both Houses upon the Subject Matter of the amendments pro posed by your House to the Bill entitled an Act to pre- MARCH, 1773. 419 vent the Mischiefs arising from the practice of hunting with Fire and Killing Deer by Night cloth agree to the amendments proposed by your House with the altera tions made at the said conference Commons House of Assembly io'h March 1773 A Bill to ascertain and regulate the Fees of Publick Officers and also the Fees of other Persons therein Men tioned was Read a third Time Resolved that the said Bill do Pass Ordered that Mr Shruder do carry the same to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto Ordered that the Clerk of the Navil office for the port of Savannah do lay before this House an Account of all Monies and Gun-powder received by him as Pow der Receiver as also the Quantity of Gun powder now in the Magazine in Savannah belonging to the publick on or before the i8'h Instant And then the House adjourned until 9 of the Clock Tomorrow Morning- (From B. P R. O.—B. of T._, Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday March 11th 1773 Mr Simpson from the Committee Appointed to pre pare and bring in an Ordinance appointing the Honor able Grey Elliott Esquire agent to Solicit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain in case of the absence of Benjamin Franklin Esquire from Great Britain reported that they had prepared the same which was received and -120 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE read the first time, and Ordered to be read a second time Ordered that Mr Le Conte and Mr William Jones d© wait on his Excellency the Governor with an Address requesting that his Excellency will be pleased to adjourn the General Assembly of this Province until the 8th day of June next as the planting Season is so far advanced that the presence of the Planters at their respective Planta tions is so immediately necessary that most of the Mem bers cannot attend without great and Manifast Injury to their Private Concerns Resolved that the Order of the Day for the third reading of a Bill to empower commissioners or Survey ors to Lay out make and repair the roads already Laid out or may hereafter be Necessary and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions; be adjourned over until the io'h Day of June next And then the House Adjourned until Tomorrow Morning 9 of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 12th March 1773 A Petition from Richard Capers with a Certificate thereunto annexed Signed by Several Merchants in Sup port of the said Petition was Presented to the House and read Setting forth, that the Petitioner has been a resi dent in this Province for several Years Past and flatters himself that during his said residence as well as in the former part of his Life (Blc) support an Honest and un blemished Charrector (8lc) that the Petitioner tho once of some property hath lately been greatly reduced, and MARCH, 1773. 421 therefore in Order to Support his Family he has for sometime past been obliged to betake himself to the In specting culling and Measuring of Lumber : that the petitioner humbly hopes that the certificate above Al luded to will be a Sufficient Motive to grant the prayer of his Petition the Petitioner therefore Prays that the House will take the Premisses into consideration and appoint the Petitioner an Inspector, culler and Measurer of Lum ber for the parish of Christ Church and also that he may in the usual Manner as Soon as Possible be ap pointed for that purpose and the Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray Ordered that the said Petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House A Petition from several of the Inhabitants of the par ish of Saint Paul was presented to the House and read Setting forth that the Petitioners crave that all such Laws as the Legislative Body may think conducive to the Good of the Publick may be compiled and Printed in one Code the Petitioners further Pray that Wrights- borough Town Ship may be Seperated from the other part of the Parish to enjoy such Privileges as other Par ishes do and be left as a frontier until the Cession of the Indian Lands is Compleated that General Courts of Com mon Pleas Oyer And Terminer &c be established in the back Parts of the Province which the Petitioners do con ceive will be the Means of the Laws being more effec tually put into Execution and also an easement to the Inhabitants who reside so far from Savannah that they beg Leave to observe that Wrightsborough is the Most centrical place at this time and will be much More so when the Cession of the Indian Lands is Accomplished, and of Cource the properest place to Accommodate a Court of that kind that the Election Law be amended that they may have an Election once in three Years and 422 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE that the Election may be by Ballotting, that the Mem bers may be allowed a Sum of Money Sufficient to de fray their expences while sitting that all grain such as Wheat, Corn, Rice &° may undergo the same Prohibi tion in a time of Scarcity that such Clauses may be added to the Road Law as may enable the back Settlers of this Province to make their Trade both by Land and Water as convenient as may be for the benefit of the whole and that the Petitioners upon obtaining their Several requests will greatfully Acknowlege the Obligation Ordered that the said Petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House Resolved that the Orders for the several Commis sioners to lay their respective Accounts before this House on or before the i8'h Instant be adjourned over until the io'h Day of June next Ordered that the Clerk do acquaint them therewith — Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill for Es tablishing the Method of appointing Constables ascer taining the Qualifications of persons to Serve in that Office and to Point out the duties attending the same and that Docf Jones Mr Le Conte and Mr Zubly do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to pre vent the Stealing of Horses and Neat Cattle and the more effectual discovery and Punishment of Such Persons as shall unlawfully brand, Mark, Kill or drive away the same and that Mr Henry Yonge Mr Zubly, and Docf Jones do prepare and bring in the Same Ordered that Leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend an Act entitled an Act to direct Executors and administrators in the Manner and Method of returning MARCH, 1773. 423 inventories of their Testators and Intestates Estates and for allowing them and all other Persons who shall or may be Intrusted with the Care of Minors and others Estates to charge commissions thereon and that Mr Henry Yonge, Mr Zubly and Mr Clay do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in an Ordinance to appoint Comptrollers of the Country duties for the Port of Savannah and that Mr Simpson, Mr Henry Yonge, and Mr Shruder do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to pre vent damages arising from dams or Banks and for pre venting persons Stopping the Natural Course or Courses of Water to the Injury of their Neighbors and that Mr Andrew, Mr Law and Mr Maxwell do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill for the relief of Debtors who may be confined in Goal and are unable to support themselves during such their Confine ment and that Mr Stirk, Mr Isaac Young and Mr Millen do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to lay a duty on raw and neat Hides Exported out of this Prov ince and for preventing the Exportation of unmerchant able Tanned Leather and that Mr Clay, Mr Le Conte and Mr Jamieson do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to em power Commissioners therein named to put up to Sale for the Benefit of the publick the Ferry over great ogechee River for a Term of Years and to Authorize the said Commissioners to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry, 424 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE and that Sir Patrick Houstoun, Mr Le Conte and Mr Powell do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to con tinue the laws that are Near Expiring and that Sir Pat rick Houstoun Docf Houstoun and Mr Simpson do Pre pare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend An Act entitled an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Super cargoes and other Transient persons importing Goods and Merchandize into this province to pay Tax for the same, and that Mr Clay Mr Jamieson and Mr Shruder do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in An Ordinance to Appoint an Harbour Master for the port of Savannah and that Mr Zubly, M1' William Jones and Mr Stirk do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend an Act entitled an Act for the Regulating the pilotage of Vessels into the several Ports of this province and that Mr Clay, Docr Houstoun and Mr Shruder do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill for estab lishing Several Ferries in this Province and for Vesting the same in the persons therein mentioned and that Sir Patrick Houstoun Mr Le Conte, Mr Zubly, Docf Jones and Docf Houstoun do prepare and bring in the same Mr Le Conte Informed the House that he with M1' Jones had agreeable to Order waited on his Excellency the Governor with an Address and that his Excellency was pleased to say that he would send the House an An swer Tomorrow Morning Motion being made that as the House apprehended MARCH, 1773. 425 when the following Bill was Moved for and rejected they had not time to go through the same but as it now ap pears that they will meet at a more convenient Season Resolved, Nem : Con that leave be given to bring in u Bill for Clearing of Savannah River from the Town of Savannah upwards and for laying a duty on Boats Trad ing on and Rafts coming down the same, and that Mr Simpson, Mr Jamieson, and Mr William Jones do prepare and bring in the same Ordered that the Country Comptroller and Clerk of the Naval office (or powder Receiver) for the port of Sun bury day lay their Accounts before this House on the i6'h day of June next and that the Clerk do Acquaint them therewith Ordered that Sir Patrick Houstoun and Mr Andrew do Wait on his Excellency the Governor with an address setting forth that the House having Maturely considered the Many inconveniences Arising to the Inhabitants of the southern parts of this province on Account of their be ing so much Circumscribed by the Indian Line beg leave to Request that his Excellency will be pleased at the ap proaching congress to exert his influence with the In dians to obtain their consent to an extention of the same that the House also beg leave to avail themselves of this Occasion to assure his Excellency that they will Readily concur in Such measures as may be thought necessary to exempt Persons purchasing the Indian Lands to be ceded from Attending on Juries in Savannah for a Limited time and for affording (consistantly with the Good of their constituents) such other encouragement as may tend to promote the Speedy Settling those Lands and the Wel fare of the province in General, they Accordingly with drew and being returned, Sir Patrick Houstoun Reported that his Excellency was pleased to give the following An swer Viz' 426 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I am perfectly Sensible that the Indian Line at the Back of our Southern Settlements is much too near and you may Rely on it, that, if it be possible to obtain an extention of it, I will effect it; and I thank you for de claring your Intention to concur in the measures Rec ommended by me for the encouragement of Persons who may purchase and Settle the Lands expected to be ceded to his Majesty Ja" Wright Savannah in Georgia 1 3"1 March 1773 A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Clerk of the Council — Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly It will always give me pleasure to have the publick business carried on at such time as may be most conven ient and agreeable to the Representatives of the people and as I well know how Necessary it is for planters to see their Lands Properly planted therefore I very cheerfully grant your Request and send you an adjournment ac cordingly Ja3 Wright Savannah in Georgia 13th March 1773 I do hereby adjourn the Commons House of Assem bly until Tuesday the 8th day of June next then to meet for the dispatch of Business and it is accordingly Adjourned to the said 8th day of June — Given under my Hand at Savannah in Georgia the 13th day of March 1773 — Ja8 Wright To the Honorable the Speaker and Members of the Commons House of Assembly JUNE, 1773- 427 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol, 48.) Tuesday 8th June 1773 The House met according to adjournment and ad journed until Tomorrow Morning Nine "Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 9'11 June 1773 The House met Accord (slc) to adjournment and Ad journed until Tomorrow Morning Nine "Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday io'h June 1773 The House met according to adjournment and ad journed until Tomorrow Morning nine "Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 11th June 1773 The House met according to adjournment and ad journed until Monday morning 10 of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 14th June 1773 Resolved that the excuse made by Edward Barnard Esquire for his Non Attendance is not Sufficient 428 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered that the Clerk do write to Edward Barnard Esquire to Acquaint him that his Attendance is Required on this day Fortnight Resolved that the Orders for the Several Commission ¦ ers to -lay their Respective Accounts before this House on or before the io'h Instant be adjourned over until Thurs day Se might Ordered that the Clerk do Acquaint them therewith Resolved that the Order of the day for the third read ing of a Bill to empower Commissioners or Surveyors te lay out make and Repair the Roads already laid out or may hereafter be Necessary and also to clear the Rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions be farther Adjourned over until next Friday Sen : night And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Tuesday 15th June 1773 A Bill Entitled an Act to amend an Act to ascertain the Manner and form of Electing Members to Represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly was Read a Second time and Ordered to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House The House Immediately Resolved itself into a Commit tee and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Netherclift from the committee Report ed that they had taken the said Bill into consideration gone through the Same and made Several Amendments thereto which he Read in his place and afterwards deliv- JUNE, 1773. 429 ered the Bill with the Amendments in at the Table where the same was again read and Agreed to by the House Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed And then the House Adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 16th June 1773 A petition from Several of the Inhabitants of Saint Pauls Parish was presented to the House and Read Set ting forth that the upper Settlers of the above Parish have no convenient way of conveying their Heavy Produce but by carrying it in Wagons to some Landing on Savannah River where it may be taken off by Boats and as the up permost Landing of this River and by much the most convenient to the upper Settlers has no Road opened to it and as the Creek commonly called Raes Creek Is frequent ly high and impassable for Carriages to the great detri ment to the upper part of the said parish the Petitioners therefore Pray that they may obtain a Road to the River Opposite to the Boat Landing of Le Roy Hammonds and Company on the Carolina side being the uppermost place where Boats can pass of any considerable Burthen and that the Commissioners of the Roads in the said Parish may be empowered to lay out the Same and the petitioners as in duty bound will ever Pray &° Ordered that the said petition do lie on the Table to be perused by the Members of the House The Engrossed Bill to explain amend and reduce into one Act of Assembly the Several Laws now in being Re- 430 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE lating to the Holding Special Courts for the Trial of Personal Actions wherein any Transient person or per sons is or Are Plaintiff or Plaintiffs Defendant or De fendants was Read a Second time and ordered to be com mitted to a Committee of the whole House The House Accordingly Resolved itself into a Commit tee and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker Re sumed the Chair and Mr Zubly from the Committee Re ported that they had taken the said Bill into consideration gone through the same and made Several Amendments thereto which he read in his place and afterwards deliv ered the Bill with the amendments in at the Table where the same was again read and agreed to A Bill entitled an Act to declare an Act of Parliament made in the Twenty fourth Year of the reign of his late Majesty King George the second "Entitled an Act for ren dering the Justices of the Peace more safe in the Execu tion of their office and for endemnifying Constables and others Acting in obedience to their Warrants" of Force in this province was read a Second time Ordered that the said Bill be committed to a Commit tee of the whole House on the 25th of December next And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning 10 of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 17"' June 1773 Motion being made that the seat of William Jones Es quire ;i Member of this Blouse be deemed Vacant on his application for that purpose having left the province with an Intention not to return for Several Months, the House JUNE, 1773- 431 divided and it passed in the Nagative. The Members for the Motion were, Mr Simpson, Mr Shruder, Mr Jamieson, Mr Henry Young, Mr Netherclift Mr Stirk, Mr I. Young, Mr Brown, Mr Bryan and Mr Clay. The Members against the Motion were Mr Baker, Docr Jones, Mr Sallens, Mr Andrew, Mr Bourquin, Mr Powell, Mr Maxwell, Mr Car ter, Mr Law, Mr Treutlen and Mr Zubly Mr Law from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill to prevent damages Arising from dams or Banks and for preventing persons Stopping the Natural Course or Courses of Water to the Injury of their Neigh bours Reported, they had prepared the same which was Received and Read the first time and ordered to be read a second Time Mr Henry Yonge from the Committee appointed to pre pare and bring in a Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to direct Executors and Administrators in the Man ner and Method of Returning Inventories and Accounts of their Testators and Intestates Estates and for allowing them and all other persons who shall or may be Intrusted with the care and Management of Minors and Others Estates to charge commissions thereon Reported they had prepared the same which was Received and Read the first time and Ordered to be Read a Second time And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 18"1 June 1773 The House met according to adjournment and ad journed until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock 432 ,p JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE 5 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday '218' June 1773 A Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to direct Ex ecutors and Administrators in the Manner and Method of Returning of Inventories and Accounts of their Testators and Intestates Estates and for allowing them and all other persons who shall or may be intrusted with the care and management of Minors and other Estates to charge Commissions thereon was read a Second time Ordered that the said Bill be committed to a Commit tee of the whole House on the 25th of December Next Mr Speaker Informed the House that he would on Thursday next offer for a third reading "A Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to Ascertain the Manner and form of Electing Members to Represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the commons House of Assembly And also Informed the House that he wou'd on To morrow Morning offer for a third Reading the Engrossed Bill to Explain amend and reduce into one Act of Assem bly the Several Laws now in being Relating to the hold ing Special Courts for the Trial of personal Actions wherein any Transient Person or Persons is or are Plain tiff or Plaintiffs Defendant or Defendants And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Tuesday 22nd June 1773 The Engrossed Bill from the upper House to Explain. JUNE, 1773. 433 amend and Reduce into one Act of Assembly the Several Laws Now in being Relating to the holding Special Courts for the Trial of personal Actions wherein any Transient person or persons is or are Plaintiff or Plain tiffs defendant or defendants was Read the third time and after Several amendments made thereto it was Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Baker do Carry the Bill with the Amendments to the upper House and desire their Con currence thereto A Bill to prevent damages Arising from Dams or Banks and for preventing Persons Stopping the Natural Course or Courses of Water to the Injury of their Neighbours was Read a Second time and Ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House The House Accordingly Resolved itself into a Commit tee and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker Re sumed the Chair artel Mr Netherclift from the Committee Reported that they had taken the said Bill into consider ation, gone through the Same and made Several amend ments thereto which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the Amendments in at the Table where the same was again Read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the said Bill with the amendments be En grossed Ordered that the Clerk do write to Sir Patrick Hous toun to Acquaint him that the House requires his Attend ance Immediately The House being Informed that the Clerk of the Crown and Peace was attending at the Door he was According 28 e r— vol 15 434 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ' called in and at the Barr of the House delivered in a pa per, Entitled the presentments of the Grand Jury for June Sessions, and then he Withdrew and the Title of the said paper was read Ordered that the said paper do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 23rd June 1773 Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to make the Lands to the Southward of the River Alatamaha granted by the Governor of South Carolina in the Year of 1763 Subject to Sale for the Payment of all Taxes which now are or may become due thereon and that Mr Simp son, Mr Andrew and Mr Shruder do prepare and bring in the same Mr Clay from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for granting to his Majesty a duty upon Raw Neat Hides exported from this province and for preventing the Exportation of unmerchantable Tanned Leather Reported they had prepared the same which was Received and Read the first time and Ordered to be read a Second time Mr Stirk from the committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for the Relief of Debtors who may be con fined in Goal and are unable to Support themselves dur ing such their confinement Reported they had prepared the same which was Received and Read the first time and Ordered to be Read a Second time JUNE, 1773. 435 Mr Speaker Informed the House that he wou'd offer for a third Reading the Bill to prevent damages arising from Dams or Banks and for Preventing persons stop ping the Natural Course or Courses of Water to the In jury of their Neighbours on Tuesday Next Mr Henry Yonge from the Committee appointed to pre pare and bring in a Bill to prevent Stealing of Horses and Neat Cattle and for the effectual discovery and punish ment of such persons as shall unlawfully brand, Mark, Kill or drive the the same Reported they had prepared the same which was Received and Read the first time and Ordered to be Read a Second time Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill for Rais ing a fund to Support a Watch in the Town of Savannah and that Mr Clay, Mr Stirk Docf Jones, Mr Shruder and Mr Maxwell do prepare and bring in the same And then the House Adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol, 48.) Thursday 24th June 1773 Resolved that the Order of the day for the third Read ing of the Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to Ascer tain the Manner and form of Electing Members to Rep resent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons Hous of Assembly be Adjourned over until Wednesday next Mr Jamieson from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for clearing of Savannah River from the Town of Savannah upwards and for laying a duty on Boats Trading and Rafts coming Down the same Re- 436 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ported that they had prepared the same Which was Re ceived and Read the first time and Ordered to be Read a second time The Bill for the Relief of Debtors who may be con fined in Goal and are unable to support themselves during such their confinement was read a Second time and Or dered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House The House Accordingly Resolved itself into a Commit tee and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker Re sumed the Chair and Mr Shruder from the Committee Reported that they had taken the said Bill into consider ation gone through the same and made several Amend ments thereto which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the amendments in at the Table where the same was again read and agreed to Resolved that the Title of the Bill be "A Bill for the Relief of Insolvent debtors confined in Goal Ordered that the said Bill with the amendments be Engrossed A Bill for Granting to his Majesty a duty upon Raw and Neat Hides Exported from this province and for preventing the Exportation of unmerchantable Tanned Leather was read a second time and Ordered to be com mitted A Bill to prevent Stealing of Horses and Neat Cattle and for the effectual discovery and Punishment of such persons as shall unlawfully Brand, Mark, Kill or drive the same was also read the second time and Ordered to be committed And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock JUNE, 1773- 437 (From B. P R. O.—B. Of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 25th June 1773 ResolvEd that the Order of the day for the third read ing of a Bill to empower Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and Repair the Roads already laid out or may hereafter be Necessary and also to clear the Rivers and Creeks within their Respective divisions be adjourned over until Tuesday next The House resolved itself into a Committee to take into consideration the Bill for granting to his Majesty a duty upon Raw Neat Hides Exported from this province and for preventing the Exportation of unmerchantable Tanned Leather and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker Re sumed the Chair and Mr Netherclift from the Committee Reported that they had accordingly taken the same into consideration gone through the same and made some amendments thereto which he was directed to Report when the house will be pleased to Receive the same Ordered that the said Report be received on Monday next And then the House adjourned until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 28th June 1773 A Bill for clearing Savannah River from the Town of Savannah upwards and for laying a duty on Boats Trad ing on and Rafts coming down the same was Read a Sec ond time and Ordered to be committed 438 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The House Accordingly Resolved itself into a Commit tee and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Henry Yonge from the Committee Re ported that they had taken the said Bill into consideration and Made some progress therein and he was directed by the Committee to Move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again Two Messages from the upper House by Thomas Moo die Esquire in the room of the Clerk of the Upper House Upper House of Assembly 28th June 1773 Mr Speaker This House having considered the Engrossed Bill from your House Entitled an Act for the better Ordering the Militia do agree to the same with some amendments to which they desire the concurrence of your House Upper House of Assembly 28"1 June 1 773 Mr Speaker This House having taken under consideration the Amendments made by your House to the Bill Entitled an Act, to Explain amend and Reduce into one Act of assem bly the Several Laws now In being Relating to the hold ing Special Courts for the Trial of personal Actions Wherein any person or persons is or are plaintiff or plain tiffs Defendant or Defendants have agreed to one of the said amendments but disagree to the others this House therefore desire your House will Join them in a free Con ference on the subject Matter of the said amendments which if you agree to, this House will enter on the said business at Eleven oclock on Thursday Next in the room adjoining the Council Chamber JUNE, 1773. 439 Resolved that an Address be presented to his Excel lency the Governor to thank him for his indifatigable and Successful endeavours in Obtaining from the Indians a large body of Valuable Lands in addition to this province and that Mr Jamieson, Mr Simpson, and Mr Netherclift do prepare and bring in the same Motion being made that the thanks of this House be given to George Galphin and Lachlan McGillivray Es quires for exerting their Influence with the Indians and being Very Instrumental in assisting the Governor to obtain the late Cession of Lands, a debate arising thereon the House divided and it passed in the Nagative the Members for the Motion were Mr Clay, M1" Henry Yonge, Docf Jones, Mr Bryan, Mr Bourquin, Mr Treutlen, Mr Andrew, Mr Stirk, Mr Baker, and Mr I. Young the Mem bers against the Motion wer Mr Simpson, Mr Jamieson, Mr Netherclift, Mr Shruder, Mr Sallens, Sir P. Houstoun, Docf Houstoun, Mr Powell Mr Law, Mr Maxwell and Mr Thomas Young Mr Netherclift (according to Order) Reported from the Committee of the whole House to whom the Bill for Granting to his Majesty a duty upon Raw neat Hides exported from this Province and for preventing the Ex portation of unmerchantable Tanned Leather was com mitted the amendments which the Committee had made to the Bill and which they had directed (8ic) Report to the House and he Read the Report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the amendments in at the Table where the amendments were read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock 440 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 29th June 1773 Mr Clay from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Transient Persons Importing Goods and Merchandize into this Province to pay Tax for the same and to oblige the Treas urer and Collector of Duties to give Security for the due performance of their Office and for Monies that may be Received by them by Virtue of this Act and other Acts of this Province Reported they had prepared the same which was received and Read the first Time and Ordered to be Read a Second time Then the Order of the day for Reading a third time the Bill to empower Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and Repair the Roads already Laid out or may hereafter be Necessary and also to Clear the Rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions, being Read, the said Bill was read a third time and some Amendments being made thereto Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Netherclift do Carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto Resolved that the Order of the day for the third Read ing of the Bill to prevent damages Arising from dams or Banks and for preventing persons Stopping the Natural Course or Courses of Water to the Injury of their Neigh bours be adjourned Over until Tomorrow Morning And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock JUNE, 1773- 441 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 30th June 1773 A Bill Entitled an Act to prevent damages arising from dams or Banks and for preventing persons Stopping the Natural Course or Courses of Water to the Injury of their Neighbours was Read the third time and an Amend ment was made by the House to the Bill Resolved that the Bill do pass OrdErEd that Mr Thomas Young do carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto Mr Simpson from the Committee appointed on Monday Last to draw up an Address to be presented to his Ex cellency the Governor reported that the Committee had drawn up an Address accordingly which they had directed him to report to the House and he read the same in his place and afterwards delivered it in at the Table where the same was again read and Ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole House The House resolved itself into a Committee accordingly and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Shruder from the Committee reported they had taken the said Address into consideration and made some amendments thereto and read the same in his place and afterwards delivered the Address with the amend ments in at the Table where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the address be Engrossed The said Address being Engrossed was read to the House in the Words following Viz' 442 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE To his Excellency Sir James Wright Baronet Cap tain General Governor and Commander in Chief of" his Majestys Province of Georgia Chancellor and Vice admiral of the same The humble address of the Commons House of As sembly May it please your Excellency His Majesty's Dutiful and loyal Subjects the Com mons House of Assembly in General assembly met, well convinced on the Many real and important advantages which must result in this Province from the Acquisition of the Lands lately ceded to his Majesty by the Creek and Cheroque Indians and Sensible with how much Ardor and Assiduity your Excellency planned, and pur sued the Measures Necessary to the Accomplishment of so desirable and Interesting an undertaking beg leave to congratulate you on the Success you have met with and to render you their thanks for the great affection you have Shewn and the essential Service you have done the Province on this Occasion Ordered that Mr Speaker do sign the said address Resolved that the said Address be presented to his Excellency the Governor by the whole House Ordered that Mr Henry Yonge and Mr Baker do know his Excellency's pleasure when he will be attend by this House A Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to ascertain the Manner and form of Electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly was read the third time and some amend ments were made by the House to the Bill — JUNE, 1773- 44a Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Thomas Young do carry the Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto A Petition from Hugh Kennedy was presented to the House and read Setting forth that the Petitioner had some time ago presented a petition to the House which was re ceived and read relating to a road he had made to the Ferry at the two Sisters praying that he might have the said Ferry established in him the petitioner further sets forth that he has opened the old road leading through his swamp for the better Accommodating of Travellors and therefore prays the House will allow of a road to te- Laid out through the Lands of John Adam Treutlen Es quire Who has run a Fence across the same to the Bluff and which the petitioner says Travellors do complain of- - The petitioner therefore further prays the House will- Comply with his request as it cannot be of any Injury to Mr Treutlen and says it is but half a Mile in Length from the King's road to the edge of the swamp, and he Prom ises when the said road is made that leads to the above Ferry to make a bridge over the Creek at his own Ex- pence Ordered that the said petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House Ordered that Mr Shruder do carry the following Mes sage to the upper House Commons House of Assembly 30 June 1773— Honorable Gent" In answer to your Message of the 28th Instant desiring a free Conference upon the Subject Matter of the amend- 444 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ments made by this House to the Engrossed Bill Entitled an Act to explain amend and reduce into one Act of As sembly the several Laws now in being relating to the holding Special Courts for the Trial of personal Actions wherein any person or persons is or are plaintiff or plain tiffs Defendant or Defendants this House doth agree to the same and will meet your House accordingly at the place and time appointed Mr Henry Young reported to the House that his Ex cellency the Governor having been waited upon (pursuant to Order) to know his Excellency's pleasure when he wou'd be Attended by this, House, had been pleased to appoint Twelve of the Clock this Morning Accordingly Mr Speaker with the House went to attend his Excellency the Governor to present the Address and being returned Mr Speaker reported that he with the House had attended his Excellency and presented their address to which his Excellency was pleased to give the following answer Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I return you my best thanks for this very obligeing address — The Cession of the Lands Obtained from the Cheroque and Creek Indians is certainly a Matter of Very great importance to the safety and prosperity of the Good people of this Province, and it does and always will, give me the greatest pleasure to have my conduct ap proved of by you their representatives Ja9 Wright Savannah in Georgia 30th June 1773 JULY, 1773. 445 The Ho'iise having received Information of the ab sence of William Jones Esquire from the Province and that his business would detain him for several months Resolved That the seat of the said William Jones be deemed Vacant. Ordered that an Address be presented to his Excel lency the Governor to request him to give Orders for a Writ to be Issued for the Electing of a Member for the parish of Saint George in the room of William Jones Es quire whose seat is deemed Vacant and that Mr Simpson and Mr Stirk do wait upon his Excellency the Governor with the said Address accordingly they withdrew and being returned Mr Simpson reported that he with Mr Stirk had (According to Order) waited on his Excellency with the Address who was pleased to say he would give orders for that purpose Immediately Resolved that this House do on Wednesday next re solve itself into a Committee of the whole House to take into consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts Ordered that Mr Speaker do Issue His warrant to take Edward Barnard Esquire into the Custody of the Messenger of this House for his non attendance '&>v And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B.PR. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday iBt July 1773 The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Bill to prevent Stealing of Horses and Neat Cattle and for the Effectual discovery and pun- 446 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ishment of such persons as shall unlawfully brand, Mark, Kill, or drive the same, and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the committee reported they had taken the said Bill into con sideration and made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again A Message from, his Excellency the Governor by Thomas Moodie Esqr in the room of the Clerk of the Council Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I herewith send you a Memorial of the Honorable Lewis Johnson Esquire Provost Marshal of this Province together with an affidavit of some Carpenters of reputa tion who have Viewed the publick Goal and also the pro test of David Tubear Keeper of the Common Goal From these several papers you will see The present most ruinous state of the Goal — This Gentlemen is a Matter which calls Loudly on us for relief it has been laid before former Assemblies but hath hitherto remained without redress I apprehend from an Idea that the pro vost Marshal or Sheriff is obliged to provide a prison or Goal at his own Expence but if you will take the Trouble to look into this point I believe you will find that all Goals or prisons are the Kings and Called Common or publick Goals and that they are built and repaired at the Com mon Charge of the Country that all commitments are to the Common Goal that the Sheriff or provost Marshal cannot (if he wou'd) build a Common Goal that in Eng land Goals or prisons cannot be erected by any less au- JULY, 1773. 447 thority than an Act of Parliament and here I presume by an Act of the General Assembly The Honour of the Province Suffers, Publick Justice is impeded and often prevented, and the laws of our Country are in a great measure rendered useless by the frequent breaches of the prison and Escapes of Delin quents, and not only these reasons but common Humanity calls upon us all to remedy and prevent in future the Calamitous circumstances attending the Want of a proper publick Goal I must therefore in the strongest Manner recommend the provost Marshals Memorial to your most serious con sideration, and hope you will give that relief which the nature of the case so Evidently requires And now I am on this Subject, I must not omit to Inform you that one Prine a most Notorious offender now lies under sentance to be hanged on Wednesday the Twenty first Instant and that there is a very great prob ability of his making his Escape before that day unless a Guard is kept at the prison, and that there is no monev to defray the Expence of this without you should think proper to provide for it Jas Wright Savannah the Is' July 1773— Ordered that the said Message with the papers do lie on the Table to be perused by the Members of the House Resolved that as it has been represented to this House by his Excellency the Governor that Joseph Prine a most notorious Villain is now confined in the common Goal of Savannah under sentance of death and that there is Great reason to apprehend he will attempt an Escape a 448 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Vote of Credit may pass this House for a sum not Ex ceeding fifteen Pounds to be applied to the payment of a Guard to assist the provost Marshal in preventing the Escape of the said prine Resolved that this House will take into consideration on Thursday next his Excellencys Message respecting the necessity of Building a Common Goal And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 2nd July 1773 The House resolved itself into a Committee to take into further Consideration the Bill to prevent Stealing of Horses and neat Cattle and for the Effectual discovery and punishment of such persons as shall unlawfully Brand, Mark, Kill, or Drive the same and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into further Consideration gone through the same and made Several amendments thereto which they had directed him to report to the House and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the amendments in at the Table where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the House Resolved that the Title of the said Bill be "A Bill to prevent Stealing of Horses and neat Cattle and unlaw fully Branding Marking, Killing or driving the same Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed JULY, 1773. 449 Ordered that the Clerk do write to John Jamieson Esquire a Member of this House to acquaint him that the House requires his immediate attendance Mr Speaker informed the House that he would on Tues day next offer for a third reading "a Bill for granting to his Majesty a duty upon raw neat Hides exported from this Province and for preventing the exportation of un merchantable Tanned Leather The members appointed to manage at the free confer ence of both Houses upon the Subject Matter of the amendments made by this House to the Engrossed Bill Entitled an Act to Explain amend and reduce into one Act of assembly the Several Laws now in being relating to the holding Special Courts for the Trial of personal actions wherein any Transient person or persons is or are Plaintiff or Plaintiffs Defendant or Defendants re ported that they had receded from the Second, fourth and fifth amendments made by the House and adhered to the first third and Last — An Ordinance appointing the Honrble Grey Elliott Esquire agent to Solicit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain in case of the absence of Benjamin Frank lin Esqr from Great Britain was read a second time And then the House Adjourned until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 5th July 1773 Sir Patrick Houstoun from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill to empower the Commis- 29 c r — vol 15 450 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE sioners therein named to put up to sale for the benefit of the publick the Ferry over great Ogechee River for a Term of Years and to Authorize the said Commissioners to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry reported that they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and Ordered to be read a Second time The Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Transient persons importing Goods and Merchandize into this Province to pay Tax for the Same and to oblige the Treasurer and Collector of duties to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of this Act and other Acts of this Province was read a second time and Or dered to be committed The House Accordingly resolved itself into a Commit tee upon the said Bill and after Sometime spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Thomas Young from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into consideration gone through the same and made several amendments thereto which they had directed him to report to the House and he read the report in his place, and afterwards delivered the Bill with the amend ments in at the Table where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the House Resolved that the Title of the said Bill be "a Bill to amend and continue an Act Entitled an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Transient persons Importing Goods and Merchandize into this Province to pay Tax for the same and to oblige the Treasurer and Collector of the Country Duties to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of this or any other Act of this Province JULY, 1773. 451 Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 6th July 1773 The Engrossed Bill for Granting to his Majesty a duty upon raw neat Hides Exported from this Province and for preventing the Exportation of unmerchantable Tanned Leather was read a third Time and some amend ments were made thereto by the House Resolved That the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Stirk do carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto The House took under consideration the amendments made by the upper House to the Engrossed Bill for the better ordering of the Militia and agreed to some and disagreed to others Ordered that Mr Stirk do carry the Bill to the upper House and Acquaint them that this House have agreed to some of the amendments made by the upper House to the said Bill and disagreed to Others and that this House desires they will appoint a Committee to Join a Com mittee of this House in Conference on the Subject Mat ter of the said amendments Mr Speaker Informed the House that he wou'd on Friday next offer for a third reading a Bill to prevent 452 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE the Stealing of Horses and neat Cattle and unlawfully branding marking or driving the same — A Bill to empower the Commissioners therein named to put up to sale for the benefit of the publick the Ferry over Great Ogechee river for a Term of Years and to authorize the said Commissioners to Inspect and regulate - the said Ferry was read a second time and Ordered to be committed The House Accordingly resolved itself into a Com mittee and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Jamieson from- the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into consideration gone through the same and made several amendments thereto which they had directed him to report to tlie House and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the amendments in at the Table where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 7"1 July 1773 Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to em power Commissioners of the General Loan Office to Issue Bills of Credit for Sixty pounds in Lieu of that sum dis- troyed by fire and that Mr Simpson, Mr Netherclift and Mr Baker do prepare and bring in the same JULY, 1773, 453 A Petition from Elizabeth Anderson Of the Town of Savannah was presented to the House and read setting forth that the Petitioner at tlie request of John Simp son Esquire deceased late Acting Provost Marshal of this Province did Supply the prisoners in the Goal of Savan nah with Bread to the amount of Five pounds fifteen Shillings and Six pence lawful Money of the Province aforesaid as appears by an Attested Account herewith de livered The petitioner further observes that several applica tions were made to Mr Simpson in his life time for pay ment of the petitioners account but all to no purpose and the same hath never been paid and that the petitioner hath been Informed the Provost Marshal Usually charges the Legislature with whatever Provisions are furnished for the prisoners in Goal, and in case he had Actually paid the petitioners Account it wou'd have been by him charged to and allowed by the publick that the petitioner Would not have Troubled the House upon this Subject were it not that the Petitioner Knows of no other Method to recover payment of his Account which tho small is more, as is Well known than she can afford to loose Ordered the said petition do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House The Order of the day being read for taking the Esti mate and publick Accounts under consideration the House (pursuant to Order) resolved itself into a Com mittee and after some time spent Therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee reported that they had taken the said Estimate and Ac counts under consideration and made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to rhove" for leave' i6 Sit again 454 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered That the Committee have leave to sit again. Mr Speaker Informed the House that he wou'd on this day Sin-night offer for a third reading a Bill to prevent the Stealing of Horses and neat Cattle and unlawfully Branding Marking Killing or driving the same And also that he wou'd on Thursday the 15"1 Instant offer for a third reading a Bill to amend and continue an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Transient persons importing Goods and Merchan dize into this Province to pay Tax for the same and to oblige the Treasurer and Collector of Country duties to give Security for the due performance of their office and for monies that may be received by them by Virtue of this or any other Act of this Province Resolved that the Order of the day for the different Commissioners and other persons therein mentioned to lay their respective Accounts before this House be fur ther Adjourned, over until the i6'h Instant and that the Clerk do Acquaint them therewith Resolved that the Order of the day for taking under consideration his Excellency's Message respecting the Necessity of Building a common Goal be adjourned over until the 16th Instant And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 8th July 1773 The House met according to Adjournment and ad journed until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock JULY, 1773. 