Choptank

Indians

Deeds and Acts

April/May 1669 - Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly -
Ordered that a Member of this House be sent to the Lower House to let them know that we have received a message from Ababco, Tequassino, Ha'tsawap & the rest of the Kings upon the Eastern Shore near Choptank informing us that in regard they are joined in league with us & in pursuance of the Articles of peace they have delivered up to our Justice the person of the murderer of Captain Odber as formerly they have done others of Wiccomis Nation enemies to his Lordship, & this Province.  The said Wiccomis Nation have drawn into League with them the Matwhas Indians & others much too strong for the said Ababco, Tequassino, & Hatsawap so that if they be not protected by us, they are likely to be destroyed.  They further show that notwithstanding they never sold any land to the English nor gave permission to seat any lands on the Southside Choptank higher than Wm Stephen's Creek, yet the English do daily encroach upon them, & even sit down amongst them in their clear Fields with their cattle & hogs destroying their corn without which they cannot subsist.  They therefore pray that the land above William Stephens Creek as high as the creek called Secretary Sewall's Creek may be reserved & laid out for them & that no English may seat within those Bounds, that they may have patent from his Lordship for it, that we will take some course to protect them against the Indians whilst they live upon that land and that they may have a boat lent them to go up to the Susquehanna's, canoes being dangerous.  And that upon Consideration of the whole matter that this House doth think it fit that the land by the said Indians desired to be reserved for them and secured to them by Act of Assembly as was done in the like case to the Piscattaway Indians that Effects be raised & put into the hands of Capt Carr at Delaware that shall be sufficient to encourage the said Carr to do our business & to purchase a present to be sent to the Mathwas Indians to renew our league with them & to include in it the said
Ababco, Hatsawap & Tequassino & the rest of the Indians our confederates, that the said Ababco Tequassino Hatsawap have a considerable present or reward given them for their fidelity.  & each of these Indian councilors here a present at parting & further an order over into Choptank to have a boat lent for their transportation up to the Susquehanna's and do desire the Lower House their concurrence herein and that we may have their speedy answer (1) as to the Act for securing them their lands, (2) as to what effects they will be willing to put into the hands of Captain Carr, (3) as to what reward they will give Ababco, Tequassino & Hatsawap & the rest of the Kings, and (4) what they will give the Indian Councilors' here
Present.


1669 - AN ACT for the continuance of peace with and protection of our neighbours and confederate Indians in Choptank River (Laws of 1669, Chapter 1)
It being most just that the Indians, the ancient Inhabitants of this Province, should have a convenient dwelling place in this their Native Country free from the encroachment and op- pression of the English, and more especially such who are in league with us and for their Friendship to us are in danger to be destroyed by their Neighbor Nations our enemies; and whereas Ababco, Hatsawapp and Tequassimo have of late given large testimonies of their Fidelity towards us in delivering up the murderer of Capt. John Odber for which they are in danger to be cut of and destroyed by the Wiccomesses and their Confederates the Mat- whas Indians, Be It Enacted by the Right Honorable the Lord Proprietary, by and with the advice and Consent of the upper and lower house of this present General Assembly, that all that land lying and being on the South side of Choptank River, bounded Westerly by the freehold now in the Tenure and occupation of William Dorrington and easterly with the creek falling into the said River of Choptanck commonly by the English called or known by the name of Secretary Sewalls Creek for breadth, and from the said River side three miles into the woods for length, shall be unto the said Ababco, Hatsawap and Tequasimo and the people under their Government or Charge and their heirs for ever, any Law, usage, Custom or grant to the Contrary hereof in any wise not- withstanding. To be held of the said Lord Proprietary his heirs, Lord and Proprietary or Lords and proprietary's of this Province, under the yearly rent of six Beaver Skins to be paid to his said Lordship and his heirs as other rents in this Province by the English use to be paid. And be it further Enacted by the authority, advice and consent aforesaid that it shall and may be Lawful for the Governor of this Province for the time being to raise out of this Province such and soe much Tobacco, by an equal assessment upon the Estates of the Freemen of this Province, as he shall be out of purse in procuring a league with the Matwhas Indians in which the said Ababco, Hatsawap and Tequasimo and their people and subjects shall be included, Provided the said League be had and concluded within three years next ensuing from the last day of this present General Assembly. (Confirmed by 1676 Chap. 2.)


10 May 1686 - 5 Old 35 - Dorchester County Deeds
Be it known to all Christian People to whom these presents shall or may in any manner of ways concern that I Ababco, native of the province of Maryland and King of Natives or Indians of the lower Towns or Nation of Indians in Choptank River in the said province called in my language Transquakins, so of my own free will for a full and valuable consideration in hand received or other ways secured before sealing and delivery hereof of John Kirke, of Dorchester County in the aforesaid Province of Maryland for the receipt whereof and every part and parcel thereof do release and acquit and discharge the said John Kirke, his heirs, executors, administrators and in consideration whereof I do bargain, sell, enfooffe, confirm, and have bargained, sold, enfeoffed, and confirmed unto the said John Kirke, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns from me my heirs, executors, administrators, or any other laying claim to the land being allotted to the natives by the right Honorable Charles Lord Baron of Baltimore and Proprietary of the aforesaid Province and his Honorable Counsel and now being and remaining upon the English Records at the City of St. Maries in the aforesaid Province therefore I so by this my present deed sell as before the said land to John Kirke, his heirs, &c. all the said parcel of land Beginning at a marked Oak Tree standing at the mouth of a Creek called by English men Shallow Creek naturally bounded with the said creek and up the said Creek to another marked Oak standing at the mouth or bottom of a great branch or fork of the said Creek and so naturally bounded with the said branch up the same until it comes to another marked Oak standing by the marked road and so with the said road westwardly to another marked Oak standing at the side of a branch issuing out of the Creek the said John Kirk now liveth by or on the mouth so down the said Branch to the said Creek and bounded with the said Creek down to the River on the Easternmost side of the said Creek and from thence bounded Eastwardly with the River up to the first bounded Oak at the mouth of Shallow Creek.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in the presence of Henry Howard; Edward Wilson; Wm. Watson; and Samuel Finch.  Signed by Ababco.


3 August 1692 - 5 Old 37 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Know all men by these presents that I, Hachwop, with the rest of my Great men whose hands and seals hereunto annexed do freely give unto Frances Taylor, the wife of Thomas Taylor of Dorchester County, a certain parcel or tract of Land lying within the bounds given us by act of assembly, beginning at the mouth of a Creek known by the English by the name of Goose Creek and running down Great Choptank River bounded therewith to an other Creek called the Rowling House Creek, and soe up the Creek bounded therewith until it intercepts the main Road and soe running with the said Road until it makes a Square to the aforesaid Lines, and thence with a direct line to the first bounder being the mouth of Goose Creek, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said neck or Tract of Land unto the said Prances Taylor, her Heirs and assigns forever, with all wood, underwood, Timber, Trees growing or standing thereon with all other appurtenances thereunto belonging, from us our Indians and Heirs for ever.  In Witness hereof we have sett our hands and seals this twenty third day of August anno dom. 1692. Signed, Sealed and Delivered before us his mark Edward Gould; Richard Teate; Frances B Bullock; Signed by Hach wop; Queen Hackwop; Ponasque; Asoto; Matopank; Wasanous; Jamous Saviout
Augt. 29th 1693 Then came Richard Teate before us, Richard Owen and Walter Campbell, Justices of their Majesties Peace for the county of Dorchester and swear upon the holy Evangelists that he saw Hachwop, Queen Hachwop, Ponasque, Asoto, Matopank, Wasanous,
Janous Sanous seal and deliver the above written deed to the uses therein contained as witness our hands the day and year above written.  Richard Owen; Walter Campbell
Augt. 29th 1692 Then came Hugh Eccleston before us, Richard Owen and Walter Campbell, Justices of their Majesties Peace for this county of Dorchester, being thereunto Lawfully Impowered by a letter of Attorney from Hachwop, Queen Hachwop, Ponasque and
Asoto and did acknowledge to the within named Frances Taylor the within written deed of Guift as the act and Deed of the several persons above named as witness our hands the day and year above written.  Hu: Eccleston Clk. Richard Owen Walter Campbell
Dorchester Sct..
Know all men by these presents that I, King Hachwop and his Great men as follows that is to say Wee, Queen Hachwop, Ponasque, Asoto do constitute and appoint Hr. Hugh Eccleston of
the aforesaid County our true and Lawful Attorney to acknowledge in Court or any other wayes according to Law unto Frances Taylor a certain piece of Land lying and being within the Dividend of Land given them by the country bounded as followeth:  Beginning at the mouth of a small Creek called Goose Creek and Running down ye river of Choptank binding therewith to an other Creek called the Rowling House Creeke and soe up the said Creek binding therewith until it intercepts the Road and so running with the said Road till it makes a square to the aforesaid Lines and then to the said mouth of Goose Creek, giving and granting unto our said attorney all our full power and virtue in Law touching the said premises. 
In Witness hereof wee have sett our Hands and seals this twenty third day of August 1692. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us Richard Teate and William Wattson.
Signed: Hachwop; Queen Hachwop; Ponas Quash; Asoto.   Frances Bullocke
Augt. 29th 1693 - Then came Richard Teate and William Wattson before us, Richard Owen and Walter Campbell, Justices of their Majesties Peace for this County of Dorchester, and swear upon the holy evangelists that they saw Hachwop, Queen Hachwop, Ponas Quash and Asoto seal and deliver the above letter of Attorney as their act and deed for the use within named, Witness our hands the day and year above written. Richd. Owen Walter Campbell