455 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 9"1 July 1773 The House met according to Adjournment and ad journed until Monday Morning 10 of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 12th July 1773 The House met according to Adjournment and ad journed until Tomorrow Morning 8 of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 13 July 1773 The House met according to Adjournment and ad journed until Tomorrow Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 14th July 1773 Motion being made that Edward Barnard Esquire a Member of this House in Custody of the Messenger be admitted he was Accordingly called in and made his ex cuse Resolved that the said Excuse is not Satisfactory Ordered that the said Edward Barnard Esquire be discharged out of Custody of the Messenger upon paying his Fees 456 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The Engrossed Bill to prevent the Stealing of Horses and neat Cattle and unlawfully Branding, marking Kill ing or driving the same was read a. third Time and an Amendment was made thereto Resolved That the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Henry Yonge do carry the Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence Mr Speaker Informed the House that he wou'd on Friday next offer for a third reading a Bill to empower the Commissioners therein named to put up to sale for the benefit of the publick the Ferry over Great "Gechee river for a Term of Years and to authorize the said Com missioners to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 15th July 1773 A Petition from John Francis Rainier with an affidavit thereto annexed was presented to the House and read setting forth that the petitioner had the Misfortune to have his dwelling House and other Buildings burnt on the first day of Last February and the most of his Effects destroyed and that the petitioner had at that time by him a Sum of Money toi the Amount of thirteen pounds in Bills of Credit of this Province which was intirely con sumed the petitioner therefore hopes that he may be re lieved in the same Manner as in a, case of the like nature now before the House and the petitioner will ever pray JULY, 1773. 457 The Engrossed Bill to amend and continue an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Tran sient persons importing Goods and Merchandize into this Province to pay Tax for the same and to oblige the Treasurer and Collector of Country duties to give se curity for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of this or any other Act of this Province was read a third time Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Clay do carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee reported that they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under Consideration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again OrderEd that the Committee have leave to sit again. And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 16th July 1773 The Engrossed Bill to empower the Commissioners therein named to put Up to Sale for the Benefit of the publick the Ferry over Great Ogechee River for a Term of Years and to Authorize the sa'id Commis'si-oner to In- 458 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE spect and regulate the said Ferry was read a third Time- and some amendments were made thereto Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Barnard do Carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Upper House of Assembly 14th July 1773 Mr Speaker In Answer to the Message from your House desiring a Conference with this House on the subject Matter of the Amendments made to the Bill for the better Ordering of the Militia do agree to the said Conference and have appointed a Committee Accordingly to Join the Com mittee of your House in the room adjoining the Council Chamber immediately Committee The honorable James^ Edward Powell James Read and Henry Yonge Esquires. Ordered that a Committee be appointed to Join a Com mittee of the upper House in conference on the amend ments made by the upper House to the said Bill and a Committee was appointed accordingly Committed to Cap tain Carter, Mr Le Conte Mr Andrew, Mr Baker, and Mr Simpson Mr Simpson from the Committee appointed to Join a Committee of the upper House in Conference on the amendments made by the upper House to the Engrossed Bill Entitled a Bill for the better Ordering of the Malitia — Reported that the Committee had Joined the Commit tee of the upper House in conference and had taken the matters recommended to them under consideration and JULY, 1773. 459 were ready to report when the House please to receive the same Ordered that the report be received on Monday next And then the House adjourned until monday Morning nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 19th July 1773 The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under Consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee reported they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under Con sideration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again A petition from several of the Inhabitants of the Prov ince was presented to the House and read setting forth that they beg leave to Express their grateful approbation of a Bill which has lately originated in and passed through the Honorable House, that the like worthy prin cipals to which they owe its present progress, ensure to them its ultimate Success that the Inhumanity the In justice the inefficacy of Criminal Laws, have, In almost every Society been the Frequent Subject of complaint — That they congratulate themselves, that in the House they are likely to become the Subject of Inquiry and amend ment that they thank their representatives for what they have already done and they desire to consider it as an earnest of their yet farther attention to a Matter almost 460 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE as Generally Neglected as it is important, but that amidst these their hopes and congratulations they may be al lowed likewise to pour forth their Sorrows, that a fellow Creature a fellow Member of their Society groans, under the heavy Sentance of that Grevious Law which you have lately so publickly so Solemnly disapproved that he is Snached away at the dawn of Mercy he is wrecked with in Sight of the Harbour, that shoud Prine Suffer and your Bill pass into a Law, he does not in the eye of reason, for the Crime, but for the time of its commission that he dies not for having Stolen a Mare, but for having Stolen her in 1772 instead of 1773 that they hope they shall not be Spectators of such a Scene that they intreat your application to his Majestys representative in behalf of this unhappy Man — That offices of Mercy are at all times amiable but on this Occasion they must in you be pecu liarly becoming That they feel their Intreaties more than seconded by what you yourselves have so lately done — That though their Petition is Signed but by a very Trifling number of your Constituents they take upon them to assert that it conveys the Sentiments of the Majority for, to approve of the above mentioned Bill and to ap prove of the requested application must with every con- sistant person be one and the same feeling In consequence of the above Petition a Motion was made that an address be presented to his Excellency the Governor humbly to request him to Extend his Mercy to Joseph Prine now under Sentance of Death on such conditions as shall appear most Eligible to his Excellency — a debate arising thereon and the Question being put it passed in the affirmative the Members for the Motion were Docf Jones, Mr Simpson, Mr Zubly Mr Shruder, Mr Bryan, Mr Netherclift, Docf Houstoun, Mr Powell, Mr Law, Captain Carter and Mr Bourquin the Members against the Motion were Mr Baker, Mr Brown, Mr Max- JULY, 1773. 461 well, Mr Isaac Young, Mr Barnard, Mr Le Conte, Mr Clary, Mr Millen, Mr Sallens and Mr Jamieson Resolved that an Address be prepared accordingly and that Mr Zubly, Mr Shruder and Docf Jones do prepare and bring in the same they according withdrew and being returned Mr Zubly reported they had prepared The same which was received and read and some amendments were made thereto by the House Ordered that the said Address be Engrossed The said Address being Ingrossed was read to the House in the words following Viz' To his Excellency Sir James Wright Baronet Cap tain General Governor and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Province of Georgia Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same — The Humble Address of the Commons House of Assembly May it please your Excellency , The commons House of Assembly having this day re ceived a petition from a number of Gentlemen of the Town of Savannah and some others in favour of Joseph Prine a Convict now under Sentence of Death setting forth some Circumstances in his behalf which render him in their Opinion an object of Mercy, and intreating this House to make application to your Excellency in his favour and after having taken the said petition into our Serious consideration and Maturely weighed the reasons therein advanced being led to hope that as fie has already Suffered Greatly by a Long Imprisonment attended by many other though lawful yet severe and rigid hardships and has probably been brought to a proper Sense of his 462 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE former Crimes and bad conduct by such Charitable and religious Arguments and Doctrines as have from time to time been frequently urged and communicated to him he may (shou'd your Excellency think proper conditionally to remit his Sentence) become a Good and useful Subject to his Majesty we therefore beg leave humbly to recom mend the said Joseph Prine as an object of compasion, and Sollicit you to extend Mercy towards him in such way as to your Excellency shall seem most Eligible Ordered that Mr Speaker do Sign the said address and that Mr Netherclift and Mr Zubly do wait on his Ex cellency the Governor and present the same And then the House Adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 20th July 1773 Mr Netherclift from the Committee appointed to wait on his Excellency the Governor with the address reported that his Excellency was pleased to say that in cases of life and death (where application was made to him) he always consulted his Majesty's Council which he will now do and that afterwards he will send an Answer to the Address — • The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under Consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Clary from the Committee reported they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under consid eration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the committee to move for leave to sit again JULY, 1773. 463 Ordered that the committee have leave to sit again A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the deputy Secretary the Clerk of the Council being absent in Answer to the Address of Yesterday Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly It always gives me great pleasure to have it in my power to comply with the request of the House of As sembly and I have now the Satisfaction to Acquaint you that on my laying your address in favour of Prine before his Majesty's Council they are unanimously Inclined to Mercy — wherefore I shall Order a Conditional Pardon to be prepared for him Ja" Wright Savannah 20th July 1773 Resolved that this House do take under Consideration on Friday next whither the Expences of Government and the demands against the publick from the 26th April 1771 to The 21s' April 1772 be allowed and provided for And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 218' July 1773 Mr Simpson from the Committee Appointed to prepare . and bring in a Bill to empower the Commissioners of the General Loan Office to Issue a Sum of Sixty pounds to make good a loss by Fire reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and > Ordered to be read a Second Time — 464 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The Order of the day being read the House accord ingly took under consideration his Excellency's Message respecting the Necessity of building a Common Goal, and also the Memorial of the provost Marshal to his Ex cellency the Governor and the Affidavits and protest which were by his Excellency the Governor laid before the House accordingly A Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill to ap point Commissioners to build a Common Goal in the Town of Savannah and to Inspect the same when Built and for raising a sum of Money to defray the Expence of the same — and also to oblige the provost Marshal to give Security for the due Execution of his office, and to regulate the duties thereof, A debate arising thereon and the Question Being put it passed in the Nagative — The Members for the Motion were Docf Houstoun, Mr Neth erclift, Mr Henry Yonge, Mr Shruder, Mr Jamieson, Mr Simpson, Mr I Young Mr Stirk, Mr Millen, Mr Barnard, and Mr Zubly The Members against the Motion were Mr Brown Docf Jones, Captain Carter, Mr Brian, Mr Law, Mr Andrew, Mr Treutlen, Mr Le Conte, Mr Bour quin Mr Powell, Mr Clay, Mr Baker, and Mr Sallens And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol 48.) Thursday 22d July 1773 The Bill to empower the Commissioners of the General Loan office to Issue a sum of Sixty pounds to make Good a Loss by Fire was read a Second time and Ordered to be committee The House accordingly resolved itself into a Commit- JULY, 1773. 465 tee and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Netherclift from the Committee re ported they had taken the said Bill under consideration and made some progress therein and that he was directed by the committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Clerk of the Council Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly Yesterday afternoon I received Certain Information that Two Cheroque Indians were murdered near Broad River as they were returning home from the Congress lately held at Augusta for the particulars of which I refer you to the letters now sent and by which you will see in what a base Manner these Murders were perpetrated and being done on their return home from the congress is a great agrivation of the crime I have therefore with the advice of his Majesty's Council determined to Issue a proclamation for the apprehending the offender or offenders and as there is no Money in the Treasurers Hands which I can appropriate in that way I must rec ommend it to you to provide for this Necessary Service Jas Wrighi Savannah Council Chamber 22d July 1773— The said Message and letters being taken under con sideration Resolved Nem : Con that this House will provide the sum of one Hundred pounds for the apprehending of the 30 c r— vol 15 466 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE offender or offenders Mentioned in his Excellencys Mes sage Ordered that an Address be presented to his Excel lency the Governor to Acquaint him therewith and that Mr Clay and Mr Barnard do wait on his Excellency with the said address A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Mr Speaker The upper House have agreed to a Bill to prevent dam ages arising from Dams or Banks and for preventing per sons Stopping the Natural Course or Courses of Water to the Injury of their (Neighbours with some amend ments to which they desire the Concurrence of this House and also to a Bill to empower Commissioners or Sur veyors to lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or may hereafter be Necessary and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions with amendments to which they likewise desire the Concur rence of this House and also a Bill to amend an Act En titled an Act to ascertain the Manner and form of elec- ing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly to which they also desire the Concurrence of this House And then the House Adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 23d July 1773 A petition from Several of the Inhabitants of Saint Matthews Parish was presented to the House and read JULY, 1773. 467 setting forth, That a publick Ferry over the river Sa vannah from the plantation of Robert Hudson fourteen Miles above the one at the place called the Two Sisters would be very convenient for Travellors passing to and from Carolina and that if the House shou'd think proper to vest the same in the Said Robert Hudson he the said Hudson will be at the Expence of making the road on each side of the above Mentioned River whereby Trav ellors may cross at almost any Season or time of the Year and that the petitioners will ever pray &" Ordered that the said petition do lie on the Table to be perused by the Members of the House The Order of the day for the House to take under consideration on this day whither the Expenses of Gov ernment and the demands against the publick from the 26th April 1771 to the 21st April 1772 be allowed and provided for being read A Motion was made that the House do resolve to provide for the Expences of Government and the debts due from the publick incurred between the 26th of April 1 771 and the 21s' of April 1772 and a debate arising therein the Question being put it passed in the affirm ative the Members for the Motion were, Mr Simpson, Mr Law, Mr Henry Yonge, Mr Barnard, Mr I : Young, Mr Netherclift, Mr Jamieson, Mr Stirk, Mr Treutlen, Docf Houstoun, Sir P: Houstoun, Mr Millen, Mr Carter, and Mr Shruder The Members against the Motion were M* Brown, Mr Sallens Mr Clay, Mr Baker, Mr Le Conte, Mr Zubly, Mr Andrew, Docf Jones, Mr Powell and M' Bourquine Resolved That such commissioners and other per sons as have already been Ordered to attend this House with their respective accounts and have hitherto Neglected 468 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE to give such attendance be peremptorily required to at tend on Tuesday next at Eleven "Clock Ordered that the Clerk do acquaint them, therewith And then the House adjourned, until Monday Morning ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 26th July 1773 The House met according to Adjournment and ad journed until Tomorrow Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 27th July 1773 Ordered that the Clerk do write to Such Members as have absented, themselves without leave of the House rr have not made a proper Excuse and acquaint them th-it the House requires their Immediate attendance And then the House adjourned until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 28th July 1773 The House took under consideration the amendments made by the upper House to the Bill to prevent damages arising from dams or Banks and for preventing persons- stopping the Natural Course or Courses of water to the JULY, 1773. 469 Injury of their Neighbours and agreed to the same and likewise the amendments made to the Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to ascertain the manner and Form of Electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the Commons House of Assembly and agreed to some and disagreed to others. And also the amendments made to the Bill to empower Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or that may hereafter be Neces sary and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions and agreed to Some and disagreed to others Ordered that Mr Henry Yonge do carry the Bill to prevent damages arising from' dams or Banks and for preventing persons Stopping the Natural Course or Courses of Water to the Injury of their Neighbours to the upper House and acquaint them that this House have agreed to the amendments made to the same by their House Ordered that Mr Henry Yonge do also carry to the upper House the Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to ascertain the Manner and form of Electing members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the com mons House of Assembly and the Bill to empower the commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or that may hereafter be Necessary and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions and acquaint them that this House have agreed to some of the amendments made by their House to the said Bill and disagreed to others and that this House desires they will appoint a Commit tee to Join a Committee of this House in Conference on the Subject matter of the amendments made to the said Bills 470 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Viz* Mr Speaker The upper House have agreed to a Bill to prevent the Stealing of Horses and neat Cattle and unlawfully brand ing, Marking, Kiling or driving the same with some amendments to which they desire the Concurrence of this House Also to a Bill for granting to his Majesty a duty upon raw neat Hides Exported from this Province and for pre venting the Exportation of unmerchantable Tanned Leather, with some amendments to which they desire the Concurrence of this House — Also to a bill to amend and continue an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercar goes and other Transient persons importing Goods and Merchandize into this Province to pay Tax for the same and to oblige the Treasurer and Collector of Country duties to give security for the due performance Of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of this or any other Act of this Province with some amendments to which they desire the concurrence of this House And also to a Bill to empower the Com missioners therein named to put up to Sale for the benefit of the publick the Ferry over Great oGechee River for a Term of Years and to Authorize the said Commission ers to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry with amend ments to which they likewise desire the concurrence of this House And then the House adjourned untill To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock JULY, 1773. 471 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 29th July 1773 Ordered that Mr Speaker do Issue his Warrant to take into custody Sir Patrick Houstoun Baronet and Jonathan Bryan Esquire Members of this House for absenting themselves without leave of the House The House took under consideration the amendments made by the upper House to the Bill to empower the Commissioners therein named to put up to Sale for the benefit of the Publick the Ferry over great ogechee River for a term of Years and to authorize the said Commission ers to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry, and agreed to some and disagreed to Others Also the amendments made to the Bill to amend and continue an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Transient persons im porting Goods and Merchandize into this province to pay Tax for the same and to oblige the Treasurer and Col lector of Country Duties, to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of this or any other Act of this province and did agree to Some and disagree to others Ordered that Mr Zubly do carry the said Bills to the upper House and acquaint them that this House have agreed to some of the amendments made by their House to .the said Bills and disagreed to others and that this House desire that they will appoint a Committee to Join a Committee of this House in Conference on the Subject Matter of the amendments made to the said Bills The House likewise took under consideration the Amendments made by the upper House to the Bill for granting to his Majesty a duty upon raw neat Hides 472 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Exported from this province and for preventing the Ex portation of unmerchantable Tanned leather and agreed to the same — Ordered that Mr Zubly do also carry the said Bill to the upper House and Acquaint them that this House have agreed to the amendments made to the same by their House — A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Viz' Upper House of assembly 29th July 1773 Mr Speaker In answer to your Message of this day desiring this House will appoint a Committee to Join a Committee of your House in conference on the Subject Matter of the Amendments made by this House to the Bill to amend an Act Entitled an Act to ascertain the Manner and form of Electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this Province in the commons House of Assembly and also to the Bill to empower the Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or that may hereafter be necessary and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions do agree to the said conference and have appointed a Committee accord ingly to meet in the room adjoining the Council Cham ber immediately Committee The Honble James Edward Powell James Read and James Hume Esquires Ordered that a Committee be appointed to Join a Com mittee of the upper House in conference on the amend ments made by the upper House to the said Bills and a Committee was appointed accordingly Committed to JULY, 1773. 473 Mr Shruder, Mr Clay, Mr Barnard, Mr Le Conte and Docf Jones — Mr Simpson from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill to enforce the payment of Arrears of Taxes due in this Province from persons holding or claiming to hold Lands by Virtue of and under grants Signed by the Governor of South Carolina in the Year of Our Lord 1773 reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a Second time A Petition from Several of the Inhabitants of Queens borough Township was presented to the House and read Setting forth that the petitioners apprehend that a Teacher of the Established Church is to be fixt in the lower part of the Parish of Saint George which they imagine will be oppressed to them as it will be the Means of increasing their Taxes in Order to provide for his Support and Main tenance they have already Subscribed for the Expence of a Teacher to reside amongst them the Petitioners therefore pray that the House will take the Matter into their Serious Consideration and prevent such a Measure from taking place either by dividing their parish or con stituting the part they reside in into a Seperate district and thereby enabling therm (without Subjecting them to the inconveniences which they now daily meet with) to have teachers and places of worship together with a Court of Conscience amongst them1 and they will pray as in duty Bound &° Ordered that the said petition do lie upon the Table to be perused, by the Members of the House The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed 474 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE the Chair and Mr Clay from the committee Reported they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under consideration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the committee have leave to Sit again Ordered that the Clerk do give notice that if such persons as have not attested their Accounts (delivered in) against the publick do not immediately call on the Clerk of this House and attest the same no Notice will be taken of them in the present Tax Bill And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 30th July 1773 Motion being made that Jonathan Bryan Esquire hav ing some days since absented himself From this House without leave and having Yesterday Morning in a Con temptuous Manner departed from this Province without asking leave or even making his Intentions known — be Expelled this House — a debate arising thereon and the Question being put it passed in the affirmative the Mem bers for the Motion were Mr Law, Mr Millen, Mr Le Conte, Mr Clay, Mr Netherclift, Mr Treutlen Mr Shruder,. Mr Jamieson, Mr Maxwell Mr Simpson, Mr Bourquine, Mr Henry Yonge and Mr Barnard, the Members against the Motion were Docf Jones, Mr Carter, Mr Zubly, Mr Powell Mr Andrew, and Mr Sallens Ordered that an address be presented to his Excellen- AUGUST, 1773. 475 cy the Governor requesting him to give directions for a Writ to be Issued for the Town and district of Savannah for the Electing of a Member in the room of Jonathan Bryan Esquire who is Expelled the House and that MT Simpson and Mr Barnard do wait on his Excellency with the said Address The Bill to enforce the payment of the Arrears of Taxes due in this Province from persons holding or claiming to hold Lands by Virtue of and under Grants signed by the Governor of South Carolina in the year of our Lord Seventeen Hundred and Sixty three was read a Second time and Ordered to be committed The House accordingly resolved itself into a Commit tee and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Henry Yonge from the committee Re ported they had taken the said Bill into consideration and made some progress therein and that he was directed by the committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the committee have leave to sit again And then the House adjourned until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 2d August 1 773 Mr Simpson from the Committee appointed to wait on his Excellency the Governor with an address to acquaint his Excellency to give directions for a Writ to be Issued for the Town and district of Savannah for Electing a Member in the room of Jonathan Bryan Esqr who is. Expelled the House reported that he with Mr Barnard 476 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE had (according to Order) waited on his Excellency the Governor with the said address and that his Excellency was pleased to say he would give Orders for that purpose Immediately The Blouse resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed The Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee reported they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under consid eration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that a Committee have leave to sit again A Message from the upper House by their Clerk upper House of Assembly 2nd Aug' 1773 Mr Speaker In answer to the Message from your house of this day desiring this Blouse will appoint a Committee to Join a Committee of your House on the subject matter of the Amendments made by this House to the Bill to empower the Commissioners therein named to put up to Sale for the benefit of the publick the Ferry over great ogechee River for a Term of years and to authorize the said Commissioners to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry — and also the amendments made to the Bill to amend and continue an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Transient persons importing Goods and Mer chandize into this province to pay Tax for the same and to oblige the Treasurer and Collector of Country duties to give Security for the True performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue Of this or any other Act of this Province do agree to the AUGUST, 1773. 477 said conference and have appointed a Committee Accord ingly to Join a Committee of your House on the Subject Matter of the said amendments to meet in the room ad joining the Council Chamber at Twelve "Clock tomor row Committee the Honorable James McKay, James Ed ward. Powell Hen7 Yonge and James Read Esquires Ordered that a Committee be appointed to join a Committee of the upper House in Conference on the amendments made by the upper House to the said Bills and a Committee was appointed accordingly Committed to Mr Simpson, Mr Shruder, Mr Clay, Docf Jones Mr Netherclift, Mr Henry Yonge and Mr Le Conte Ordered that the Committee appointed to Examine the Treasurers Accounts do make their report on or before next Thursday Sen might And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 3rd August 1773 — Nathaniel Hall Esquire Elected and returned for the parish of Saint George proved himself duly Qualified to serve as a representative according to the Terms pre scribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly and then Took the Oaths and made and Subscribed the Dec laration and took and Subscribed the Oath of Abjuration and then took his Seat The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after Sometime spent therein Mr Speaker resumed 478 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee reported they had taken the Said Estimate and Accounts under consideration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to Sit again; Ordered that the Committee have leave to Sit again Ordered that Mr Jamieson, Mr Hall, and Mr Stirk be added to the Committee appointed to Examine into the Treasurers Accounts The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Ordinance appointing the Hon orable Grey Elliott Esquire agent to Solicit the affairs of this province in Great Britain in case of the absence of Benjamin Franklin Esquire from Great Britain and after Some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Netherclift from the Committee reported that they had taken the said Ordinance into consideration gone through the same and made some amendments thereto which he read in his place and afterwards deliv ered the Ordinance in at the Table where the same were again read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the said Ordinance with the amendments be Engrossed Mr Speaker informed, the House that he wou'd on Friday next offer same for a third reading And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock AUGUST, 1773. 479 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 4th August 1773 The House being informed that Sir Patrick Houstoun Baronet in Custody of the Messenger of this House was attending at the door he was accordingly called in and Ordered to be discharged upon paying his Fees Mr Netherclift from the Committee appointed to Ex amine into the Treasurers Accounts reported that they had Examined the same and were ready to make their report when the House please to receive the same He Ac cordingly (with leave of the House) made his report Ordered that the same be taken under Consideration on Tuesday next A petition from Several of the Inhabitants of the parish of Christ Church was presented to the House and read Setting forth that the petitioners are Informed that the Society for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts per suaded that the Inhabitants of this parish are of them selves in Sufficient circumstances to make a proper and becoming provision for a rector have lately withdrawn from him their usual Stipend or Salery and the Subscri bers being very desirous that a rector of Christ Church Shou'd be Supported in a Manner becoming his rank and Charecter Humbly request that the House will be pleased to take the State of the Living into consideration and if it shall appear to the House as it does to the petitioners to be unequal to the Expences of a Famaly residing in the Town of Savannah that the House will be pleased to make such an Addition to it as will fully answer that pur pose the petitioners therefore beg leave to Inform the House that the rector of the parish of Christ Church is often called upon duties that respect the province in Gen- 480 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE eral and have no relation to his parish in particular and therefore hope that the House will be pleased to grant some equivalent Sum for these Services and provide any further Sum that may seem meet and in such a way as may be least burthensome to the parish and the petitioner will ever pray &c Ordered that the said petition do lie on the Table to be perused by the Members of the House The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee reported they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under consid eration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the committee to move for Leave to Sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Viz* Upper House of Assembly 4th Aug3' 1773 Mr Speaker This House having taken into consideration the report of the Committee of this House appointed to Join a Com mittee of your House in conference on the subject matter of the amendments made by this House to the Bill Enti tled an Act to ascertain the Manner and form of Electing members to represent the Inhabitants of this province in the commons House of Assembly — Also a Bill to em power commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or may hereafter Be Necessary and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective Divisions — Also to the Bill to empower AUGUST, 1773. . 481 the Commissioners therein named to put up to Sale for the benefit of the publick the Ferry over great ogechee River for a Term of Years and to Authorize the said Commissioners to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry — < And Also to the Bill to amend and Continue an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Tran sient persons importing Goods and Merchandize into this province to pay Tax for the same and to oblige the Treas urer and Collector of Country duties to give security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of this or any other Act of this province do agree with their Committee in the Alterations made in the said Several Amendments at the conference and adhere to the amendments which their Committee did Adhere to And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 5"1 August 1773 Mr Simpson from the Committee appointed to Join a Committee of the upper House to confer on the Subject Matter of the Amendments made by their House to the Engrossed Bill to amend and continue an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Transient Persons importing Goods and Merchandize into this prov ince to pay Tax for the Same and to oblige the Treas urer and Collector of Country duties to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of this or any other Act of Assembly also on the Subject Matter of the amend ments made to the Engrossed Bill to empower the Com missioners therein named to put up to Sale for the benefit 31 e r— vol 15 482 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE of the publick the Ferry over Great ogechee River for a Term of Years and to Authorize the said Commissioners to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry reported that the Committee had Joined a Committee of the upper House in Conference and had taken the Matters recommended to them under consideration and that the committee of the upper House had receded from some of their amend ments and Adhered to others which the Committee had directed him to report to the House and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered it in at the Table where it was again read The House Accordingly took the same into considera tion and Resolved that this House doth not agree in the amendments made by the upper House to the Bill to amend and continue an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels Supercargoes and other Transient persons importing Goods and Merchandize into this province to pay Tax for the same and to oblige the Treasurer and Collector of Country duties to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of this or any other Act of Assembly and that this House doth agree to the alterations made by their Committee of the said Conference in the amend ments made by the upper House to the Bill to empower the Commissioners therein named to put up to Sale for the benefit of the publick the Ferry over great ogechee river for a Term of Years and to Authorize the said Com missioners to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry Mr Shruder from the Committee appointed to Join a Committee of the upper House in conference on the Sub ject Matter of the amendments made by their House to the Bill to Ascertain the Manner and form of Electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this province in the commons House of Assembly, Also on the subject Matter of amendments made to the Bill to empower AUGUST, 1773. 483 Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or may hereafter be Necessary and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their re spective divisions also reported that the. Committee had Joined a Committee of the upper House in Conference and had taken the Matters recommended to them under consideration and that the Committee of the upper House had receded from some of their amendments and Ad hered to others which the Committee had Directed him to report to the House and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered it in at the Table where it was again read The House Accordingly took the same into Consider ation and Resolved that this House doth not agree to the second Amendment made by the upper House to the Bill to ascertain the Manner and form of Electing Members to represent the Inhabitants of this province in the Com mons House of Assembly and therefore proceeded no further upon the Other amendments and that this House doth agree to the Alterations made by their Committee at the said conference in the Amendments made by the up per House to the Bill to empower commissioners or Sur veyors to lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or may hereafter be necessary and also to Clear the rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions Ordered that Mr Shruder do acquaint the upper House that this House have agreed to the alterations made by their Committee at the Conference made by their House to the Bill to empower Commissioners or Surveyors To lay out make and repair the roads already laid out or may hereafter be Necessary and also to clear the rivers and Creeks within their Respective divisions ; and also to the Alterations made by their Committee at the conference in the amendments made by their House to the Bill to em power the Commissioners therein named to put up to sale 484 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE for the benefit of the publick the Ferry over great oge chee River for a Term of Years and to authorize the Said Commissioners to Inspect and regulate the said Ferry. And that Mr Shruder do likewise acquaint the upper House that this House doth disagree to the amendments made by their House to the Bill entitled an Act to ascer tain the manner and form of Electing Members to repre sent the Inhabitants of this province in the Commons House of Assembly and doth also disagree to the amend ments made by their House and therefore proceeded no further upon the other amendments to the Bill to amend and continue an Act to oblige Masters of Vessels, Super cargoes and other Transient persons importing Goods and Merchandize into this province to pay Tax for the same, and to oblige the Treasurer and Collector of the Country duties to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them By Virtue of this or any other act of this Province The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under Consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee reported they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under consid eration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have Leave to sit again And then the House adjourned until To morrow morning Eight of the Clock AUGUST, 1773. 485 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 6th August 1773 Ordered that the agent for this province be Instructed by the Committee of Correspondence to make application to Government in behalf of the Settlers on the Lands claimed by the Assigns of Sir William Baker as being within the Limits of a Certain Barony said to be in the parish of Christ Church and supposed to be heretofore run by Virtue of a Grant from the late Lords proprietors of South Carolina and that he be further Instructed if Necessary to beseech his most sacred Majesty that he will be graciously pleased to direct an Equivalent In Lands or such other recompense as may be Judged proper to be given to the Claimants of the said Barony in Lieu thereof as in his great wisdom he shall think fit and that the agent be furnished, with every necessary direction and Docu ment relating to the said Barony and the Settlers thereon which may Tend to promote the Success of his applica tion and petition Mr Stirk from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill to regulate and ascertain the rates of Wharfage of Shipping and Merchandize and Also to As certain the rates of Storage in the Several ports of this province and for the better regulation of Wharves and of Shipping in the said ports and for ascertaining the duty of an Harbour Master for the port of Savannah, reported, that they had prepared the Same which was received and read the first time and Ordered to be read a second time The Order of the day for Reading a third time the Or dinance appointing the Honorable Grey Elliott Esquire Agent to Solicit the affairs of this province in Great Brit ain in case of the absence of Benjamin Franklin Esquire from Great Britain being Read the said Ordinance was 486 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Accordingly Read' a Third time and some Amendments were made thereto by the House the Question being put Whither the said Ordinance Shou'd pass it passed in the affirmative the Members for the Question were Sir Pat rick Houstoun, Mr Simpson, Mr Stirk, Mr Henry Yonge, Mr Jamieson Mr Law, Mr Netherclift, Mr Shruder, Mr Carter, Mr Barnard Mr Maxwell and Mr I. Young the Members against the Question were Mr Brown, Mr Sallens, Docf Jones, Mr Clay, Mr Hall, Mr Treutlen, Mr Le Conte Mr Powell, Mr Zubly and Mr Bourquine Ordered that Mr Netherclift do carry the same to the upper House and desire their Concurrence A petition from several Masters and Owners of Vessels of the Town and Harbour of Savannah was presented to the House and Read Setting forth that the petitioners are of Opinion that the Laws and Regulations of this prov ince which respect the Trade and Navigation of the said Town and harbour of Savannah are Insufficient for the purpose for which they were made as Several of the pe titioners have already experienced by prosecutions under a Law of the province for doing that which Many persons had publickly done before, with impunity Whereby they are Subjected to Costs and damages which they think a very great hardship as they are not only Ignorant of any prohibition but have many Recent precedents for their Conduct and further they conceive that Laws which are of such frequent use, and are of such importance, shou'd be made as publick as possible and which if not soon Reme died the petitioners apprehend will be very detrimental to the Trade and Navigation of the province by discouraging persons from abroad Trading thereto that the Petitioners conceive nothing can contribute so much to the Welfare of the province as the extension of its Trade and Com merce and which they are persuaded cannot be Attained without encouraging a defusive Trade from abroad, but, AUGUST, 1773. 487 that while the Laws and Regulations are so exceedingly difficult for the Information and protection of the per sons and property of those concerned or who may be con cerned in such Trade it cannot be Expected that any such Extention can soon happen That the petitioners believe it will not be difficult to have such Methods printed Out as will Tend to the Remedying the Grievance complained of and at the same time effec tually promote the Commercial Interest of the province When the House doth think fit to enquire into a Matter of such importance as its Navigation Trade and Riches, That the petitioners are convinced the Laws already made for these purposes (though they conceive them to be de ficient Have not been Generally enforced and put into exe cution, Whereby they have not only proved ineffectual to answer the ends proposed by them, but also, by such a Re laxation in the executive department of Justice distruc- tive to the Navigation of the Port, and of consequence to the Trade and Commerce of the Province in consideration therefore of the premisses and of the particular prejudices hardships and Dangers which must too often inevitably Attend the Petitioners and the Merchants and Traders, Masters and Owners of Vessels who do or may Trade from the province the petitioners therefore pray the House to take the Laws already made for the Regulation of the Trade and Navigation of the Province into their deliber ate and Judicious consideration and to make such amend ments to them as may be deemed fit and that the same Shall afterwards be published in such publick Manner as the House shall think proper for the Information of Strangers and others and the petitioners will ever pray &c Ordered that the said Petition do lie on the Table to be perused by the Members The House Resolved itself into a Committee to take 488 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee Reported they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under consid eration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Mr Speaker The upper House have agreed to the Bill to ascertain and Regulate publick officers fees, and also the Fees of other persons herein after Mentioned with some amend ments to which they desire the concurrence of this House And then the House Adjourned until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 9"1 Aug' 1773 The House took under consideration the amendments made by the upper House to the Bill to Regulate and as certain Publick officers fees and also the Fees of other persons therein named and agreed to some and disagreed to others Ordered that Mr Henry Yonge do carry the Bill to the upper House and Acquaint them that this House have agreed to some of the amendments made by their House to the said Bill and disagreed to others and that this House desires they will appoint a Committee to Join a Commit- AUGUST, 1773. 489 tee of this House in Conference on the Subject matter of the amendments Resolved that the Bill entitled an Act to Regulate and ascertain the Rates of Wharfage of Shipping and Mer chandize, and also to Ascertain the Rates of Storage in the several ports of this province and for the better Regu lation of Wharves and of shipping in the said ports and for ascertaining the duty of an Harbour Master for the port of Savannah be read a second Time on the Twenty fifth day of November next The House Resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee Reported they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under consider ation and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday io'h Aug8' 1773 Ordered that the Clerk do write to Francis Brown Es quire to Acquaint him that this House Requires his Imme diate Attendance The Order of the day for taking under Consideration the Treasurer accounts being read The House Resolved itself into a Committee to take the same under considera- 490 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE tion and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker Re sumed the Chair and M1" Henry Yonge from the Commit tee Reported that they had taken the said Accounts under consideration and were Ready to make their report when the House please to receive the same Ordered that the Committee have leave to make their Report, Mr Henry Yonge accordingly read the Report in his place and afterwards delivered it in at the Table where it was again read and is as followeth Viz' Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that upon the Examination of the Treasurer's Accounts laid before the House by the Committee appointed to examine the same that the said Accounts are Just and Regular as to receipts and disbursements but that there has been a great deficiency in the Collection of the General Tax for several years past which they apprehend is owing to the former Tax Acts being defective and the Neglect of the several Collectors Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that there has been a deficiency in the Collection of the duty Laid upon Seasoned Negroes from a defect in the Law and the Neglect of the former officers of the out posts Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that there has been a Deficiency in the Collecting the duty upon Goods &° Imported from the provinces North of South Carolina from a defect in that Law and the Neglect of the former officers of the out posts Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that there has been a deficiency in Collecting Monies from the Impost upon Shipping in the out posts through the Neg lect of the former officers Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that AUGUST, 1773. 491 there has been also a deficiency in the Collecting of the duty for raising a Store of Gun powder for the defence of the province through the Neglect of the former officers. of the said out posts and that the Law for laying a Tax upon Transient Trade is defective The House Resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee Reported they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under consider ation and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again And then the House Adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.^B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday n'h Aug' 1773 The House Resolved itself into, a Committee to take under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after sometime Spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee Reported that they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under consideration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again A Message from the upper House by their Clerk 492 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Mr Speaker The upper House have agreed to the Ordinance ap pointing the Honorable Grey Elliott Esquire agent to Solicit the affairs of this Province in Great Britain in case of the absence of Benjamin Franklin Esquire from great Britain with some amendments to which they desire the Concurrence of this House And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 12th Aug8* 1773 The House met According to Adjournment and ad journed until Tomorrow Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 13th August 1773 The House met according to adjournment and ad journed until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 16th August 1773 The House met according to Adjournment (aic) ad journed until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock AUGUST, 1773. 493 Tuesday 17th Aug3' 1773 The House met according to Adjournment and ad journed until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 18th Aug8' 1773 A Memorial from James Mossman Esquire was pre sented to the House and Read setting forth that the Me morialist a Candidate at the Election holden on the 12th and 13th Instant for a Member for the Town and district of Savannah begs leave to observe to the Honorable House that the several Voters at the said Election for Samuel Farley Esquire the other Candidate were En titled by his Majestys Grants to no more than five and forty Acres of Land in the said district as your Memo rialist has been informed and which the Memorialist ap prehends to be Insufficient to entitle them to a Vote — the Election Law Expressly declaring the Necessary Qualifi cation To be a legal possession of Fifty Acres of Land — When the Memorialist considers that the Interest and Welfare of this province (in which he has a considerable property) depending upon an Equal Representation he cannot but be uneasy, when he sees men upon a presump tion proceeding from a Grant of forty five Acres of Land declaring themselves to be legally possessed of Fifty thc- Memorialist (in Justice to himself and his Country) must further observe that possession does not constitute a Right That legality is Necessary for without possession can only be a Temporary Claim a Claim Subject to the will and pleasure of the Sovereign whose Gift and Grant Alone can constitute a Right the Memorialist further begs 494 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE leave to observe that several of the Voters for Samuel Farley Esquire as he has been Informed hold no other Lands within the district of Savannah Save and except Lands within a Certain Barony Claimed by Sir William Baker of the City of London Knite which the Memorial ist apprehends cannot entitle them to a Vote, their pos session not being that legal One meant by the Election Law, The Memorialist is the more convinced That it will be the sence of the House as he finds by an Act of the Leg islature of this province entitled an Act for Limitations of Actions and for avoiding Suits in Law the Claim of the said Sir William Baker is preserved which plainly shews that it was the Sence of the whole Legilature at the time of passing of that Act — That the possession of the sev eral persons claiming Land within that Barony was not Legal The Memorialist with the greatest defference fur ther Mentions to the House that Several Freeholders of this Parish wou'd have Voted for him had the district Line been properly Ascertained and shoud those Gentlemens Lands that offered their Votes in favour of the Memo rialist prove to be within the district he Makes not the least doubt but that the House will deem them Good and add them to the list of Voters entered on the Poll The Memorialist therefor Expects that Redress in this particular case (a case of the Tenderest Nature) which common Justice must admit of, and Equity Entitle him to — and prays that the House will take the Poll under consideration as that alone can determine the Legal Rep resentative for the Town and district of Savannah and that the Memorialist hopes that this House will not per mit the said Samuel Farley Esqr to sit as a member until the Matters above Represented are fully Enquired Into The House having taken the said Memorial into consid eration and it appearing to the House that a Scruteny had been demanded and not made AUGUST, 1773. 495 Resolved that the said Return is Imperfect Ordered that the provost Marshal be directed to amend the said Return by immediately causing a Scrutiny to be made- and report to this House the name of such Candi date as shall appear after such Scrutiny to have a Major ity of Legal Votes The House Resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee Reported that they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts under con sideration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered, That the Committee have leave to sit again Ordered that Mr Speaker do Issue his Warrant to take Francis Brown Esquire a Member of this House into the Custody of the Messenger of the House for his absenting himself Without leave of the House And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 19th August 1773 The House resolved itself into a Committee to take into consideration the Bill Entitled an Act to Enforce the payment of the Arrears of Taxes due in this Province from persons holding or Claiming to hold Lands by Vir tue of and under Grants Signed by the Governor of South Carolina in the Year of our Lord 1763 and after Some time spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair 496 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE and Mr Henry Yonge from the Committee Reported that they had taken the Said Bill into further Consideration gone through the same, and made several amendments thereto, which they had directed him to Report to the House and he Read the Report in his place, and after wards delivered the Bill with the amendments in at the Table where the amendments were again Read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed Sir Patrick Houstoun from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a, Bill to Continue the Several Laws therein Mentioned reported they had pre pared the same which was Received and read the first. Time and Ordered to be read a Second Time The House took under consideration the amendments made by the upper House to the Ordinance appointing the Honorable Grey Elliott Esquire agent to Solicit the af fairs of this province in Great Britain in case of the ab sence of Benjamin Franklin Esquire from Great Britain and agreed to the same Ordered that Mr Shruder do acquaint the upper House therewith The House Resolved itself into a Committee to take under Consideration the Estimate and publick Accounts and after sometime spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Clay from the Committee Reported that they had taken the said Estimate and Accounts into fur ther Consideration had gone through the same and come to Several Resolutions which the Committee had directed him to Report to the House and he Read the Report in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Table where it was again read and agreed to by the House AUGUST, 1773. 497 Ordered that a Committee of Ways and Means be ap pointed for Raising and Granting to his Majesty the sum of £ (slc) for defraying the Expence of this Government agreeable to the Report of the Accounts Allowed From the 29th of September 1770 to the 29"1 September 1773 Committed to Mr Shruder Mr Le Conte, Mr Simpson, Mr Netherclift, Mr Andrew, Mr Clay and docf Jones Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill for grant ing- to his Majesty the sum of £ (sic) for the use and Support of the province of Georgia for the Years, 1771- 1772 and 1773 to be raised at certain Rates and after the Method therein Mentioned and for the more Effectual collecting of Arrears and that Mr Shruder, Mr Le Conte, Mr Simpson Mr Netherclift, Mr Andrew, Mr Clay, and Docf Jones do prepare arid bring in the same Mr Speaker Informed the House that he wou'd on Tuesday Next offer for a third Reading the Bill to enforce the payment of the Arrears of Taxes due in this prov ince from persons holding or Claiming to hold Lands by Virtue of and under Grants signed by the Governor of South Carolina in the year of Our Lord 1763 And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 20th August 1773 The House met according to adjournment and ad journed untill Monday Morning Ten of the Clock S2 c r— vol 15 498 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 23rd Aug8' 1773 Ordered that the Clerk do write to Joseph Law Es quire and Acquaint him that the House not deeming his Excuse Sufficient Requires his Immediate Attendance And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 24th Aug8' 1773 Ordered that the Clerk do write to John Jamieson Es quire, and Acquaint him that the House Requires his im mediate Attendance A Memorial of William Lyford Pilot for the Bar and Port of Savannah was presented to the House and Read Setting forth that the Memorialist hath for Many Years last past Acted as Pilot for the said Bar and port and flatters himself that he hath during such time given Sat isfaction to the publick That the Memorialist hath always been obliged in Or der to carry on the said Business properly to keep a Con siderable Sum of Money employed in Boats Negroes and other Articles And wou'd not have found the Pilotage equal to the Interest of his Money had it not been for the bounty given by the House That the Memorialist hath hitherto been allowed by the province thirty Shillings for every Ship or Vessell (Coast ers Excepted) which he Boarded at Sea and Brought into port and though the sum provided hath frequently been AUGUST, 1773. 499 Insufficient for the purpose, yet the Deficiency hath always been made up in the Next Tax Bill That in the Year 1769 the sum of one Hundred pounds Sterling only being pro vided for the purpose of his said bounty — The Memorial ist threw in a Memorial to the subsequent House in the Year 1770 and that House Resolved that they would pro vide a Sum Sufficient to allow the Memorialist and others the Pilots of this province after the Rate of Thirty Shil lings for every ship or Vessel Boarded and brought in as aforesaid and that the said sum of one Hundred pounds should only go in aid of the same That there being no House of Assembly or Sessions since that time and there being no limitted time mentioned in the said Resolution the Memorialist continued upon the faith of the Said Resolution and depending upon the Jus tice of any House that might thereafter be, to Act as a Pi lot, and hath lately rendered to the House a true Account of all such Vessels, as under the said Resolution he ap prehended himself Entitled to the Bounty upon, but to his great Surprize hath been Informed that the said Account is much curtailed Nay a sum equal to half thereof struck off That the Memorialist in the said Service of a pilot since his coming into this Province hath met with Several very heavy Lossess to the Amount of at least fifteen Hundred pounds Sterling and hath never received any Compensa tion or assistance from the publick for the same except one Hundred pounds some time since Voted the Memo rialist That the Memorialist humbly conceives himself as well Entitled to the full amount of his Account as many others in a Similar predicament whose Accounts have been al lowed and as he Relies upon the Justice of the House he 500 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Humbly prays that the premisses being Enquired into, the Matter of his Account may be reconsidered- and that such Relief and assistance may be granted to him as the House in their Wisdom and Justice shall seem meet Ordered that the said Memorial do lie upon the Table to be perused by the Members of the House Resolved that the Order of the day for a third Reading of the Bill Entitled an Act to enforce the payment of the Arrears of Taxes due in this province from persons hold ing or Claiming to hold Lands by Virtue of and under Grants signed by the Governor of South Carolina in the year of our Lord 1763 be adjourned over until Tomorrow Morning And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 25th Aug8' 1773 Mr Shruder from the Committee appointed to consider of Ways and Means for raising the sum of £ (8lc) for de fraying the Expence of this Government for the Current Year Reported they had considered the same and had come to a Resolution which the Committee had directed' him to Report to the House and he read the Report in. his place and afterwards delivered it in at the Table where- it was again read and agreed to by the House Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill for granting to his Majesty the sum of £ (8io) and for empow ering the Commissioners therein Named to Stamp Im print Sign and Issue paper Certificates to the Amount of the said Sum of £ (slc) for the uses and purposes therein. AUGUST, 1773. 501 Mentioned and that Mr Shruder and Mr Simpson do pre pare and bring in the same The Bill to enforce the payment of the Arrears of Taxes due in this Province from persons holding or claim ing to hold Lands by Virtue of and under Grants signed by the Governor of South Carolina in the year of our Lord 1763 was According to Order Read a third time Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Simpson do Carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence The Bill for granting to his Majesty the sum of £ (sic) for the use and Support of the province of Georgia for the Year 1773 to be Raised at certain Rates and after the Method therein Mentioned and for the more Effectual collecting of Arrears was Read the first time and Or dered to be read a second time Mr Shruder from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for Granting to his Majesty the sum of £ (8ic) and for empowering the Commissioners therein Named to Stamp Imprint Sign and Issue paper Certifi cates to the amount of the said Sum of £ for the uses and purposes therein Mentioned, Reported, they had pre pared the same which was received and read the first time and Ordered to be read a Second time Ordered that leave be given to bring in a Bill to oblige Masters of Vessels and other Transient persons Import ing Goods and Merchandize to pay Tax for the same and to compell the persons directed to receive the same to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of any Act of this province and that Mr Henry Yonge and Mr Clay do prepare and bring in the same 602 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE. A Petition from a Number of Merchants and others residing in and about the Town of Sunbury was presented to the House and read Setting forth that the Town of Sunbury is now become a place of considerable Trade and is consequently Resorted to by a Number of Shipping That great inconveniencies have hitherto arose and very great losses frequently and lately been sustained for want of a proper Beacon or Land Mark to direct Vessels coming into the said port of Sunbury which losses have already been extreamly prejuditial and may eventually prove distructive to the Trade of the said port, if not prevented by the timely interposition of the Legislature That some of the petitioners have been at the Trouble of precuring from South Carolina an exact plan and Es timate of Expence of the Beacon lately Erected there and find that Six Hundred pounds Sterling will be a sum Sufficient, for this purpose after obtaining a fit spot of Ground for the Erecting the same on That the Petitioners apprehend the most proper Place is upon the Island of Saint Catharines belonging to Button Gwinnett Esquire who the petitioners conceive will have no objection to selling to the publick so small a spot as will be required the petitioners therefore pray the House will take the prem isses into consideration and do therein as to the House will seem meet Ordered that the said petition do lie on the Table to be perused by the Members of the House A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Upper House of Assembly IIth of Aug8' 1773 Mr Speaker In Answer to the Message from your House of this day desiring this House will appoint a Committee to Join a AUGUST, 1773. 503 Committee of your House in Conference on the Subject Matter of the amendments made by this House to the Bill Entitled an Act to Ascertain and Regulate public officers ffees, and also the ffees of other persons therein Men tioned, doth agree to the said conferrence and have ap pointed a Committee Accordingly to Meet in the Room adjoining the Council Chamber on Thursday 26th day of this Instant August at Eleven oClock in the forenoon Committee The Honorable James Edward Powell Antho ny Stokes and James Hume Esquires Ordered that a Committee be appointed to Join a Com mittee of the uper House in Conferrence on the Subject Matter of the amendments made by the House to the said Bill and a Committee was appointed accordingly Commit ted to Mr Henry Yonge, Mr Simpson, Docf Jones, Mr Clay, and Mr Carter agreeable to an Order of the House of the i8'h Instant the provost Marshal attended and made the following Report Viz' I Joseph Farley Returning officer do certify to the Hon orable the Speaker and the Members of the Commons House of Assembly That agreeable to an Order of the said House I did proceed to hold a Scrutiny on the 23rd of this Instant as demanded by James Mossman Esquire one of the Candidates at an Election held for a Repre sentative for the Town of Savannah on the 12th and 13th of this Instant and that upon such Scrutiny I do find that Samuel Farley Esquire has a Majority of undisputed Votes Joseph Farley D. A. P. M. Samuel Farley Esquire Elected and returned for the Town and district of Savannah in the parish of Christ Church proved himself duly Qualified to Serve as a Rep resentative According to the Terms prescribed in and by an Act of the General Assembly and then took the Oaths 504 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE. and made and Subscribed the Oath of Abjuration and then took his Seat And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Nine of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 26th August 1773 Mr Henry Yonge from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill to oblige Masters of Vessels and other Transient Persons importing Goods and Mer chandize to pay Tax for the same and to compel persons directed to receive the same to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of any Act of this province Reported they had prepared the same which was Received and Read the first time and Ordered to be read a second time The House Resolved itself into a Committee to take into consideration a Bill for clearing of Savannah River from the Town of Savannah upwards and for laying a duty upon Boats Trading on and Rafts coming down the same and after some time Spent therein Mr Speaker Re sumed the Chair and Mr Henry Yonge from the Commit tee Reported that they had taken the said Bill under con sideration and made some further progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again And then the House Adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock AUGUST, 1773. 505 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 27th August 1773 The Bill for granting to his Majesty the sum of £ (8lc) for the use and support of the province of Georgia for the year 1 773 to be raised at certain Rates and after the Meth od therein Mentioned and for the more effectual collect ing of Arrears was Read a second time and Ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House on Tuesday Next Resolved that when the House do think proper that letters wrote by order of the Blouse be Imme diately Sent to any Member the Messenger shall be Al lowed Mileage at the same Rate as for Warrants and that leaving the same at the usual place of abode of such mem ber shall be deemed a Sufficient Service The Bill for granting to his Majesty the sum of £ (slc) and for empowering the Commissioners therein Named to Stamp imprint Sign and Issue paper Certificates to the amount of the said Sum of £ (slc) for the uses and pur poses therein Mentioned was read a second time and Or dered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House The House Accordingly Resolved itself into a Commit tee to take under consideration the Said Bill and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Shruder from the Committee Reported they had taken the said Bill into consideration gone through the same and made Several Amendments thereto which they directed him to Report to the House and he Read the Re port in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the amendments in at the Table where the amendments were again Read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed 506 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Mr Speaker then Informed the House that he wou'd on Monday next offer the said Bill for a third Reading And then the House adjourned until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 30th Aug8' 1773 The Engrossed Bill for granting to his Majesty the sum of four Thousand Two hundred and Ninety Nine Pounds Eight Shillings and a penny Half penny and for empowering the Commissioners therein Named to Stamp Imprint Sign and Issue paper Certificates to the amount of the said Sum for the uses and purposes therein Men tioned was According to Order Read the third time Resolved that the Bill do Pass Ordered that Mr Shruder do Carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto The" Bill to oblige Masters of Vessels and other Tran sient Persons Importing Goods and Merchandize to pay Tax for the same and to compel the persons directed to Receive the same to give Security for the due Perform ance of their office and for Monies that may be Received by them by Virtue of any Act of this Province was Read a Second Time and Ordered to be Committed to a Com mittee of the Whole House The House accordingly Resolved itself into a Commit tee to take into Consideration the said Bill and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Henry Yonge from the Committee Reported they had taken the said Bill into consideration gone through the same and made Several amendments thereto and he AUGUST, 1773. 507 read the Report in his place and afterwards delivered The Bill with the amendments in at the Table where the Amendments were again read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed Mr Speaker then Informed the House that he wou'd on Wednesday next offer the said Bill for a third reading. Ordered that Mr Farley be added to the Committee ap pointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for raising a fund to Support a Watch in the Town of Savannah And then the House adjourned until To morrow morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 318' Aug8' 1773 Agreeable to the Order of the Order (8lc) of the day the House resolved itself into a Committee to take into con sideration the Bill for granting to his Majesty the Sum of £ (sic) for the use and Support of the province of Geor gia for the Year 1 773 to be raised at certain rates and af ter the Method therein Mentioned and for the More ef fectual collecting of Arrears and after Sometime spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Shruder from the Committee reported that they had taken the said Bill under consideration made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have Leave to sit again A Message from the upper House by their Clerk 508 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE. Mr Speaker The upper House have passed a Bill to explain and amend an Act Entitled an Act for ascertaining the Quali fication of Jurors and for Establishing the Method of Ballotting and Summoning of Jurors in the province of Georgia and to enable the General Court and Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Goal delivery, to Issue out Writs of Fieri Facias against the real and personal Estates of defaulting Jurors and to oblige the prothona- tory to give Notice in the publick Gazettee of the Names of all Jurors fined for delinquency to which they desire the Concurrence of this House The said Bill being read the first time was ordered to be read a Second time And then the House adjourned until To morrow morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday Sepf Is' 1773 The Order of the day for the third reading of a Bill to oblige Masters of Vessels and other Transient persons importing Negroes or other Slaves Goods Wares and Merchandize to pay Tax for the same and to compel the persons directed to receive the same to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may Be received by them by Virtue of any Act of this province being read — The said Bill was Accordingly read and some amendments were made thereto Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Farley do carry the same to the up per House and desire their concurrence thereto SEPTEMBER, 1773. 509 Resolved that this House will provide towards the Es tablishment of a Watch in the Town of Savannah in The General Tax one half of the Expence arising for the same, conditionally, that the said half shall not exceed the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty five pounds The House resolved itself into a Committee to take under consideration the Bill for granting to his Majesty the sum of £ (slc) for the use and support of the province of Georgia for the Year 1773 to be raised at certain rates and after the Method therein Mentioned and for the more effectual collecting of Arrears and after some time Spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Shruder from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into consideration made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to Sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 2a Septmr 1773 The House resolved itself into a Committee to take into consideration the Bill for Granting to his Majesty the sum of £ (slc) for the use and Support of the province of Geor gia for the Year 1773 to be raised at certain rates and after the Method therein mentioned and for the more Ef fectual, collecting of Arrears, and after some time spent therein , Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Shruder from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into consideration and made some further progress 510 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again Mr Clay from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for raising a fund to Support a Watch in the Town of Savannah reported they had prepared the same which was received and read the first Time and Or dered to be read a Second Time And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 3rd Sepf 1773 A Memorial from James Muter was presented to the House and read in the Words following Viz' Georgia To the Honorable William Young Esquire Speaker and to the rest of the Members of the Commons House of Assembly of the Province aforesaid in General Assembly met The Memorial of James Muter Humbly Sheweth That your Memorialist is sole owner and proprietor of a plantation or piece of Land within the Village of High- gate near the Town of Savannah where he usually cuts Lumber for the Savannah Market that your Memorialist for the More Easy Conveyance of his said Lumber to Market has at a very considerable expence made a Road through part of his own Land to fall into the publick Road that leads from Acton to Town and has from time SEPTEMBER, 1773. 511 to time at his own Expence kept the same in repair that some time past Thomas Netherclift of Savannah Mer chant who is Settling a Rice plantation adjoining your Memorialist's Lands applied to the Commissioners of the said road to lay out and Establish the aforementioned road of your Memorialist as a private Road for him the said Thomas Netherclift that your Memorialist upon re ceiving a Written Notice from the said Commissioners directing him to open the said road for the said Thomas Netherclift applied to them and laid his case before them who were unanimous in Opinion that a Committee of them should go and lay out a private path for the said Thomas Netherclift which they accordingly did soon after having brought a Surveyor with them for that pur pose which said Road Runs thro Part of your Memo rialist's Land that your Memorialist has been Informed that by a Clause of a Bill now before your House his road Is Established as a private Road for the said Thomas Netherclift notwithstanding what the Commissioners have already done by which means the said Thomas Neth erclift will have two private paths through your Memo rialist's Land your Memorialist humbly begs leave to ob serve that he has been always led to believe that agreeable to the Spirit of the British Constitution no man can be •deprived of his Freehold but by the Judgment of his Peers unless he commits some breach of the Law to for feit it and that the Legislature itself cannot deprive him of his property without giving him an equivalent for it that in Great Britain the parliament never takes away the property to make publick Roads for other publick .uses without giving the Individual a pecuniary considera tion for it and that it is never done even then, unless for the benefit of the Community in General and upon this principal that the Good of a Single individual ought to yield to that of the publick, your Memorialist begs leave to observe that in the present case he will be deprived of 512 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE his Freehold against his consent without having done any Act to forfeit it and Will not have any Equivalent for it and that too, not for the Good of the publick in Gen eral but to serve the purpose or Caprice of a Single Indi vidual who your Memorialist is Informed has given out that he will spend a Thousand pounds rather than not have the said Road established your Memorialist begs leave to observe that notwithstanding he deemed it a hard case for the Commissioners to take away part of his Lands as before is set forth yet he Acquiesced because the Law of the province seemed to give them an Authority so to do and he was unwilling to do any Act that had the appearance of flying in the face of the laws of his Country but should the present Law pass as it stands he will think his case peculiarly hard your Memorialist therefore under the particular Circumstances above set forth prays that he may be heard at the Bar of the House either by him self or Councel against the said Clause of the Act and that the House will render him Such other relief as in their wisdom shall seem meet And your Memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray (Signed) James MuTER Resolved Nem Con that the said Memorial of James Muter is a most Insolent and daring attack on the dignity and privileges of this House calculated to reflect on the representatives of the people and to Insinuate that they have been biased in their Legislative Capacity by the most detestible principals of Injustice and partiality Ordered that the said Memorial be immediately burned in the Square before the door of this House, also, Ordered that Mr Speaker do Issue his Warrant to take SEPTEMBER, 1773. 51& the said James Muter immediately, into the Custody of" the Messenger of this House Ordered that the Clerk do write to John Baker Esquire and Acquaint him that the House requires his immediate attendance The House resolved itself into a Committee to take into consideration the Bill for Granting to his Majesty the sum of £(slc) for the use and support of the province of Georgia for the Year 1773 to be raised at certain rates and after the Method therein Mentioned and for the more Effectual collecting of Arrears and after sometime Spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Shruder from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into consideration gone through the same and made Sev eral amendments thereto and he read the report in his place and afterwards delivered' the Bill with the Amend ments in at the Table. where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the' House " Resolved that the Title of the said Bill be a Bill for granting to his Majesty the sum of five thousand one Hundred and Seventy one pounds fifteen Shillings and Ten pence half penny for the use and Support of the^ Gov ernment of Georgia for the Year 1773 to be raised at Certain rates and after the Method therein mentioned and for the more effectual collecting of Arrears Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed Mr Speaker then Informed the House that he would on Tuesday next offer the said Bill for a third reading Motion being made that a bounty of thirty Shillings on each Vessel for the encouragement of Pilots in this provinee on boarding each Vessel over the Bar of Tybee 33 cr— yi.l 15 514 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE be continued a debate arising thereon and it passed in the Nagative Resolved that Francis Brown Esquire a Member of this House be Expelled for Contemptuously absenting himself from his duty in the House Ordered that an Address be presented to his Excel lency the Governor requesting him to give directions for a Writ to be Issued for the Parish of Saint Patrick for the Electing of a Member in the room of .Francis Brown Es quire who is Expelled the House and that Sir Patrick Houstoun and Mr Le Conte do wait on his Excellency with the said Address And then the House adjourned until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 6th Sepf 1773 The House met according to Adjournment and ad journed until tomorrow Morning Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia., Vol. 48.) Tuesday 7th Sepf 1773 The Bill for granting to his Majesty the Sum of five thousand one Hundred and Seventy one pounds fifteen Shillings and Ten pence half penny for the use and Sup port of the Government of Georgia for the Year 1773 to be raised at Certain rates and after the Method therein mentioned and for the more effectual collecting of Ar- SEPTEMBER, 1773. 515 rears was agreeable to Order read a third time and Some amendments were made thereto Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Jamieson do Carry the same to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto Sir Patrick Houstoun from the Committee appointed to wait on his Excellency the Governor with an Address requesting him to give directions for a Writ to be Issued for the Electing of a Member for the parish of Saint Pat rick in the room of Francis Brown Esquire who is Ex pelled the House reported that he with Mr Le Conte had agreeable to Order waited on the Governor with the said Address and that his Excellency was pleased to say he would give Orders for that purpose The House being Informed that Edward Barnard Es quire one of the representatives for the Town of Augusta and parish of Saint Paul cannot properly any longer re main a Member of this House Resolved that the seat of the said Edward Barnard Esquire be deemed Vacant Ordered that an Address be presented to his Excel lency the Governor requesting that he will be pleased to Order a Writ to be Issued for Electing a Member to serve in the Commons House of Assembly for the Town of Augusta and parish of Saint paul in the room of Edward Barnard Esquire whose seat is deemed Vacant and that Mr Thomas Young and Mr Hall do wait on his Excel lency with the said Address A Message from the upper House by their Clerk 516 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Mr Speaker The upper House have agreed to a Bill Entitled an Act to Enforce the payment of Arrears of Taxes due in this province from persons holding or Claiming to hold Lands by Virtue of and under Grants Signed by the Governor of South Carolina in the Year of our Lord 1763 A Petition from James Muter was presented to the House and read in the words following Viz' To the Honorable the Speaker and the rest of the Members of the Commons House of Assembly of the province of Georgia The petition of James Muter Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner is in Custody of the Messenger of your Honorable House for. some Expressions which he may have made use of in a Memorial lately presented to the House . That your Petitioner is Sorry any Act or Expression of his shou'd have given offence to the ..House as it is a. thing he never had in Intention Your petitioner therefore prays he may be heard at the Barr of your Honorable House upon the Occasion James Muter Savannah 7th Septem' 1773 The petitioner was Accordingly called in and at the- Barr of the House declared that he had no Intention in his Memorial to Insult, or reflect upon the House and het was extreamly Sorry anything set forth therein should have given the House the least offence Resolved that the said Excuse is Satisfactory SEPTEMBER, 1773. 517 Ordered that the petitioner be discharged upon paying his Fees — t And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning. Eight of the Clock (From B. P- R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 8th Sepf 1773 Mr Thomas Young from the Committee appointed to wait, on his. Excellency vthe Governor with an Address requesting him to give directions for a Writ to be Issued for the Electing- of a Member- to serve in the Commons ; House of Assembly for the Town of Augusta And Parish of Saint Pafil inpthe room of Edward Barnard Esquire whose. seat is deemed Vacant reported that he with Mr Hall had : agreeable to Order waited on- the Governor with the -said Address and that his Excellency was pleased to say he wou'd Accordingly give Orders for that purpose The House resolved itself into a Committee to take In to consideration the Bill to empower the Commissioners of the General Loan office to Issue a sum of Sixty pounds to make Good a Loss by fire and after some time spent therein "Mr Speaker- resumed the Chair and Mr Shruder from the Committee reported that they had taken the said Bill into consideration made some further progress There in and that he was directed by the Committee to move for Leave to sit again , i.t-U'*.'ii-. Opt' Up • i - -:¦*¦! P '(¦ ¦¦ ¦¦¦'-'¦ '.-¦'-'-• "'-> Ordered that the Committee have leave to Sit again A Message from the upper House by their Clerk 518 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE M' Speaker The upper House have agreed to a Bill for Granting to his Majesty the sum of Four thousand Two Hundred and Ninety Nine pounds and for Empowering the Commis sioners therein Named to Stamp Imprint sign and Issue paper Certificates to the amount of the said Sum for the uses and purposes therein Mentioned And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 9th Sepf 1773 The House resolved itself into a Committee to take into consideration the Bill to empower the Commissioners of the General Loan office to Issue a sum of Sixty pounds to make Good a Loss by fire and after Sometime Spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Shruder from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into consideration gone through the same and made Several amendments thereto and he read the report in his Place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the amend ments in at the Table where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the House Resolved that the Title of the said Bill be a Bill to em power the Commissioners of the General Loan to Stamp reimprint Sign and Issue paper Bills of Credit to the amount of Five Hundred and Twenty pounds Sterling being in Lieu of that sum received by them as Interest Money unappropriated (the Bills of which are obliterated and decayed) by Virtue of an Act Entitled an Act for the Stamping Imprinting Issuing and Making Current the Sum of Seven thousand four Hundred and Ten pounds SEPTEMBER, 1773. &19 in paper Bills of Credit and for applying and Sinking the same and for appropriating the said sum of Five Hun dred and Twenty pounds in aid of the General Tax for the Service of the Year 1773 and also for other purposes therein Mentioned Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed Mr Speaker then Informed the House that he wou'd offer the same for a third reading Tomorrow Morning A Bill for raising a fund to support a watch in the Town of Savannah was read a second time and Ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House The House Accordingly resolved itself into a Com mittee upon the said Bill and after some time Spent there in Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Hall from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into con sideration made some progress therein and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again ; Ordered that the Committee have leave to Sit again And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Friday 10th Septer 1773 The Order of the day for the third reading of a Bill to empower the Commissioners of the General Loan to Stamp reimprint Sign and Issue paper Bills of Credit to the amount of Five Hundred and Twenty pounds Ster ling being in lieu of that sum received by them as Interest Money unappropriated (the Bills of which are obliterated 520 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE and decayed) by Virtue of an Act entitled an Act for Stamping, imprinting Issuing and making current the sum of Seven thousand four Hundred and Ten pounds in paper Bills of Credit and for Applying and Sinking the same and for appropriating the said sum of five Hundred and Twenty pounds in aid of the General Tax for the service of the Year 1 773 and also for other purposes there in Mentioned being read Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that MF Shruder do carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto Resolved that this Blouse will provide in the next Gen eral Tax Bill a sum not exceeding Forty pounds to enable the Commissioners of the General Loan to provide a Clerk and for the Incidental expences of their office (imprint ing Bills Included) from the 29th of September 1773 to the 29th September 1774 Resolved that a Committee of this House be appointed to Join a Committee of the upper House to burn and de stroy such torn and obliterated and defaced Bills as are now in the office of the Commissioners of the General Loan pursuant to the directions contained in an Act En titled an Act for Stamping, imprinting, Issuing, and Mak ing Current the sum of Seven thousand four Hundred and Ten pounds in paper Bills of Credit and for applying and Sinking the same Ordered that Mr Hall do carry the same to the upper House and Acquaint them therewith Ordered that Mr Hall, Mr Clay, Mr Simpson, Mr -Thomas Young, Dqcf Jones, Mr Shruder, and Mr Farley :,be a Committee for that purpose SEPTEMBER, 1773. 521 Resolved that a Comittee be appointed To receive and destroy the Several Certificates in the hands of the Treas urer for which he has credit with the publick in his Ac counts allowed by this House Ordered that Mr Hall, Mr Clay, Mr Simpson, Docf Jones, Mr Shruder, Mr Thomas Young and Mr Farley be a Committee for that purpose Mr Speaker laid before the House two letters that he had received from the Speaker of the House of Burgesses of Verginia and also of the House of deputies of Rhode Island Inclosing resolutions of their respective Houses, and also the Copy of an Act to prevent Counterfeiting the paper Currency of other Colonies which said resolutions being severally Read and were unanimously approved of and are as follows Viz' Verginia March 19th 177J, Sir I have received the commands of the House of Bur gesses of this Colony to transmit to you a Copy of the re solves entered into by them on the Twelfth Instant which they hope will prove of General utility if the other Colo nies shall think fit to adopt them they have so fully ex plained their reasons for forming these resolves that I need not say anything on that point and shall only beg you will lay them before your Assembly as early as possible and request them to appoint some of their Body to com municate from time to time with the Corresponding Com mittee of Verginia I am with great Respect your most Obedient Ser. Payton Randolph 522 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Williamsburgh Verginia April 6th 1773 Sir This Colony having of late years sustained the greates Injury by having their paper Currency forged, and it hav ing been represented to Our General Assembly at their last Sessions that the supposed principal Auther of this Mischief is an Inhabitant of North Carolina, they Judged it Necessary as well to prevent such dangerous practices in future as to shew their regard for the other Colonies to pass an Act to prevent counterfeiting the paper Cur rency of Other Colonies, our Governor will Transmit Copies of this Act to the different Governors on the Con tinent with a request that they would be pleased to rec ommend it to their Several Assemblies to Enact Laws of the same Import respecting Verginia we have it in Com mand to furnish the Speakers of the different assemblies with the like Copies and to request the favour of their Countenance and assistance in Accomplishing our wishes upon so important an Occasion we therefore take the lib erty of Inclosing you a Copy of the Act, We have the Honor to be Very respectfully — Sir Your most Obd' Serv's Payton Randolph R: C, Nichols Dudley Diggs The Resolves of the House of Burgesses of Verginia Viz' Friday the 12th March 13th Geo : 31* 1773 Upon a Motion made The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House upon the state of the Colony SEPTEMBER, 1773. 