2 August 1698 - 5 Old 120 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture made this second day of August in the year of our Lord on thousand six hundred and eight in the ninth year of the reign of King William the third.  Between Edward Taylor of Dorchester County of the province of Maryland of the one part and Phillip Taylor of the same place of the other part.  Witnesseth that the said Edward Taylor for the consideration of for four thousand pounds of tobacco in hand paid, or otherwise secured the receipt whereof the said Edward Taylor doth hereby acknowledge and of every part and parcel thereof doth hereby clearly acquit and discharge the said Phillip Taylor, his heirs, executors, and administrators, and by these presents have given, granted, bargained, sold, alienated, enfeoffed, and confirmed unto him the said Phillip Taylor, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, all that tract or parcel of land lying on the south side of Great Choptank River in the Forrest called by the name of Westward.  Beginning at a marked Hickory standing by the side of a Nanticoke Indian path from Choptank Indian Fort, being the first bounder tree of the land of William Smithson called "York", from thence running bounded with the said land East 60 perches to a marked oak being another bounded tree of the said land, from thence running North 267 perches from thence running West S 60 perches, and so from thence running South 267 perches to the first specified marked hickory.  Containing by estimation 100 acres, together with all rights, profits, benefits, heredaments, structures, edifaces, gardens, Orchards, fences, woods, underwoods, trees, timber growing or lying or being thereon, as also all patents, deeds, writings whatsoever belonging to the same.


4 August 1701 -5 Old 214 - Dorchester County Deeds -
THIS INDENTURE made the fourth day of August in the thirteenth year of the reigne of King William the third, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and one Between Winogaco and Indian King son to Ababco of Dorchester County of the one parte and Richd. Teate of the same County of the other parte, witnesseth that the said Winogaco for and in Consideration of thirty Matchcoats in hand paid or otherwise secured, the receipt I Do hereby acknowledge Every part and parcel thereof, by and with one full assent and consent and agreement of all my Indians have granted lot and to farmd lot on and by these presents do lot and farmd lot unto Richd Teate, his heirs, Execs., adms. or assigns, all that land Within the bounds as followeth:  beginning at the mouth of a creek called Cuddiwisson Creeke and running up the said creeke to the head of the westernmost Branch that issueth out of the said Creek, to the main road and from thence with ye said Roade to the head of a small branch being the westernmost Branch of Shallow Creeke, and from thence to the mouth of ye said Shallow Creeke and from thence with the river to the mouth of Cuddiwisson Creeke, with all houses, orchards, woods, underwoods, Timber either growing standing or lyeing thereon, with all profits, benefits and privileges to the same belonging or any ways appertaining, to have and to hold unto him the sd. Richd. Teate, his heirs, Execs., adms. or assigns from and after the end and expiration of one Lease heretofore made by the sd. Winogaco with the sd. Richd. Teate, to continue during the term of twenty years fully to be completed from ye time as is above expressed.
In Witness whereof I have sett my hand and fixed my seall ye day and year first above written. Winegaco
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us Tho. Ennalls, John Foster, Thomas Peterkin Then comes into Court Col. Thomas Ennalls and doth upon the holy Evangelist swear that he saw Winacaco seal and deliver the within written as his act and deed and that he saw John Foster and Thomas Peterkin sign the same as Evidence. Hu: Ecclestone Clke.


1 January 1702 - 6 Old 3 - Dorchester County Deeds -
THIS INDENTURE, made the first day of January Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and two, BETWEEN Winegahco, King and Governor of Ababcoes Indians and his Queen of the one part and Jno. Brannock of Dorchester County in the Province of Maryland, Gent, of the other part, Wittnesseth that the said King and Queen for and in consideration of the sum of forty good & merchantable Matchcoats to them in hand paid before the Ensealing and delivery of these presents by the sd. John Brannock, and whereof the sd. King and Queen doe acknowledge themselves to be fully satisfied, contented and paid and thereof and of every part and parcel thereof do clearly acquit and discharge the said Jno, Brannock his Heires, Exors, adms and assigns, by these presents HAVE demised, granted, lot and unto farmd lot and by these presents do demise etc, a certain parcell of land called and known by the name of boiling spring Neck situate and lying in the said County on the south side of Great Choptank River, being part of a tract of Land granted by his Lordship to the sd. Indians, unto the sd. Jno. Brannock, his Heirs, Excrs., adms or assigns with all the Rights members and appurtenances thereof, containing by Estimation five hundred acres be it more or less, all and singular which are or of late were in the tenure or occupation of the said Indians, together with all Edifices, commodities or Hereditaments thereunto belonging.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the sd. Land and all and singular the premises with their appurtenances with every part and parcel thereof to the sd. Jno, Brannock his Heirs, Excrs,, adms, or assigns from the Feast of the Nativity of our blessed Savior last past unto the full end and term of Thirty years thence next ensuing fully to be complete and ending, YEILDING AND PAYING there for yearly during the said Term unto the said Winegahco and his Queen one pepper corn at the Feast of the Nativity of our blessed Saviour if the same be lawfully demanded, and the said Winegahco and his Queen for themselves, their Heirs, Excrs, adms, and assigns and every of them do covenant, promise and grant to and with the said John Brannock his Heirs, Excrs., adms. and assigns in manner and form following (viz.):  That he, the said Winegahco at the time of the Ensealing and delivery of these presents standeth and is seized in his Demesn Fee and that the sd. King and Queen now have full power and authority to dispose and grant the said Lands before by these presents demised, and further that the said Jno. Brannock, his heirs, Excrs., adms, under the rents, Covenants, grants and agreements in these presents contained shall and may at all times hereafter during the term hereby granted and demised quietly and peaceably have, hold, use, occupy, possess and enjoy the said Lands with all appurtenances thereto belonging and shall or may take & receive to his proper use the Rents, issues and profits thereof.
IN WITNESS whereof we hereunto interchangeably set our hands and seals the day and year above written.  Winegahco, and His wife 
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of John Hilborne; Ed. Brannock