523: Mr Speaker left the Chair Mr Bland took the Char of the Committee Mr Speaker resumed the Chair Mr Bland reported from the Committee that they had* directed him to make the following report to the House: Viz' Whereas the minds of his Majestys faithful Subjects-. in this Colony have been much disturbed by Various ru mours and reports of proceedings tending to deprive them: of their antient Legal and constitutional Rights And Whereas the affairs of this Colony are frequently- connected with those of Great Britain as well as of the Neighbouring Colonies which renders a Communication of Sentiments, Necessary, in Order therefore to remove their uneasyness and to Quiet the Minds of the people as well as for the other Good purposes above mentioned. Be it Resolved that a Standing Committee of Corre spondence and enquiry be appointed to consist of Eleven persons, to Wit, The Honorable Payton Randolph Es quire, Robert Carter Nichols, Richard Bland, Richard. Henry Lee, Benjamin Harrison, Edmund Pendleton, Pat rick Henry, Dudley Diggs, Dabney Carr, Archibald Carjr and Thomas Jefferson Esquires, any Six of Whom to be a committee whose business it shall be to obtain the most early and authentick intelligence of all such Acts and reso lutions of the British parliament or proceedings of Ad ministration as may relate to or effect the British Colo nies in America and to keep up and maintain a Corre spondence and Communication with our Sister Colonies- respecting these Important Considerations and the result of such their proceedings, from time to time to lay be fore the House 524 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Resolved that it be an instruction to the said Commit tee that they do without delay inform themselves particu larly of the principals and authority on which was Con stituted a Court of Inquiry said to have been lately held in Rhode. Island with powers to Transport persons Ac cused of offences committed in America to places beyond the Seas to be tried The said resolutions being Severally read a Second time, were upon the Question Severally put thereupon agreed to by the House Nem : Con : Resolved that the Speaker of this House do Transmit to the Speaker of the different Assemblies of the British Colonies on this Continent Copies of the said Resolutions and desire. that they will lay them before their respective Assemblies and request them to appoint some person or persons of their respective Body's to Communicate from time to time with the said Committee By the House of Burgesses of the Colony of Verginia Extracted from the Journals G. Wythe, C. H. B. Newport May 15'" 1773 Sir Having received a Letter from the Speaker of the Plouse of Burgesses of Verginia Inclosing the resolutions of that patriotic and Illustrious Assembly of the Twelfth of March last and also a Letter from the Committee of Correspondence and inquiry by them appointed I took the Earliest oppertunity of laying them before the House of Deputies of this Colony who Immediately entered into the consideration of them, and persuaded that nothing less than a firm and close union of the Colonies in the Most Spirited prudent, and consistant Measures can de- SEPTEMBER, 1773. 525 feat the designs of those who are aiming to deprive them of their inestimable Rights and privileges passed Nemine Contradicente the resolutions of which I have the honor to Inclose you a Copy I must request the favour of you to lay them before your House of representatives as soon as possible I am with great Respect Your Most Obd' Ser' Metcale Bowler May 7"1 1773 In the House of deputies Resolved that a standing Committee of Correspond ence and Inquiry be Appointed to consist of Seven per sons, to wit, The Honorable Stephen Hopkins Esquire Metcalf Bowler Moses Brown, John Cole, William Brad ford/ Henry Ward, and Henry Merchant Esquires any four of whorn to be a Committee whose business it shall be to obtain the Most early and Authentick Intelligence of all such Acts and resolutions of the British parliament or proceeding of Administration as may relate to or effect the British Colonies in America and to keep up and main tain a'Correspondance and Communication with our Sis ter Colonies respecting these Important considerations and the result of such their proceedings from time to time to lay before this House Voted pr Order J. Lyndon, Clerk May 7th 1773 in the House of Deputies Whereas this House hath appointed a Committee of Correspondence with Cortimittee's of the other Colonies in North America respecting the rights and privileges of ¦'526 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE the Colonies &c it is therefore Resolved by this House that his Honor the Governor be requested to deliver the Committee a Copy of his Commission as one of the Judges of the Court of Enquiry constituted from home, and said to be held in this Colony and of all such other papers which were laid Before said Court as may be consistant with his Honor as Governor of this Colony Voted W Josias Lyndon Clerk May 7th 1773 In the House of deputies Resolved that the speaker of this House be requested i:o write to the Speaker of the House of Burgesses in Ver ginia and to all other Speakers of Assembly in North America Informing them of the proceeding of this House .relating to the preservation of the rights of the Colonies Voted W Order J. Lyndon Clerk The afore written is a True Copy of three Votes of the House of deputies or lower House of Assembly of the •Colony of Rhode Island Jos"1 Lyndon Clerk Resolved Nem Con that Mr Speaker and any five of the Committee of Correspondence be a Committee to en quire for and obtain the Earliest Intillegence of the many Important Matters contained in the said Several resolu tions and that they likewise do from time to time corre spond with the respective Committees that now are or may be appointed by the Houses of representatives on this Continent — SEPTEMBER, 1773. 527 Resolved Nem Con that the Thanks of this House be Transmitted to the Honorable the Speaker and Members of the House of Burgesses of Verginia and also to the Honorable the speaker and Members of the House of deputies of Rhode Island for communicating their In tentions firmly to Support the rights and Privileges of his Majesty's faithful and loyal Subjects in America and also to the Honorable Payton Randolph Esquire Robert Car ter Nichols and Duley Diggs Esquires for Transmitting to this House a Copy of the above mentioned Act Ordered that leave be giving to bring in a Bill to pre vent Counterfeiting the paper Money of other his Maj esty's Colonies or provinces in America and that Mr Shruder, Docf Jones, and Mr Thomas Young be a Com mittee to prepare and bring in the same Mr Shruder from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in the said Bill reported that they had prepared the same which was received and read the first time and Ordered to be read a second time The House resolved itself into a Committee to take into a consideration the Bill for raising a Fund to sup port a Watch in the Town of Savannah and after some time spent (8lo) Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Hall from the Committee reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration made some further progress there in and that he was directed by the Committee to move for leave to sit again Ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again And then the House adjourned untill Tomorrow Morning Eight "Clock 628 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Saturday IIth Sepf 1773 The Bill to prevent counterfeiting the paper Money of his Majesty's Colonies or provinces in America was read a second Time and Ordered to be Engrossed The House resolved itself into a Committee to take into consideration the Bill to Continue the Several Laws there in Mentioned and after some time spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Sir Patrick Houstoun from the Committee Reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration gone through the same and made several amendments thereto and he read the report .in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the amend ments in at the Table where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed Mr Speaker then Informed the House that he. wou'd on Tuesday next offer the same for a third reading A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Mr Speaker The upper House have agreed to the Bill to oblige Mas ters of Vessels and other Transient Persons importing Goods and Merchandize to pay Tax for the same and to compell the persons directed to receive the same to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be received by them by Virtue of any Act of this Province — And then the House adjourned until Monday Morning Ten of the Clock SEPTEMBER, 1773. 529 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Monday 13th Sepf 1773 The House met according to Adjournment and ad journed until Tomorrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 14th Septem1 1773 The Bill to prevent Counterfeiting the paper Money of other his Majestys Colonies or provinces in America was read a third time Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Docf Houstoun do carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto The Order of the day for the third Reading of the Bill to continue the several Laws therein mentioned being Read The said Bill was Accordingly Read and an Amend ment was made thereto Resolved that the Bill to pass Ordered that Docf Houstoun do also carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Mr Speaker The upper House have agreed to the Bill for granting to his Majesty the sum of five thousand one Hundred and 34 c 1— vo! 15 530 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Seventy one Pounds fifteen Shillings and Ten pence half penny for the use and Support of the Government of Georgia for the year 1773 to be raised at certain Rates and after the Method therein mentioned and for the more effectual collecting of arrears Mr Simpson from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in an Ordinance to appoint a Comptroller of the Country duties for the port of Savannah Reported they had prepared the same which was received and Read the first time and Ordered to be Read a Second Time The House Resolved itself into a Committee to take into consideration the Bill for raising a fund to Support a Watch in the Town of Savannah and after some time Spent therein Mr Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr Hall from the Committee Reported they had taken the said Bill into Consideration gone through the same and made several Amendments thereto and he Read the Report in his place and afterwards delivered the Bill with the amend ments in at the Table where the amendments were again read and agreed to by the House Ordered that the Bill with the amendments be En grossed Mr Speaker then Informed the House that he would offer the said Bill for a third reading Tomorrow morn ing And then the House adjourned until Wednesday Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol, 48.) Wednesday 15th Sepf 1773 The Order of the day for the third reading of the Bill for Raising a fund to Support a Watch in the Town of SEPTEMBER, 1773. 531 Savannah being Read the said Bill was According read and some amendments were made thereto Resolved that the Bill do pass Ordered that Mr Farley do carry the said Bill to the upper House and desire their Concurrence Ordered that the Accounts laid before this House by the Treasurer and the Other publick officers be Inserted in the Journals of the House Immediately after the pro ceeding of the present Sessions A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Mr Speaker The upper House have agreed to a Bill to continue the Several Laws therein Mentioned with amendments and have also agreed to a Bill to empower the Commissioners of the General Loan to Stamp reimprint sign and Issue Paper Bills of Credit to the Amount of five Hundred and Twenty pounds Sterling being in Lieu of that sum re ceived by them as Interest Money unappropriated (the Bills of which are obliterated and decayed) by Virtue of an Act Intitled an Act for Stamping imprinting issuing and making Current the Sum of Seven Thou sand four Hundred and Ten Pounds in paper Bills of Credit and for applying and Sinking the Same and for appropriating the said Sum of Five hundred and Twenty pounds in Aid of the General Tax for the service of the year 1773 and also for other purposes therein mentioned The House Immediately took into consideration the amendments made by the upper House to the Bill to contihue the Several Laws therein Mentioned and agreed to the same A Message from the upper House by their Clerk 532 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Mr Speaker The upper House have agreed to a Bill to prevent Counterfeiting the paper Money of other his Majesty's Colonies or provinces in America with amendments The House upon taking the said amendments into con sideration agreed to the same ¦iS>i And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning Eight of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Thursday 16th Sepf 1773 Mr Henry Yonge from the Committee appointed to Join a Committee of the upper House in Conferrence upon the Subject Matter of the amendments made by their House to the Bill Entitled an Act to Ascertain and Regulate publick officers fees and also the Fees of other Persons therein after Mentioned Reported they had agreed to the Same A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Clerk of the House Viz* Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I do hereby adjourn the commons House of Assembly until Tuesday the Twenty Eighth day of this Instant September then to meet for the dispatch of business and it is Accordingly Adjourned to the Twenty Eighth Instant Given under my Hand at Savannah this Sixteenth clay of September 1773 Jab Wright To the Honorable the Speaker and | Members of the Commons House \ of Assembly. j SEPTEMBER, 1773. 533 (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Tuesday 28th of September 1773 A Message from the upper House by their Clerk Viz4 upper House of Assembly 11th Sepf 1773 Mr Speaker In answer to the Message from your House of this day desiring this House will appoint a Committee to Join a Committee of your House to burn and destroy such torn obliterated and defaced Bills as are now in the office of the Commissioners of the General Loan do agree to the same and have appointed a Committee Accordingly Committee The Honorable Lewis Johnson and James Hume Esquires And then the House adjourned until To morrow Morning 10 of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 48.) Wednesday 29"1 Sepf 1773 Ordered that a Committee be appointed to form a plan of a Sufficient common Goal and to enquire of Workmen what will be the Expence of executing the Same and have their Report ready to make to this House on its next Meeting for further Consideration and the same was com mitted to Mr Shruder, Mr Netherclift,. Mr Hall, Docf Jones, and Mr Clay Motion being made that a Committee be appointed to form a plan of a Sufficient Fort and to Enquire of Work men what will be the Expence of executing the same, and 531 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE have their Report Ready to make to the House on its next meeting for further consideration a debate arising thereon and the Question being put it passed in the Naga- tive — The Members for the Question were Mr Shruder, Mr Jamieson, Mr Hall, Mr Henry Yonge, Mr Clay and Mr Netherclift Those against the Question were Mr Simp son, Mr Law, Mr Stirk, Mr Farley, Docf Jones, Mr Pow ell, Mr Carter, Mr Le Conte, Mr Treutlen, Mr Millen, Mr Bourquine, Mr Isaac Young, and Mr Maxwell Mr Hall from the Committee appointed to Receive and destroy the several certificates in the Hands of the Treas urer and for which he has Credit in his Accounts allowed by this House Reported that the Committee had (agreea ble to Order) burnt and destroyed the sum of £1483.. in part of £1572 which has been provided for and that the remaining Balance of £89 — Fortification Certificates was Issued through Mistake in Lieu of other Monies. and which the Treasurer assured your Committee he would call in as soon as Possible and lay before your Committee in Order also to be burnt and destroyed A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Clerk of the Council Viz' Mr Speaker His Excellency the Governor Requires the Attendance of this House in the Council Chamber immediately, Ac cordingly Mr Speaker with the House went to Attend his Excellency and his Excellency was pleased to give his Assent to the following Bills The Bill to prevent Mischiefs Arising from the prac tice of Hunting or Killing Deer by fire Light in the Night Time- Also to a Bill for the better Ordering of the Militia SEPTEMBER, 1773. ,535 Also to a Bill to empower Commissioners or Surveyors to lay out make and Repair the Roads already laid out or May hereafter be Necessary and also to Clear the Rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions Also to a Bill to prevent damages Arising from dams or Banks and for preventing persons from Stopping the Natural Course or Courses of Water to the Injury of their Neighbours Also to a Bill to empower the Commissioners therein named to lease to the thirty first of December next and then to put up for Sale for the benefit of the publick the Ferry over Great oGechee River for a Term of Years and to Authorize the said Commissioners to Inspect and Regulate the said Ferry Also to a Bill to prevent the Stealing of Horses and Neat Cattle and unlawfully branding Marking, Killing, or driving the same Also to a Bill for the Settling and ascertaining the Fees to be taken by the several publick officers and persons herein after named Also to a Bill to enforce the payment of arrears of Taxes due in this province from persons holding or Claim ing to hold Lands by Virtue of and under Grants signed by the Governor of South Carolina in the year of our Lord 1763 Also to a Bill for Granting to his Majesty a duty upon Raw neat Hides Exported from this province and for ^preventing the Exportation of unmerchantable Tanned Leather Also a Bill to empower the Commissioners of the Gen eral Loan to Stamp, imprint, Sign and Issue paper Bills 5,36 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE of Credit to the Amount of Five Hundred and Twenty pounds Sterling being in lieu of that sum raised by them as Interest Money unappropriated (the Bills of which are obliterated and decayed) by Virtue of an Act entitled an Act for Stamping imprinting Issuing and making Current the sum of Seven thousand four Hundred and Ten pounds in paper Bills of Credit and for applying and sink ing the same and for appropriating the Said sum of five Hundred and Twenty pounds in Aid of the General Tax for the Service of the Year 1773 and also to reprint sign and Issue the further sum of Seventy- three Pounds for other purposes therein Mentioned, Also to a Bill to oblige Masters of Vessels and other Transient persons importing Negroes and other Slaves, Goods, Wares, and Merchandize to pay Tax for the same and to Compel the persons directed to receive the Same to give Security for the due performance of their office and for Monies that may be Received by them by Virtue of any Act of this Province Also to a Bill for Granting to his Majesty the sum of four Thousand Two hundred and Ninety Nine pounds and for empowering the Commissioners therein Named to Stamp, Imprint, Sign and Issue paper Certificates to the amount of the said Sum for the uses and purposes therein Mentioned Also to a Bill to prevent Counterfeitting the paper Money of Other his Majesty Colonies or provinces in America Also to a Bill to continue the Several Laws therein Mentioned : and for Vesting several Ferries in the persons mentioned in an Act entitled an Act for Establishing Sev eral ferries in this province in the persons therein Men tioned SEPTEMBER, 1773. 537 Also to a Bill for Granting to his Majesty the sum of five thousand one Hundred and Seventy one pounds fif teen Shillings and Ten pence halfpenny for the use and Support of the Government of Georgia for the Year one thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy three To be raised at certain Rates and after the Method therein Mentioned and for the More Effectual Collecting of Arrears And also to an Ordinance appointing the Honorable Grey Elliott Esquire Agent to Solicit the Affairs of this province in Great Britain in case of the Absence of Ben jamin Franklin Esquire from Great Britain Of the Ordinance for Reappointing Benjamin Franklin Esquire Agent to Solicit the affairs of this province in Great Britain — His Excellency was pleased to say he shoud consider His Excellency then made the following Speech to both Houses in General Assembly met Viz' [For transcript of speech see Minutes of Upper House 29 Sep. 1773] Savannah in Georgia Council Chamber The 29"1 of September 1773 After which his Excellency was pleased to porogue the General Assembly to Tuesday the Eighteenth of January next then to Meet for the dispatch of Business — Examined & Compared with the Original Journals Rich4 Cun^ Crooke Clk— 538 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (FromB. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol 215.) Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly. I have communicated to you every Information that I have received relative to the Murders lately committed by the Creek Indians on several of His Majesty's Subjects in this Province, and as things now appear circumstanced I have thought it proper that the Militia be drafted and do such Duty as may be most conducive to the protection and Safety of the Inhabitants. Also that Stockade Forts be erected where they may seem necessary and most usefull and have setled a plan of defence to be observed 'till we know with Certainty what has happened in the Indian Nation and whether the Traders are cut off or not, and how far the Nation in general are concerned in this Mat ter. And for which Purpose I have sent a Talk or Mes sage to them, a Copy of which you will now receive, and also the Heads of the Plan for the protection of the Settle ments. And as the building of Forts must be attended with an Expence probably more than the People them selves can well bear, and as I think the Militia who are on actual Service ought to have some Allowance towards their Support or to defray their Expences. I must desire you will consider of these Matters and let me know wheth er you think proper to make any Provision for the same, and what, And Expresses being now very necessary and frequent, some Provision shoud be made to defray that Expence. Also for a Supply of Bullets to be sent to the different Parts of the Province, Gun Powder there is suf ficient for the present in the Magazine. And as you are fully acquainted with every Circumstance that has hither to happened and with the Measures which in the present: hurry and posture of Affairs I purpose to- take I desire that if any thing further occurs to you you will communi cate your Sentiments to me, and if Things grow more JANUARY, 1774. 539 serious I doubt not but you will act with a becoming Spirit and, to the utmost Abilities of the Province, Exert and contribute towards Chastising the Perfidy, intolerable In solence and unprovoked Barbarities committed by those worst of Savages, the Creek Indians. And as the Act giv ing Power to restrain the Exportation of Corn is expired, may it not from the Consideration of the present Situa tion of Affairs be expedient to renew that Power. Ja: Wright Sav 28 JanJ 1774 — Copy (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) To His Excellency Sir James Wright Baronet, Cap tain General, Governor and Commander in Chief of His Majestys Province of Georgia, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same. The Humble Address of the Commons House of Assembly. May it please your Excellency We His Majesty's dutiful! and loyal Subjects the Com mons of Georgia in General Assembly met return your Excellency our very cordial Thanks for the regard you have manifested in laying before us the several Informa tions you have received respecting the unprovoked Mur ders committed on many of His Majestys Subjects lately residing on the Frontier of this Province by some of those horrid Savages the Creek Indians. We intirely approve of your prudent and necessary Precaution in drawing out and drafting the Militia for the general Defence, and think with Your Excellency it is in dispensably necessary to be informed, as soon as possibly may be of the real Intentions of the Creek Nation, and 540 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE. how far they may presume to support and vindicate the late barbarous Transactions of their perfidious Country men, and we still hope that the report and Apprehension of their having massacred the Traders residing amongst them are premature. We agree with Your Excellency in the Propriety of immediately erecting at proper Places Stockade Forts, . and apprehend the building of them to be the Duty of the People of the respective Parishes or Districts where they may be wanted, but we will afford them such reasonable Assistance therein as, added to their own Assiduity may enable them to complete the same. We will chearfully make such Provision, as has been heretofore allowed to such part of the Militia as may be on actual Service, and will also provide a Fund for the Payment of Expresses and such other immediate Exi gencies as may be absolutely necessary, fully persuaded of your Oeconomy in the judicious distribution thereof We must repeat to Your Excellency our Thanks for that watchful Attention and Care which has been so con- spicious in your Conduct upon this Occasion, and we will not fail from time to time to communicate and submit to you any Manoeuvres which ma)' appear to us likely to re dound to the general Good Altho we cannot but hear of the Treachery and Cruelty of these Wretches with Concern, yet, it is with Concern justly tempered with that noble resentment which must ever inspire His Majesty's faithfull American Subjects when their Lives and Prosperity, or the sacred Rights of their beloved Sovereign are invaded by any Power what ever, and we assure your Excellency that we will on all Occasions act against these merciless Enemies to Society JANUARY, 1774. 541 with that undaunted Resolution and Fortitude which will ever distinguish the true Sons of Freedom and Subjects of a British King We have only to add that we will deliberate on the ne cessity and expediency of giving a temporary Power to prevent occasionally, the Exportation of Provisions By Order of the House (sign'd) William Young Speaker Commons House of Assembly 28th January 1774 Mr Speaker & Gentlemen of the Commons House of As sembly. I return you my best Thanks for this Address, and it makes me very happy to see that you concur with me in Opinion with respect to the Measures which I have thought most advisable to take in the present State of Af fairs relative to the Indians. And you may depend upon it, I shall not cease to give the utmost Attention towards preserving the Peace and Safety of this Province, and shall communicate to you every Information and Occurrence. And it gives me very great Satisfaction to find your House so spiritedly determined to do Justice to, and sup port the just Rights of our most Gracious Sovereign, also that the Lives and Property of His faithful Subjects here, and in which you will ever find me most heartily disposed to co-operate with you (sign'd) James Wright Savannah the 28th | January 1774 ] 542 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W I., Vol. 235.) To the King's most Excellent Majesty. The Humble Address of the Commons House of As sembly of your Majesty's Province of Georgia. Most gracious Sovereign Permit your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects the Commons of Georgia in General Assembly met to re turn your Majesty our most grateful and humble thanks for that addition of Territory lately ceded to your Majesty by the Creek and Cherokee Indians and annexed as a Frontier to this Province. The great extent of this acquisition, the richness of the Soil, the Salubrity of the Air and situation, the consid erable number of Settlers it cannot fail to procure, and the evident advantages which must result from the addition of so formidable a Frontier, are all objects which re spectively and unitedly contribute to raise in us the most ardent desire to see it happily peopled, and cultivated. After the most solemn Cession of these Lands to your Majesty by the Indians, your faithful Subjects could have no apprehension that any persons desirous to settle them, under your Majesty's powerful and sacred protection, would be wantonly, and unprovokedly, attacked and Mur dered by that inhuman and perfidious people, in open vio lation of the most solemn treaties, and in daring and in solent defiance of your Majesty's sacred Right, and Dig nity. Far as such Treachery must have been frOm our expec tations, we have notwithstanding, lately experienced many very lamentable proofs of the baseness of these Barbarians, and have too much reason to fear the fre- MARCH, 1774. 543 quent repetitions of such unspeakable, and even refined, acts of Cruelty as must in the highest degree alarm, and terrify, your Majesty's faithful Subjects, as well as en danger their Lives and property, unless effectually pre vented by the speedy interposition of your Majesty's Arms in our favor. Although your Majesty's Province of Georgia is at present in a florishing and desirable state of prosperity, although every year brings with it a very considerable augmentation of Wealth and success, we are yet very far from being able to Act against so numerous and danger ous an Enemy as the Indians without your Majesty's gra cious support, in these critical and alarming Circum stances, therefore, allow us humbly to look up to, and solicit your Majesty for such protection and Assistance as in your wisdom you may think sufficient to chastize the perfidy and insolence of these dangerous Enemies to your Majesty's Government of Georgia, on our parts, we crave leave to assure your Majesty that, we will chearfully, and resolutely contribute every means in the power of this in fant Colony to further and promote such Operations as jour Majesty may graciously be pleased to direct for our Security and Welfare. By order of the House Will™ Young Speaker •8th March 1774 544 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) GEORGIA To his Excell7 Sir James Wright Baronet Captain General Governor and Commander in Chief of his Majestys Province of Georgia, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same The address of the Commons House of Assembly — • May it please your Excellency — ¦ We his Majesty's dutiful and loyal Subjects the Com mons of Georgia in General Assembly met, are truely sorry to observe from the information you have from time to time laid before us, that a war with the Creek Indians appears inevitable — Circumstanced as this Province is at Present, We have thought it expedient to Address our most Gracious Sov ereign to send a military force to protect us against the outrages of our faithless Neighbours — And have there fore to request that your Excellency will be pleased to cause the said Address to be laid before his Majesty by the earliest Oppertunity — And should our most gracious Sovereign think fit to grant our request, your Excel lency may rely on our making such provision for the Troops which may be sent to our assistance as has been usual upon the like occasions From the long experience we have had of your Ex cellency's unwearied attention to promote the general good of this Province, we can have no doubt but you will use your utmost influence to obtain such force as you may think sufficient to establish peace and security amongst us, but as it \xi\\ be some months before our f-. MARCH, 1774. !';"¦ 545 situation can be known at home we Cannot but wish that in the meantime you would apply to the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Forces in America for some im mediate assistance in order to strike a terror into the minds of the Indians,- and prevent them from Commit ting further Acts of Cruelty on his Majesty's good Sub jects By order of the House Will™ Young Speaker Commons House of Assembly the 9th March 1774 (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly — - Your address to our most Gracious Sovereign on the Present Posture of Affairs in this Province, you msy depend I Shall Transmit to The Earl of Dartmouth by the first Opportunity, and request his Lordship to lay it before His Majesty — and I Will Support the Same to the Utmost of my Power — and Will also Write to Major General Haldimand agreeable to your desire. Ja: Wright 9th March 1774 (From B. P R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) In the Commons House of Assembly the io'h day of March 1774 Report of the Committee appointed to take into Con sideration the several matters contain'd in the Lieut' Gov- 85 c r— vol 15 546 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE ernors Speech at the Opening of the Session on the Ist Instant, And His Honors Message to this House of the 4th Ins' with the papers accompanying the same, as agreed to by the House. — That they have seriously consider'd the matters com mitted to them, carefully examined every paper laid be fore them, and procured every further intelligence they could from His Majesty's Superintendant of Indians Af fairs, and think it by no means necessary at Present, that this Province should take any part in the Dispute be tween the Province of Georgia & the Creek Indians, especially, as when the Governor is now fully inform'd of the Grounds of the present Disturbances between them, of the Course the Creek Nation shall take in Con sequence thereof, and of the Support the Southern Prov inces shall receive from His Majesty's forces, said to be kept up for the Security and defence of his American Subjects; His Honor may make such requisition as he thinks proper, And this House will always pay that respect thereto, which is due from Loyal & affectionate ¦Subjects — For the protection of our own Frontiers, the Commit tee recommend, in Complyance with His Honors requisi tion, That a Bill be immediately brought in for raising and Supporting Three Companies of Rangers each Con sisting of Seventy five Men (non Commission'd Officers included) under the Command of a Major Commandant (who shall have no Company) One Captain, One first and one Second Lieutenant, two Sergeants, two Cor porals and one Drummer to each Company, to be Subject to the same Discipline and the like regulations as His Majestys Troops are Subject unto, And that the said Rangers be Station'd in the most fit and Proper places ?on the Frontier to prevent Incurtiohs of the Indians, to MAY, 1780. 547 quiet the apprehensions of the Inhabitants and thereby prevent their quitting their Settlements — (First four Pages missing. Part of p'h May, 1780. B. of T., Vol 30.) present him; accordingly they withdrew, and being re turned, reported that His Excellency was pleased to say immediately. Mr Robertson and Mr Jones were appointed a Com mittee to attend his Excellency with the Speaker Elect, and present him for His Excellency's approbation, who was pleased to approve of him. And then Mr Speaker informed the House, he had de sired his Excellency would be pleased to grant, that this House of Assembly may have freedom of Speech, as by Right and Custoin they used fo have, and all their just Privileges and Liberties allowed them; and tfiat in any thing he should deliver in the name of the House, if he committed any Mistake, it may not be imputed to the House, but that he nfight resort again to them for Decla ration of their true intent and meaning; And that as often as his Majesty's Service, or the good of the Prov ince, shall require, he might by direction of the House, have free Access to his Excellency. To which his Excel lency was pleased to reply, that he wou'd grant them every Right and Privilege they could justly claim, or that they used to have ; that was in his Power to grant ; and that whatever should be delivered in the name of the House, if any Mistake was in it, he should have free Liberty to resort again tb the House, and correct and amend such Mistake; And that the Speaker should have free Access to his Person whenever the Public Business called for it; And that his Excellency would give him, 548 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE where the Good of the Province required it, every assis tance and Advice in his Power — Mr Speaker further re ported, that his Excellency was pleased to make an Affec tionate Speech to both Houses of Assembly, of which, to prevent mistakes, he had obtained a Copy, and read the same to the House in the Words following. Honorable Gentlemen, Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly: — Our meeting in General Assembly under the Authority and Protection of our most Gracious Sovereign, after an Interruption of five Years, gives me the greatest Pleasure, and I most sincerely congratulate You there upon — Peace, Happiness True Liberty and the enjoy ment of Property were long banished from this Land; and what did the Rulers of the People introduce instead thereof; War, Imprisonments, Proscriptions, Oppres sions, Attainders and Confiscations. Such was the fate of your Friends and Relations, and for no other reason than that they endeavoured to discharge the Duty with Integrity, and to support the Good People of this Prov ince, in Peace and the Enjoyment of their Rights, their Lyberties and Properties, and to oppose that Rebellion, Tyranny, and Oppression, which were promoted here Pricipally, by a few Individuals of little or no property,, but whose Pride and Ambition prompted them to mis lead and hurry the People into Rebellion, without any Cause whatever, but merely to aggrandize themselves, and that from Obscurity and Want, they might become Men of Power, Leaders and Governors, and accumulate Fortunes to themselves by Rapine from the General. Wreck of the Property of Honest men — During the late Wicked Usurpation, the Inhabitants of this Country experienced the most cruel Tyranny* MAY, 1780. 549 Their Commerce was annihilated. The Oppressed Peo ple wanted many of the Common Necessaries of Life, and their Arbitrary Leaders loaded the Country with a Debt, amounting to more than all the Property in the Province was worth, and the Interest thereupon to much more than our whole annual Income, in the time of our great est Prosperity. Add to which the Yearly Expences of their Government. What a Melancholy Prospect did this exhibit, espe cially when contrasted with that Peace and Affluence, which the Inhabitants in General enjoyed here, before the Rebellion broke out. But, Gentlemen, I shall not dwell any longer on this gloomy Subject, and thanks be to God, the Scene is changed, His Majesty having been graciously pleased to rescue this Province, and his good Subjects here, from the cruel Tyranny and Oppression, which they were la bouring under, and from the Jaws of Ruin and Destruc tion. I trust we shall now very soon enjoy the Blessings of Peace and True Liberty, under just Laws, and his Maj esty's Protection. The Advantages of Trade and Com merce with the Mother Country are well known. The Inhabitants will have a ready Market and Sale for their Produce of every kind. They will be plentifully supplied with the Necessaries and Comforts of Life. They will have Money of Real and not merely nominal Value: And they will soon again become a Happy People. The Point of Taxing America is wholly given up by the King and Parliament, and only a Power reserved to impose such Duties, as may be expedient for the regula tion of Commerce (which Power even the warmest Zeal ots for America never denied to Parliament) and the 550 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Nett Produce of those duties, are in every instance to be applied to the use of the Province. I am happy in having it in my Power to declare to you, that His Majesty, in order to ease his Loyal Sub jects here, graciously intends to remit all Arrears of Quit Rents; and generously proposes, that all those which may become due hereafter, shall be appropriated to the Use of the Province. Also that all Fines and Forfeit ures, which shall happen, arise or become due to his Majesty, shall likewise be applied in the same Manner. These Concessions being Matters of special Grace and Favor of the Crown, deserve our warmest acknowledge ments. I apprehend it is intended in Convenient Time to Re vise the Laws of Trade, and I have no kind of doubt, that all such Indulgences will be granted to America, as may not be inconsistent with the General Good of the whole Empire. Therefore, Gentlemen, when you reflect, that we have been rescued from Ruin and Destruction by his Majesty's Arms. That from a scene of anarchy and Confusion, we are now under the Protection of Great Britain, and restored to the Enjoyment of True Liberty and our Prosperity ; the inestimable advantages arising from Law and regular Government ; the Emoluments of Trade and Commerce; and many other Benefits, which naturally result from our Connection with the Mother Country, and from the Reestablishment of Civil Government in this Province, and the Generous Concessions of the King and Parliament; it will Evidently appear, that Great Britain never meant to oppress or injure the Colonies, but that they should return to the mild, just and benign Government they formerly enjoyed. MAY, 1780. .551 The Consideration of these things, Gentlemen, must warm our Hearts and inspire us with the utmost Grati tude and Affection. And I doubt not but you will take such Steps, & pursue such measures in your Legislative Capacities, as will evince to Great Britain the True and Unfeigned Loyalty of His Majesty's faithfull Subjects in the Province of Georgia, and will shew Your abhor rence of Treason and Rebellion, and secure to Yourselves and Your Posterity the Blessings of Peace, and the en joyment of True Liberty. Many Things will occur to You as necessary to be done for the better settling the internal Police ; & giving the Inhabitants some Aid and Relief with respect to the Destruction and Loss of their Title Deeds ; and other Sufferings by the Rebellion. But here I must observe to You, that our Safety & Quiet have of late been much interrupted by a Set of the most profligate Plunderers that ever existed, and who have murdered several of the Inhabitants in Cold Blood, also some Negroes, & who have Committed Great Devastation, and carried off a great Number of Negroes. I have written to Sir Henry Clinton on this Subject, and flatter myself he will give us every Assistance in his Power, but as the Prevention of these Mischiefs in future is a Matter of the Greatest Consequence to the Province, I therefore recommend it as an Object worthy of your Attention. In all or any of these matters, I shall be very ready to concur with You, and Give my best Assistance. Gentlemen, I trust I need not recommend to You Unanimity and Dispatch; Points essentially necessary at all times; and especially at present; And when the Season of the Year is improper for a long Session, And therefore I doubt not but you will only go upon such 552 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE things as are most Material, and defer the rest till a more Convenient Opportunity. James Wright Savannah in Georgia, Council Chamber. Resolved, nem. con. That an humble Address of Thanks, be presented to his Excellency the Governor for his Speech delivered to both Houses, at the Opening of the present Sessions. That we do with sincerity assure his Excellency That our present meeting after so long an Interruption, affords us the most heartfelt pleasure, and that we join his Excellency In Congratulations on this happy Event. When we reflect on the many difficulties, which have been arbitrarily and wontonly imposed upon the In habitants of this Province, in consequence of the date cruel and unprovoked Rebellion, that we are impressed with Sentiments of Gratitude which we cannot suffi ciently express to our most Gracious Sovereign, for his good intentions to restore us to his most ample Protec tion ; at the same time we cannot but lament, that those good intentions have been impeded, contrary to our rea sonable expectations. That we receive with gratefull thanks the information of his Majesty's gracious designs to remit the arrears of Quit Rents, and to appropriate what may hereafter be come due, together with other emoluments of the Crown, to the Use of this Province, and doubt not but they will be carried into full effect, from which many advantages must accrue to this Country. The King and Parliament of Great Britain, having by Law relinquished the Claim of Taxation over America, ought to remove every discontent and doubt of the most MAY, 1780. 553 bigotted Zealots for American Independency, and estab lish confidence in the Breast of every Individual — That we flatter ourselves his Excellency's Application to Sir Henry Clinton for assistance will meet with Suc cess, which together with our own exertions will have the desired effect of putting a speedy stop to the Incur sions of those lawless Banditti, who have made such frequent depredations, on the Inhabitants of this Coun try, and afford future Security to every part of this Prov ince; That being once established we have no doubt but our Trade and Commerce will encrease, and that we shall enjoy the Blessings of true Liberty and Good Govern ment. The wicked and diabolical designs of the Leaders of Sedition and Rebellion are so notorious, that it is un necessary for us to enlarge on the Subject at present. That we chearfully join with his Excellency in turning from the dismal Prospect, and look forward to better times — - That his Excellency may rest assured we will to the utmost of our Power and Abilities, discharge the trust reposed in us, and by our Conduct evince to the World our Loyalty and Attachment to the British Constitution and Government — That we shall lose no time in taking under consideration the most material Concerns of Prov ince; and from the long experience this Country has had of his Excellency's unwearied endeavours, to pro mote its true Interest, We are convinced we shall receive Your hearty Concurrence and Support — Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up an Address, to be presented to his Excellency, upon the said Resolution, and a Committee was appointed accord ingly. 554 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered That his Excellency's Speech be referred to the said Committee. Ordered That a Committee of Privileges and Elec tions be appointed, and a Committee was appointed ac cordingly, and they are to meet as often as there is oc casion, and they are to take into consideration all such Matters, as shall or may come in Question, touching Re turns, Elections and Privileges, and to proceed upon double Returns in the first place and to report their pro ceedings, with their Opinions thereupon to the House,. from time to time ; And all Persons who will Question any Returns, are to do it within fourteen days next, and. so within fourteen Days next after any new Return shall be brought in, And the Committee are to have power to- send for Persons, Papers, & Records for their Informa tion; And all Members who are returned for two or more places, are to make their Election by this day week,. for which of the Places they will serve, provided there be no Question upon the Return for that place ; and if any thing shall come in Question, touching the Return,. Election or matter of Privilege, of any Member, he is- to withdraw during the time the Matter is in Debate; And that all Members returned upon double returns, do withdraw till their Returns are determined. Ordered that a Committee be appointed to wait on the Reverend Mr Brown to attend to divine Service on Sunday next, and a Committee was appointed accord ingly. Ordered That a Committee of Grievances be ap pointed, and a Committee was appointed accordingly; and they are to sit as often as necessary, and they are to have power to send for Persons Papers and Records for their Information. MAY, 1780. 555 Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up Rules for the House, and a Committee was appointed accordingly. The House adjourned till tomorrow Morning Eleven OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday May io'h 1780. Mr Zubly from the Committee appointed yesterday to draw up an Address, to be presented, to his Excellency the Governor, Reported, that the Committee had drawn up an Address accordingly, which they had directed him to report to the House, and he read the same in his Place and afterwards delivered it in at the Table, where the same was again read, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House resolved itself into a Committee accord ingly, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Zubly reported from the Com mittee, that they had taken the said Address into Con sideration, and made several Amendments thereto, and he read the same in his place, and afterwards delivered the Address with the Amendments in at the Table, where the Amendments were again read, other Amendments made, and the whole agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Address with the Amendments be Engrossed The said Address being Engrossed was read to the House in the words following Viz' o56 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE To his Excellency Sir James Wright, Baronet, Cap tain General, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of Georgia, Chan cellor and Vice Admiral of the same. The Address of the Commons House of Assembly. May it please Your Excellency. We his Majesty's Dutifull and Loyal Subjects, the Commons House of Assembly, in General Assembly met, return Your Excellency our warmest thanks for your affectionate Speech, at the Opening of the present Ses sion. We do with Sincerity assure Your Excellency that our present meeting, after so long an Interruption affords us the most heartfelt pleasure, and we do join Your Ex cellency in Congratulations on this happy event. When we reflect on the many difficulties, that have been arbitrarily and wantonly imposed upon the Inhabi tants of this Province, in consequence of the late cruel and unprovoked Rebellion, We are impressed with Senti ments of Gratitude, which we cannot sufficiently express to our most Gracious Sovereign, for his good intentions, to restore us to his most ample Protection; at the same time, we cannot but lament, that those good Intentions have been impeded contrary to our reasonable Expecta tions. We receive with gratefull thanks, the information of his Majesty's gracious Designs to remit the Arrears of Quit Rents, and to appropriate what may hereafter be come due, together with other emoluments of the Crown, to the Use of this Province ; and doubt not but they will be carried into full effect, from which many advantages must accrue to this Country. The King and Parliament of Great Britain having by MAY, 1780. 557 Law relinquished the Claim of Taxation over America, ought to remove every discontent and doubt of the most bigotted Zealots for American Independency; and es tablish Confidence in the Breast of every Individual. We flatter ourselves that your Excellency's Applica tion to Sir Henry Clinton for assistance, will meet with Success; which together with our own exertions, will have the desired effect, of putting a speedy stop to the Incursions of those lawless Banditti, who have made such frequent depredations on the Inhabitants of this Country, and afford future security to every part of this Province ; That being once established, we have no doubt but -our Trade and Commerce will encrease, and that we shall enjoy the Blessings of true Liberty and Good Gov ernment. The wicked and diabolical designs of the Leaders of Sedition and Rebellion are so notorious that it is unneces sary for us to enlarge on the Subject at present, we chear fully join with your Excellency in turning from the dis mal prospect, and look forward to better times. Your Excellency may rest assured we will to the ut most of our Power and Abilities, discharge the trust re posed in us, and by our conduct evince to the world our Loyalty and Attachment to the British Constitution and Government — We shall lose no time in taking under Consideration the most material Concerns of the Province, and from the long experience this Country has had of your Excellency's unwearied endeavours to promote its true Interest, we are convinced we shall receive your hearty concurrence and support. Ordered That Mr Speaker do sign the said Address. 658 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Resolved that the said Address be presented to his Excellency the Governor by the whole House. Ordered That Mr Hall and Mr Zubly do wait on his Excellency the Governor, to know when he will be pleased to receive the said Address. Mr Hall from the Committee appointed to wait on his Excellency the Governor, to know when he would be pleased to receive the Address of the House, Reported, that his Excellency the Governor returned for answer, that he would give Notice to the House tomorrow fore noon. Resolved That this House will attend Mr Speaker to Divine Service on Sunday next. Ordered That Mr Hall and Mr Zubly do wait on the Reva Mr Brown and acquaint him therewith. Mr Hall reported to the House that pursuant to an Or der of Yesterday, himself and Mr Zubly had waited on the Revd Mr Brown, and acquainted him that Mr Speaker and the House would attend divine service on Sunday next, to which Mr Brown answered, he would prepare a Suitable discourse on that Occasion. Resolved That James Edgar be Messenger of this House. Then the House adjourned till to-mor- morrow Morning ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Thursday May 11th 1780. Mr Speaker witH the whole House, went to attend his MAY, 1780. 559 Excellency the Governor, to present the Address of this House, and being returned Mr Speaker reported that he, with the whole House, had attended his Excellency, and presented their Address, to which his Excellency was pleased to give the following Answer. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly. It gives me great pleasure to receive this very Loyal and dutifull Address, and to find You so warmly im pressed with Gratitude and Affection for our Gracious Sovereign. And I join You in Opinion that every dis content and doubt ought to be totally removed; and most sincerely wish, that Pure Harmony and Confidence may soon be restored between the Mother Country and America. I have the Satisfaction to acquaint You that Sir Henry Clinton has been pleased to approve of my Application and Request ; and I doubt not but a Stop will be put to the depredations of those Lawless Plunderers, who now infest us. I thank you for the kind Mention you make of my past Endeavours to promote the Interest of this Province, and you may rely on my Support, and that I will coop erate with you in every Measure, which may tend to secure to the People, True Liberty and their just Rights, & which may conduce to the Peace and happiness of this Province. JAmes Wright Ordered That the Clerk do furnish the Printer with a Copy of the Address of this House to his Excellency the Governor, together with his Excellency the Gover nor's Answer thereto, and that the Printer do publish •the same in the next Gazette. 560 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE William Ross Esqr elected and returned for the Parish of S' Mary (pursuant to order of Yesterday) attended the House, & in person declined taking his Seat as a Member of this House, he not having the necessary Qualification for that purpose. Resolved That the said excuse be satisfactory. Ordered That an Address be prepared and presented to his Excellency the Governor, desiring he will be pleased to give Orders for issuing Writs of Election for the Parish of S' Mary, in the Room of William Ross Esqr who has declined taking his Seat as a Member of this House. Ordered That an Address be prepared and present ed to his Excellency the Governor, desiring he will be pleased to give Orders for issuing Writs of Election for the Parish of S' Paul, S' David, S' Matthews and S' Mary's, none being returned. Mr Hall and Mr Cowper the Committee to prepare the Address. The said Address being prepared was read and agreed to by the House. Ordered that Mr Hall and Mr Cowper do wait on his Excellency and present the said address, and accordingly they withdrew, & being returned reported, they had waited on his Excellency, and presented the said Address, and he was pleased to return for Answer, that he would give directions, for issuing the said Writs. A Message from his Excellency the Governor, by the Master in Chancery. MAY, 1780. ' 561 Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly The Permit herewith sent you, was brought to me to sign this Morning, and it appearing the Vessel is to take on board one thousand Bushels of Rough Rice at Ogechee, I must recommend it to your Consideration whether as Matters are circumstanced just now, some steps should not be immediately taken to prevent the ex portation of Indian Corn, Rice & oat. James Wright. The House having taken the same under consideration, Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill, to prohibit for a certain time the exportation of Indian Corn, Rice, rough, Clean, or in any other state, Peace or any other vegitable production of this Province, or that may come or be brought within the Limits of the same. Ordered That Mr Simpson, Mr Hall, Mr Robertson, Mr Jones and Mr Mossman do prepare and bring in the same. Ordered That Mr Simpson and Mr Zubly, do wait on the Governor, and acquaint him the Governor <8lc) has received and taken into Consideration his Excellency's Message, and have ordered a Bill to be prepared to pro hibit the Exportation of Indian Corn, Rice and other Provisions for a limited time. Mr Simpson and Mr Zubly waited on his Excellency accordingly, and being returned, Reported, they had waited on his Excellency, and informed him, that the House had taken under consideration his Excellency's Message to prevent the exportation of Provisions, and had ordered a Bill to be prq>ared and brought in for that purpose. 36 c 1 —vol 15 562. JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Mr Simpson, Mr Hall, Mr Robertson, Mr Jones and Mr Mossman were appointed a Committee to prepare and bring in a Bill to prevent the exportation of Indian Corn, Rice and other Provisions. Mr Simpson from the Committee appointed to bring in a Bill to prevent for a certain time the exportation of Provisions, reported that they had prepared the same, which they had directed him to report to the House, which was received and read the first time. Motion was made that the said Bill be now read the second time, which was agreed to and read accordingly. Motion was made that the Bill be immediately Com mitted, and a debate arising thereon, Resolved, that this House will form itself into a Committee of the whole House to take the same under consideration tomorrow. Mr Hall reported that the Committee of Grievances, are ready to make their report, when the House will be pleased to receive it. Ordered That the report be received, which was done accordingly. Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill for as certaining the Qualification of Jurors, and establishing the method of ballotting and summoning of Jurors in the Province of Georgia, and for repealing an Act, entitled an Act for ascertaining the Qualifications of Jurors, and for establishing the method of balloting and summoning of Jurors, in the Province of Georgia, the Act explaining the same, and another act amending the same Act. Ordered That Mr Robertson, Mr Simpson, Mr Zubly, Mr Panton and Mr Cowper be the said Committee. Motion was made for leave to prepare and bring in a MAY, 1780. 563 Bill for the better and more effectual Regulation of the Militia of this Province. Ordered that Mr Wylly, Mr Jones, Mr Butler, Mr Hall and Mr Yonge, be a Committee for that purpose. Motion was made that this House do present a hum ble, dutifull and Loyal Address to our most Gracious Sovereign, expressing our grateful Thanks of his Good ness for having placed us under his Paternal Protection, and for establishing Civil Government in this Province, and other favours conferred upon us ; and that a Commit tee be appointed for that purpose. Ordered That Mr Zubly, Mr Wylly, Mr Douglass, Mr Mossman and Mr Panton be the Committee for that purpose. Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill, to oblige Persons coming into Savannah from any parts of this Province, which do not acknowledge their Allegiance to the King, and from the Provinces in Actual Rebellion, to register their names, and to set forth upon Oath, their Business, in the Secretary's Office of this Province, and to Comply with the other Regulations to be contained in the said Bill. And then the House adjourned till to morrow morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Friday May 12th 1780. The Order of the day for committing fhe Bill entitled an Act to prohibit for a certain time, the Exportation of Indian Corn, Rice, and other Provisions, the Growth 564 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE and Produce of this Province, therein mentioned, being read, the House took the same into consideration, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Simpson from the Committee of the whole House, reported, that they had taken the same into Con sideration, and made several amendments thereto, which he was directed to report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the said Report be now made, which was done accordingly, and agreed to by the House. Resolved That the Title of the said Bill be an Act to prohibit for a certain time the exportation of Indian Corn, Rice and other Provisions, the Growth and Pro duce of this Province therein mentioned. Ordered That the said Bill, with the amendments be engrossed. The said Bill being engrossed, Motion was made that it be now read a third time, and it was read accordingly. Resolved that the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Simpson do carry the same to the Upper House, and desire their concurrence thereto. Resolved That the following be the standing Rules " f this House. [For transcript of these Rules see Journal of Commons louse 27 Nov. 1764 with the following differences: — For Rule V read : — / That the Speaker and ten Members make a Quo- MAY, 1780. 565 rum to act, as if all the Members were present, and to proceed to all Business. after Rule XXV read :— J XXVI That every Member who makes a Motion, shall commit the Substance thereof to writings, and de liver the same to the Speaker. XXVII That when the Question hath been entirely put by the Speaker, no Member is to speak to the Ques tion, before Voting. XXVIII That no Member speak more than twice in the House to any Bill at any one time reading, or to any other proposition, or motion, without leave of the House. XXIX That no order or Resolution shall be entered by the Clerk, till the Speaker first obtain the assent of the House. XXX That the Minutes be first entered in a Book, and' the Minutes of the day be read before an Adjourn ment be made, and the Minutes of the preceeding day shall be read before any Business be gone upon; and the Minutes of the week being entered fair in another book, shall be read every Monday Morning, before any other Business be introduced. XXXI That if any Member of the House, shall go off the Province, without leave of the House, if sitting, •or without acquainting the Speaker of his so doing, in case the House be not sitting ; or having had leave to go •off the Province shall not return within the time limited for such leave; he may be expelled, or incur such other Censure as the House shall think proper. 566 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE XXXII That when the House shall adjourn, or go with an Address, or on other occurrences, no person shall rise or go out, until M1' Speaker do arise and go before, and then the Members to follow in Order, and that no person shall walk about, or interrupt the House, while in Debate. XXXIII That there shall be the following fees al lowed to the Clerk of this House; Viz' for drawing every Petition not exceeding one Copy Sheet, of ninety words, five Shillings, and for every Copy Sheet after wards, one Shilling, but no petition to exceed Twenty Shillings ; for reading a Petition, three Shillings, for passing any private Bill, Six Shillings and six pence.. for entering the Laws in a Book, five pence per Copy Sheet : Engrossing the Laws, five pence per Copy Sheet ; entering every paper in the Journals, that is to say Peti tions and Memorials, five pence per Copy Sheet, letters. by order of the House to Members or any other person,. three Shillings. For a Warrant, twenty one Shillings. For the fair Copy of the Journals with Marginal notes, for the use of the House ; and duplicates of the Journals with Marginal Notes to send to England, six pence per Copy Sheet. XXXIV That the following fees shall be allowed to the Messenger of this House, Viz' on reading every pe tition one Shilling and Six pence, for every letter sent out by the order of the House, three Shillings — for every Mile he shall travel, to execute the Speakers War rant, six pence per Mile, to be computed from the House- to the place, where the same shall be served, against whom such Warrant shall be issued, & paid by the De linquent. Ordered That Mr Cowper have leave of absence till this day fortnight. MAY, 1780. '567 Ordered That Mr Yonge have leave of absence till tuesday next. Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare a House for the reception of the Members of the Com mons House of Assembly, and to report what sum will be requisite for that purpose. Ordered That Mr Jones and Mr Zubly be the Com mittee for that purpose. Ordered that the Bill, entitled an Act to prohibit for a certain time, the exportation of Indian Corn, Rice and other Provisions, the growth and Produce of this Prov ince therein mentioned, be now read the third time. The Bill was accordingly read and ordered to pass. Ordered That Mr Simpson do carry the same to the Upper House, and desire their concurrence thereto. Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery. Upper House May 12th 17S0. Resolved That this House will address his Majesty, returning him our most Dutifnll thanks for rescuing this Province from the Tyranny and Oppression of the Rebels; for Re-establishing Civil Government here; and for his most Gracious Intentions to apply, in ease of this Province, several Branches of the undoubted Revenues of the Crown. Ordered That a Message be sent to the Commons House of Assembly, by the Master in Chancery, acquaint ing them with the said Resolution, by delivering them a Copy thereof; and desire their Concurrence therein; and 568 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE that they will appoint a Committee of this House to pre pare the Address accordingly. The House adjourned till tomorrow Morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday May 13th 1780 House met according to adjournment and adjourned till Monday Morning ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W . I., Vol. 235.) Monday May 15th 1780 Mr Zubly from the Committee appointed to enquire into the state of the Rooms formerly used by the Council and Assembly, or any other place to serve for the purpose of holding the present General Assembly, reports that the repairing the former Assembly Room, will cost by £ s d an Estimate delivered them 20.. o.. o The Repairs of the former Council Cham ber £16.. o.. - They also further report that either of the above Rooms may be entered into in a week's time. They also further report that they examined the Court Room, and find it in a very dirty and ruinous Situation, and that it will re quire a Month before it can be used and the Expence will amount to £200 or £300. The House having taken under consideration a Mes- MAY, 1780. ' 569 sage from the Upper House of the 12th Instant desiring this Plouse to join them in preparing an Address to his Majesty, Resolved that Mr Zubly, Mr Wylly, Mr Douglass, Mr Mossman, and Mr Panton, the Committee appointed to prepare and draw up an Address to his Majesty on the 11th Instant by this House, be the Committee to join the Committee of the Upper House, for that purpose; and it is further Resolved that a Message be sent to the Upper House, acquainting them therewith. Ordered That the following Message be sent to the Upper House. Commons House of Assembly 15th May 1780 Honble Gentlemen, This House having taken under consideration your Message of the 12th Instant, have Resolved that the Com mittee appointed by this House on the n'h Instant to draw up and prepare an Address to his Majesty, be a Committee to join your Committee for that purpose, and are directed to meet at such time and place, as may be agreed upon. Ordered That Mr Zubly do carry the above Mes sage to the Upper House. Resolved that the thanks of this House be returned the Revd Mr Brown for his excellent Sermon of Yester day, and that a Gratuity of Ten Guineas be presented him for the same. The following Gentlemen Viz' Alexander Wright, Rofiert Baillie, Tho8 Goldsmith, Simon Munro and James Spalding Esq™ having been returned to serve as Mem- 570 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE bers of the Commons House of Assembly, and not hav ing attended. Ordered that the Clerk do write them that the House requires their immediate attendance. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Tuesday May 16th 1780. Simon Munro Esqr elected and returned for the Parish of S' John, prov'd himself duly qualified to serve as one of the Members, and then took the Oaths, & made and subscribed the declaration, & took & subscribed the Oath of Abjuration. A Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery. Upper House of Assembly May 15"1 1780 Mr Speaker, In Answer to your Message of this day, that Your House hath taken under consideration the Resolution and order of this Blouse of the 12"1 Ins' and hath Re solved thereon, that the Committee appointed by your House to draw up and prepare an Address to his Majesty,. be a Committee to join a Committee of this House, for that purpose. Ordered That Mr Stokes, Mr Hume, Mr Jollie and Major Wright be a Committee to join the Committee of your House, in preparing an Address to his Majesty, MAY, 1780. 571 and if agreable to your Committee, will meet at the Room, where the Upper House at present sits. Motion was made that the amendments to a Bill, en titled, an Act to prohibit for a certain time the Exporta tion of Indian Corn, Rice and other Provisions, the Growth and Produce of this Province be taken under consideration tomorrow Morning. The Emergency of the times requiring the most punct ual attendance of the Members of this House — - Re solved That a fine of 3d per minute be imposed on every Member, and such other Censure as the House judge fit, who shall neglect attending his Duty (or sending such excuse as shall be approved by the House) at the time appointed by adjournment; and that such fines be punct ually required and collected by a Treasurer to be appoint ed for that purpose; and that Mr Hall be Treasurer for collecting: the same. *& Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday May 17th 1780. Resolved That the order of the day be adjourned till tomorrow morning. Ordered That Mr Munro and Mr Patterson be added to the Committee appointed to join the Committee of the Upper House to draw up an Address to his Majesty. Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill, entitled, an Act for the regulation of Auctions, laying a Duty on Goods, Wares and Merchandize sold at Auction, and for 572 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE empowering his Excellency the Governor to license Auc tioneers. Ordered That Mr Hall, Mr Simpson and Mr Panton be the Committee for that purpose. The House adjourned, till tomorrow morning ten of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Thursday May 18th 1780. The House took into consideration the Amendments made by the Upper House to the Engrossed Bill, entitled an Act to prohibit for a certain time the exportation of Indian Corn, Rice & other vegetable provisions, the growth and production of this Province therein men tioned, and agreed to some of the Amendments, and dis agreed to others. Ordered that Mr Robertson do carry the Bill to the Upper House and acquaint them, that this House have agreed to some of the Amendments made by the Upper House to the said Bill and disagreed to others; and that this House desires a Conference on the subject matter of the said amendments. Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery. Upper House of Assembly May 18'1' 1780. Mr- Speaker, In Answer to your Message, this House doth agree to the Conference you desire, in the room adjoining the Council Chamber at six OClock, this Evening, upon the Amendments made by this House to a Bill, entitled an MAY,. 1780. 573 Act to prohibit for a certain time, the exportation of Indian Corn, Rice and other Provisions, the Growth and Produce of this Province therein mentioned, — The Com mittee are Mr Hume and Mr Jollie. Ordered that Mr Robertson, Mr Simpson and Mr Hall be the Committee to meet the Committee of the Upper House in Conference. The Committee appointed to join a Committee of the Upper House in preparing Congratulatory and loyal Ad dress to his Majesty, reported they had prepared the same; which was read to the House. Ordered That the said Address be taken under con sideration on Tuesday next. Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill, entitled an Act to explain, amend and reduce into one Act of Assembly, the several Laws now in being, relative to the regulating of the Town of Savannah, and for ascer taining the Common thereunto belonging. Ordered That Mr Hall, Mr Robertson and Mr Doug lass be the Committee for that purpose. Then the House adjourned till tomor row Morning, Ten OClock. (From. B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Friday May 19th 1780. Mr Robertson from the Committee appointed to bring in a Bill, entitled an Act for ascertaining the Qualifica tion of Jurors, and for establishing the method of bal loting and summoning of Jurors in the Province of 574 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Georgia, and for repealing the several Laws of this Province, herein mentioned, regarding the form, method of regulating, balloting and summoning of Jurors in this Province, Reported that the Committee were ready to make their report, when the House would be pleased to receive it. Ordered That the Report be now made, which was done accordingly. Then the said Bill was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time. The House adjourned till tomorrow morning ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday May 20th 1780. The House met according to adjournment, and then adjourned till Monday Morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Monday May 22d 1780 House met according to adjournment, and adjourned till tomorrow Morning ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Tuesday May 23d 1780 Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill, entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Sub- MAY, 1780. 575 jects, as are Inhabitants of the Province of Georgia, or have any Property or Intercourse here. Ordered That Mr Robertson, Mr Jones & Mr Moss man be the Committee for that purpose. Resolved That the Order of the day be adjourned over till tomorrow morning. The Bill, entitled an Act for ascertaining the Qualifi cation of Jurors, and for establishing the Method of balloting and summoning of Jurors in the Province of Georgia, and for repealing the several Laws of the Prov ince herein after mentioned, regarding the form Method of regulating, balloting and summoning of Jurors in this Province, was read the second time, and ordered to be committed. Mr Robertson from the Committee appointed to pre pare & bring in a Bill for the relief of such of his Maj esty's loyal Subjects, as are Inhabitants of the Province of Georgia, or have any Property or Intercourse here, reported that they had prepared & were reeady to deliver the same to the House, when the House would be pleased to receive it. Ordered that the report he now made, which was done accordingly, & then the said Bill was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time. Mr Hall from the Committee appointed to bring in a Bill, entitled an Act for the regulation of Auctions, lay ing a Duty on Goods Wares and Merchandize sold at Auction, and for empowering the Governor or Com mander in Chief for the time being to licence Auctioneers, reported they had prepared the same, and were ready to make their report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. 576 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered That the report be now made, which was done accordingly, and then the said Bill was read the first time, and ordered to be read the second time. Mr Hall from the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill intitled an Act to explain, amend and re duce into one Act of Assembly the several Laws now in being, relative to the regulating the Town of Savan nah, and for ascertaining the Common thereunto be longing, reported, that they had prepared the said Bill, and were ready to make their report, when the House would be pleased to receive it. Ordered That the report be now made, which was done accordingly, and then the said Bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time. Motion was made that an Address be presented to the Governor, recommending a speedy Stop to be put to the admission of Flags of Truce into this Town. '&- Ordered that Mr Zubly, Mr Simpson and Mr Hall be the Committee for that purpose. The order of the day for taking into Consideration the Address to his Majesty, being read, Resolved that tlie said Address be taken into Consideration tomorrow morning. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & IV. I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday May 24th 1780. The Bill entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as are Inhabitants of the Prov- MAY, 1780. 577 ince of Georgia, or have any Property or Intercourse here, was read the second time and ordered to be com mitted. f The Bill entitled an Act to explain, amend and reduce into one Act of Assembly the several Laws now in being relative to the regulating the Town of Savannah, and for ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging, was read the second time, and ordered to be committed. Tho8 Goldsmith Esq1 elected and returned for the Par ish of S' Philip, attended and declined taking his Seat. A Message from the Upper Blouse, by the Master in Chancery. That the Upper House had passed a Bill, entitled an Act to explain, amend and make more effectual an Act passed the 9"1 day of June 1761 entitled an act for sub jecting and making liable to attachment the Estate real and personal of absent debtors, in the Custody or Power of any Person or Persons within this Province, and de sired the Concurrence of this House therein. The Bill entitled an Act for the regulation of Auctions, laying a Duty on Goods, Wares and Merchandise sold at Auction, & for empowering the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time being to license Auctioneers was read the second time and ordered to be committed. Mr Zubly from the Committee appointed to' prepare an Address to his Excellency the Governor, recommending a Speedy Stop to the admission of Flags of Truce into- this Town, reported they had prepared the same, and were ready to make their report, when the House would be pleased to receive it. Ordered That the report be now made, which was done accordingly and agreed to by the House. 37 0 r— vol 15 578 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered . .That Mr Hall and Mr Zubly do wait on the Governor with the same. Motion was made to address his Excellency the Gover nor, to issue a Writ for the election of one Member for the Parish of S' Philip, in the room of Thomas Gold smith Esqr who has declined taking his Seat. Ordered That Mr Hall and Mr Zubly do wait on his Excellency the Governor with the said Address. They accordingly withdrew with the said Address, and being returned Mr Hall reported that he with M' Zubly had according to order waited on his Excellency, who was pleased to answer that he would give orders for a Writ immediately; and that he would recommend the Matter of Flags of Truce to the Commander in Chief, and did not doubt but it would be carried into execution. The order of the day being read, The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to take under consideration the Address of both Houses to his Majesty, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Zubly from the Committee reported that they had taken the same under consideration, made several amendments thereto, and were ready to report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made, and Mr Zubly read the same with the amendments in his place, and afterwards delivered it in at the Table, where they were again read & agreed to by the House. Ordered That the said Address be Engrossed. Ordered That the Address to his Majesty with the MAY, 1780. 579 Amendments be carried to the Committee of the Upper House. Then the House, adjourned till tomor row morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. &W. L, Vol, 235.) Thursday May 25th 1780. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under Consideration the Bill, enT titled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as are Inhabitants of the Province of Georgia, or have any Property or Intercourse therein, and after some time spent therein, MT Speaker resumed the Chair and :MX: Robertson from the Committee reported that the House had taken under consideration the said Bill, and made several amendments thereto,' which he was ready to report, when the House would be pleased to receive it. ORDERED: That the said report be-,now» made, which was done accordingly, the Bill read with its amendments, and agreed to by the House. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under consideration a Bill entitled an Act to explain amend and reduce into one Act of As sembly the several Laws now in being relative to the regulating the Town of Savannah, artd for ascertaining the Common thereunto belonging, and after some time spent therein, M' Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Hall from the Committee reported that they had taken the said. Bill into Consideration, made several amend-r ments thereto, which he was ready to report, when the House would be pleased to receive it. 580 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered that the report be now made, which was done accordingly, the Bill read with its amendments, and agreed to by the House. Resolved That the Title of the said Bill be a Bilk entitled an Act to explain, amend, and reduce into one Act the several Laws now in being, relative to the regu lating the Town and Common of Savannah, and for other purposes therein mentioned. Ordered That the said Bill be Engrossed. Resolved That Mr Munro have leave of absence for a fortnight. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Friday May 26th 1780. The Bill, entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as are Inhabitants of the Prov ince of Georgia, or have any Property or Intercourse therein, was read the third time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Robertson do carry the same to the Upper House, and desire their Concurrence thereto. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under Consideration a Bill, en titled an Act for the regulation of Auctions, laying a Duty on Goods, Wares and Merchandize sold at Auction,, and for empowering the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time being to licence Auctioneers, and after MAY, 1780. 581 some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Hall from the Committee reported, they had taken under consideration the said Bill, made several amendments thereto, which he was ready to report, when the House would be pleased to receive it. Ordered That the report be now made, which was done accordingly, the Bill read with its amendments, and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the said Bill be Engrossed. A Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery desiring the Concurrence of this House to a Bill, entitled an Act to attaint of high Treason the sev eral Bersons, herein after named, who are either absent from this Province, or in that part of it, which is still in Rebellion against his Majesty, and to vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty his Heirs and Suc cessors in manner herein after mentioned, subject to the Lawfull Debts and Claims thereupon. Ordered That the Clerk do read the said Bill, and the said Bill was read accordingly. Motion was made that the said Bill be read a second time on Thursday next, that the same lie on the Table in the mean time for the Perusal of Members, and that all absent Members be required to attend their Duty in this House, and not depart from the same, while the said Bill is depending. The Committee appointed to join a Committee of the Upper House, reported that the Upper House had agreed to the amendments made by this House in the Address to his Majesty and proposed an Addition, to which they de sired the Concurrence of this House, and the Addition was accordingly agreed to. 662 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday May 27th 1780 The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed till Monday morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol, 235.) Monday May 29th 1780. The Bill entitled an Act to explain amend and reduce into one Act the several Laws, now in being relative to the regulating the Town and Common of Savannah, and for other purposes therein mentioned, was read the third ¦time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Hall do carry the same to the Upper House, & desire their Concurrence thereto. The Bill entitled an Act for the regulation of Auctions, laying a Duty on Goods, Wares and Merchandise sold at Auctions, and for empowering the Governor or Com mander in Chief for the time being to licence Auc tioneers, was read the third time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Hall do carry the same to the Upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Ten OClock. MAY, 1780. 583 (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Tuesday May 30th 1780. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under consideration a Bill entitled an Act for ascertaining the Qualification of Jurors and for Establishing the Method of balloting and summon ing of Jurors in the Province of Georgia, and for re pealing the several Laws of this Province herein after mentioned, regarding the form, method of regulating, balloting and summoning of Jurors in this Province, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Robertson from the Committee report ed that they had gone through the said Bill, and made .several Amendments thereto, which he was ready to re port, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Robertson in his place read the same, and afterwards delivered it in at the Table, where the same being again read with the Amendments was agreed to by the House. Ordered That the said Bill with the Amendments be Engrossed. Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery, that the Bill, entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's Loyal Subjects, as are Inhabitants of the Province of Georgia, or have any Property or Intercourse here, had passed in the Upper House without any Amendment. Then the House adjourned till Tomor row Morning Ten OClock. 584 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday May 31st 1780. The House being informed that several persons, Ene mies to His Majesty's Person & Government, & who have long been active in the American Rebellion, & who have neglected to avail themselves hitherto of the Benefit of the several proclamations issued, offering terms of Pardon & Forgiveness mean now to come in and propose terms for themselves and others, induced, not from a Conviction of their Crimes, but from an Apprehension of danger to themselves, from the late Successes of his Majesty's Arms, as this House is led to believe, There fore Resolved that it is the Opinion of this House, that not any of such persons, should be admitted to any par don, nor ought they or any of them be suffered to come into Savannah, or within twenty five Miles thereof, until such time as the Bill now depending in this House, relative to such Offenders, and every other Bill, that may be brought in, this present Session, regarding them, be determined upon — and that a Copy of this Resolution he immediately laid before his Excellency the Governor. Ordered That Mr Simpson and Mr Hall do wait on his Excellency with the same. Mr Simpson and Mr Hall waited on his Excellency accordingly, and being returned, Mr Simpson reported, that pursuant to the order of the House, they had waited on the Governor with the said resolution, & that his Excellency was pleased to say, that he would lay the same before the Council tomorrow morning:. '&• The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to take under consideration an Engrossed Bill from the Upper House, entitled an Act to explain, JUNE, 1780. 585 amend & make more effectual an Act passed the 9"1 day of June 1 76 1, entitled an Act for subjecting & making liable to attachment the Estate real and personal of ab sent Debtors in the Custody or Power of any Person or Persons within this Province; & after some time spent therein Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Robert son from the Committee reported, that they had taken the said Bill under consideration, & made several amend ments thereto, which he was ready to report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Robertson read the said Bill with its Amend ments, and delivered it in at the Table, where the same was again read, and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Amendments to the said Bill be Engrossed. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Thursday June Is' 1780. The Bill entitled an Act for ascertaining the Qualifi cations of Jurors, & for establishing the method of bal loting and summoning of Jurors in the Province of Geor gia, and for repealing the several Laws of this Province herein after mentioned, regarding the former Method of regulating, balloting and summoning of Jurors in this Province, was read the third time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. 586 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Ordered That Mr Robertson do carry the same to the Upper House, and desire their Concurrence thereto. The Order of the day being read, the Engrossed Bill from the Upper House entitled an Act to attaint of high Treason the several Persons herein after named, who are- either absent from this Province, or in that part of it, which is still in Rebellion against his Majesty, and to- vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, in manner herein after mentioned, subject to the Lawfull Debts and Claims thereupon, was read the second time and ordered to be committed to morrow. Motion was made that Application be immediately made to the Upper House for such Evidence, as they may be possessed of against the several Persons named in the Engrossed Bill sent down from them. Ordered That Mr Robertson and Mr Simpson do wait on the Upper House for that purpose. They accordingly withdrew, and being returned, Mr Robertson reported, that pursuant to Order, he with Mr Simpson had waited on the Upper House, Who had furnished them with sundry Affidavits respect ing the Persons named in the Engrossed Bill of at tainder sent by them to this House, and he delivered them in at the Table, where they were received and read, and ordered to lie upon the Table for the perusal of the Members. Motion was made that a Committee be appointed to inspect such Laws and Ordinances that are expired or near expiring, or may require Amendment or continua tion & report the same. JUNE, 1780. 587 Ordered That Mr Zubly, Mr Simpson and Mr Jones be a Committee for that purpose. The Engrossed Bill from the Upper House entitled an Act to explain, amend and make more effectual an Act passed the 9th day of June 1761 entitled an Act for subjecting and making liable to Attachment the Estate real and personal of Absent Debtors, in the Custody or Power of any Person or Persons within this Province, was read the third time, and passed with the Amend ments. Ordered That Mr Robertson carry the same to the Upper House. Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery — ¦ That the Bill entitled an Act for the regu lation of Auctions laying a Duty on Goods, Wares and Merchandise sold at Auctions, and for empowering the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time being to licence Auctioneers, had passed in the Upper House, with some Amendments, to which they desire the Concur rence of this House — and also to a Bill with Amend ments, entitled an Act to explain amend and reduce into one Act, the several Laws now in being, relative to the regulating the Town and Common of Savannah, and for other purposes therein mentioned. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Friday June 2d 1780. Motion was made that the Amendments of the Upper House to the Engrossed Bill, entitled an Act to explain, 588 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE amend & reduce into one Act the several Laws now in being relative to the regulating the Town and Common of Savannah, and for other purposes therein mentioned ; be taken under consideration, which was done according ly and the amendments agreed to by the House. Motion was made that the amendments of the Upper House to the Engrossed Bill, entitled an Act for the regulation of Auctions, laying a Duty on Goods, Wares and Merchandise sold at Auctions, and for empowering the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time being to licence Auctioneers, be taken under consideration, which was done accordingly, and the amendments agreed to by the House. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to take under consideration the Engrossed Bill from the Upper House, entitled an Act to attaint of high Treason, the several persons herein after men tioned, who are either absent from this Province, or in that part of it which is still in Rebellion against his Maj esty, and to vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, in manner herein af ter mentioned, subject to the lawfull debts and claims thereupon and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Hall from the Committee of the whole House, reported, that they had taken, the said Bill under consideration, made some progress therein and that he was directed to move for leave to sitt again. Ordered That leave be granted them' to sit again. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Nine OClock. JUNE, 1780. 589 (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday June 3d 1780. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under further consideration the En grossed Bill, from the Upper House, entitled an Act to at taint of high Treason, the several persons herein after mentioned, who are either absent from this Province, or in that part of it, which is still in Rebellion against his Majesty and to vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty his Heirs and Successors in manner herein after mentioned, subject to the lawful debts and Claims thereupon ; and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Hall from the Committee of the whole House, reported that they had taken the said Bill under consideration, and made several amend ments thereto which he was directed to report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Hall read the same with the amendments and delivered it in at the Table, where the same being read by the Clerk was agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Amendments be Engrossed. Then the House adjourned till Monday morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Monday June 5th 1780. The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed till tomorrow Morning ten OClock. 690 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) , Tuesday June 6th 1780. The House met according to adjournment, and ad- - journed till tomorrow Morning ten OClock. (FromB. P. R. O.—A, & W.I., Vol. 235.) . .. Wednesday June 8V* 1780 A Petition from Philip Dell, with his name subscribed thereto,, was presented to the House and read, setting forth that he had in May 1779 leased the Ferry, on Great Ogechee River at the Rate of eighty one pounds a Year, but from the late Invasion, and the frequent Incursions of the Rebels lie was in a great Measure deprived of the Benefit of his lease, and otherwise greatly injured in his Property, therefore prays the House to take his Case into Consideration, and grant such relief, as to the House shall seem meet. Ordered That the said Petition do lie on the Table for the perusal of the Members. A Memorial from Lachlan M'Gillivray, with his name subscribed thereto, was presented to the House, setting forth that being informed George Galphin Esqr is to be attainted of high Treason, he begs leave to represent him as a man universally esteemed by all that knew him, and who has most faithfully served his King and Coun try, under the British Government, and that at the Com mencement of the Rebellion, he declared he would never take any part therein, further than to prevent the Mercer less Savages from, murdering the helpless- Women and Children; which he happily effected^ he. therefore hopes JUNE, 1780. 591 this, House will, be pleased to extend their Mercy and forgiveness to him. Ordered that the said Memorial do lie on the Table for the perusal of the Members. Motion was- made 'for leave to bring in a Bill entitled ^in Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Sub jects, as have any real'and personal property in the Prov ince of Georgia, and whose Title deeds, Evidences, Vouch ers and Writings have been either lost, destroyed or car ried off, during the late Rebellion in the said Province. Ordered That Mr Robertson, Mr Zubly and Mr Fox be the Committee for that purpose. Mr Robertson from the Committee appointed to bring in a Bill, entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as have any real or personal property in the Province of Georgia, and whose Title Deeds, Evidences, Vouchers and Writings have been either lost, destroyed, or carried off during the late Re bellion in the said Province, reported that they had pre pared the same, and were ready to make their report, when the Blouse would please to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Robertson read the same, and delivered it In at the Table, where it was read the first time, and or dered to be read a second time. A Memorial from George Houstoun with his name subscribed thereto was presented to the House and read, setting forth, that having heard a Bill is now depending in this House for attainting and banishing from this Province, some of the late Inhabitants, amongst which mumber is John Houstoun; he begs leave to produce some 592 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Evidences, on behalf of the said John Houstoun, touching his late conduct in this Province, which was, granted him; several Gentlemen were called in & examined accord ingly. Ordered That the said Memorial do lie on the Table, for the perusal of the Members. Mr Robertson reported that some Gentlemen of the Upper, House had furnished him with two Copies of Affidavits, which he delivered, in at the Table, where they were read, and ordered to lie on the Table for the perusal of the Members. Resolved That in case of any division of the House, on the engrossed Bill of Attainder . from the Upper House, on the third reading thereof, the names of every Member for and against every Question, that may arise thereon, shall be taken down and inserted by the Clerk, in the Minutes of this House, & published if thought proper by the House. • Motion being made that the name of John Glenn, late of the same, Rebel Chief Justice, be inserted in the said Bill, & a Debate arising thereon, the House divided and it passed in the negative. For the Motion Against the Motion Mr Simpson Mr Mossman Mr Robertson Mr Butler Mr Hall Mr Fox Mr Zubly Mr Panton Mr Irvin Mr Jones and Mr'Henderson Mr Patterson and Mr Douglass Motion being made that the name of Joseph Clay, late of the same Rebel Pay Master, be struck out of the Bill, JUNE, 1780. 