15 January 1702 - 6 Old 6 - Dorchester County Deeds -
TO ALL CHRISTIAN People to whom these presents shall come greeting etc. Know ye that I, Winacaco, otherwise called Onocknatoone, Ruler and King of the Abapco's Indians, as well for my self as for and in the name of all the several Indians under my command with whose full free consent and approbation and likewise for and in consideration of Forty-two Matchcoats to me in hand paid before the Ensealing and delivery of these presents by John Kirke of Dorchester County, the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and of every part and parcel thereof Exonerate, acquit, release and for ever discharge the said John Kirke his heirs, Executors and admins., HATH given, granted and by these presents with the consent of all my Indians Hath given, granted, bargained and sold unto the aforesd. John Kirke his Heirs and assigns for Ever, all that Tract or parcel of Land lying in Dorchester County upon Greate Choptanke River BEGINNING at a bounded Cedar Tree, being the uppermost bounded Tree of Wm. Dorrington's freehold, standing at the Mouth of a small creek by William Wattson's dwelling plantation, from there running South into the woods for length nine hundred and sixty perches to a marked white oak, from thence East and by South Eight hundred and forty perches, from thence running North and by East four hundred and sixty perches until it intersect the County Road that leadeth from the Towne of Cambridge in the aforesd. County up into the freshes of Greate Choptanke, and from thence Westerly, binding with the sd. County Road on the several courses thereof unto the head of Shallow Creeke where the main branch crosseth the said Road, and from thence down the said branch unto the main creek, binding therewith on the several courses thereof unto the mouth thereof where it falleth unto Greate Choptanke River, and from thence westerly down Greate Choptank River binding therewith unto the aforesaid marked Cedar, it being the lowermost part of a Tract of Land that my predecessors Abapco, Dickwassine and Hatswamp had of the Gift and Grant of the assembly of this Province, as per respect had to the act of assembly in that behalf will appear.  TO HAVE AND to hold the said Land with all and singular the privileges and appurtenances there unto belonging or in any wise appertaining unto the sd. John Kirke, his Heirs and assigns for ever from me, my Heirs, successors and Indians and all others claiming from, by or under me or them I shall and will for ever warrant and defend; to be holden of the chief Lord of the Fee by the Rights and services due and in the said act of assembly appointed to be paid, only and always reserving to my self, Heirs. Successors and Indians liberty to hunt and fowl on the said Lands and build Hunting Cabins on any part not cultivated to dwell the winter seasons in.  IN WITTNESS Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of January anno dom. 1702 Winnacaco alias Onoocknotoone his mark sealed and delivered in the presence of us Thomas Downes; Charles Machull; William Kirke
March the second One thousand seven hundred and two there comes into Court Winnacaco alias Onoocknotoone and doth acknowledge unto the afore written John Kirke the afore written Deed of bargain and sale to the sd. John his Heirs and assigns for ever according the forms, Effect and true meaning of the sayd Deed, Hu: Eccleston Clke


13 August 1704 - 6 Old 47 - Dorchester County Deeds -
THIS INDENTURE made the thirteenth day of Augt. in the third year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady ANNE by the grace of God of England, Scottland, France and Ireland Queen etc. In the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and four BETWEEN Winacaco otherwise called Onoocknatoon, Ruler and King of the Abapco Indians, and Noockyousk and Patchyouske, Ruler of the Hatswampe Indians, and Patasuske, Ruler of the Tequasino Indians of the one party and Thomas Ennalls of Dorchester County in the Province of Maryland, Gent, of the other party, Wittnesseth that the aforesd. Winacaco and the aforesd. Noockyousk and Patchyousk and aforesd.  Patasuske of their own meer motion and with the full, free and unanimous consent of all the Indians under them, for and in consideration of the sum of Six Thousand pounds of Tobacco, forty pounds sterl. money and three hundred and twenty Matchcoats to them in hand paid or otherwise secured to be paid before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and of Every part and parcell thereof they do Exonerate, acquit, Release and forever discharge the aforesd. Thomas Ennalls, his Heirs, Excrs. and Admins, by these presents, hath given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened. Enfeoffed and confirmed and for themselves, their Heirs, successors and their Indians doth give, grant, bargain, sell, allene, Enfeoffs and confirm unto the aforesd. Thomas Ennalls, his Heirs and assigns for Ever, By the name of Ennalls Purchase, part of a certain tract of Land that was formerly given unto our Predecessors Abapco, Hatswamp and Tequasino and their Heirs, etc. by a certain act of assembly Intitled an Act for the continuance of peace with and protection of our Neighboring Indians in Choptank River, situate, lying and being in Dorchester County upon the south side of Greate Choptanke River and bounded as following:  BEGINNING at the mouth of a Little Creeke called Ennalls Creeke and running from thence down Greate Choptanke River, bounded therewith, unto the mouth of a creeke called New Towne Creeke, and from thence continuing down Greate Choptanke River, bounded therewith, unto the mouth of a creeke called Cuddywisson Creeke, and from thence still continuing down the sd. River unto the mouth of a creeke called Shallow Creeke, and from the mouth of the said Shallow Creeke up the said Shallow Creeke, binding therewith unto the head of the Maine Branch thereof where the County Road crosses it, and from thence with a straight line to a bounden White Oak being the southermost bounded Tree of the said Land given by act of assembly as aforesaid and standing by the Road side that leads from the Towne of Yarmouth to the Towne of Cambridge, near to the Widdow Kings, and from the sd. marked white oak running East thirty Eight degrees North to a Cedar post standing near the plantation now in the tenure and occupation of a certain John Wheeler by the Roadside that leads from the aforesd. Thomas Ennalls to the Towne of Cambridge, and from the said Cedar post continuing the same course East thirty Eight degrees North until it Intersect a beaver dam branch that Issueth out of Transquakin River called Haywards Dam, and from the sd. Intersection up the sd. Beaver dam branch, bounded therewith, unto Two marked Oaks standing at the head of the sd. branch, and from the sd. two marked Oaks with a straight to a marked White Oak standing at the head of the Maine branch of the first specified Ennalls Creeke, and from the sd. White Oake down the 3d. branch and Creeke unto the mouth thereof, it being the first specified bounder; containing by Estimation four thousand six hundred and sixty acres be the same more or less,  TOGETHER with all and singular the Houses, buildings, Lands, Tenements, Pastures, Meadows, grounds, woods, underwoods and all and singular the Reversion and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders of them and every of them and of all Rents reserved upon any demise or lease of them or any part or parcell of them, and also all the Estate, Right, title and Interest, Inheritance, use, possession, claim and demand whatsoever which they the aforesaid Winacaco, Noockyouske, Patchyouske and Patasuske now hath, may, must, should or which their Heirs, successors or Indians aforesd. may or ought to have of, in and to all and singular the hereby bargained premises or any part or parcell thereof. TO HAVE AND to hold the aforesaid Lands bounded as aforesayd and other, all and singular the premises in these presents granted, bargained and sold, together with all their appurtenances, to the aforesd.  Thomas Ennalls, his Heirs and assigns for ever to the only proper use & behoof of the said Thomas Ennalls, his Heirs and assigns for evermore and to no other use, intent or purpose whatsoever, To hold the said Lands and all and singular the premises above by these presents granted of the cheifest Lord or Lords of the Fee at the Rent of two Beaver Skins yearly and every year to be paid to the proprietor or proprietors, and the aforesd. Winacaco, Patchyouske and Noockyouske and Patasuske for themselves, their Heirs, successors and Indians doth further covenant promise and grant to and with the aforesd. Thomas Ennalls, his Heirs and assigns that they, the aforesaid bargained Lands and premises and every part and parcell thereof above by these presents granted, with all their appurtenances, to the aforesd. Thomas, his Heirs and assigns against them, their Heirs, successors and Indians and all other claiming thereunto from, by or under them, they shall and will for ever warrant and defend; and further that they, the aforesd. Winacaco and Noockyouske, Patchyouske and Patasuske, their Heirs & successors, shall and will from time to time and at all times hereafter, for and during the space of Seven whole years fully to be completed and ended from the date of these presents, at the Reasonable request and at the proper cost and charges in the Law of the aforesd.  Thomas Ennalls, his Heirs, Excrs. and Adms., make, do, acknowledge, execute and suffer or cause to be made, done, acknowledged, executed or suffered all and every such other and further act or acts, thing or things, Device or Devices, assurance or assurances, whatsoever in the Law requisite for the further, more perfect and better assuring and more sure making of the hereby bargained Lands and premises and every part and parcell thereof unto the aforesd.  Thomas Ennalls, his Heirs and assigns for ever, be it by fine, feoffmt., recovery with single or double voucher over Deed or Deeds Enroled, the Enrolemt. of these presents or otherwise as shall be by the aforesd. Thomas Ennalls, his Heirs, Executors or Adms. or his or their Counsel learned in the Law be reasonably devised, advised or required.  IN WITTNESS whereof the parties aforesd. to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and fixed their seals the day and year first above written. Winacaco; Noockyouske; Patchyouske; Patssuske
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Govert Loockerman Edward Q Bollinger; Josias Bradly.
Augt. 14th 1704. This day came Winacaco, Noockyouske, Patchyouske, Patasuske before us and did acknowledge to the within mentioned Thomas Ennalls the above bargain and sale according to the true interest and meaning thereof to be their act and deed. Jacob Loockerman Walter Campbell John Taylor Joseph Ennalls To all people to whom these present writing shall come know yea that wee the Choptanke Indians whose names are hereunto subscribed doe by these presents acknowledge and declare that the within Deed of feoffmt, of bargain and sale was by our Govenrs. and Rulers Winacaco, Noockyouske, Patchyouske and Patasuske made and confirmed unto the within Thomas Ennalls by and with our and every of our assents, consents and advice and wee doe further by these presents Ratify and confirm all and every part and article of the within Indenture and bargain of sale and also doe own and declare that wee have recd. our full proportions of the within consideration for the whole demised Land, herein demised and sold unto the within Thomas Ennalls, his Heirs and assigns for ever. Witness our hands and seals this.  Woodenhoocke; George Attawease; ahtatowin; Queen Nehakeash; Kehowh; Tockowsk Towcosk; Wampatown; Armstrong Ahquashow; Chkeapattam; Pushshecks; Pequsatum; Mr. William Ahcompatomack; ahighmante; Old Tom Tikehouse; Ahiewasuske; annaheakows; amakowarset; Puttyousemous; amannuasomus; Weantennousk; Wecompese; Nuckeapanouske; Tense; Mahehasowes; Atsquanch; Ahcatimousko; Occheknotah; Keepscow; Chaquanouske; Puminapus.