593 & a debate arising thereon, the House divided, and it passed in the negative. For the Motion Against the Mot! Mr Mossman Mr Robertson Mr Fox Mr Simpson Mr Hall Mr Panton Mr Douglass Mr Butler Mr Irvin Mr Jones and Mr Patterson. Mr Henderson and Mr Zubly. The Engrossed Bill from the Upper House, entitled an Act to attaint of high Treason the several persons herein after named, who are either absent from this Province, or in that part of it which is still in Rebellion against his Majesty, and to vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors in man ner herein after mentioned, subject to the lawful Debts and Claims thereupon, was read the third time, with the Amendments. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Simpson do carry the same with the amendments to the Upper House, & desire their concurrence thereto. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol 235.) Thursday June 8th. 1780. The Bill entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as have any real or personal 38 c r— vol 15 594 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Property in the Province of Georgia, & whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, and Writings have been either lost destroyed or carried off during the late Rebellion in the said Province, was read the second time, and or dered to be Committed. Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill entitled an Act to disqualify and render incapable, the several Persons, herein after named, of holding or exercising any Office of Trust, Honor or Profit, in the Province of Georgia for a certain time, and for other purposes there in mentioned. Ordered That Mr Robertson, Mr Simpson and M1 Panton be the Committee for that purpose. Mr Robertson from the Committee appointed to bring in a Bill entitled an Act to disqualify and render incapa ble the several persons herein after named, of holding or exercising any Office of Trust, Honor or Profit in the Province of Georgia for a certain time and for other purposes therein mentioned, reported that they had pre pared the same and were ready to make their report when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Robertson read the same and delivered it in at the Table, where it was read the first time and ordered to be read a second time. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under consideration a Bill, entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Sub jects, as have any real or personal property in the Prov ince of Georgia, and whose Title Deeds, Evidences, Vouchers or Writings have been either lost, destroyed or carried off during the late Rebellion in the said Prov- JUNE, 1780. 595 ince, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker re sumed the Chair, and Mr Robertson from the Committee reported, that they had taken the said Bill under con sideration, made several amendments thereto, which he was directed to report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Robertson read the same with the Amend ments, and delivered it in at the Table, where the same being again read, was agreed to by the House. Ordered that the said Bill with the Amendments be Engrosser). Resolved That the Title of the said Bill be a Bil1 entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects as have any real or personal property in the Province of Georgia, & whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, Specialties and other Evidences, Vouchers and writings have been either lost, destroyed or carried off during the Time herein after mentioned. Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery. Upper House of Assembly 8th June 1780. Mr Speaker, This House desires a present Conference with your House, in the room adjoining the Council Chamber, on the Amendments made by your House to the Bill, en titled an Act to attaint of high Treason, the several persons herein after named, who are either absent from this Province, or in that part of it, which is still in Re bellion against his Majesty, and to vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty his Heirs, and Successors 596 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE in manner herein after mentioned, subject to lawful Debts and Claims thereupon; and they have appointed Mr Stokes & Mr Johnston to manage the Conference. They likewise desire this House to return the Certifi cates sent down by the Upper House, with such others as they may have been furnished with. Ordered That the following Answer be sent thereto. Commons House of Assembly June 8th 1780. Honble Gentlemen, In Answer to your Message this House doth agree to the , Conference you desire in the room adjoining the Council Chamber, immediately upon the Amendments made to the Bill, entitled an Act to attaint of high Trea son the several persons herein after named, who are either absent from this Province, or in that part of it, which is still in Rebellion against his Majesty, and to vest their real & personates <8lc) in his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors in manner herein after mentioned, sub ject to the lawful Debts and Claims thereupon; and the Committee are Mr Robertson, Mr Mossman, Dr Irvin, Mr Douglass and Mr Jones. Ordered That Mr Hall do carry the above to the Upper House. The Committee waited on the Upper House according ly, & being returned, Mr Robertson reported that they had waited on the Upper House, with the Amend ments made to the Bill entitled an Act to attaint of high Treason the several persons herein after named, who are either absent from this Province, or in that part of it, which is still in Rebellion against his Majesty, and to vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty, his Heirs JUNE, 1780. 597 -:*f & Successors, in manner herein after mentioned, sub ject to the lawful Debts and Claims thereupon, that they had agreed to some of them, disagreed to others, and had made some further amendments, to which they desire the Concurrence of this House. Ordered That the amendments to the said Bill, be taken under consideration on Monday next, and that all the Members do attend punctually. A Bill entitled an Act for limitation of Actions, and for avoiding Suits of Law & to repeal the Law hereto fore passed, relative thereto, and for other purposes here in after mentioned, was read the first time, and ordered to he read a second time. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Eight OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday (sI=) Friday June 9th 1780. The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed till tomorrow morning Eight OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday June io*h 1780. The Bill entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as have any real or personal property, in the Province of Georgia, and whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, Specialties, and other Evidences, Vouchers and Writings have been either lost, destroyed, 598 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE or carried off during the time herein after mentioned, was read the third time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Hall do carry the same to the Up per House, and desire their Concurrence thereto. The Bill entitled an Act to disqualify & render inca pable the several persons herein after named of holding or exercising any Office of Trust, Honor or Profit, in the Province of Georgia for a certain time, and for other purposes therein mentioned, was read the second time and ordered to be Committed. The Bill entitled an Act for Limitation of Actions, and for avoiding Suits of Law and to repeal the Law heretofore passed relative thereto, and for other purposes herein after mentioned, was read the second time, and Ordered to be Committed. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under consideration a Bill entitled an Act to disqualify & render incapable the several per sons hereinafter named, of holding or exercising any Office of Trust, Honor or Profit, in the Province of Georgia for a certain time, and for other purposes there in mentioned, & after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Robertson from the Com mittee reported that they had taken the said Bill under consideration, and made several amendments thereto, which he was directed to report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Robertson read the same and delivered it in JUNE, 1780. 599 at the Table where it was again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the Bill with the amendments be en grossed. Then the House adjourned till Monday morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Monday June 12th 1780. Mr Speaker laid before the House a letter he had re ceived from Grey Elliott Esqr which was read by the Clerk in the words following. Honorable Gentlemen, In the Letter which I had the Plonor to write you some time ago relating to the Arrear due to me from this Province, I did not presume to offer my Service to the Public of Georgia as their Agent, as I thought it might appear improper; Give me leave now to do it, and to assure you that I shall, if you think proper to chuse me, neglect nothing in my Power to Convince You and them, how much I have the Welfare and Prosperity of the Province at heart, I am very respectfully Honble Gentlemen, Your most Obedient Humble Servant Grey Elliott London Sepr 13th 1779. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under consideration the Bill enti- 600 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE tied an Act for Limitation of Actions and for avoiding Suits of Law, and to repeal the Law heretofore passed relative thereto, and for other purposes therein men tioned, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resum'd the Chair, and Mr Jones from the Committee reported that they had taken the said Bill under con sideration, made several amendments thereto & were ready to make their report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Jones read the same with the Amendments, and delivered it in at the Table, where it was again read, and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the said Bill be Engrossed. &* The Order of the day being read for taking under consideration the Subject Matter of the Conference upon the Engrossed Bill from the Upper House, entitled an Act to attaint of high Treason the several persons herein after named who are either absent from this Province, or in that part of it which is still in Rebellion against his Majesty, and to vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, in manner herein after mentioned, subject to the lawfull debts and Claims thereupon. Resolved That the House adhere to their amendments heretofore made. Ordered That the following Message be sent to the Upper House. Honble Gentlemen, This House is desirous to renew the Conference, with respect to the subject matter of the amendments made to your Engrossed Bill, entitled an Act to attaint of high JUNE, 1780. 601 Treason the several persons herein after named, who are either absent from this Province or in that part of it, which is still in Rebellion against his Majesty, and to vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty his Heirs and Successors in manner herein after mentioned, subject to the lawfull debts and Claims thereupon. A Bill entitled an Act to disqualify and render inca pable the several persons herein after named, who hold ing or exercising any Office of Trust, Honor or Profit, in the Province of Georgia, for a certain time, and for other purposes therein mentioned, was read the third time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Zubly do carry the same to the Upper House & desire their concurrence thereto. Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery Upper House of Assembly 12th June 1780. Mr Speaker, In Answer to your Message this House doth agree to the Conference you desire in the room adjoining the Council Chamber immediately, upon the amendments to the Bill, entitled an Act to attaint of high Treason the several persons, herein after named, who are either ab sent from this Province or in that part of it which is still in Rebellion against his Majesty, & to vest their real and personal Estates in his Majesty, his Heirs and Suc cessors in manner herein after mentioned, subject to the lawfull Debts and Claims thereupon. Mr Speaker laid before the House another letter he 602 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE had received from Gray Elliott Esqr which was read to the House in the words following. Honb!e Gentlemen, It is with the most unfeigned satisfaction that I con gratulate you upon a restoration of that Harmony which the misfortunes of the times have so long and so un happily interrupted; may it ever remain undisturbed. Most of you Gentlemen know that I acted as agent for Georgia, under the appointment of 1773 for two Years. and I flatter myself it appeared by my letters to the Com mittee of correspondence, that no one could more dili gently, dispassionately & impartially discharge that Trust,. than I did. As I am sensible of the present situation of the Prov ince, I should be unwilling to make any Application to the Legislature, that may be attended with an expence, b,ut having been in some degree affected by the General Calamity I am really under the necessity of reminding You, that I never received any Salary for the time I acted: in my Ordinance the Salary was fixed at £100 tho' Dr Franklin was by the last appointment allowed £150 — I have enclosed an Account of my disbursements- It is usual for the p\gents to charge io8 per Day, every time they attend at the Secretary's of State's Office, or any other public Business, but I have charged what I really disbursed — I must beg you will be pleased to settle that Account and Salary with Mr Tattnall. I shall be happy of any Opportunity of convincing You how much I interest myself in the Wellfare of Georgia, and am very respectfully, Honble Gentlemen, Your most Obent Humble Servant Grey Elliott Plantation Office, Whitehall July 12th 1779. Honble the Council and Assembly of Georgia. JUNE, 1780. 603 Motion was made that an Address be presented to his Excellency requesting that he would be pleased to ad journ this House untill Monday the twenty sixth Ins'; which was accordingly prepared in the words following. May it please your Excellency The Commons House of Assembly humbly requests your Excellency will he pleased to adjourn this House untill Monday the 26th Ins' as several of the Members are obliged to attend the Court of Sessions, which commences tomorrow. Ordered That Mr Hall and Mr Jones do wait on his Excellency with the above, who accordingly with drew, and being returned, reported that they had re ceived an Answer in the Words following. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly I do hereby adjourn the Commons Blouse of Assem bly, untill Monday the 26th day of this Instant June; then to meet for the dispatch of business, and it is ac cordingly adjourned to the 26th day of this Instant. Given under my hand at Savannah this 12th day of June 1780. James Wright. To the Honble the Speaker and Members of the Commons House of Assembly. €04 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Monday June 26th 1780. The Bills entitled an Act for Limitation of Actions and for avoiding Suits at Law, and to repeal the Law heretofore passed relative thereto, and for other pur poses herein after mentioned, was read the third time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Jones do carry the same to the Upper House, and desire their concurrence thereto. A Memorial of the Reva James Brown Officiating Minister for the Parish of Christ Church was presented to the House and read, setting forth, That the Memo rialist having left the Province of Virginia, at the break ing out of the present disturbances thereby lost his Prop erty, and prospects of preferment ; after continuing above four Years in England, he was appointed Missionary for the Parish of S* George's, in the said Province of Geor gia, by the Society for the propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts, and in consequence thereof embarked for this Province, and arrived here on the 29th of March last. That on the Memorialist's arrival, he was informed by his Excellency, Sir James Wright, that it would be im possible for him to repair immediately to the Parish of S' George, it being then in the power of the Rebels; and being informed there was no Minister of the Church of England in this Place, the Memorialist proposed toi his Excellency to do the Duty here, while he staid, of which proposal his Excellency approved, and in Consequence the Memorialist has ever since his arrival officiated as Minister of the said Parish of Christ Church, and that JUNE, 1780. 605 not only in performing public Service regularly in Church every Sunday; but also in attending funerals, Baptizing Children, and doing every other part of Clerical duty. That the Memorialist not being entitled to the tem poralities of the living of the said Parish of Christ Church, has no regular Income nor Support, except a few occasional Surplice fees, and the Memorialist's de- pendance for a living is on his Profession. The Memorialist therefore requests, that this Honble House will be pleased to take his case into Consideration, and vote such a provision or allowance for his Support, as to them shall seem proper, and equal to the occasion for the time he has officiated, and may continue to offi ciate as Minister in the said Parish of Christ Church. The House taking into consideration the said Memo rial. Resolved That this House is of opinion that the said James Brown, should receive from the Public of this Province, for the Services already by him performed, and for his continuance in the Duties of his Profession in the Parish of Christ Church, the Monthly allowance of Ten Guineas, and that this House will provide for the same, Also further Resolved that his Excellency the Governor be requested to advance such Monies from time to time on the Credit of this House, out of any Monies that may be in the Treasury of this Province. Message from his Excellency by the Master in Chan cery. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly.I must recommend to your consideration the State of 606 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE our Paper Currency, particularly that issued under the Authority of the Loan Act, which has been confirmed by his Majesty. The Sum originally issued was £7410. Sterling, a great deal of which, I presume is lost and destroyed; and what still remains in the possession of the Inhabitants, is in a great measure useless to them, and the Public; because many people on account of its having lost its currency, scruple to receive it. I trust therefore that you will deliberate on this Matter, and come to such Resolution thereon, as may give proper relief to the possessors of those Bills in such way as you may see fit. James Wright — Savannah 26th June, 1780. Resolved That the above Message be taken under consideration on Wednesday next. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Tuesday June 27th 1780. The Clerk of the Crown attended with the Present ments of the Grand Jury for June Sessions 1780, which were presented and read by the Clerk. Ordered That the same do lie on the Table for the perusal of the Members. Mr Zubly from the Committee appointed to inspect the Laws, & report such as are expired or near expiring, or should be continued, or amended, Reported as their Opin ion. JUNE, 1780. 607 That an Act passed 12th of March 1774 to regulate the Wharves and Shipping in the several ports of this Prov ince, and ascertaining the rates of Wharfage of Shipping and Storage, and also the Duty of an Harbour Master for the Port of Savannah, & to authorize the said Har bour Master to put in force an Act, entitled an Act to amend an Act to prevent persons throwing ballast or Rubbish, or falling Trees into the Rivers and Navigable Creeks, within this Province, and for keeping Clear the Channels of the same, which was to be, and continue in force for three Years, and from thence to the end of the next Session of the General Assembly and no longer, will expire with this Session. An Act passed 12th March 1774 to empower certain Commissioners appointed to regulate the hire of Porters and labour of Slaves in the town of Savannah, which was to continue in force for two years, & from thence to the end of the next Session of the General Assembly, and no longer, will expire with this Session, & ought to be continued. An Act passed 12th of March 1774 to oblige the Plan ters of Indigo, after steeping the Weed to bury or de stroy it, within a limited time, which was to continue in force for two Years, and from thence to the end of the next Sessions of the General Assembly, and no longer, will expire with this Session, and ought to be continued. An Act passed 12th March 1774 to ascertain the Boun dary Line between the Two Courts of Conscience, in the Parish of S' George, which was to continue in force for two Years, will expire with this Session, and ought to be continued. An Act passed 29th September 1773 for the settling and ascertaining the fees to be taken by the several Pub- 608 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE lie Officers, and Persons herein after named, will expire with this Session, and ought to be continued. An Act passed 29"1 September 1773 to prevent the stealing of horses and neat Cattle, and unlawfully brand ing, marking, killing or driving the same, will expire with this Session, and ought to be continued. An Act passed 29th September 1773 for granting to his Majesty a Duty upon raw neat Hides, exported from this Province and for preventing the Exportation of un merchantable Tan Leather will expire with this Session, and ought to be continued. An Act passed 29"1 September 1773 to empower Com missioners or Surveyors to lay out, make and repair the Roads already laid out, or that may hereafter be neces sary, and also to clear the Rivers and Creeks within their respective divisions, will expire with this Session & ought to be continued. An Act passed 29th September 1773 for the better or dering the Militia, will expire with this Session, and ought to be continued. An Act passed 29th September 1773 to oblige Masters of Vessels & other transient persons, importing Negroes or other Slaves, Goods Wares and Merchandise, to pay Tax for the same, and to compel the persons directed to receive the same, to give Security for the due perform ance of their Office ; and for the Monies that may be re ceived by them by Virtue of any Act of this Province; will expire with this Session, and ought to be continued. An Act passed 29th September 1773 to prevent Mis chiefs arising from the Practice of Hunting or killing Deer by fire Light, in the night time, will expire with this Session JUNE, 1780. 609 An Act passed 29th September 1773 to prevent Dam ages arising from Dams or Banks, and for preventing persons from stopping the natural Course or Courses of Water to the Injury of their Neighbours, will expire with this Session, and ought to be continued. An Act passed 29th September 1773 to empower Com missioners therein named to lease to the 3 Is' of December next, and then to put up to Sale for the Benefit of the Public, the Ferry over Great Ogechee River for a term of Years, and to authorise the said Commissioners to in spect and regulate the said Ferry ; ought to be continued. An Act passed 29"1 September 1773 to Continue the several therein mentioned; and for vesting several Fer ries in this Province in the Persons therein mentioned will expire with this Session and ought to be continued. Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill to con tinue the several Laws therein mentioned. Ordered That Mr Zubly, Mr Jones and Mr Simpson be the Committee for that purpose. Then the House adjourned till tomor row Morning Eleven of the Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol 235.) Wednesday June 28th 1780. The Prothonotary, pursuant to order of Court, at tended with several Papers, which were read by the Clerk ; The Titles of which are as follow. A Rule of his Majesty's General Court made on Monday, the 27th day of March 1780. 89 c r — vol 15 610 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE A Rule of the General Court made 17th March 1780. A Rule of Court made 17th March 1780. Ordered That the above Papers do lie on the Table for the perusal of the Members. George Baillie Esqr being returned a Representative for the Parish of S' Mathew, and not attending, Ordered That the Clerk do write him, acquainting him therewith, and desiring his immediate attendance. Resolved That the Order of the day be adjourned over till Monday next. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Eleven OClock (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Thursday June 29th 1780. George Baillie Esqr elected and returned as a Repre sentative for the Barish of S' Mathew, in the room of Basil Cowper Esqr who had taken his seat for the Dis trict of Vernonburgh in the Parish of Christ Church, proved himself duly qualified, agreable to the Act of the General Assembly, and then took the Oaths, made & sub scribed the declaration, and took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, & afterwards took his seat as a Member of this House. Message from the Upper House by the Master in •Chancery. That the Bill entitled an Act to disqualify and render incapable the several persons herein after named of hold- II JUNE, 1780. ' 6ll ing or exercising any Office of Trust, Honor or Profit, in the Province of Georgia, for a certain time, and for other purposes therein mentioned, had passed in the Up per House, with some Amendments, to which they desire the Concurrence of this House. Resolved nem. con. that this House doth agree to the Amendments made by the Upper House to the said Bill. Mr Zubly from the Committee appointed to bring in a Bill to continue the several Laws therein mentioned, re ported, that they had prepared the same, and were ready to make their report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Zubly read the same in his place, and deliv ered it in at the Table, where it was read the first time and ordered to be read the second time. Ordered That Mr Zubly, Mr Jones and Mr Hall be the Committee of this House to join the Committee of the Upper House, to examine the Engrossed Bills. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Eleven OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Friday June 30th 1780. The Bill entitled an Act to continue the several Laws therein mention'd was read the second time. Ordered That the said Bill be Engrossed. 612 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery. That the Bill entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal subjects, as have any real or personal Property in the Province of Georgia, and whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, Specialties & other Evidences,, Vouchers and Writings have been either lost, destroyed or carried off, during the time herein after mentioned, had passed in the Upper House with some amendments,, to which they desire the Concurrence of this House. Ordered That the following Message be sent to the Upper House. Commons House of Assembly June 30th 1780. Honorable Gentlemen, This House having taken under consideration the Amendments made by your House, to the Bill, entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Sub jects, as have any real or personal Property in the Prov ince of Georgia, and whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, Specialties, and other Evidences, Vouchers and Writings have been either lost destroyed or carried off during the time herein after mentioned, have agreed to some of them and disagreed to others, and have appointed a Com mittee to meet a Committee of your House, at such time- and place, as you may please to appoint. The Committee are Mr Robertson, Mr Jones and Mr Baillie. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Nine OClock. JULY, 1780. 613 (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday July i8' 1780. A Bill entitled an Act to continue the several Laws therein mentioned, was read a third time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Simpson do carry the same to the Upper House, and desire their concurrence thereto. Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery. Upper House of Assembly 30th June 1780. Mr Speaker, In Answer to your Message, this House doth agree to the Conference you desire, in the room adjoining the Council Chamber, on Monday next, at Eleven OClock, forenoon, upon the Amendments made by this House to the Bill, entituled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as have any real or personal property in the Province of Georgia, and whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, Specialties, and other Evidences, Vouchers and Writings, have been either lost, destroyed or carried off, during the time herein after mentioned. The Committee are Mr Stokes and Mr Jollie. Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery. That the Upper House had agreed to some of the Amendments made by this House to the Bill, entituled an Act to explain amend and make more effectual an Act passed the 9th day of June 1761, entituled an Act for sub- 614 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE jecting and making liable to Attachment the Estate real and personal of absent Debtors in the Custody or Power of any person or persons within this Province. Message from his Excellency by the Master in Chan cery That the Governor desires the attendance of this House, in the Council Chamber immediately. The House attended accordingly, when his Excellency was pleased to assent to a Bill entitled an Act to dis qualify and render incapable the several persons herein after named of holding or exercising any Office of Trust, Honor or Profit, in the Province of Georgia for a cer tain time, and for other purposes therein mentioned and likewise to a Bill, entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as are Inhabitants of the Province of Georgia, or have any Property or Inter course therein. Ordered That a Committee be appointed to inspect and enquire into the Number of Houses in the Town and Environs of Savannah, and to make their report thereon. Ordered That Mr Baillie, Mr Douglass and Mr Yonge be the Committee for that purpose, Then the House adjourned till Monday morning Eleven OClock. (FromB. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Monday July 3d 1780. Mr Robertson from the Committee appointed to confer with a Committee of the Upper House, on the Amend- JULY, 1780. 615 ments by them made to a Bill entituled an Act for the re lief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjec(s, as have any real or personal property, and whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, Specialties, and other Evidences, Vouchers and Writings, have been either lost, destroyed or carried off, during the time herein after mentioned — Reported That they had accordingly met and confered on the subject Matter of the said Amendments, and had agreed thereto; which report was also agreed to by the House. The House took under consideration the disagreement of the Upper House to the Amendments made by this House to their engrossed Bill, entituled an Act to explain, amend and make more effectual an Act passed the 9"1 day of June 1 76 1, entituled an Act for subjecting and making liable to attachment the Estate real and personal of ab sent Debtors, in the Custody or Power of any person or persons within this Province, and adhered to one of their amendments. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning ten OClock (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Tuesday July 4th 1780. The House met according to adjournment and then adjourned till tomorrow morning Eleven OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday July 5"1 1780. A Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery. 616 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE That the Bill entitled an Act for Limitation of Ac tions, and for avoiding Suits at Law and to repeal the Law heretofore passed relative thereto, and for other purposes herein after mentioned, had passed in the Up per House, with some Amendments, to which they de sire the Concurrence of this House, And that the Bill, en tituled an Act to continue the several Laws therein men tioned, had also passed in the Upper House with some Amendments, to which they also desire the Concurrence of this House. The House took under consideration the Amendments made by the Upper House to the said Bills, and agreed to the same. Ordered That Mr Hall do acquaint the Upper House that this House doth agreed with their House in the said Amendments. The House agreable to the Order of the day, having taken under consideration his Excellency's Message of the 26 June last, Resolved That a Committee be appoint ed to give Notice to the Possessors of all the Money pass ed and confirmed by an Act of the General Assembly, en titled an Act for stamping, Imprinting, Issuing and mak ing Current the Sum of Seven thousand, four hundred and ten Pounds, in Paper Bills of Credit, and for applying the same, to render to them, or either of them, on Oath, a State or Account of the several Sums of which they are possessed, and that the Committee report their pro ceedings at the next meeting of the House, in Order that such Measures may be pursued, as by the General Assembly, may be thought most expedient. Ordered That Mr Zubly, Mr Jones, Mr Baillie, Mr Patterson & Mr Douglas be the said Committee JULY, 1780. 617 A Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery Upper House 5th July 1780. Mr Speaker This House have appointed a Committee to join a Committee of your House to examine the several Bills passed Both Houses, previous to the Governor's Assent. The Committee are Mr Hume Mr Jollie. ' Ordered That Mr Zubly, Mr Jones, & Mr Hall be the Committee of this House to join the Committee of the Upper House to examine the Engrossed Bills for the Governor's Assent. Resolved That this House will provide for all Sums disbursed out of the Treasury, or other Publick Funds for all Accompts passed or to be passed by this House. Resolved That the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed to the Clerk of this House, as full Compensation for compleating the Business of the present Session. Resolved That the Sum of Fifteen Pounds each be allowed to the Messenger and Door-Keeper for their At tendance during the present Sessions. And then the House adjourned till to morrow morning; Ten of the Clock (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Thursday July 6th 1780 The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed till tomorrow morning Ten O Clock. 618 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Friday July 7th 1780 The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed till tomorrow morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol 235.) Saturday July 8th 1780 The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed till Monday Morning at Ten OClock (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Monday July io'b 1780 Isaac Baillou Esqr Elected and returned a Representa tive for the District of Great Ogechee and Parish of St Philip, in the room of Tho8 Goldsmith Esqr who had declined taking his Seat, proved himself duly qualifyed agreable to the Act of the General Assembly, took the Oaths, made and subscribed the Declaration, and took and Subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, and afterwards took his Seat as a Member of this House. Ordered That an Address be presented to his Ex cellency the Governor, desiring he will be pleased to give Orders for issuing new Writs of Election for three Mem bers to represent the Parish of S' Pauls, in the room of James Grierson, Andrew Mc Lean, and Joseph Maddox, who have declined taking their Seats : and also a new Writ for one Member for the Parish of S' David, and a new Writ for one Member for the Parish of S' Mary's ; JULY, 1780. 619 it appearing by the returns of the Provost Marshall, that no proper person could be procured to hold said Election, within the time prescribed by Law. The said Address being prepared, was read and agreed to by the House and is as follows To his Excellency Sir James Wright, Baronet, Cap tain General and Governor in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of Georgia, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same. The Address of the Commons House of Assembly. May it please your Excellency. The House requests your Excellency will be pleased to order new Writs of Election to be issued for three Members to represent the Parish of S' Paul ; in the room of James Grierson, Andrew McLean, and Joseph Maddox, who have declined taking their Seats, also a new Writ for one Member for the Parish of S' David, and one Member for the Parish of S' Mary's, it appearing by the Return of the Provost Marshal, that no proper person could be procured to hold said Elections within the time prescribed by Law. Ordered That Mr Speaker do sign the said Address. Ordered That Mr Hall and Mr Baillie do wait on his Excellency, and present the said Address; and ac cordingly they withdrew, and being returned, reported,. that they had waited on his Excellency therewith, and he was pleased to return for answer that he would give directions for issuing the said Writs immediately. Resolved That the House will provide the Sum of one hundred & fifty Pounds to be paid to the Commis- 620 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE sioners for regulating the Pilotage of the Bar of Tybee, and the River of Savannah, to be applied by them for the purchase of a proper and sufficient Boat for the Use of a Pilot, for the said Bar and River, and to be repaid by them when they shall be entitled to pass Certificates to the said Pilot for the Amount of the said one hundred and fifty Pounds, out of a Bounty allowed by an Act of the General Assembly, for the Encouragement of Pilots, who shall board and take Charge of Vessels bound to Savannah on the outside of Tybee Bar Resolved That during the Recess of this House, the Speaker shall have full power to apply to the Governor for such Writs as may be necessary for the Election of Members to serve in General Assembly, in the room of any Member or Members, who may die, or depart the province with intention not to return. Resolved That the two following Acts passed this present Session, Entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as have any real or per sonal property in the Province of Georgia, and whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, Specialties and other Evi dences, Vouchers and Writings have been either lost, de stroyed, or carried off during the time herein after men tioned. — • And an Act Entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal Subjects, as are Inhabitants of the Province of Georgia, or have any property, or in tercourse therein — Be inserted in the Publick Gazette of this Province for three Weeks Successively; And that all the Acts Generally that have passed both Houses, this present Session, and received the Governor's Assent, be likewise printed ; and that two hundred Copies be struck off; for the Use of his Excellency the Governor, the Members of the Upper House, and Commons House of Assembly, the Justices of the Peace, and other Public JULY, 1780. 621 Officers, having occasion for the said Acts; And that this House will provide at their next meeting a Sum, sufficient to defray the Expence thereof, and Ordered That John Irvine and James Mossman Esqrs do superin tend the Press on the above Occasion. Mr Douglass from the Committee appointed to inspect and enquire into the number of Houses in the Town and Environs of Savannah, Reported That they had finished their Inquiry, and were ready to make their report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Douglass made the report in his Place, and delivered An at the Table, where it was read by the Clerk and is as follows. — Your Committee on the strictest examination find, that in the Town and Environs of Savannah, there are two hundred and forty one Houses, containing Seven hundred and nine Rooms. That the number of white Inhabitants within the said Town and Suburbs amount to seven hundred and forty two (exclusive of Officers and Soldiers) That the names of the Proprietors of the several Houses, and the number of Rooms in each, as also by whom rented or occupied, together with the Number of White Persons in each House, are particularly, specified in a Return thereof, now delivered by Your Committee. Ordered That the return of the said Committee do lie on the Table, for the perusal of the Members of the House. Message from his Excellency by the Master in Chan- 622 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE eery. That the Governor desires the Attendance of this House in the Council Chamber immediately. A ccordingly Mr Speaker with the whole House, attend ed his Excellency in the Council Chamber ; where he was pleased to give his Assent to the following Bills Viz' An Act to explain, amend and reduce into one Act of Assembly the several Laws now in being relative to the ascertaining the Qualifications of Jurors, and for es tablishing the Method of balloting and Summoning of Jurors in the Province of Georgia An Act To explain, amend, and reduce into one Act the several Laws now in being relative to the regulating the Town and Commons of Savannah, and for other purposes therein mention'd. An Act for the Limitation of Actions, and for avoiding Suits at Law and to repeal an Act heretofore made for that purpose, and for other purposes herein after men tioned. An Act for the regulation of Auctions, laying a duty on Goods, Wares and Merchandise sold at Auction, and for empowering the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time being to license Auctioneers. An Act to continue the several Laws therein men tioned. An Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's Loyal Subjects, as have any real or personal property in the Province of Georgia, and whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, Specialties and other Evidences, Vouchers and Writings, have been either lost, destroyed or Carried off, during the time herein after mentioned. JULY, 1780. 623 And to an Act to explain, amend and make more effect ual an Act passed the ninth day of June, one thousand, Sen Hundred and Sixty one, entitled an Act for sub jecting and making liable to Attachment the Estate real and personal of absent Debtors, in the Custody or Power of any Person or persons within this Province. After which his Excellency was pleased to make the following Speech to both Houses. Honble Gentlemen, Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly I return you my best thanks for the Attention You have given to the Publick Concerns, by framing & pass ing several very Salutary Bills, which fully shew your Zeal for his Majesty's Service) and the Support of Peace, Government, and Good Order, and to which I have very chearfully given my Assent. I most heartily congratulate You on the reduction of South Carolina to his Majesty's Obedience, and the re turn of the Inhabitants to their Allegiance not only vol untarily, but in all appearance with an Unfeigned Sincer ity, and which has already had an exceeding good effect in the back parts of this Province. And it gives me the greatest Satisfaction to acquaint to acquaint (slc) You, that the People who reside there, and who have hitherto continued in Arms, have in Gen eral, submitted to his Majesty's Authority; and that I have received several Petitions from the Inhabitants in different Districts, to be restored to his Majesty's Peace and Protection, and I am informed others are preparing. I must recommend it to you, Gentlemen, that you exert 624 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE to the Utmost of your Power in the Support of Govern ment, to promote and encourage Industry in your re spective Neighborhoods ; and to check and bring to pun ishment, all Plunderers and disorderly and disloyal Peo ple ; and I doubt not but by a vigilant Exertion — Peace and good Order will soon be established amongst us. James Wright Savannah in Georgia, Council Chamber 10th July 1780. After which his Excellency was pleased to prorogue both Houses to Wednesday the Ist day of November next. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Monday September 25th 1780 The House met pursuant to his Excellency's Proclama tion of the twenty first, and adjourned till tomorrow morning Ten O Clock (From B. P. R. 0.—A..& W. I., Vol. 235.) Tuesday September 26th 1780 The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed till tomorrow morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday September 27th 1780 Ordered That Mr Yonge and Mr Zubly do wait on SEPTEMBER, 1780. 625 his Excellency the Governor, and acquaint him that the House is ready to proceed to business ; who accordingly withdrew, and being returned Mr Zubly reported that they had waited on his Excellency according to ordef, and delivered their Message. A Message from his Excellency the Governor — Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly. I am extremely sorry to find myself under the necessity of calling you together again so soon, but the Exegency of the Times requires it. The late daring Attack on the English Troops at Au gusta by a 'Number of Rebels from South Carolina, joined by others in the Cedar Lands, in which they have failed, shews clearly that the Spirit and Flame of Rebellion is not over, and that Vigorous measures are still necessary, to crush the Rebellion in the back parts of this Province, and that, it is also proper we should be prepared against any wicked Attempts, which may be made here, or at Augusta hereafter. '£>'- And as some other Fortifications and Works are nec essary to be raised and made, and as it has heretofore been found very difficult to collect (Voluntarily) a Suf ficient Number of Negroes for that purpose, I must therefore recommend it to You to frame a Short Law, to compel all Persons within such a distance of this Town and Augusta, as you may judge convenient, forthwith to give in an Account of all their Male Slaves from Six teen Years of Age to Sixty; and that they shall be ob liged, when called upon . by Proclamation or otherwise, to send immediately such a Proportion of their Negroes, as may be deemed necessary, with proper Tools, and for 40 c r — vol 16 626 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE such time as the said Works may be found- to require their Labor, and to send an Overseer for every fifteen Negroes and a Driver for every Ten. And you will consider whether all the Inhabitants in the Town should not be obliged to give in an Account of, and to send such Male Slaves, as they have in Town, within the Ages aforesaid, or pay for the same; and whether such Male Inhabitants in the Town, who have no hands liable to work as aforesaid should not be com pelled to work themselves, or serve as Overseers. And Whereas Horses, Carts or Teams may be wanted for removing or carrying Materials for the said Works — I must therefore submit it to your Consideration, whether ample Powers should not be vested somewhere to impress Horses, Carts and Oxen for that purpose, or whether a certain Number of Blorses should be purchased for the Use of the Public. And whereas during the time of the Siege of this Town by the French and Rebels, it was found that the Militia Law was defective, and that Several Persons liable and able to bear Arms, declined and found means to avoid the same, and that the Powers and Penalties given and de clared by that Law, were inadequate to the Offences com mitted, I must therefore recommend it to you to revise the same, and to give such Additional Powers both as to fine and imprisonment, or Corporal Punishment, as .may seem expedient. And as by the said Law there are some directions and Powers given relative to embodying Negroes at partic ular times, and to a certain amount, it is therefore sub mitted whether further powers should not be given at this Juncture, for a limited time. James Wiight Savannah 27"1 Sepr 1780. SEPTEMBER, 1780. 627 Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill entitled an Act for the Preservation and Defence of his Majesty's Government in the Province of Georgia, to amend an Act for the better ordering the Militia, and for other pur poses herein after mentioned. Ordered That Mr Robertson, Mr Yonge, Mr Jones, Mp Douglass and Dr Irvine be the Committee to prepare and bring in the same. Then the House adjourned till tomor row morning Ten O Clock (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Thursday Sep' 28* 1780. The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed till tomorrow morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Friday Sep' 39* 1780. MB Robertson from the Committee appointed to pre pare and bring in a Bill entituled an Act for the preserva tion and defence of his Majesty's Government, in the Province of Georgia, to amend an Act for the better or dering the Militia, and for other purposes herein after mentioned Reported That they had prepared the same, and were ready to make their report when the House would be pleased to receive it. Ordered That the report be now made. Then M* Robertson made the report in his place, and 628 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE afterwards delivered the Bill .in at the Table, where it was read the first time, and ordered, to be read a second time. A Letter from Simon Munro Esqr was presented to the House, and read, setting forth, that when he left his home, his Stay was only intended (some of his Family being sick, for two or three days, his not having then any intimation of the Assembly meeting, untill he reached Ogeechee, and that from the Situation he left his Family in, he hopes this House will consider real Excuses, and. permit his return home. That at the time he undertook the Trust reposed in him, it was from the Exigency of the Times, at the Com mencement of Civil Government in this Province, at a time when the whole of the Parishes were not represented, and that no Consideration but a Wish to support a Gov ernment, the Constitution of which he ever gloryed in, would occasion his sacrifysing his private Interest to the Public Good — The Tenor of his Conduct under the late Usurpation, having sufficiently proved him, from the many disagreeable Scenes he encountered — That, as the Prospect is now more agreable, and the Inconveniency remov'd by Gentlemen, who may be appointed Members, far better calculated to serve their Country, and remove the first Obstacle, he begs leave to resign his Seat — That, his request being granted, will lay him under the greatest Obligation. The House taking the said letter under Consideration, it was Unanimously Resolved That Leave be granted Simon Munro Esqr to resign his Seat. Resolved That this House will not esteem itself Chargeable tp make Provision for any other Part of the Sum of £7410 formerly issued and made current by an SEPTEMBER, 1780. 