9 March 1705 - 6 Old 87 - Dorchester County Deeds -
THIS INDENTURE made the ninth day of March in the fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady Anne by ye Grace of God of England Scotland Prance and Ireland Queen Defender of ye faith &c. between William Seward of Dorchester County in the Province of Maryland, Carpenter, of the one part, and Winnicaco other Onoocknatoon, Ruler and King of the Abapco Indians, & Noockyouske and Patchyouske, Rulers of the Hatswamp Indians, & Patasuske, Ruler of the Tequasino Indians of the other part, WITNESSETH that the said Winnicaco, Noockyouske, Patchyouske & Patasuske of their own free motion and with ye full and unanimous consent of all the Indians under them, for and In Consideration of Thirty matchcoats and a certain Tract of Land situate, lying and being on Choptank called Spring Neck, formerly by us contracted to be sold to John Brannock & since by our desire confirmed Aliened & made over by the sd. John Brannock to a certain Thomas Ennalls of the sd. County, with said matchcoats & other considerations wee doe hereby acknowledge to have received and therewith to be fully satisfied, contented and pd. and do by these presents the sd. Wm. Seward thereof fully Exonerate, Release and Discharge, and his Heirs, Executors & Administrators for Ever; hath given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, Enfeoffed & confirmed & do by these presents for them- selves & their successors and Indians doe give, grant, bargain, sell, aliene, enfeoff & confirm unto the sd. William Seward, his heirs and assigns for ever, by ye name of oyster shell point, part of a certain parcell of Land that was formerly given to our predecessors Abapco, Hatswamp Sc Tequasino and their Indians &c by a certain Act of Assembly Intitled An Act for continuance of peace with and protection of our neighboring Indians in Choptank Riv. situate, Lying and being in Dorchester County, upon the south side of Great Choptank Riv. and Bounded as followeth (viz.) Beginning a markt white oak standing at the head of a Creeke called Ennalls Creeke & from the sd. oak Running Down the sd. Creeke, bounded therewith, to the mouth thereof where in falleth into Choptank River, thence running up the sd. Riv. and Bounded therewith to the mouth of a Creeke called Bear Skins Creeke, & from thence up the sd. Bear Skins Creeke, bounded therewith, to a bounded Tree standing at the head of the sd. Creeke near the County Road, and from the sd. Tree with a straight line to the first specified bounded white oak; Containing by Estimation five hundred acres of land be the same more or less.  Together with all and singular the houses, buildings, Lands, Tenements, pastures, meadows, grounds, woods, underwoods and all and singular the Reversion and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders of them and Every of them, and also all the Estate, Right, Title & Interest, Inheritance, use, possession, Claim and Demand whatsoever which they ye aforesd.  Winnicaco, Noockyouske, Patchyouske and Patasuske now hath, now must, should or which their Heirs, Successors or Indians aforesd may or ought to have of, in and to all and singular the hereby bargained premises or any part or parcell thereof, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the aforesd. Lands bounded as aforesd., and all and singular the premises in these presents granted, bargained and sold.  Together with all and Every their Appurtenances to the aforesd. Wm. Seward, his heirs and assigns for ever, to the only proper use and behoofe of the said William Seward, his heirs and assigns for ever and to no other use, intent & purpose whatsoever.  The sd. five hundred acres of land and other the premises to be held under the Lord proprietary or other chief Lord or Lords of ye Fee at the Rent Reserved to be pd. by us and our Indians in the Act of Assembly aforesd. contained, according to the Rate and proportion of the quantity of Land to the said William alienated and sold as aforesd.  And the aforesd. Winnicaco, Patchyouske, Noockyousk and Patasusks for themselves, their Heirs, successors & Indians doth further covenant, promise and Grant to and with the aforesd.  William Seward, his heirs and assigns that they, the aforesd. Bargained Lands and Premises and Every part and parcell thereof above by these presents granted, with all their Appurtenances, to the sd. William Seward, his heirs and assigns, against them, their heirs, successors and Indians and all other claiming thereunto from, by or under them, they shall and will for ever hereafter warrant & Defend.  IN Witness whereof the parties aforesd. to these presents have hereunto Interchangeably set their hands & affixed their seals the day and year first above written.  Winnicaco, Patchyouske, Noockyousk (female) and Patasusks (female).  Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of Hugh Eccleston & John Brannock
March ye 9th 1709 Then came into Court Winnicaco, Noockyouske, Patchyouske, Patasuske and did acknowledge to the within mentioned Wm. Seward the above bargain and sale according to the true intent and moaning thereof to be their act and deed.
Jacob Loockerman Walter Campbell Jos, Ennalls


24 November 1716 - 7 Old 18 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture made the fourth day of November in the second year of Dominionof the right honorable Charles absolute Lord and proprietor of the province of Maryland and in the year of the Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and sixteen Between Thomas Ennalls of Dorchester County in the province of Maryland, esquire, on one part and John Wheler of the same county and province, planter of the other part.  Witnesseth that the said Thomas Ennalls and Eliz., his wife, for an in consideration of the sum of thirty pounds current money of Maryland to them in hand paid by the said John Wheler at and before the delivery of these presents the assigned the said Thomas Ennalls and Eliz., his wife, doth hereby acknowledge and confess and thereof and of every part and parcel thereof doth fully clearly and absolutely acquit, exonerate, and discharge the said John Wheler, his heirs and assigns and every of them forever by these presents and for other good causes and considerations, the said Thomas Ennals and Eliz., his wife, thereunto Hath given, bargained, granted, sold, aliened, Enfoeffed and confirmed And by there presents doth fully, freely, and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, Enfeoffe and confirm unto the said John Whelor, his heirs and assigns forever, a certain parcel of land being by estimation 50 acres of land more or less, being part of a tract of land called "Ennalls Purchase", [formerly bought of the Choptank Indians], situate lying and being in Dorchester County on the west side of Transquaking River and on the West side of above dam branch called Hayward dam.  Beginning at the said Beaverdam branch side where the southwest line of the said Indian Land intersects the said dam and from the intersection Southwesterly bounded by and with the said land for the length of 240 perches and from thence northwest 6 degrees, north 34 perches and from thence northeast 6 degrees East 240 perches until it intersects the said Beaverdam Branch and from thence down the said dam continued therewith to the beginning aforesaid. 


6 August 1705 - 6 Old 69 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Know all men by these presents that I John Kirk of Dorchester County in the Province of Maryland for and in consideration of 800 pounds of tobacco to me in hand of William Watson of the aforesaid county, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have by these presents bargained and sold unto the said William Watson all the estate, right, and interest which I have in and is a parcel of land lying adjoining unto the said William Watson's plantation.  Bounded as followeth (viz.) Beginning at a marked cedar being the lowermost bounds of a tract of land which I bought of Indians and standing at the mouth of a little creek below the said William Watson's now dwelling plantation and from thence running south until it intersects with a small creek which issues out of Great Choptank River between now plantation of the said William Watson and the town of Cambridge and from thence down the said creek binding therewith unto a small jut joining out of the said creek and running this a small marsh backwards unto the Riverfront and binding with the said jut unto the head thereof and from thence north one perch unto Great Choptank River front and from thence down the said River binding therewith unto the first specified cedar.  Being by estimation 15 acres of land more or less.


May 14, 1719 / June 6 1719 - Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly -
Panquash & Annatoquin great men of the Nanticoke Indians by their Indian interpreter Anthony complain that there is a white man named Roger Fowler has made a settlement within the bounds of their land at Checkacone who pray they may be removed.  That the English bring strong drink to their towns and sell it among their Indians to their great prejudice. 
Tom Bishop on behalf of the Choptank Indians by the same Interpreter complains that the English have very much encroached upon them in settling within the Bounds of their land at Choptank so that they are now drove into a small narrow neck called Locust Neck.  There upon ordered that the said Roger Fowler or any other Person who hath made any encroachment on the said Indians by settling within the Bounds of their said Lands remove there out by the first day of January next as they shall answer the contrary at their peril.


14 April 1720 - 2 Old 79 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Mary Barratt of the city of London, widow, to Henry Trippe for 150 pounds:  (1) all that tract called "Bath" on Secretary Creek.  Beginning at a marked sapling oak standing on the upper side of the east branch of said creek and running up said branch bounded therewith E 410p, from thence running S 580p, from thence running NE? 580p, from thence running with a straight line to the first bounded tree.  Containing 1010 acres?.  (2) And also all that tract called "Addition to Bath".  Beginning at at marked oak standing in the NW? line of the aforesaid land called "Bath" and by the road side and running thence SW 36p, thence SSW 20?p, thence W 8p, thence SW 20p, thence W 20p, thence N 4p, thence W 8p, thence SWxS 20p, thence S 20p, thence SSW 40p, thence S 4p, thence SSE 40p, thence ESE 20p, thence SxW 80p, thence SxE 40p, thence SW 60p, thence NNW 48p, thence NxE 86p, thence ENE 20p, thence N 140p, thence NNW 264?p, thence N 260p, thence by a straight line to the first tree.  Containing 622 acres.  (3) Excepting a 299 acre part of "Bath" on the east side of "Bath" formerly granted to Philip Taylor and sold by him unto Francis Anderton.  Beginning at a live oak standing by the main road and running W 200p, thence N 230p to a branch called Fort branch, thence E 200p with said branch, then S to the first bounded tree. "Addition to Bath" contains 397 acres also claimed by the Indians.


1721 - AN ACT to empower His Honour the Governour for the time being to appoint any person or persons whatsoever to resurvey the Indian lands and ascertain the bounds thereof. (Laws of 1721, Chap. 12)
Whereas complaint hath been made by the Choptank and Nanticoake Indians to this General Assembly of some Encroachments made upon the Indians Lands for prevention whereof it is prayed that it may be enacted, And be it Enacted, by the Right Honourable the Lord Proprietary, by and with the advice and consent of his Lordships Governor and the upper and lower Houses of Assembly and the authority of the same, that it shall and may be lawful for the Governor for the time being to appoint Commissioners to lay out and ascertain the bounds of the Indians lands; and the said Com- missioners are empowered and obliged by this Act to give due Notice forty days before they go upon the said Lands to ascertain the bounds aforesaid unto all and every person and persons who shall have any adjacent Lands to those of the Indians by setting up Notes at the most Public places of the County where the said Lands lyeth for the space of forty days before such Determination, and that such commissioners as shall be so appointed shall be enabled to do all things necessary for the doing those Indians Justice against the Trespassers and shall have full power to command Obedience from all Sheriffs and other persons whatever that may be Necessary for the determining the said difference; and all officers and other persons therewith concerned shall have the same allowance, fees and perquisites that are allowed them by law for other such like services, and that the Commission so granted shall continue in force for three Years and no longer but that the proceedings and Determinations thereon remain perpetual.


13 June 1722 - 2 Old 115 - Dorchester County Deeds
To all people to whom this present writing shall come, Betty Caco, Queen of the Ababco Indians, daughter & heir of Winacaco late of Dorchester County deceased who was ruler & King of the aforesd.  Abapco Indians, and Pemetasusk, Queen of the Hatch Swampe Indians* daughter & Heir of Patch Youske late of Dorchester County deceased who was ruler & King of the aforesd. Hatch Swampe Indians, together with the free will, approbation, advice & consent of the rulers, governors, great men & others of the aforesd. Indians with the Tequasino's send Greeting. Know ye that the aforesd. Betty Caco & Pemetasusk, and others the aforesd. Indians for divers good causes & considerations them hereunto moving but more especially for & in consideration of the sum of Ten pounds Sterling to them in hand paid by Goovert Loockerman of Dorchester County, Gent, before the Ensealing & delivery of these presents, have remised, released & all together of & from them & their severall & respective Heirs for ever quit claimed unto Goovert Loockerman of Dorchester County (in his full & peaceable possession and seizin being) and to his heirs & assigns for Ever all & Singular the right, State, Title, Interest, Use, possession, re- version, Claime & demand whatsoever which they the said Betty Caco, Pemetasusk & others the afsd. Indians or Either or any of them Ever had, now have, or which hereafter they or any of them or their or any of their heirs can or may claime to have of & in all those Messuage, Lands & Tenements, with their & Every of their appurtenances, Situate lying & being in the Parish of Great Chop- tank in Dorchester County, called Poulks Content, and other the premises thereunto ad joying in the county aforesd. nov; in the Tenure & Occupation of the aforesd. Goovert Loockerman (being butted & bounded as followeth (viz.) Beginning at a Shrubby Tree & Cedar post marked with Twelve notches on three of its sides, standing by a marked Cedar, being the uppermost bounded Tree of the freehold of William Dorrington deceased called Busby by Great Choptank River side, and running from thence up the river, binding therewith, South twenty Eight Degrees East One Hundred & Twenty perches, to a bounded small Oak standing by a small Gutt and bounded by the Land Commissioners for the first bounded Tree of a Tract called Ricarton, standing in the lowermost Course oftho said Ricarton, and running from thence South West into the woods and binding with the aforesd Riccarton one hundred and Eighty perches to a marked Small Oak markt with Tv;elve notches on three of its sides, standing by a pine in the Edge of a small swamp, and run- ning from thence North forty four Degrees West Two Hundred & fifty perches until it intercept the uppermost bounds of the aforesd. William Dorringtons free hold called 3usby, and running from thence binding with the aforesd. freehold to the first specified marked Shrubby Tree & Cedar Post standing by the river side, con- taining & laid out for Two Hundred Twenty Eight Acres more or less) and of and in all the Lands, Tenements & hereditaments whatsoever to the said Messuage or Tenement belonging or apper- taining, or to or with the same now used and occupied or Enjoyed. In Witness whereof we have hereunto sett our hands and affixed our scales this 13th day of June Anno Dom. 1722. her Signed, sealed & delivered Betty Caco; Pemetasusk; and Atatowin. 
Charles Nutter; Peter Taylor; Richd. Willis
June the 13th 1722 Then came before us, the subscribers, Two of his Lordship's Justices of the Peace for Dorchester County, Betty Caco & Pemetasusk, and did then & there acknowledge the above release unto Goovert Loockerman, his Heirs and assigns, from them the aforesd, Betty Caco & Pemetasusk, their Heirs and assigns unto him the aforesd.  Goovert Loockerman, his Heirs and assigns for Ever as witness our hands & seals. Charles Nutter (Seal) Peter Taylor (Seal) To all people to whom these present writing shall come Know ye that we the within mentioned Indians whose names are hereunto subscribed do by these presents acknowledge & Declare that the within release was by our Governors & Rulers made and confirmed unto the aforesd.  Goovert Loockerman by & with our & Every of our assents, consents, & advice as witness our hands & seals the day & year within mentioned. Pomotahmow alias Hary Corwin; Petowousk; Angh Quium alias Dick; Imanaugh Cow; alias Tom Cohonk; Potkess alias Esq. John; Ahiwassonsk; Aquasuskquanonsk; Nowseawatowousk; Chinnigh alias Jeme; Hockcommough alias Samson;  Weapatowin; Ahihestis; Tomaneake alias George; Atuckqueawatow alias Tom Bishop; Jeme Hunk; Wotscow Wetow alias Benny Claber;
Machanousks; Paskacowousk; and Ben.