629 Act of this Province, confirmed by his Majesty, than such as may be reported on Oath to the Committee of this House, in pursuance of a Resolution made the 26th of June last, and may have been by the said Committee or one of them- examined, inspected and an Account taken on or before the first day of November next, and that this Resolution be published in the Gazette. The House adjourned till Tomorrow morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday Sep1" 30th 1780. Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill intitled an Act for further amending an Act for regulating the Pilotage of Vessels, into the several Ports of this Prov ince. Ordered That Mr Jones, Mr Douglass and Mr Baillie be the Committee to prepare and bring in the same. The Bill intitled an Act for the Preservation and De fence of his Majesty's Government in the Province of Georgia to amend an Act entitled an Act for the better ordering the Militia, and for other purposes herein after mention'd was read a second time and ordered to be Com mitted. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under Consideration the said Bill, and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Robertson from the Committee of the whole House. Reported that they had taken the said Bill under Consideration, made several Amendments thereto, 630 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE which he was directed to report, when the House would be pleased to receive the same Ordered That the Report be now made. Then Mr Robertson read the same in his Place, and delivered it in at the Table, where it was again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the said Bill with its Amendments be Engrossed — Mr Jones from the Committee appointed to prepare & bring in a Bill entitled an Act for further amending an Act for regulating the Pilotage of Vessels into the several Ports of this Province, reported That they had prepared the same and were ready to make their Report, when the House would be pleased to receive it. Ordered That the Report be now made. Then Mr Jones read the same in his Place, and after wards delivered it in at the Table, where it was read the first time and ordered to be read a second time. Then the House adjourned till Monday Morning- Ten O Clock (From B. P R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Monday October 2a 1780. The Bill entitled an Act for the Preservation and de fence of his Majesty's Government in the Province of Georgia to amend an Act for the better ordering the OCTOBER, 1780. 631 Militia and for other purposes herein after mentioned was read the third time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Zubly do carry the same to the Upper House, and desire their Concurrence thereto. The Bill entitled an Act for further amending an Act for regulating the Pilotage of Vessels into the several Ports of this Province, was read a second time and order ed to be Committed. Ordered That an Address be prepared and presented to his Excellency requesting he will be pleased to Order a new Writ of Election to be issued for one member, to represent the Parish of S' John, in the Room of Simon Munro Escf who has the unanimous Permission of the House to resign his Seat : the Situation of his private Concerns rendering his Attendance in the House very inconvenient, and almost impracticable. The said Address being prepared Ordered That Mr Jones and Mr Zubly do wait on his Excellency with the above, who accordingly withdrew and being return'd Reported They had waited on his Excellency who was pleased to return for Answer that he would order a new Writ to be issued immediately. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under Consideration a Bill entitled an Act for further amending an Act for regulating the Pilotage of Vessels into the several Ports of this Prov ince — and after some time spent therein, Mr Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Jones from the Committee of the whole House, Reported that they had taken the said Bill under Consideration, made several Amendments 632 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE thereto, which he was directed to report, when the House would be pleased to receive it. Ordered That the report be now made. Then Mr Jones read the same in his place and after wards delivered it in at the Table, where it was again read and agreed to by the House. Ordered That the said Bill with its Amendments be Engrossed. The House adjourned till Tomorrow morning Ten O Clock. (FromB. P. R. O.—A. & W I., Vol. 235.) Tuesday October 3d 1780. The Bill entitled an Act for further amending an Act for regulating the Pilotage of Vessels into the several Ports of this Province, was read a third Time. Resolved That the said Bill do pass. Ordered That Mr Baillie do carry the same to. the Upper House and desire their Concurrence thereto. A Message from his Excellency by the Master in Chan cery Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly. I send you the Depositions of Richard Gregory and Isaac Jordan relative to the Murder of Soloman Sykes a Constable in the Execution of his Office, also' a letter from Roger Kelsall Esqr to the Attorney General on that OCTOBER, 1780. 633 Subject, and the Chief Justices Warrant against the said Parties and others Justice to the Community requires an extraordinary Exertions to bring the Murderers to con dign Punishment, and I mean to issue a Proclamation for that purpose, and must recommend it to You to en able me to offer a Reward suitable to the Occasion. I shall lay this Matter also before the Council as an Upper House, and doubt not but they will concur with You in providing a Proper Reward. Savannah 3d of October 1780. James Wright. Ordered That the Clerk do read the said Letter and depositions, which was done accordingly. The House taking the said Message under Considera tion Resolved That the House will provide one hundred Pounds as a Reward for the Apprehension and Convic tion of the said James Irvine and Charles Woodward for the Murder of Solomon Sykes : that is to say Fifty Pounds for the Apprehension and delivery of both of them to the Common Goal in Savannah, and in case one of them only be apprehended ; then Twenty five Pounds to the Person or Persons who shall apprehend such one — And the further Sum of Fifty Pounds to those who may ap prehend the said Offenders to be paid on their Convic tion of the said Offence, and one half that Sum if only one should be convicted. Ordered That a Message be prepared and sent his Excellency, acquainting him with the said Resolution, and that Mr Simpson and Mr Fox do wait on his Ex cellency with the same. Then the House adjourned till Tomor row morning Ten O Clock. 634 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday October 4"1 1780. The House met according to adjournment, and ad journed till tomorrow morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Thursday October 5"1 1780 The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Tomorrow Morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Friday October 6th 1780. Resolved That the House will provide for all Sums disbursed by his Excellency for the Undermentioned pur poses, and for all other Sums, which have been or may be requested to be advanced by the House. Ordered That the "following Message be sent to his Excellency the Governor. To his Excellency Sir James Wright Baronet, Cap tain General and Governor in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of Georgia, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same. The Address of the Commons House of Assembly. May it please your Excellency This House having taken into Consideration the Ex- OCTOBER, 1780. 635 igencies of the Province, and finding many things neces sary for the Defence and Support thereof, are under the necessity of Applying to your Excellency for the present to advance such Sums, as may be wanted, out of the Treasury or other Funds for the following purposes. For contingent Expences £54 .. 7 .. 6 For Sixteen Carriage Guns & cast £154.. 8.. 6 Blocks for D° 5 .. 11 .. - For five hundred and thirty eight Pounds Gun Powder at I4d . 31 .. 7 .. 8 191 .. 7 .. 2 And this House have Resolved that they will provide for all Sums disbursed by your Excellency for the above purposes, and for all other Sums, which have been or may be requested to be advanced by this House. Opdered That Mr Hall and Mr Douglass do wait on his Excellency with the above Message, who accordingly withdrew, and being returned Mr Hall Reported That he with Mr Douglass had waited on his Excellency the Gov ernor, who was pleased to say that he would comply with the Request of the House. The House adjourned till Tomorrow morning; Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol 235:) Saturday October 7"1 1780. Message by Mr Montagut Clerk of the Upper House <636 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE of Assembly pro tempore, the Master in Chancery being sick. That the Bill entitled an Act for further amending an Act for the regulating the Pilotage of Vessels into the several Ports of this Province, and for other purposes herein after mentioned, had passed in the Upper House with some Amendments, to which they desire the Con currence of your House; and also to some Amendments to a Bill entitled an Act for the Preservation and Defence of his Majesty's Government in the Province of Geor gia, to amend an Act entitled an Act for the better order ing the Militia and for other purposes therein mentioned. The Blouse taking under Consideration the Amend ments of the Upper House to our Engrossed Bill entitled an Act for further amending an Act for Regulating the Pilotage of Vessels into the several Ports of this Prov ince, and for other purposes herein after mentioned; and agreed to some of them, and disagreed to others. Ordered That Mr Douglas do wait on the Upper House and acquaint them therewith, who accordingly withdrew and being returned Reported That the Upper House had agreed to our Amendments. Resolved That the Sum of Thirty Pounds be paid the Printer James Johnston, on his Account against the Public. Ordered That an Address be prepared and presented to his Excellency, requesting he will be pleased to ad journ the Commons House of Assembly untill Tuesday the 17th October, as several of the Members are obliged to attend the General Court, which commences on Tues day the io'h Instant. OCTOBER, 1780. 637 The said Address being prepared Ordered That Mr Zubly and Mr Douglass do wait on his Excellency with the same, who accordingly withdrew and being returned delivered the following Answer. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly I do hereby adjourn the Commons House of Assembly untill Tuesday the 17th Day of this Instant, then to meet for the Dispatch of Business, and the said House is ac cordingly adjourned hereby till the 17th Day of this Ins' James Wright. October 7. 1780. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Tuesday Oct1" 17th 1780. The House met according to adjournment and ad- journ'd till Tomorrow Morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday October 18th 1780. ORDERED That an Address be presented to his Excel lency the Governor requesting he will be pleased to order Writs of Election to be issued for two Representatives for the Parish of S' Andrew, in the Room of Robert Baillie and James Spalding Esqrs and one Writ for a Representative for the Parish of S' Patrick, in the room of Robert Porteus Esqr those Gentlemen having neg lected taking their Seats. The said Address being prepared Ordered That M1 638 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Hall and Mr Mossman do wait on his Excellency with the same, who accordingly withdrew and being returned Reported That they had waited on his Excellency ac cording to Order, who was pleased to return for An swer that he wou'd give Orders for new Writs tp be is sued immediately. The Clerk of the Crown (pursuant to Order of Court) attended with the Presentments of the Grand Jury, which were read by the Clerk, and ordered to lie on the Table, for the Perusal of the Members. Motion was made for leave to bring in a Bill to repeal an Act entitled an Act for the regulation of Auctions laying a Duty on Goods, Wares and Merchandize sold at Auctions and for empowering the Governor or Com mander in Chief for the time being to licence Auctioneers, and a Debate arising thereon, the House divided and it was carried in the Negative. The House adjourned till Tomorrow Morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 335.) Thursday Oct* 19* 1780. The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Tomorrow Morning Ten O Clock. . ¦ — — — - — — — - — -- — — — - ¦ -¦¦» . — _ . , — . ¦ — ¦ - ¦« (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. L, Vol 233.) Friday Oct' 20" 1780. The House met according to adjournment *nd ad- journ'd till Tomorrow Morning Ten O Clock. OCTOBER, 1780. 639 (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday Octor 21st 1780. The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Monday Morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. &¦ W. I., Vol. 233.) Monday Ocf 23d 1780. A Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery That the Upper House had passed a Bill entitled an Act for the Amendment of an Act for the better regulat ing Taverns, Punch Houses and Retailers of Spirituous Liquors to which they desire the Concurrence of this House. The said Bill was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time. Resolved nem. con. That the Speakers Warrant be issued against Alexander Wylly and Joseph Fox Esq™ Members of this House for contempt thereof by non at tendance and otherwise. The House was informed That George Baillie Esq" in Custody of the Messenger for absenting himself from the Service of the House, tho' required to give his At tendance by order of the House) attended at the Door, upon motion being made Ordered That the said George Baillie Esq' be called in, and he was accordingly called in, and at the Bar of the House made an Excuse and then withdrew. 640 JOURNAL OP COMMONS HOUSE Ordered That Mr Baillie be again called in, and reprimanded by Mr Speaker at the Bar of the House, & he was accordingly called in and reprimanded by Mr Speaker. Ordered That Mr Baillie be discharged out of the Custody of the Messenger upon Payment of Fees. The House adjourned till Tomorrow Morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 233.) Tuesday October 24th 1780. The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Tomorrow Morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday October 25th 1780. The House was informed That Joseph Fox Esqr (in Custody of the Messenger for absenting himself from the Service of the House, though required to give his At tendance by Order of the House) attended at the Door, upon motion being made. Ordered That the said Joseph Fox be called in and he was accordingly called in, and at the Bar of the House made an Excuse and then withdrew. Ordered That Joseph Fox be again called in and reprimanded by Mr Speaker at the Bar of the House; and he was accordingly called in and reprimanded by Mr Speaker. , ' ¦ ; j ' ; ! • j I 1 1 .V! ;. OCTOBER, 1780. 641 Ordered That Mr Fox be discharged out of he Cus tody of the Messenger upon payment of Fees. The Engrossed Bill from the Upper House, Entitled an Act for the Amendment of an Act for the better regu lating Taverns, Punch Houses and Retailers of Spiritu ous Liquors, was read a second time and ordered to be Committed. The House took into Consideration the Amendments of the Upper House to our Bill entitled an Act for the rrtstrvation and Defence of his Majesty's Government 111 the Province of Georgia to amend an Act entitled an rict ior the better Ordering the Militia and for other purposes therein mentioned and agreed to some of the riinendments and disagreed to others. Then the House adjourned till Tomor row Morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 233.) Thursday October 26"1 1780. Ordered That the following Message be sent to the Upper House. Commons House of Assembly Honorable Gentlemen This House having taken under Consideration the Amendments made by your House to the Bill entitled an Act for the Preservation and Defence of his Majesty's Government in the Province of Georgia, to amend an Act entitled an Act for the better ordering the Militia and for other purposes herein after mentioned, have 11 e r— vol 15 642 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE agreed to some of them, and disagreed to Others, and have appointed a Committee to meet a Committee of your House at such Time and Place as You may please to appoint. — The Committee are Mr Robertson and Mr Cowper. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take under Consideration the Engrossed Bill of the Upper House, entitled an Act for the Amend ment of an Act for the better regulating Taverns, Punch Plouses, and Retailers of Spirituous Liquors, and made several Amendments thereto. The said Bill was read a Third time, and passed with the Amendments. Ordered That Mr Robertson do wait on the Upper House and acquaint them that this House hath taken un der Consideration the said Bill and made several Amend ments thereto, to which they desire the Concurrence of their House. A Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery. Upper House of Assembly 26 Octor 1780. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly. In Answer to Your Message of this Morning this House hath appointed the Honble Lewis Johnston, Josiah Tattnall and Martin Jollie Esqrs a Committee to meet the Committee of your House on the Subject Matter of the Amendments to the Act for amending the Act for the better ordering the Militia and for other purposes herein after mentioned ; and the Committee of the Upper House OCTOBER, 1780. 643 is now ready to meet your Committee in the Room ad joining the Council Chamber. Mr Robertson from the Committee appointed to con fer with the Committee of the Upper House, on the Amendments by them made to the Bill entitled an Act for the Preservation and Defence of his Majesty's Gov ernment in the Province of Georgia, to amend an Act entitled an Act for the better ordering the Militia and for other purposes herein after mentioned — Reported That they had met and conferred on the subject matter of the said Amendments and had agreed thereto; which report was also agreed to by the House. A Message from the Upper House by the Master in Chancery Upper House of Assembly 26th Octr 1780. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly This House having taken under Consideration the Amendents made by your House to the Bill entitled an Act to amend an Act for the better regulating Taverns Punch Houses, and Retailers of Spirituous Liquors, have agreed to part and disagreed to other part, and have ap pointed a Committee to meet a Committee of your House at the Room adjoining the Council Chamber, at the Time you may please to appoint The Committee are Mr Johnston and Mr Jollie Ordered That the following Messap^ be sent to the Upper House. 644 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Commons House- of Assembly — Honorable Gentlemen In Answer to your Message this House doth agree to the Conference you desire in the room adjoining the Council Chamber on the amendments made by this House to the Bill entituled an Act to amend an Act for the better regulating Taverns, Punch Houses and Re tailers of Spirituous Liquors, and have appointed a Com mittee to meet the Committee of your House immedi ately. The Committee are Mr Robertson and Mr Cowper. Mr Robertson from the Committee appointed to con fer with the Committee of the Upper House on, the amend ments made by this House to the Bill entitled an Act to amend an Act for the better regulating Taverns, Punch Houses and Retailers of Spirituous Liquors, Reported That they had met and conferred on the subject Matter of the said Amendments; and had agreed thereto'.; which Report was also agreed to by the House. Ordered That Mr Zubly and Mr Jones be a Commit tee to join a Committee of the Upper House to examine the Engrossed Bills. 'h1 The House adjourned till Tomorrow morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & IV. I., Vol. 235.) Friday Octo1 27"1 1780. The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Tomorrow Morning Ten O Clock. OCTOBER, 1780. 645 i' (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Saturday Octor 28. 1780. The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Monday morning Ten O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol 235.) Monday Octor 3o'b 1780 Resolved That Richard Davis, the Clerk of the Com mittee appointed to inspect and enquire into the Number of Houses in the Town an Environs of Savannah, be allow'd the Sum of Five Guineas for such his Attend ance. A Memorial from Divers of the Inhabitants of the Town of Savannah was presented to the House and read setting forth. That the Memorialists entirely confiding in the Wis dom and Patriotism of their Representatives the present members of this Honorable House; and fully convinced that our Grievances will on all Occasions become an Object of their immediate and particular Attention, beg leave to address them on this Occasion. That we apprehend the Act of Assembly lately passed for laying a Tax on all Goods sold at Vendue and for licencing Auctioneers, has not answered the End pro posed. That the same manifestly tends to the discouragement of Trade and Prejudice of the Country, by deterring of Adventurers from coming amongst us, with the Neces- 646 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE saries of Life, and carrying off the Produce of the Prov ince in Payment. That we are of Opinion That at a Time when a new Channel of Trade has been lately opened with our neigh bouring Colony, where every Restraint on Commerce is avoided, every Encouragement given, and no Duties, and moderate Port Charges demanded. That in place of passing such Acts; Every Method should be adopted to preserve and support as much Trade amongst us as pos sible. That the present Trade of Georgia is so small, and the Necessity for prosecuting Measures for its Increase and Encouragement, appears to us so great; That We sin cerely wish all Taxes and every other Restraint upon the same may at least be laid aside for the present. They therefore pray this Honorable House will take these evils into Consideration, repeal the said Act and grant such other Relief, as may appear to them most ex pedient and effectual for the Good of their Country, and benefit of their Constituents. Ordered That the said Memorial do lie on the Table for the Perusal of the Members. A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery. That the Governor desires the Attendance of the House in the Council Chamber immediately. The House attended accordingly, when his Excellency was pleased to assent to a Bill entitled an Act for further amending an Act for regulating the Pilotage of Vessels into the several Ports of this Province, and also to — A NOVEMBER, 1780. 647 Bill entitled an Act for further amending an Act for the better regulating the Militia and for other purposes herein after mentioned. After which his Excellency was pleased to send the following Message. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of AssemblyI do hereby adjourn the Commons House of Assembly untill Wednesday the fifteenth Day of November next ; then to meet for the Dispatch of Business; and the said House is hereby adjourned accordingly, untill the fif teenth Day of November next. James Wright. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 233.) Wednesday November 15th 1780. James Herriott Esqr elected and returned a Represen tative for the Parish of Saint David, proved himself duly qualifyed to serve agreable to an Act of the General As sembly, took the Oaths, made and subscribed the Declara tion and took and subscribed the Oath of abjuration, and afterwards took his Seat as a Member of this House. A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly I think it necessary to acquaint you that I have receiv'd certain Information that one M'Kay, a notorious Rebel, 648 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE with a Party of Rebel Plunderers on Horse Back, who some time ago committed several Robberies on the high Ways to Augusta, and on Boats going up the River; and. who went over into Carolina, is again returned into this Province, and robbing and plundering as before; and also that there are several Plundering Parties in South Carolina, who it is probable will come into this Province; and as the Peace and Safety of the Inhabi tants may in some measure depend on these Parties of Robbers being speedily routed and brought to Justice. I must therefore recommend this Matter to your serious Consideration, and to determine whether it may not be expedient to raise a Troop of Thirty Horsemen, to go in Pursuit of the said McKay, and other plundering Parties who may come into this Province, and also to offer a suitable reward, in order to encourage Persons to exert and use their utmost Diligence to apprehend and take the said M'Kay and his Party ; which if you ap prove of, I shall issue a Proclamation offering the said Reward — I have also laid this Matter before the Coun- 'Of cil, as an Upper House, who will concur with You in the^ Measures above proposed, if you approve of them James Wright Savannah 15th Nov1" 1780 Resolved That this House will provide a Sum not exceeding Five Hundred Pounds Sterling to be paid the Person or Persons apprehending or killing one James M'Kay, late of S' George's Parish, Yeoman, said to be a notorious Thief and Plunderer, or any of his Associates, or any other Party or Parties concerned in plundering the Inhabitants of this Province the said Sum of Money or any part thereof, to be distributed and disposed of by the Governor and Council in such Proportions and in such manner as they may see fit. Ordered That a Message be prepared and sent his NOVEMBER, 1780. 649 Excellency the Governor acquainting him with the said Resolution, and a Message was prepared and sent ac cordingly. A Message from his Excellency the Governor. That his Excellency desires the Attendance ot this House in the Council Chamber immediately. The House attended accordingly when his Excellency was pleased to give his Assent to a Bill entitled an Act to amend an Act for the better regulating Taverns, Punch Houses and Retailers of spirituous Liquors. Resolved That this House will provide, for the Pay ment of a House &ccet. belonging to Adam Keller, said to be necessary to be pulled down and removed for the Conveniency of carrying on the Publick Works of this Province, such a Sum as may be agreed on between the Party_ and his Excellency the Governor. A Message from his Excellency the. Governor by the Master in Chancery. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly. I do hereby adjourn the Commons House of Assembly untill Wednesday the Seventeenth Day of January next; then to meet for the Dispatch of Business ; and it is ac cordingly adjourned to Wednesday the Seventeenth of January next. Given under my Bland at Savannah 15th Day of Nov' 1780. James Wright. 650 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol 233.) Monday December 11th 1780. The House met pursuant to His Excellencys Procla mation and adjourned till tomorrow morning Eleven O Clock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 233.) Tuesday Dec1" 12th 1780. The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Tomorrow morning Eleven OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Wednesday Decr 13th 1780. Lachlan M'Gillivray Esqr elected and returned a Rep resentative for the Parish of S' Mary, proved himself duly qualified to serve agreeable to an Act of the General Assembly, took the Oaths, made and subscribed the Declaration, and took and Subscribed the Oath of Ab juration, and afterwards took his Seat as a Member of this House. A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons House of AssemblyWhen I last adjourned You, I was hopeful that there- would not be any Occasion to Call you together againi DECEMBER, 1780. 651 before the time to which you were adjourned; but on the Application of several Members of your House, and the Merchants and Traders in General, I have thought it expedient to require your Attendance, and must recom mend to your serious Consideration the present defence less State of the Province; Particularly the Inlets and Sea Islands; several Depredations having been lately committed on the Settlements contiguous thereto; and I shall be very happy to have it in my Power to concur with You in any measure which you may judge necessa ry for the safety and Welfare of the Province. James Wright Motion was made for leave to address his Excellency the Governor, requesting he will be pleased to order a Writ of Election to be issued for a Representative for Ebenezer in the Parish of S' Mathew, in the Room, of Alexander Wright Esqr who has declined taking his Seat. The same being prepared Ordered That Mr M'Gilliv- ray and Mr Baillie do wait on his Excellency with the same, who was pleased to return for Answer that He would order one to be issued immediately. Motion was made that a Committee be appointed to take into Consideration his Excellency's Message of this. Day, and to make their Report to the House. Ordered That Mr Jones, Mr Baillie, Mr Douglass, Mr Herriott and Mr Zubly be the said Committee. Then the House adjourned till Tomor row morning Ten OClock. •652 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Thursday Decr 14th 1780. The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Tomorrow morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 235.) Friday Decr 15th 1780. The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Tomorrow morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol 235.) Saturday December 16th 1780 The House met according to adjournment and ad journed till Monday Morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol 233.) Monday December 18th 1780 Owen Owens Esqr elected and returned a Representa tive for the Parish of S' Andrew, proved himself dulv qualified agreeable to an Act of the General Assembly in such case made and provided, and after taking the necessary Oaths took his Seat accordingly. Mr Jones from the Committee appointed to take under DECEMBER, 1780. 653 Consideration his Excellency's Message, Reported That they had taken the same under Consideration, and were ready to make their Report, when the House would be pleased to recieve it. The Committee appointed to take the Message from his Excellency the Governor to- this House on Wednesday last into Consideration clo make the following Report That the Defenceless State of the Coast and Inlets of . this Province for the want of some armed Boat or Vessel for the Protection of the Trade thereof, requires some immediate and effectual Assistance. We therefore give it as our Opinion that to accomplish such a necessary Measure; One or more Gailies or Boats should be immediately built somewhat as nearly as possi ble of the same dimension, construction and force as those of the Enemy now infesting the Coast of said Province distressing the Trade and plundering the In habitants on the Sea Islands thereof ; That the said Boat or Galley should be from seventy five to eighty feet keel, and proportionable width, to row from, fifteen to Twenty Oars of a Side, to carry a Six Pounder in the Bow with four two Pounders, twelve Swivels and twenty Mus- quets, and ammunition answerable, to be manned with fifty white men and Ten Refugee Negroes, whose Mas ters are now in Actual Rebellion: the Boat or Galley to be built with Cedar or live Oak and pitch pine; and to draw as small a draught of water as possible; The Ex pences of which will amount with building out fitt provisions, and pay for one Month to about seven hun dred pounds The Committee also delivered in the following Com putation. 654 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE Boat fitted with Oars, Spars and two lug ger sails £i 50.. o.. - Captain three commission'd Officers £40 per Month Forty Seamen Eighty pounds 200.. -.. Ten Negroes at 40 per Month, provis ions for 60 men 18 pr day 155.. -.. One Six Pounder with Carriage &ccet.. 10.. -.. Two 2 Pounders at £4 — 12 Swivels at £3 44- -¦¦ 20 Stand of Arms at 30/ each, and flints 40/ 32- 1 coo lb Gun Powder at 2/ Ball, Shot &ccet 150.. -.. The first out fit 741.. Motion was made that a Committee of ways and means may be appointed to enquire into what funds there are in the Province for the Support of Government, and that they have power to send for Persons, Papers and Records. Ordered That Mr Baillie, Mr Douglass, Mr Mossman Mr M'Gillivray and Mr Owens be the said Committee. The House adjourned till tomorrow Morning Ten OClock. (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 233.) Tuesday December 19th 1780. Peter Dean Esqr elected and returned a Representative for the Parish of S' Andrew, proved himself duly quali fied to serve agreable to an Act of the General Assembly, DECEMBER, 1780. 655 in such case made and provided; and after taking the Necessary Oaths took his Seat accordingly. A Letter from Joseph Fox Esqr was presented to the House and read, setting forth That he had made applica tion some time ago for leave to resign his Seat, which was not then granted on Account of the House not being sufficiently full; since which there have been several Members elected; That he now begs leave to renew his request, as he is just moving up the Country within a few Miles of Augusta, that it will be extremely inconvenient as well as injurious to his private Interest, to be obliged to continue in the House, hopes the Honorable House upon taking the reasons he gave into Consideration, will grant his Petition — That he should have attended per sonally to make his Application, but is too unwell to come to Town. The House taking the said Letter into Consideration, it was unanimously Resolved That Leave be granted Joseph Fox Esqr to resign his Seat. Motion was made That an Address be presented to his Excellency the Governor, requesting he will be pleased to order a Writ of Election to be issued for a Representa tive for the Parish of S' John, in the Room of Joseph Fox Esqr who has the unanimous permission of the House to resign his Seat. Motion was made that an Address be presented His B,xcellency the Governor, requesting he will be pleased to issue a Proclamation, Offering a Reward of one hun dred Pounds for apprehending and convicting the Person or Persons concerned in setting fire to his Excellency's Barn, on the Night of the fourteenth Instant, and that :this House will provide for the same. 656 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE The said Addresses being prepared — Ordered That Mr Jones and Mr M'Gillivray, do wait on his Excellency with the same — ¦ they accordingly withdrew and being re turned Mr Jones Reported That they had, according to order, waited on his Excellency, who was pleased to say that he wou'd comply with the request of the House. A Message from his Excellency the Governor by the Master in Chancery. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Commons Blouse of Assembly.I do hereby adjourn the Commons House of Assembly untill Monday the fifteenth Day of January next, then to meet for the Dispatch of Business ; and it is accordingly adjourned to Monday the fifteenth Day of January next. Given under my Hand at Savannah this Nineteenth Day of December 1781. James Wright To the Honorable the Speaker and Members of the Com mons House of Assembly. I do hereby certify that the above is a true Copy from the Original Journals of the Commons House of As sembly. John, M, Tattnall, Clerk. FEBRUARY, 1782. 657 (FromB.P.'R.O:) To His Excellency Sir James Wright Baronet Cap tain General and Governor in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of Georgia Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same The Address of the Commons House of Assembly May it please Your Excellency We His Majesties dutiful and loyal subjects, the Com mons House of Assembly, in General Assembly met, im pressed .with the most lively sence of duty and affection towards His Majesties Person and Government, — con sider it as our indispensible duty to lay before your Ex cellency, the Present unhappy and deplorable state of our Constituents in every Part of this once flourishing prov ince Since the loss of the Post at Augusta, the Rebels have been continually committing depredations and Murders upon His Majesties loyal subjects — All the Outposts be ing withdrawn, every part of the Province is laid open and exposed, to the wanton ravages of the Enemy, who are permitted to rove at large in our settlements, and have within these few days past, cruelly put to death many of our Constituents, for no other cause than their loyalty and attachment to Government — Altho we have every reason to believe, the force of the Rebels in this province, has not hitherto, nor does it at present, exceed 400 Men, and not more than half of them Continental Cavalry It is with concern, We see our Town Militia obliged to do Garrison duty, when the regular troops are wholly in Savannah The season for planting is now at hand, and at a time 42 c r— vol 15 658 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE when the Husbandman should be tilling his ground, and planting his crop, His Majesties subjects have no place of security, outside the lines of Savannah — Their Negroes which were formerly a considerable part of their Riches, being confined to the Town, are become a heavy and al most insupportable burthen to them Many respectable inhabitants are reduced to indigence and poverty, for want of sufficient protection and sup port to enable them to live at home, and cultivate their farms in security The Rebels are daily consuming and driving off Cattle and other live stock — And notwithstanding the provident steps your Excellency has taken to provide for the poor and distressed Refugees, We have just reason to appre hend, That unless some speedy and effectual measures are adopted for regaining and protecting the Country some distance round the Capital (which from the situation of our Rivers, We should hope may be accomplished at very little hazard) Unless Sir. This is speedily done, We have every reason to dread, That Defection, Emigration and Famine will ensue This Sir, is a meloncholy, and we are sorry to add, a true picture of the present situation of this Country — The Blood of our Constituents, calls loudly for satisfaction, And we trust there are none amongst us, but will chear fully co-operate with the Military, in the duties of the Field, in support of the British Constitution We receive with peculiar pleasure, the Account your Excellency has been pleased to communicate to us, of His Majesties Gracious approbation of our Conduct, and As surances of Protection and support — And altho we have the fullest confidence in the benevolent intentions of our Sovereign — We cannot but express our ardent wishes, to FEBRUARY, 1782. 659 see them more fully carried into execution — From the long experience We have had of your Excellencys un wearied attention to, and regard for this Province, and his Majesties good subjects in it, We are fully Persuaded, That, you will do every thing in your power to alleviate our present unhappy situation And your Excellency may at all times command, and rely on the best services of this House, both in their Legislative and private capacities to forward and promote his Majesties service to the utmost of their power The present season of the year, is so critical, that We cannot but be peculiarly anxious on behalf of ourselves and Constituents, to know of your Excellency, what pro tection or security we may depend on in future, before it be too late to plant our Crops or move elsewhere, for without the cultivation of our Lands, This valuable Prov ince, which might have been, and still may be made, ex ceedingly beneficial to His Majesties dominions, will greatly suffer for want of provisions and effectual sup port, and consequently must sink into inevitable ruin .1 By Order the House Samuel Farley Speaker -J Commons House of Assembly 23d Febr7 1782 Copy Mr Speaker & Gent1 of the Commons House of Assembly Your Address Certainly Contains every Just Repre sentation of the Wretched Situation of Affairs in this Province & I See, & Feel With you, the Necessity of Some Immediate Steps being taken, or Otherwise the Truly distressing & Alarming Consequences, which you Mention, must Inevitably Ensue. These things I have 660 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE long been Aware of, & made every application I could, for Assistance, but hitherto in Vain, And Alas ! I have not the Means of Relief in my Power. But you may rest as sured, I Shall Consult his Majesty's Council, & do my Utmost to Promote your Wishes. Signed Ja : Wright — Sav 23 Feb : 1782. (From Manuscript in the Royal Institution of Great Britain.) To His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton Knight of the Bath, Commander in Chief of His Majestys Forces in North America &c &° &c The Address of the Commons House of Assembly of Georgia May it Please your Excellency We His Majestys Dutiful and Loyal subjects, The Commons House of Assembly, in General Assembly met, Beg leave to Congratulate Your Excellency on Your safe Arrival at New York, and on Your Appointment to. the Command of His Majestys Forces in America ; at a Time when everything has the Appearance of an Approaching Peace with the Revolted Provinces; an Event which we Most ardently wish to see Accomplished, upon Terms Consistent with the Honor, Safety and Prosperity of the British Empire. We, on behalf of Ourselves and Our Constituents, beg leave to lay before Your Excellency a brief state of our Situation; and to entreat Your Excellency's attention to the future Happiness of His Majestys good subjects in this Province. From a very early Period, we have taken Arms in de- MAY, 1782. 661 fence of Our Happy Constitution, and shewn an un shaken Loyalty to the best of Kings ; for which we have been Persecuted by oUr Enemies, deprived of our Posses sions, and some Hundreds have been most Cruelly Mur dered for no other cause, than their attachment to the British Government; the Garrisons and Out Posts (which used to give Protection to the Country) being either sub dued, or withdrawn, great Numbers of very Respectable Inhabitants and others, have quitted their most Valuable Possessions, and are now doing Duty within our Lines, living on the common Rations of the Soldiers and under going every species of Hardship ; rather than swerve from their Loyalty ; — their Estates are Confiscated by the Reb els, and are now Advertized for Sale It is for a People Sir! who come under those Descrip tions (borne down, and almost Ruined by the Ravages of War) We have to intreat your earnest attention, in Peace or War.. And we trust at this Important Period, that the Property and Interests, of His Majestys faithful Subjects will not be neglected, nor our Peculiar sufferings and Loyalty forgot We entertain the most flattering Prospects from Your Excellencys Appointment; And sincerely wish to see a Reconciliation take Place between America, and the Mother Country, upon Terms that are just, Liberal, and Generous. By Order of the House Sam1 Farley, Speaker Commons House of Assembly 31** May 1782. 662 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From Manuscript) in the Royal Institution of Great Britain.) To His Excellency The Honble Alexander Leslie Esq Lieut. General of His Majesty's Forces & Com manding in the Southern District of America. The Address of His Excellency Sir James Wright Bart Captain General & Governor in Chief of His Majesty's Province of Georgia, and of The Up per & Commons House of Assembly of the sd Province — ¦ May it Please Your Excellency We His Majestys Most Dutiful & Loyal Subjects, feel Ourselves at a loss for Language to express the Astonish ment We experience, at the Intelligence that has been re ceived, of an Intention to withdraw His Majestys Troops from this Province, and East Florida We can with the greatest Confidence assert that a great er proportion of the Inhabitants of Georgia have attached themselves to the Royal Cause, Than in any other British Colony in America, And that Numbers of them have been inhumanly murdered, and others of them stript of their property, and driven within the Lines of Savannah on Account of their Zeal for the British Government. — At a period when Admiral Rodney has gloriously triumph'd over the French Fleet — when The Town of Savannah has been put into a good posture of Defence at an immense ex- pence to the Inhabitants ; — When the Enemy is inconsider able in Number, and must, necessarily Suffer by Sickness, at the unhealthy Post which they now. Occupy — At Such a Time, We little expected that the Town of Savannah would have been evacuated, to the Utter Ruin of Many Loyalists who have Suffer'd the greatest Hardships in JUNE, 1782. 663 defending it, and are likely to be reduced to the Melan choly Alternative, either of leaving the Province, in a destitute Condition, to pine under Want in a Strange Country or else stay behind & fall into the hands of their inexorable enemies. We apprehend that when Orders were given to evacuate this place — the News of Admiral Rodney's Victory had not been received, and should the Troops be now with drawn when the Situation of Great Britain is so Much al tered for the better — Administration will probably La ment the fatal Effects of so distressing a Measure. Upon the whole, We Cannot but hope & flatter Our selves, That upon this representation Your Excellency, will Order the Garrison of S' Augustine to be removed to Savannah, by which means this Place will be effectually Secured from risques. And We further beg leave to Ob serve, that the possession of this Province, will be pro ductive of the utmost benefit to the Garrison of Charles Town, New York & the West India Islands, if only pro tected till the Crops can be gathered in, There being now growing within a few Miles of the Lines, Rice Sufficient to produce upwards of Ten thousand Barrells & forty to fifty Thousand Bushells of Corn besides vast Quantities of Pease & potatoes; and Considerable Supplies of Lumber & Naval Stores, can be procured for the Use of His Majes ty's Navy & the West India Islands. By Order of the Upper House John Grahame President Ja: Wright. By Order of The Commons House of Assembly Sam1 Farley Speaker Savannah ) June 16: 1782 j 664 JOURNAL OF COMMONS HOUSE (From B. P. R. O.—A. & W. I., Vol. 233.) To His Excellency The Honorable Alexander Leslie Esquire Lieutenant General of His Majesty's Forces, & commanding in the Southern District of America. The Address of the Upper and Commons House of Assembly of the Province of Georgia in General Assembly met. May it please Your Excellency We his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects the Upper and Commons House of Assembly in General As sembly met, feel [Continues the same, word for word, as 53/114 as far as the words : "distressing a measure." The last para graph is as follows : — ] But should the Evacuation of this Province unfortu nately take Place we .flatter ourselves you will at all Events keep Possession of East Florida, as an Asylum for the Loyalists until they can make an Application to his Excellency General Carleton to continue the Garrison there; for should East Florida also be evacuated the Loy alists will have no place whither they may transport a large Number of Negroes, and the People who may move from- hence to that Province, added to the Garrison al ready there, will be sufficient to defend S' Augustine against a numerous Enemy as none but Vessels of an easy Draught of Water can enter that Harbour — We would also observe, that there are several Nations of JUNE, 1782. 