13 June 1722 - 2 Old 116 - Dorchester County Deeds
This Indenture, made this thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred Twenty Two, Between Betty Caco, Queen of the Abaco Indians, daughter and heir of Winecaco late of Dorchester County deceased who was ruler & King of the aforesd. Abaco Indians, and Pemetasusk, Queen of the Hatch Swamp Indians, daughter & Heir of Patch Youske late of Dorchester County, deceased, who was ruler and King of the aforesd. Hatch Swamp Indians, together with the free will, approbation, advice & consent of the rulers, Governours, great men and others the aforesaid Indians with the Tequasons of the one part, and Isaac Nicolls of Dorchester County in the Province of Maryland, Planter, of the other part, Wittnesseth that the aforesd. Betty Caco and Pemetasusk and others the aforesd. Indians, for & in consideration of the sum of Twenty seven pounds ten shillings current money of this province to us in hand paid by Isaac Nicolls aforesaid before the Ensealing and delivery hereof, the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge and our selves therewith fully & Intirely satisfied and contented, and thereof and of every part and parcell thereof do Exonerate, acquit & discharge the said Isaac Nicolls, his heirs and assignes for Ever, by these presents have given, granted, bargained, sold, alienated, conveyed & confirmed and by these presents do fully freely & absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, convey & confirm unto the said Isaac Nicolls, his Heirs and assigns for Ever, one certain Tract or parcell of Land being part of a parcell of Land formerly granted to our forefathers Situating lying & being in Dorchester County aforesd. and on the south side of Great Choptank River, beginning at the south side of Secretary's Creek at the Mouth of the said creek & running down the river binding therewith to a creek called Goose Creek, from thence up the said creek South & by East one hundred perches to the head of the bridge branch, from thence East two hundred & twenty perches to a marked Hickory standing on the west side of a small branch issuing out of the head of the Secretary's Creek below now where Richard Watts Lives is, and from thence down the said Branch & Secretaries Creek, binding therewith, to the mouth of the aforesd. Secretaries Creek; containing Two Hundred & fifty acres by Estimation be it more or less, to have and to hold the said land and granted premises with the appurtenances, privileges & commodities to the same belonging or in any ways appertaining, to him the said Isaac Nicolls, his heirs and assigns for Ever to his & their only proper use, benefit & behoof for Ever; and We, the said Betty Caco and Pemetasusk, and others the aforesd. Indians & Every of them do covenant, promise & grant to & with the said Isaac Nicolls. his heirs & assigns, that before the Ensealing of these presents we are the true, sole & Lawfull Owners of the above bargained premises and are legally seized & possessed of the same in our proper right as a good, perfect & absolute Estate of Inheritance and have in ourselves good right, full power & lawfull authority to grant, bargain, sell, convey & confirm the said bargained premises in manner & form as abovesaid; and that the said Isaac Nicolls, his heirs & assigns shall and may from time to time & at all Times for Ever hereafter by virtue of these presents lawfully, peaceably and quietly have, hold, occupy, possess & enjoy the said Demised and bargained premises with the appurtenances free & clear & freely & clearly acquitted, Exonerated & Discharged of & from all manner of former gifts, bargains, sales, leases, Entails or any other Encumbrances and troubles what so ever, the rents & services to become due for ever from him the said Isaac Nicolls, his Heirs and assigns for Ever; and we, the said Betty Caco & Pemetasusk, and we of the great men, chief Rulers and others the aforesd. Indians, unanimously do further covenant & bind our selves, our heirs and successors, firmly by these presents to war rant and Defend the said Isaac Nicolls, his Heirs & assigns, in quiet & peaceable possession of all and singular the said granted premises against any Just & Lawfull claim of any person or persons whatsoever; in witness whereof we the said Betty Caco, Pemetasusk and all we of the great men and chief and others of the aforesaid Indians whose names are hereunto subscribed have here- unto sett their hands & seals the day and year first above written. Signed, sealed & Delivered her in the presence of Henry Trippe; G. Loockerman; Rich. Willis
Betty Caco; Pemeta Susk; George; Thomas Bishop
June the 13th 1722, Then came before us, the subscribers, Two of his Lordships Justices of the Peace for Dorchester County, Betty Caco and Pemetasusk above mentioned & subscribers to the above said Deed, and did then & there acknowledge the abovesd.  Deed unto Isaac Nicolls his Heirs and assigns from them the aforesd. Betty Caco and Pemetasusk, their Heirs and assigns and other their Indians unto him the aforesd. Isaac Nicolls, his Heirs & assigns for ever as witness our hands and seals the Day & year aforesd. Charles Nutter; Peter Taylor;
To all people to whome these present writing shall come know ye that we the aforesd.  Indians whose names are hereunto subscribed do by these presents acknowledge and Declare that the within Deed was by our Governors & Rulers made & confirmed unto the within mentioned Isaac Nicolls by & with our & every of our assents, consents & advice as Witness our hands & seales the day & year his aforesd.  Wacowestor; Dick; Cohonk; a such marsh; Wojhaneik; Paschach hoisi; Esqr. John; Tontawing; Mochocommonsk; Pregotos; Conig; Heerworhous Camsin; Teaamoush; Roseawaahous; Attahous; Jamy Monk; Anna Mosey; Athie; Woakas; Toychoy; Woodchop; and Coyahouse. 


4 June 1722 - 2 Old 138 - Dorchester County Deeds
To all to whom these Presents shall come: I, Betty Cacoe, Queen of the Ababco Indians of Dorchester County, and Pemetasusk, Queen of the Hard Swamp Indians of ye foresaid County, of our own meer motion with the full, free and unanimous consent of all the Indians under our command, for and in consideration of the sum of Four Pounds to us in hand paid by Wm. Murray of Dorch. County, hath given, granted, remised, released & for ever quit claim unto the said William Murray, his heirs and Assigns for ever, all our Estate, right, Title, Interest, Claim and Demand whatsoever wch. we ye said Betty Cacoe and Pemetasusk and our Indians under our Charge and Government, our and their heirs and successors, now hath or may claim to have of, in or to a parcell of Land lying at ye head of Blackwater in Dorchester County.  Beginning at a marked Oak standing in the head of Blackwater Branch, and in or near ye East South East Line of John Trivallions Land and running West North West, binding with ye said Trivallions Land, to a bounded Black Wallnutt being ye first bounded tree of the said Land, thence running North North East still binding with ye said land for a length of Sixty perches, thence West till it intersects our Westermost bounds, then with ye Westermost bounds of our Land so far as it goes, to ye Southward, Then East Seven degrees South to Blackwater Branch, then up ye branch binding therewith to ye first marked oak; containing Seventy Acres more or less, and of and in all ye Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments whatsoever to ye said Messuage or Tenements belonging or appertaining or to or with the same now used, Occupied or Enjoyed.  As Witness our hands and seals the fourth day of June Anno. Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and twenty two.  Signed, Sealed & Delivered in ye presence of Thomas Ennalls; Benny Clubber; William S. Spincer; James or Chinah; Wechateack; Waticamous; Betty Cacoe; Pemetasusk; Isaac or Worwouch; Tatowino; Gaiquefro; old Mr. George; Macknouse;  Tom Bishop; Paccahounk; Dick or Achquain; Mr. Wm.; Tobia; Abrahm. or Yeopachton; Teawatutusk; and James Munk.
On ye back of the within deed was ye following Endorsement viz.
June ye ?th 1722 Came before us ye subscribers, two of his Lordships Justices of the Peace for Dorchester County, Betty Cacoe, Queen of the Ababco Indians, and Pemetasusk, Queen of the Hatswampe Indians, and severall other their Indian subscribers to this present deed, and did acknowledge and deliver ye same to William iiurray as their act and deed. Given under our hands ye day and year first above written.  Henry Ennalls; Peter Taylor


10 June 1722 - 8 Old 84 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Memnu Att the Request of John Travillian the Following Deed was Enrolled June ye 10, 1722. To all to whom these presents shall come I, Betty Caco, Queen of the Ababco Indians of Dorchester County, and Pemetasusk, Queen of the hard swamp Indians of ye afd. County, of our own meer Motion with the full free and Unanimous Consent of all the Indians under our Command, for and in consideration of the sum of Forty Bushells of Indian Corn to us in hand paid by John Travillian, Planter, of Dorchester Coty., Hath given, Granted, Remis'd, Released, and quit claimed by these presents for them and Either of them, theirs and Either of their Heirs, Remise, Release and for Ever quit claim unto the sd. John Travillan, his Heirs and assignee for Ever, all our Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Claim, and Demand whatsoever, which we the said Betty Caco and Pemetasusk and our Indians now hath or may Claim to have in or to all the Lands which we have a Right to, lying within the bounds of a Tract of Land at the head of Blackwater called Ashbourn, containing by Estimation one Hundred and Fifty acres, and of and in all the Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments whatsoever to the said Messuage or Tenement Belonging or Appertaining to or with ye same now used, occupied or Enjoyed as Witness our hands and seals this 19 day of June 1722 Sign'd, seal!d and Delivered in the presents of us Tho: Howell; Thomas Griffith
Pama Uohusk; Betty Caco; Wehack Cask; Pemeta susk; Matta Commousk; Tata vin; Yeepa  Town; Mr. George; Thos. Bishop; Gin Nach; Jemey Monk;
On the back of the foregoing Deed was Indorsed as follows (viz.) June ye 10th 1725 Acknowledged by the within Indians. Test. G. Loockerman Clk.
N. B. Dorch. Goty. ss. Memo, that on the 10th day of June Anno Dom 1725 came into open court the within named Betty Caco and Pemetasusk together with other their Indians and did then & there of their own free voluntary will and const, before the worshipful. Henry Ennalls Esq. and other his associates the Justices of the same Court Judicially sitting acknowledge the within Instrument of writing to be the Right of the wth in Jno. Travillion to him his Heirs or assigns for Ever according to the true Intent purport & meaning there of.
Test G. Loockerman Clk.


19 June 1722 - 8 Old 84 - Dorchester County Deeds - 
Memm. at the request of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Howell, Rector of great Choptank Parish, the Following Deed was Enroled viz June the 10, 1725. Maryland Dorch, Ss,
To all to whom these presents shall come I, Betty Caco, Queen of the Ababco Indians of Dorchester County, and Pemetasusk, Queen of the hard Swamp Indians of the afd. County, of our own meer Motion with the full, free and Unanimous Consent of all the Indians under our command, for and in Consideration of the sum of Twenty pounds current money to us in hand paid by Thomas Howell, Rector of great Choptank Parish: Hath given, granted, Remised, Released, and quit claimed by these presents for them and Either of them, theirs, and Either of their Heirs, Remise, Release and for ever quit claim unto the said Thomas Howell, Rector, his Heirs and assigns for Ever, all our Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Claims, and Demand whatsoever, which wee the sd. Betty Caco & Pemetasusk and our Indians now hath or may Claime to have of, in or to all the Lands which we have Right to Lying within the bounds of a tract of Land lying at the head of Black water called Howells Regulation, containing by Estimation Twelve hundred Acres, and of and in all the Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments what so Ever to the sd. Messuage or Tenement belonging or appertaining to or with the same now used, occupied or Enjoyed, as Witness our hands and seals this 19 day of June 1722. Sign'd, seal'd and Delivered in the presents of us:  John Trivalion; Thomas Griffith
Malla Commousk; Jemey Monk; Pama Wohusk; Thos. Bishop; Wehack Cash; Betty Caco; Permeta susk; Tata vin; Mr. George; Yeepa Town; Gin Nack
Memm. on the back of the foregoing Deed was indors'd as followeth, viz. Dorch. County. ss. Memo, that on the 10th day of June Anno Dom. 1725 came into open Court the within named Betty Caco & Pemetasusk together with other Indians & did then & there of their own free voluntary will & Cont. before the worshipful Henry. Ennalls Esq. oc others his associates then ce there Justices of the same Court Judicially sitting acknowledge ye within Instrument of writing to be the right of the within named Thos. Howell to him his Heirs & assigns for Ever according to the true Intent purport & meaning thereof. Test. G. Loockerman Clk. Cot.