665 Indians in the Neighbourhood of East Florida who might be made very usefull in the Defence of that Province but if it is given up the Indians will of Consequence Join the Enemy. Savannah \ 1 6th June 1782J By Order of the Upper House John Grahame President By Order of the Commons House of Assembly Sam1 Farley, Speaker INDEX. Acounts against the public considered, 273, 276, 299. Accounts, public, ordered to be delivered to the clerk, 330; must be attested, 474- Accounts of Treasurer and other public officers to be inserted in Journal of the House, 531. Anderson, Elizabeth, petition of, 453. Andrew, Benjamin, qualifies as member of House, 303, 320, 336. Appropriation for putting up dial in Johnson's Square, 246. B Baillie, George, declines taking seat as member of House, 327, 364; required to attend House, 610; qualifies as member of House, 610; attends House and makes excuse for absence, 639; reprimanded at bar of House, 640; discharged upon payment of fees, 640. Baillou, Isaac, qualifies as member of House, 618. Baker, John, qualifies as member of House, 336; required to attend House immediately, 513. Barnard, Edward, required to attend House, 281 ; seat to be deemed vacant if he does not attend House, 298; qualifies as member of House, 303, 320, 336; warrant to be issued for, for non-attendance, 362; warrant issued for arrest of, 366 ; warrant .withdrawn, 366 ; excuse of for non-attendance not satisfactory, 427, 455 ; ordered to attend House, 428 ; warrant ordered for arrest of, 445; seat of in House deemed vacant, 515. Barnard, Mr., granted leave of absence, 74. Bastard children, parishes relieved of charge of, 297. Bill, the Indian, read first time, 42; considered, 51; read third time and re jected, 69. Bill for ordering and governing slaves, etc., read first time, 49; read third time and passed, 63. Bill to regulate and ascertain the rates of wharfage, etc., read first time, 52 ; read third time and passed with amendments, 93. Bill to amend an Act for encouraging the cultivation of hemp, flax and wheat, etc., read first time, 65 ; title altered, 73 ; read third time and passed, 74. Bill to prevent the stealing of horses and neat cattle, etc., read first time, 67; report on, 88; title altered, 89. (667) 668 INDEX. Bill for raising a certain number of watchmen for the town of Savannah, etc., read first time, 75 ; title altered, 83 ; read third time and passed, 95. Bill to oblige male white persons to carry fire arms to places of public wor ship, etc., read first time, 101 ; read third time and passed, 121. Bill to amend the election law, read first time, 105 ; read third time and passed, 120. Bill to amend Act regulating the town of Savannah, etc., read first time, 105. Bill to alien and convey part of the common of Savannah, etc., read first time, 115; read third time and passed, 151. Bill to amend jury Act, read first time, 121; read third time and passed, 130. Bill to prohibit the exportation of Indian corn, read first time, 126; read third time and passed, 132. Bill for imposing duty on negroes and other merchandize, etc., read first time, 141; amended, 157; passed, 158. Bill to continue the several laws therein mentioned, read first time, 131 ; read third time and passed, 150. Bill, the tax, read first time, 155 ; read third time and passed, 175. Bill, a road, read first time, 164; title altered, 166; read third time, amended and passed, 167. Bill to amend Act regulating the town of Savannah and for granting a burial ground to the Jews, read first time, 165 ; read third time and passed, 172. Bill to amend an Act to prevent the bringing into and spreading of conta gious diseases, etc., read first time, 172 ; read third time and passed, 174. Bill appointing inspectors of tobacco, etc., read first time, 176; title altered, 180; read third time and passed, 183. Bill to explain and amend an Act for dividing the Province into parishes, etc., read first time, 178. Bill to assess the inhabitants of Savannah, etc., for the support of a town watch, read first time, 186; read third time and passed, 191. Bill to prevent stealing of horses and other cattle, etc., read first time, 210; read third time and passed, 221. Bill for the more easy and speedy recovery of losses or damages sustained by negligence of owners of vessels employed in carrying rice, etc., read first time, 217 ; read third time and passed, 221. Bill to prevent persons hunting with fire in the night, read first time, 227; title altered, 230. Bill prescribing the method for proving book debts, etc., read first time, 229. Bill for clearing the Savannah river between Augusta and Savannah, etc., read first time, 231. Bill to empower commissioners or surveyors to lay out roads, etc., 231; read third time and passed, 251. Bill for the better ordering the militia, read first time, 231 ; read third time and passed, 246. Bill for the relief of parishes from such charges as may arise from bastard children, read first time, 252; read third time and passed, 257. Bill for the establishment of several ferries, etc., read first time, 252; read third time and passed, 258. INDEX. 66» Bill to empower commissioners to cancel contracts with John Mullryne for building a new light house, etc., read first time, 262 ; amended, 272. Bill for laying duty on negroes, rum, etc., read first time, 263; title altered, 280; read third time and lost, 287. Bill for regulating the proceedings of the general court, read first time, 263 ; read third time and passed, 275. Bill to ascertain and regulate public officers' fees, etc., read first time,- 279; third time and passed, 299. Bill to amend Act for raising a certain number of watchmen in Savannah, etc., read first time, 294; amended, 297. Bill for the preservation of deer and to prevent hunting and killing of deer by night, etc., read first time, 355 ; read third time and passed, 370. Bill to declare an Act of Parliament for the protection of justices of the peace of force in this province, etc., read first time, 363. Bill for the better ordering the militia, read first time, 363 ; read third time and passed, 399. Bill to regulate fees of public officers, etc., read first time, 368 ; third time and. passed, 419. Bill to ascertain the manner of electing members of the Commons House of Assembly, read first time, 404 ; read third time, amended and passed, 442. Bill to amend the several laws for holding special courts, etc., read first time, 418; read third time and passed, 433. Bill to prevent damages arising from dams or banks, etc., read first time, 431 ; read third time and passed, 441. Bill to amend an Act to direct executors and administrators, etc., read first time, 431. Bill for imposing a duty on raw meat hides, etc., read first time, 434 ; read third. time, amended and passed, 451. Bill for the relief of debtors who may be confined in jail, etc., read first time, 434; title altered, 436. Bill to prevent the stealing of horses and neat cattle, etc., read first time, 435 ; read third time, amended, passed, 456. Bill for clearing the Savannah river, etc., read first time, 435. Bill to amend an Act to oblige masters of vessels to pay tax, etc., read first. time, 440; title altered, 450; read third time and passed, 457. Bill to empower commissioners or surveyors to lay out and repair roads, etc.,. to be prepared, 356; read third time, amended and passed, 440. Bill to empower commissioners to put up for sale the ferry over Great Oge chee river, etc., read first time, 450; read third time and passed with amendments, 457. Bill to enforce the payment of arrears of taxes, etc., read first time, 473 ; read third time and passed, 501. Bill to regulate and ascertain the rates of wharfage, etc., read first time, 485. Bill to continue the several laws, etc., read first time, 496; read third time, amended and passed, 529. Bill, the tax, read first time, 501; read third time, amended and passed, 515. Bill for issuing paper certificates, etc., read first time, 501 ; read third time and passed, 506. 670 INDEX. Bill to oblige masters of vessels to pay tax, etc., read first time, 504; read third time,, amended and passed, 508. Bill to explain and amend an Act for ascertaining the qualifications of jurors, etc., read first time, 508. Bill for raising a fund to support a watch in Savannah, read first time, 510; amended and passed, 530. Bill to empower commissioners of the general loan to issue paper bills of credit, etc., read first time, 463 ; read third time and passed, 520. Bill to prevent counterfeiting paper money, etc., read first time, 527; read third time and passed, 529. Bill to prohibit the exportation of Indian corn, rice, etc., read first time, 562; amended, 564; read third time and passed, 567. Bill for ascertaining the qualifications of jurors, etc., read first time, 574; read third time and passed, 585. Bill for the relief of his Majesty's loyal subjects, etc., read first time, 575; read third time and passed, 580. Bill for the regulation of auctions, etc., read first time, 575 ; read third time and passed, 582. Bill to explain, amend and reduce into one Act the several laws relative to regulating the town of Savannah, read first time, 576 ; read third time and passed, 582. Bill to attaint of high treason several persons hereinafter named, etc., read first time, 581 ; read third time and passed, 593. Bill to explain an Act for subjecting and making liable to attachment the es tates of absent debtors, read first time, 585 ; read third time and passed, 587. Bill for the relief of his Majesty's subjects having property in Georgia, etc., read first time, 591 ; amendments agreed to, 594 ; read third time and passed, 597.' Bill to disqualify certain persons therein named, etc., read first time, 594; amended, 598; read third time and passed, 601. Bill for the limitation of actions, etc., read first time, 597; amended, 600; read third time and passed, 604. Bill to continue several laws therein mentioned, read first time, 611; read third time and passed, 613. Bill for the preservation and defense of his Majesty's government in Geor gia, etc., read first time, 627; read third time and passed, 630. Bill for further amending an Act for regulating pilotage of vessels, etc., read first time, 630; read third time and passed, 632. Bill to amend Act regulating taverns, etc., read first time, 639; read third time and passed with amendments, 642. Bourquin, Henry, required to attend the House, 22; declines taking seat as member of House, 23 ; qualifies as member of House, 320, 336. Box, Philip, qualifies as member of House, 6, 303. Brown, Francis, qualifies as member of House, 336; required to attend House, 489 ; to be taken into custody for absence without leave, 495 ; expelled for continued absence from House, 514. INDEX. 871 Brown, Rev. Mr., to prepare suitable discourse to the House, 558 ; address of thanks to for excellent sermon, and gratuity presented to for same, 569. Brown, Rev. Mr. James, memorial of asking compensation for services, 604. Bryan, Jonathan, takes seat as member of House, 228; required to attend House, 265 ; to be taken into custody for absence without leave, 282 ; ex cuse of admitted, 284; commissioned to administer oaths to members of House, 301, 316, 325 ; qualifies as member of House, 304, 320, 335 ; must attend House or warrant to be issued for, 364; .warrant issued for, 471; expelled from House for non-attendance, 474. Bulloch, Archibald, appointed to administer oaths to members of the House, 3 ; qualifies as member of House, 6, 303, 321, 335 ; commissioned to ad minister oaths to members of the House, 301, 316, 335 ; elected Speaker, 305 ; approved as Speaker by the Governor, 306 ; elected Speaker, 323 ; de clines taking seat in the House, 353. Burton, Thomas, petition of for establishment of a ferry, 357. Capers, Richard, petition of, 420. Captain of watch to report to the House number of men employed, 250; pre sents account, 253. Carter, Thomas, qualifies as member of the House, 320, 349. Carleton, Sir Guy, address to from the Commons House, 660. Christ Church, parish of, petition of inhabitants concerning salary of rector, 479- Clay, Joseph, qualifies as member of House, 382. Clerk of Council inform House that the Governor will receive them in the council chamber to-morrow, 304. Clerk of the House, fees of, 14; ordered to furnish printer copy of Journals, 119, 312; to write to absent members requiring their attendance, 205, 210, 344, 468, 570; to furnish printer with copy of the address of the House to the President, 349; to furnish printer with address of the House to the Governor, 559 ; compensation provided for, 617. Clerk of naval office to make report, 419. Cochran, Jonathan, qualifies as member of House, 320. Cockspur Island, fort on, 239. Committee of correspondence, resolutions of committee concerning instruc tions to agent referred to, 194; clerk of, ordered to lay proceedings of the committee of correspondence before the House, 259; minutes of ordered to be laid before the House, 362 ; to instruct agents concerning lands, 485 ; standing committee of correspondence appointed, 523. Committee on privileges and elections appointed, 11; report, 12; complaint of member of House referred to, 154. Committee on grievances appointed, 12. Committee appointed to inspect site for new light house, 69; resolutions of, yy ; resolutions considered, 89 ; House resolutions on, 90. Committee appointed to see a line run on the bluff of Savannah, 76. Committee appointed to apply sum voted for people of Ireland, 81. 672 INDEX. Committee appointed to request Governor to adjourn the House, 82. Committee appointed to inspect laws and ordinances near expiring, to make report, 90; report, 101. Committee appointed to examine amount expended in repairs and buildings at Fort George, 90. Committee of conference on negro bill appointed, 97; report, 99. Committee on road bill, petition concerning land referred to, 109. Committee of conference on watch bill appointed, 113; report, 168. Committee appointed to inspect journals of the upper House, 113; report, 117. Committee appointed to examine state of Governor's house, 116; report, 128. Committee appointed to prepare address to Governor concerning non-repre sentation of four southern parishes, 119; report, 120. Committee of conference on flax bill asked, 132; report, 136. Committee of conference on wharfage bill, report of, 147. Committee on ways and means appointed, 170; report, 171. Committee of conference on amendments to road bill appointed, 187 ; report, 187. Committee appointed to prepare address in answer to Governor's message, 188. Committee appointed to draw up instructions for agent, 191 ; report, 193. Committee appointed to inspect Wm. Harding's machine for pounding rice, I9S- Committee appointed to join Council committee in preparing address to the Governor, 196. Committee appointed to prepare address to the Governor, 202 ; report, 202. Committee appointed to examine laws and ordinances near expiring, 211; re port, 222. Committee appointed to select site for fort at mouth of Savannah river, 225. Committee appointed to select place for terries on Savannah river, 229. Committee to examine accounts, 245. Committee on ways and means appointed, 258. Committee appointed to examine condition of filature in Savannah, 259. Committee of conference on amendments to militia bill appointed, 260; re port, 261. Committee appointed to request Governor to adjourn the House, 260; report 260. Committee appointed to examine proceedings of the courts of justice and inquire into the state of public offices, etc., 280; report, 295. Committee on accounts, report of agreed to, 299. Committee appointed to notify Governor of election of 'Noble Wimberly Jones as Speaker, 305. Committee appointed to notify Governor of the election of Archibald Bulloch as Speaker, 305. Committee on privileges and elections appointed, 309. Committee on rules appointed, 310. Committee on grievances appointed, 310. Committee on privileges and elections appointed, 325. Committee appointed to prepare address to the President, report of, 328. INDEX. 673 Committee appointed to answer address of the President, 331 ; report, 332. Committee on privileges and elections appointed, 342; report on petition of Samuel Farley, 352. Committee to examine Treasurer's accounts, 353 ; report, 479, 490. Commmitee appointed to examine accounts of commissioners of loans, 354. Committee appointed to inspect light house, 358; report, 370. Committee appointed to receive Sir James Wright on arrival from England, 384; report, 389. Committee of conference on deer bill, report of, 400,- 418. Committee to inquire what laws are near expiring, report of, 405. Committee of conference on militia bill, report of, 458. Committee on ways and means appointed, 497 ; report, 500. Committee of conference on bill for regulating fees of public officers appointed, 503;. report, 532. Committee appointed to join Council committee to burn defaced bills, 520. Committee appointed to receive and destroy certificates in the hands of the Treasurer, 521 ; report, 534. Committee of correspondence, a standing committee appointed, 523. Committee appointed to form plan of the common jail, 533. Committee appointed to consider Lieutenant-Governor's speech and the Gov- vernor's mmessage, report, 546. Committee appointed to present Speaker to the Governor, 547. Committee on privileges and elections appointed, 554. Committee on grievances, appointed, 554; report, 562. Committee appointed to draw up rules for the House, 555. Committee appointed to prepare address to the King, 563 ; report, 573. Committee appointed to prepare House for the reception of members of the Common House, 567; report, 568. Committee appointed to inspect laws near expiring, 586; report, 606. Committee appointed to examine engrossed bills, 617. Committee to ascertain the number of houses in Savannah, report of, 621. Committee reports on defenseless condition of coast and inlets, 653. Commissioners of the light house submit report, 67 ; ordered to attend com mittee appointed for building new light house, 70; ordered to attend the House, 89; answers of approved, 90. Commissioners of town and common of Savannah attend the House, 75. Commissioners for building a courthouse attend the House, 91. Commissioners of the spring near Savannah ordered to lay their proceedings before the House, 101; ordered to lay accounts before the House, 119; re port of unsatisfactory, 404. Commissioners for settling a township on Ogechee river to lay accounts be fore the House, in; accounts submitted, 117. Commissioners of Roads, memorial of, 142 ; ordered to lay accounts before the House, 255. Commissioners for rebuilding Christ Church to lay accounts before the House, 384. Commissioners for regulating market in Savannah to lay accounts before the House, 404. 43 e r— vol 15 674 INDEX. Commissioners empowered to sell ferry over Ogechee river to lay accounts; before the House, 405. Commissioners of the General Loan, salary provided for clerk for, 520. Council, the, message from agreeing to several bills, 91, 136, 172, 189, 531, 577, 587; message from agreeing to conference on amendments to negro bill, 97; negro bill returned to, 112; message from concerning negro bill, 115; message from agreeing to watch bill .with amendments, 111; agrees to conference on same and appoints committees, 113; message from, 131, 132, 150, 228, 410, 438; leave granted to, to inspect Journals of the House of Assembly, 132 ; agrees to conference on flax bill, 133 ; agrees to bill requiring male white inhabitants to carry arms to places of public wor ship, with amendments, 136 ; agrees to ordinance appointing James Kitch en Collector and Comptroller for Sunbury, 136; agrees to several bills with amendments, 140; agrees to amendments to wharfage bill, 146; agrees to amendments to slave bill, 134; agrees to bill to continue several laws, without amendments, 156; agrees to ordinance appointing Andrew Elton Wells, Harbour Master, without amendments, 159; agrees to ordi nance for appointing packers and inspectors, with amendments, 159; passes bill amending an Act dividing the province into parishes, 178 ; agrees to road bill, with amendments, 181 ; agrees to bill to amend Act for ascer taining manner of electing members of Commons House, without amend ments, 181 ; agrees to House amendments to bill for preventing spread ing of contagious diseases, 181 ; agrees to conference on amendments to road bill, 187; request for correspondence between Benjamin Franklin, Agent, and the public to be laid before, 188; agrees to tax bill, .without amendments, 189; agrees to ordinance appointing Benjamin Franklin, Agent, with amendments, 189; agrees to bill to assess inhabitants of Sa vannah for support of the town watch, without amendments, 191 ; re quested to join House committee in preparing address to the Governor concerning bill for electing members for the Commons House, 195 ; ap points committee, 196; agrees to address prepared, 196; message from that they have passed ordinance appointing James Read a Commissioner in the General Loan Office, 256; agrees to militia bill, with amendments, 258 ; agrees to conference on amendments to militia bill, 260 ; agrees to ordinance reappointing Benjamin Franklin, Agent, with amendments, 260; agrees to road bill, with amendments, 289 ; agrees to conference on amend ments to road bill, 297 ; agrees to ferry bill, with amendments, 290 ; agrees to ordinance appointing Benjamin Franklin, Agent, with amendments, 378 ; agrees to bill for the protection of deer, with amendments, 378 ; agrees to conference on deer bill, 397; agrees to conference on militia bill, 458; agrees to bill for preventing damages arising from dams or banks, with amendments, 466; agrees to bill to prevent stealing horses, etc., with amendments, 470 ; agrees to bill imposing duty on raw hides, with amend ments, 470; agrees to bill requiring masters of vessels to pay tax, .with amendments, 470 ; agrees to ferry bill, with amendments, 470 ; agrees to conference on ferry bill, 476 ; agrees to conference report on same, 481 ; asks committee of conference on election bill, 472 ; agrees to conference report on election bill, 480; agrees to conference on bill to tax masters of INDEX. 675 vessels, 476 ; agrees to conference report on bill to tax masters of vessels, 481 ; agrees to conference report on road bill, 480 ; agrees to bill to regu late fees of public officers, with amendments, 488; agrees to conference on same, 503; agrees to ordinance appointing Grey Elliott, Agent in Great Britain, with amendments, 492; agrees to bill for enforcing pay ment of arrears of taxes, 516; agrees to bill for issuing paper certificates, 518; agrees to bill to oblige masters of vessels to pay taxes, 528; agrees to tax bill, 529; agrees to bill for continuing several laws, with amend ments, 531 ; agrees to bill for preventing counterfeiting paper money, with amendments, 532 ; agrees to request of House to appoint committee to de stroy defaced bills, 533 ; message from concerning address to the King, 567; agrees to conference on bill prohibiting the exportation of pro visions, 572 ; message from that they have passed bill for the relief of His Majesty's loyal subjects, 583; asks conference on bill of attainder, S9S ; agrees to conference on bill of attainder, 601 ; passes disqualifying act, with amendments, 610; agrees to bill for the relief of certain loyal subjects, with amendments, 612; agrees to conference on same, 613; agrees to amendments to bill to make subject to attachment property of absent debtors, 613; passes bill for the limitation of actions, with amend ments, 616 ; passes bill to continue in force certain laws, with amend ments, 616; passes bill for the preservation and defense of His Majesty's government in Georgia, with amendments, 636; passes pilotage bill, with amendments, 636 ; agrees to conference on militia bill, 642 ; asks confer ence on tavern bill, 643. County Comptroller to lay accounts before the House, 425. Cowper, Mr., granted leave of absence, 566. Creek Indians, address of House concerning murder by, 539. Crooke, Richard Cunningham, tied in election, 13 ; takes oath as member of House, 67; qualifies as member of House, 303. D Davis, Richard, paid for services in enumerating houses in Savannah, 645. Da.wney, John, petition of, 235 ; salary increased, 248. Dean, Peter, qualifies as member of the House, 654. Dell, Philip, petition from concerning ferry, 590. Dunlap, Joseph, petition of, 252. Dunn, Robert, petition of concerning ferry, 392. Ebenezer, petition of inhabitants of, 131 ; petition considered, 139. Edgar, James, to be messenger of the House, 558. Elbert, Samuel, member of House, 6. Ellliott, Grey, letter from, 599; letter from asking payment of salary, 602. Ellis, Thomas, not a legal voter, 359. .Ewen, William, member of House, 6; qualifies as member of House, 303, 320. 676 INft'EX. Farley, Samuel, qualifies as member of House, 6, 304, 320; petition of con testing seat of Henry Yonge, 343 ; committee on privileges and elections reports on petition of, 352; addresses House in support of his contest, 357 ; memorial concerning irregular election of, 493 ; proves himself quali fied to serve as Representative and takes oaths, 503. Flags of truce, Governor requested to stop admission of, 576. Flax seed, appropriation to buy, 134. Fox, Joseph, warrant for, for contempt, 639; reprimanded by Speaker, 640; ordered discharged upon payment of fees, 641 ; leave granted to, to re sign seat in the House, 655. Franklin, Benjamin, letter to, 25; letters from, 26; letter from read before House, 108. Frink, Rev. Mr., address of thanks to from House for sermon, 227. G Galphin, George, and Lachlan McGillivray, vote of thanks to refused, 439; memorial of Lachlan McGillivray in behalf of, 590. General Assembly, acts of to be published, 620. Glen, John, qualifies as member of -House, 7. Goldsmith, Thomas, declines taking seat as member of House, 577. Governor, the, approves Noble Wimberly Jones as Speaker, 8; speech of to the House, 9; address of thanks to for speech, 9, 307, 390; address to, 16, 203, 283, 313, 394, 444, 461, 539, 556; answer to address of the House, 19, 49, 198, 20S, 397, 463; message from, 34, 40, 62, 127, 138, 211, 215, 389, 399, 444, 541, S48. 625 ; address to concerning non-representation of four Southern Parishes, 47 ; further address to concerning want of repre sentatives for four Southern Parishes, 119; address read, 123; address to concerning treaties with Indians, 60; adjourns the House, 82, 182, 261, 388, 426, 532, 603, 637, 647, 649, 656; message from with resolution of the Council, 86; to be considered, 114; requires attendance of House in Council Chamber and assents to several bills, 193, 534, 622, 646; pro rogues House, 198, 537, 624; requested to issue writs of election, 199,. 202, 291, 309, 474, 514, 515, 560, 578, 618, 631, 637, 651, 655; message from enclosing estimates, 216; message from advising House that future mes sages will be sent by the Clerk of Council, 268 ; disapproves choice of Noble Wimberly Jones as Speaker, 305 ; approves Archibald Bulloch as Speaker, 306; address of to both Houses of Assembly, 390; requested to adjourn General Assembly, 420; address to, urging importance of secur ing further cession of lands by the Indians, 425 ; reply to same, 426 ; mes sage from with memorial of Lewis Johnson, etc., 446 ; message from con cerning murder of Indians, 465 ; message from concerning murders by- Creek Indians, 538; address to from House in reply to same, 539; ad dress from in reply to address of Commons House, 545 ; message from concerning exportation of rice, 561 ; requested to adjourn the House, 603; INDEX. 677 approves disqualifying act, 614; approves act, for the relief of loyal sub jects, 614; speech of to the House, 623; message from concerning murder of Solomon Sykes, 632 ; message from concerning James M'Kay, notori ous rebel, 647 ; agrees to bill to amend Act for better regulating taverns, etc., 649; message from concerning defenseless state of the province, 650; requested to offer reward for persons setting fire to His Excellency's barn, 655 ; address to, from the House, on unhappy condition of the people, 657; reply to same, 659; address of the Governor and both Houses of Assembly to Hon. Alexander Leslie, Lt. General, 662. Governor's House, repairs on ordered to be made, 129. Grand Jury, presentments of laid before the House, 57, 96, 210, 354, 433, 606, 638. Great Ogechee, contested election in, 35. Gwinnett, Button, ordered into custody of messenger, 22 ; excused for ab sence, 43 ; takes oaths as member of House, 43 ; required to attend House immediately, 251; to be takeruinto custody for absence without leave, 298. H Habersham, James, Jr., qualifies as member of House, 303. Habersham, James ; see Presidents. Hall, Nathaniel, qualifies as member of House, 320, 477. Harding, William, petition of, 149; £100 provided for, 156; machine con structed by, to be inspected, 195. Herriott, James, qualifies as member of the House, 647. House of Assembly, adjourned by Clerk, 4; speech to, 9; adopts rules, 13; presentments of Grand Jury laid before, 57, 96, 210, 354, 433, 606, 638; adjourned by the Governor, 82, 261, 388, 426, S32, 603, 637; considers Council amendments to negro bill and asks conference on same, 97 ; disa grees to Council amendments to negro bill, 100; agrees to join Council in conference on same, 115; whole House joins Council in conference on negro bill, 118; agrees, under protest, to amendments to negro bill, 152; report of Speaker of the House respecting House attending Mr. White- field, 99; considers petition of trustees for a meeting house in Savannah, 100; considers Council amendments to watch bill and requests Council to appoint a committee of conference on same, 112; disagrees to council amendments to flax bill, 132; concurs in council amendments to bill re quiring male white persons to carry arms to places of public worship, 136 ; asks committee of conference on wharfage bill, 140; member of House complains of being served with a writ, 154; agrees to amendments to slave bill conditionally, 155 ; agrees to council amendments to ordinance appointing packers and inspectors, 159; resolves itself into committee of the whole on address of Council to the Governor, 160 ; resolution there on, 160; resolves itself into committee of the whole on accounts against the public, 160; sundry papers laid before, 167; resolution thereon, 167; agrees to report of conference committee on watch bill, 168; resolves it self into committee of the whole to consider bill for granting a burial ground to the Jews, 169; considers estimate of necessary charges of gov- 678 INDEX. eminent, 169 ; considers tax bill, 171 ; considers memorial of Mr. Lyford, Pilot, 177; provides £30 additional for Medway pilots, 178; adjourned by Governor on account of indisposition of Speaker, 182 ; further ad journed, 183; considers Council amendments to road bill, 186; agrees to Council amendments to ordinance appointing Benjamin Franklin, Agent, 190; required to attend Governor in Council Chamber, 193, 200, 307, 315; with Speaker attends Governor in Council Chamber, 198, 390, 534; pro rogued by the Governor, 198, 537, 624; meets according to prorogation, 19S, 262 ; address to the Governor read before, 203 ; message to from the Governor, 206; Journal of to be printed .weekly in the Gazette, 119, 210, 312; to defray expenses of putting Christ Church in mourning in conse quence of the death of Whitefield, 220; agrees to report ot committee on bill to enquire what laws are near expiring, 223 ; petition of Hugh F.oss read to, 257; asks conference on amendments to militia bill, 259; resolves itself into committee of whole on negro bill, 265, 267; memorial of mer chants of Savannah presented to, 268 ; provides sum for the relief of Irish settlers, 272 ; message from the Governor with memorial of Cor nelius McCarty, 276; members of, who do not attend to be proceeded against, 289; Speaker of, authorized to request Governor to issue writs of election in case of vacancy, 289; agrees to Council amendments to ferry bill, 290; fifth rule of House to be altered, 293; desires committee of conference on road bill, 294; Speaker of House to issue warrants for arrest of absent members, 298; dissolved by the Governor, 300; elects Noble Wimberly Jones, Speaker, 305 ; elects Archibald Bulloch, Speaker, 305; protests against action of Governor in rejecting Noble Wimberly Jones as Speaker, 312; attends Governor in Council Chamber and is dis solved, 315 ; proceeds to second election of Speaker, when Noble Wim berly Jones is again elected, 322; presents Archibald Bulloch to President as Speaker, 323 ; address to by the President, 324 ; thanks of House to. President for address, 324; minutes of the House to be published in the Gazette, 325, 345; adopts rules, 326, 564; to attend divine service on Sunday, 326; minutes of, objected to by the President, 330; dissolved by the President, 334; attends President in Council Chamber, 340; resolves to attend the Speaker to church on Sunday, 342; adjourned by the Presi dent, 353 ; demands against the public to be laid before, 363 ; asks com mittee of conference on bill for the protection of deer, 405 ; agrees to re port of conference committee on same, 418; refuses to declare seat of William Jones vacant, 430; declares seat vacant, 445; agrees to free con ference on bill to explain and amend certain laws, 444 ; message to, from the Governor, concerning public jail, 446; asks conference on militia bill, 451; considers message of Governor concerning building jail, 464; reso lution of providing for expenses of government, 467; agrees to some of the Council amendments to bill preventing damages from dams and banks, 468; agrees to some amendments to road bill, 469; asks conference on amendments to road bill, 469 ; agrees to amendments to election bill, 469 ; asks conference on ferry bill and bill to compel masters of vessels to pay tax, 471 ; agrees to amendments to bill imposing duty on raw hides, 472 ; disagrees to amendments to bill to compel masters of vessels to pay tax, INDEX. 679 482; agrees to alterations of Council committee on ferry bill, 483; disa grees to some Council amendments to election bill, 482; agrees to altera tions made in road bill, 483 ; asks conference on bill for regulating fees of public officers, 488; agrees to Council amendments to ordinance ap pointing Grey Elliott, Agent, 496; provides sum towards the establish ment of a watch in the town of Savannah, 509; considers memorial of James Muter insolent, and orders same burned, 512; letters from Vir ginia and Rhode Island laid before, 521 ; agrees to Council amendments to bill to continue several laws, 531 ; agrees to Council amendments to bill to prevent counterfeiting paper money, 532 ; address to from the Gov ernor concerning murders by Creek Indians, 538; reply to same, 539; address of thanks to the King for additional territory, 542 ; resolutions of concerning address to be prepared for the Governor, 552; to attend divine service, 558 ; address to from the Governor, 559 ; agrees to appoint committee of conference to prepare address to the King, 569 ; members of to be fined for neglect of duty, 571 ; requests conference on bill prohibit ing exportation of provisions, 572 ; considers amendments to treason bill, 589 ; agrees to conference on same, 596 ; adheres to its amendments to same, 600; agrees to amendments to disqualifying bill, 611 ; requests con ference on amendments to bill for the relief of certain loyal subjects, 612; adheres to its amendments to bill amending act subjecting to attachment property of absent debtors, 615 ; agrees to amendments to bill for the limitation of actions, 616 ; agrees to amendments to bill to continue in force certain laws, 616; considers Governor's message of 26th June, 616; Speaker of, to apply for writs of election during recess, 620; offers re ward for murderers of Solomon S}'kes, 633 ; sends message to the Gov ernor, 634; agrees to some Council amendments to militia bill, 641; asks conference on same, 641 ; report on agreed to, 643 ; amends tavern bill, 642 ; agrees to conference on same, 643 ; conference report on agreed to, 644; provides sum for persons capturing or killing James M'Kay, noto rious rebel, 648; allows Joseph Fox to resign seat in House, 655; ad dress of, to Sir Grey Carleton, 660. House of Deputies of Rhode Island, letter from laid before the House, 521 ; thanks of the House to, 527. House of Burgesses of Virginia, resolution of, 31 ; letter from laid before the House, 521, 522; thanks of the House of Assembly to, 527. Houstoun, George, memorial of in behalf of John Houstoun, 591. Houstoun, James, qualifies as member of House, 336. Houstoun, Sir Patrick, takes oaths as member of House, 21, 336; declines taking seat as member of House, 308; required to attend the House, 433; warrant to be issued for arrest of, for absence, 471. Inglis, Alexander, qualifies as member of Hbuse, 320. Ireland, petition of passengers from presented and read, 70; petition consid ered, 73 ; resolution of House on petition, 74 ; committee appointed to ap- 680 INDEX. ply sum voted to by the House, 81 ; petition from the inhabitants of lands granted for Irish settlers, 108; petition of persons from Ireland for as sistance, 271 ; sum provided for, 271. J Jamieson, John, qualifies as member of House, 336 ; House requires attend ance of, 449, 498. Jones, Noble Wimberly, appointed to administer oaths to members of the House, 3, 301, 316, 355 ; qualifies as member of the House, 6, 303, 320, 335 ; elected Speaker of the House, 7; approved as Speaker, 8; elected Speaker of House, 305 ; disapproved by Governor as Speaker, 305 ; resolution of thanks to proposed, 311; adopted, 312; elected Speaker of House, 320; disapproved by President, 321 ; again elected Speaker of House and dis approved by President, 322 ; elected Speaker of House, 322 ; declines to accept Speakership, 323; elected Speaker of House, 337; thanks House and resigns office, 338. Jones, Samuel, takes oaths as member of House, 249. Jones, William, qualifies as member of House, 336; House declines to declare seat of, vacant, 430; seat declared vacant by House, 445. Journal of House to be printed weekly in the Gazette, 119, 210, 312. K Keller, Adam, to be paid for house torn down, 649. Kennedy, Hugh, petition of concerning ferry, 379, 401, 443. King, the, address to be presented to by the House, 563. Kirkwood, Robert and others, petition of, 262. Lands granted by the Governor of South Carolina south of the Alatamaha made subject to sale for tax, 434. Law, Joseph, declines taking seat in House, 344; reasons assigned for declin ing seat insufficient, 344; required to attend House, 344; qualifies as mem ber of House, 349; excuse deemed insufficient, 498; required to attend House immediately, 498. Le Conte, William, qualifies as member of House, 7, 320, 336. Lee, John, appointed assistant messenger, 311. Lee, Thomas, appointed messenger, 311. Leslie, Alexander, Lt.-General, address to, 662, 664. Light-house, money appropriated to repair, 249. Lowten, Rev. Mr., resolution of thanks to for suitable discourse, 346. Lyford, William, pilot, memorial of, 176, 498. INDEX. 681 M Mackintosh, George, qualifies as member of House, 327. Mackintosh, Lachlan, required to attend House immediately, 281. Master in Chancery, message from, 605. Maxwell, Audley, qualifies as member of House, 320, 336. McCarty, Cornelius, memorial of presented to the House, 276. McGillivray, Lachlan, motion that thanks of House be given to, lost, 439; memorial from in behalf of George Galphin, 590; qualifies as member of House, 650. Mcintosh, Lachlan, petition of concerning road, 395. Messenger of the House allowed mileage, 505. Milledge, John, appointed to administer oaths to members of House, 3 ; quali fies as member of House, 6 ; required to attend his duties in Assembly, 298. Millen, Stephen, qualifies as member of House, 303, 320, 337. M'Kay, James, notorious rebel, etc., message from Governor concerning, 647 ; reward for persons apprehending or killing, 648. Moodie, Thomas, Deputy Secretary, memorial of, 184; refuses to answer committee under oath, 295; ordered to jail for contempt, 296. Moore, William, conduct of reported to House, 233 ; reprimanded by Speaker, 237- Morel, John, qualifies as member of House, 6; taken into custody for ab sence without leave, 282 ; excuse admitted, 285. Morgan, Thomas, petition of concerning ferry, 373. Mossman, James, memorial of concerning irregular election of Samuel Far ley, 493- Motion that committee be appointed to examine Governor's house, defeated, 381 ; to insert John Glen's name in bill of attainder defeated, 592 ; to strike name of Joseph Clay from bill of attainder, defeated, 592. Mullryne, John, qualifies as member of House, 7; memorial of asking issue of bills of credit in lieu of those burned, 380. Munro, Simon, qualifies as member of House, 570; letter from, 628. Munro, Mr., granted leave of absence, 580. Muter, James, memorial of concerning road, 510; memorial considered in solent and ordered burned, 512; warrant to be issued for, 513 ; apologizes and requests to be heard by House, 516; excuse deemed satisfactory, 516; ordered discharged, 517. N Netherclift, Thomas, qualifies as member of House, 336. O Oates, John, ordered before House for insulting Mr. Treutlen, 400 ; at bar of House, 401 ; apologizes, and is reprimanded by Speaker, 401. 682 INDEX. Odingsell, Charles, tied in election, 13; qualifies as member of House, 36. Oldis, William, not a legal voter, 359. Order to Speaker to purchase mace for House, 127. Ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Franklin Provincial Agent in Great" Britain, read first time, 76; read third time and passed, 81. Ordinance appointing Grey Elliott Agent in Great Britain, read first time, 92; read third time and lost, 108. Ordinance appointing inspectors of hemp, flax, etc., read first time, 107; read third time and passed, 122. Ordinance for appointing inspectors and packers, read first time, 135; read third time and passed, 145. Ordinance appointing James Kitchen Collector and Comptroller, read first time, 135 ; read third time and passed, 135. Ordinance for appointing Andrew Elton Wells, Harbour Master, read first time, 139; read third time and passed, 142. Ordinance for reappointing Benjamin Franklin Agent in Great Britain, read' first time, 183 ; read third time and passed, 187. Ordinance reappointing Benjamin Franklin Agent in Great Britain, read first time, 229; read third time and passed, 251. Ordinance for appointing James Read a Commissioner in the General Loan Office, read first time, 286 ; read third time and passed, 290. Ordinance reappointing Benjamin Franklin, Agent in Great Britain, read first time, 368 ; read third time and passed, 370. Ordinance appointing Grey Elliott Agent in Great Britain in case of absence of Benjamin Franklin, read first time, 419; read third time, amended and passed, 485. Ordinance for appointing Comptroller of Country Duties for Savannah, read first time, 530. Owens, Owen, qualifies as member of House, 652. Petition from frontier settlers, 109. Petition from inhabitants near the northwest road concerning roads, 143. Petition of Jews concerning burial ground, 145. Petition of several persons concerning ferry, 241. Petition of the Granadier Company praying to be incorporated, etc., 374. Petition of sundry citizens concerning criminal laws, 459. Pilot boat to be purchased, 620. Powell, Josiah, qualifies as member of House, 303, 336. President, His Honor the, message from, 319, 336; disapproves of election of Noble Wimberly Jones as Speaker, 321 ; second election of Noble Wim berly Jones as Speaker disapproved by, 322 ; approves election of Archi bald Bulloch as Speaker, 323 ; address of to the House, 324 ; requested to order writs of election, 327, 344, 354, 361, 364; demands' Journal of the House, 328 ; address to from the House, 329, 332, 347 ; message from ob jecting to minutes of the House, 335; requires presence of the House in the Council Chamber, 334, 339; dissolves the House, 334; speech to both INDEX. 683 Houses, 340 ; address of thanks to be presented to, 341 ; answer of, to address of the House, 348; requested to adjourn House until after the holidays, 352; adjourns House, 353; requested to enforce quarantine laws, 360; message from, 361, 385, 386; requested to employ guard to prevent escape of Joseph Prine, 387. Preston, Henry, Returning Officer, warrant issued for, 37 ; petition of, 38 ; to be reprimanded by Speaker, 39 ; apologizes to House, 42 ; discharged from custody of messenger, 45. Prine, Joseph, notorious villain, to be guarded to prevent escape, 387; £15 provided for the payment of a guard to prevent escape of, 448 ; Governor requested to extend mercy to, 460 ; offers conditional pardon to, 463. Provost Marshal, asked to amend election returns, 495 ; report of, 503. Q Queensborough, petition of inhabitants of for assistance, 288; petition of in habitants against placing of a teacher of the Established Church, 473. Quorum, Speaker and twelve members to constitute a, 293 ; Speaker and eight een members to constitute a, 340. Rae, John, qualifies as member of House, 7, 304; to be taken into custody for absence without leave, 282; excuse of admitted, 282. Rainier, John Francis, petition of for relief, 456. Reddock, Colin, qualifies as member of House, 7, 303. Resolutions concerning non-representation of four Southern Parishes, 46. Resolution for purchasing a mace, etc., 75. Resolution that yeas and nays be recorded, 345 ; on bill of attainder, 592. Reward offered for murderers of Indians, 465 ; for persons firing His Excel lency's barn, 655. Ross, Hugh, petition of read before the House, 257, 365. Ross, Thomas, petition of, 365. Ross, William, declines taking seat as member of House, 560. Rules adopted by the House, 13, 564 ; motion to alter fifth rule, 289 ; fifth rule altered, 293. Rules of last House adopted with few changes, 326. Rules of court laid before the House, 609. Sallens, Peter, qualifies as member of the House, 320, 404. Savannah, petition from trustees of meeting house in, 95 ; petition considered by the House, 100; petition of inhabitants of/concerning exportation of corn, 125; petition from inhabitants against granting a burial ground to the Jews, 151; petition from the inhabitants asking House to comply with request of Jews for a burial ground, 153 ; memorial of merchants of, pre- «84 INDEX. sented to the House, 268; petition from masters and owners of vessels of the town of, 486; certain rebels prohibited from entering, 584; me morial from inhabitants against act for laying tax on all goods sold at vendue, 645. Savery, Samuel, memorial of asking extra compensation for running Indian line, 162, 402. Shruder, Thomas, qualifies as member of House, 320, 336. Simpson, John, takes oaths as member of the House, 18, 336. Southern Parishes, four, complain of non-representation, 43, 47; address to Governor concerning, 119, 123; message from Governor concerning, 127. Small-pox on board vessel from Philadelphia, 360. Spalding, John, qualifies as member of the House, 320. Speaker of the House, report of respecting the House attending Mr. White- field, 99; ordered to purchase mace, 127; House adjourned on account of indisposition of, 182; attends Governor in the Council Chamber with the House, 198, 390, 534 ; authorized to request Governor to issue .writs of election in case of vacancy, 289; to issue warrant for arrest of absent members, 298; to apply for writs of election during recess, 620. St. Andrew's Parish, petition of inhabitants of, 80, 92, 94; petition of inhabi tants of concerning road, 366, 376. Stevens, John, qualifies as member of the House, 7, 320. St. George's Parish, petition of inhabitants of concerning ferry, 391. Stirk, John, qualifies as member of the House, 320, 336. St. John's Parish, petition from inahbitants of, 79; petition of inhabitants concerning road, 375. St. Matthew's Parish, petition of inhabitants concerning ferry, 379, 466; peti tion of inhabitants of concerning public roads, 382. St. Paul's Parish, petition of inhabitants of that the laws be compiled and printed, 421 ; petition of inhabitants of for new road, 429. St. Peter's Parish in South Carolina, petition of inhabitants of concerning establishment of ferry, etc., 212. St. Philip's Parish, petition of inhabitants of, 161. St. Philip, St. John, St. Andrew, parishes of, petition of inhabitants of con cerning establishment of ferry, etc., 158; considered by the House, 162. Sunbury, petition of inhabitants of for beacon to direct vessels, 502. Sykes, Solomon, message from Governor concerning murder of, 632; reward offered for murderer of, 633. T Thomas, John, declines taking seat as member of House, 327. Tondee, Peter and others, petition of, 252 ; petition of for extra compensation for building court-house, 377. Treasurer submits report of assessments for the support of a watch in Sa vannah, 221 ; acounts of considered by committee, 490. Treasurer and Collector to lay accounts before the House, 138. Treutlen, John Adam, qualifies as member of the House, 303, 356; insulted by John Oates, 400. Two Sisters a proper place for a ferry, 237. INDEX. 685 Virginia, letter from Speaker of House of, 30. W Walton, John, member of House, ordered into custody of messenger, 22 ; de clines taking his seat as member of the House, 44. Watson, Charles, memorial of, 174. Wells, Andrew Elton, petition of for increase of salary, 238. Whitefield, Rev. George, death of announced, 219. Whitefield, Mr., House accepts invitation of, to visit Orphan House, 99. Wright, James ; see Governor. Wright, Jermyn, declines to qualify as member of the House, 308. Wrightsboro, petition of inhabitants of, 125. Writs of election to issue, 199, 202, 291, 309, 327, 344, 354, 361, 364, 445, 474, 514, SIS, 56o, 578, 618, 631, 637, 651, 655. Writs of election with indenture delivered to Clerk of the House, 301. Wylly, Alexander, warrant for, for contempt, 639. Wylly, Richard, qualifies as member of the House, 303. Wylly, William, qualifies as member of the House, 304. Yonge, Henry, qualifies as member of the House, 336; seat of contested by Samuel Farley, 343 ; petition concerning referred to committee on privi leges and elections, 344; speaks to House in reply to Farley, 358. Young, Isaac, qualifies as member of the House, 310, 358; .warrant for arrest of for non-attendance, 355 ; appears at bar of House and is discharged, 358. Young, Thomas, declines taking seat as member of House, 244; qualifies as member of House, 336. Young, William, appointed to administer oaths to members of House, 3, 301, 316, 335; qualifies as member of the House, 6, 21, 303, 320, 335; elected Speaker, 338. Young, Mr., granted leave of absence, 567. Younge, Henry, Jr., qualifies as member of House, 391. Zubly, David, qualifies as member of House, 320, 335. Zubley, John Joachim, Clerk, memorial of, 115; petition of, 178; petition considered by the House, 180; petition of, 274. YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 9002 08866 0171 .'." ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦.:'¦ . N 1 - p illlllllllliHHn