September 23-October 26, 1723 - Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly -
An Act for quieting the Possessions of the Indians inhabiting on Nanticoke and Choptank Rivers.
I. Whereas the Indians inhabiting on Nanticoke and Choptank Rivers, have complained to this General Assembly, of several encroachments made into the ancient bounds and limits of their lands heretofore granted them by the Lord Proprietor, and confirmed by several Acts of Assembly of this Province: For remedy whereof, and to prevent complaints of like Nature for the future,
II. Be it Enacted, by the Right Honourable the Lord Proprietor, by and with the advice and consent of his Lordship's Governor, and the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly, and the authority of the same, That the Nanticoke Indians, and their Descendants, shall have, hold, occupy, possess, and enjoy a free, peaceable and uninterrupted Possession, of all that Tract or parcel of land, lying between the Northwest Fork of Nanticoke River and Chicucone Creek, for and during such space of time as they, or any of them, shall think fit to use, and shall not wholly and totally desert and quit claim to the same, according as the same is butted and bounded by an Act of Assembly of this Province, made in the Year of our Lord Sixteen Hundred Ninety-eight, entitled, An Act for ascertaining the Bounds of a certain Tract of land, to the use of the Nanticoke Indians, so long as they shall occupy and live upon the same. And that the said Indians shall not at any time hereafter, sell, dispose of, or lease for Term of Years, any part or parcel of the aforesaid land, to any person or persons whatsoever.
And that the Choptank Indians, and their Descendants, so long as they shall occupy or claim, and shall not totally desert the same, shall hold and possess, quietly and peaceably, all that tract of land lying in Dorchester County, on Choptank River, according to the Metes and Bounds thereof, surveyed and returned by the Honourable Philemon Lloyd, Esqr Colonel Richard Tilghman, and Colonel Matthew Tilghman Ward, Commissioners appointed by his Honour the Governor to ascertain and lay out the same, pursuant to an Act of Assembly of this Province, made in the Year of our Lord Seventeen Hundred and Twenty-one, that survey being found pursuant and agreeable to the intent and design of one Act of Assembly, made at the city of St. Mary's, in the year of our Lord Sixteen Hundred Sixty-nine, by which that land was granted to the said Indians.
III. And be it further enacted, that the Choptank Indians aforesaid, at any Time hereafter, shall not on any pretence whatsoever, alienate, dispose, sell or let to farm, any part or
parcel of the lands before mentioned, except that part thereof which lies to the Eastward, Southward and Westward of those lines formerly run, from the head of Secretary Sewall's
Creek, to the bounded tree of William Dorrington, by Colonel Thomas Smithson, and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ennalls, as the exterior Bounds of the aforesaid Land, pursuant to an Ordinance of Assembly then made: And that if any person shall presume to purchase or lease any part thereof (except as before excepted) such purchase or lease shall be utterly void, and of none effect.
IV. And it is hereby further enacted, that no lease for term of years, or for life, already made, shall be of any force or effect longer than seven years after the end of this Session of Assembly, and that those persons who hold by virtue of any such lease from the said Indians, be, and are hereby obliged punctually and faithfully to pay and satisfy to such Indian or Indians, under whom they hold, the several and respective rents contracted for: And if any person shall refuse or delay to pay such rent yearly, as it becomes due, such lease shall become void; and it shall and may be lawful for any Justice of the Peace within the County where such rent shall arise and become due, and remaining unpaid, upon complaint to him made by such Indians, to issue warrant, give judgment, and award execution for the same, in the same manner as in the act for recovery of small debts is provided.
V. And be it further enacted, that all sales, gifts, grants, or leases, made by any the Indians aforesaid, since November Seventeen Hundred and Twenty-one, of any the lands lying
on the South Side of Secretary Sewall's Creek aforesaid, and the Southern Branch thereof, and within the lines run by Colonel Thomas Smithson, and Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Ennalls as aforesaid, being contrary to an Ordinance of Assembly then made, be, and are hereby declared to be null, void, and of no effect.
VI. Provided nevertheless, that such Ssrveys and purchases which have already, bona Fide, been made since November Seventeen Hundred and Twenty-one, or which hereafter shall be, bona Fide, made of any of the Choptank Indians Lands, comprehended within the metes and bounds surveyed and ascertained by the Honourable Philemon Lloyd, Esq; Colonel Richard Tilghman, and Colonel Matthew Tilghman Ward, Commissioners as aforesaid, and lying to the
Eastward, Southward or Westward of the Lines run by Colonel Thomas Smithson, and Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Ennals aforesaid, be, and are hereby confirmed and made valid
unto the purchasers or takers up of the same, and their heirs and assigns for ever; any thing in this Act to the contrary notwithstanding.
VII. Provided likewise, that such purchases by any person or persons of any land belonging to the Choptank Indians aforesaid, be made when those Indians are sober, and of sound and perfect memory; and the consideration agreed for paid, or secured to be paid to them, by such purchasers, before the executing of the deeds of sale; and that all deeds of sale hereafter made by the Indians aforesaid, shall be acknowledged by them before the Justices of the County in Court sitting, or before one or more of his Lordship's Council, who
are hereby empowered to take the same, otherwise to be void, and of no effect.


8 January 1726 - 8 Old 152 - Dorchester County Deeds -
THIS INDENTURE made the Eighteenth day of January in the Year of Our Lord God one Thousand Seven hundred and Twenty six BETWEEN Betty Caco, Ruler and Queen of the Ababcos Indians, & Pemetosusk, Queen and Ruler of the Hatswamps Indians, and the Indians Living and Residing on Great Choptank in Dorchester County in the province of Maryland of the one party & Henry Ennalls of the same County and province, Gentleman, of the other party, witnesseth that the afd. Betty Caco & Pemetasusk, of their own free Motion and with the Full, free and unanimous consent of all the Indians under them, for and in Consideration of the sum of Twenty Two pounds Sterl. money to them in hand paid or otherwise secured to be paid before the Ensealing and Delivery of These presents, ye Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged & of Every part parcell thereof they do Exonerate, acquit and Release and for Ever Dis- charge ye afd. Henry Ennalls, his heirs, Executors & Admrs., by these presents hath Given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, Enfeofed and confirmed & for them selves, their Heirs, Successors 5c Their Indians doth give, grant, bargain, sell, allien, Enfeoff and Confirm unto the afd. Henry Ennalls, his heirs and assigns for Ever, By the name of Ennalls Outrange, all that part of a Tract of Land Laid out for the said Choptank Indians by the Honourable Phillemon Loyd Esq., Col, Richard Tilghman & Col, Mathew Tilghman Ward, Commissioner appointed by his Hon. the Governor to ascertains and lay out ye same Pursuant to an act of assembly of this province made in the Year of our Lord, seventeen hundred and Twenty One, being and lying to the Eastward, southward and westward of the Lines formerly run by Col. Thomas Smithson & Leighftent, Col, Thomas Ennalls, Excepte what we have formerly sold to Goovert Loockerman, Thomas Howell, John Trevillion, William Hurray & Edward Newton, Containing by Estimation Three hundred acres be the same more or less, together with all and singular the houses, buildings, Lands, Tenements, Pastures, Meadows, grounds, woods, underwoods & all and singular ye Houses, buildings, Lands, tenements, pastures, Meadows, grounds, woods, under- woods & all and singular ye reversion and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders of them and every of them & also all the Estate, Right, Title or interest, Inheritance, use, possession, Claim and Demand whatsoever which they the afd. Betty Caco & Pemetosusk now hath, may, must, should or which their Heirs, successors or Indians afd. may or ought to Have of, in & to all and singular the Hereby bargained premises or any part or parcell Thereof, TO HAVE AND to hold the afd. Lands bounded as afd. & other and all and singular ye premises in these presents granted, bargained and sold together with all and their appurtenances to ye afd. Henry Ennalls his heirs and assigns for Ever & to no other use, Intent or purpose whatsoever, to hold the said Lands and all and singular the premises above by these presents granted (Except as before Excepted) of the Cheifest Lord or Lords of the fee at the Rent of one beaver skin yearly & Every year to be paid to ye Proprietary or Proprietors & the afd. Betty Caco & Pemetasusk for themselves, their heirs, successors & Indians Doth further Covenant, promise grant to & with the afd. Henry Ennalls, his heirs and assigns, that they, the afd. Bargained Lands & Premises & Every part and parcell Thereof above by these presents granted with all their appurtenances to ye afd, Henry Ennalls, his heirs and assigns, Against them, their heirs, successors and Indians & all other Claiming thereunto from, by or under them they shall and will for Ever warrant and Defend, AND further that they the afd. Betty Caco & Pemetosusk, their heirs & Successors, shall and will Prom time to time & at all times Hereafter for and during the spaces of seven Years fully to be Completed and Ended from ye Date of these presents at the reasonable Request & at the proper costs & charges of in the Law of the afd. Henry Ennalls, his heirs, Executrs. & Adms., make, doe, acknowledge, Execute & suffer or cause to be made, done, acknowledged, Executed or suffered all & Every such other further Act or Acts, thing or things, Device or Devices, assurance or assurances whatsoever in the Law Requisite for ye further more perfect & better assuring & more sure making of the hereby bargained Lands & premises and Every part and parcell Thereof unto the afd. Henry Ennalls, his heirs and assigns for Ever, be it by fine, feoffment, Recovery with single and double voucher over Deed or Deeds Enrolled, ye Enrolment of these presents, or otherwise as shall be by the afd. Henry Ennalls, his heirs, Executors or Admr. or Admrs, or his or their Council Learned in the Law be reasonably Devised advised or Required. IN WITTNESS whereof ye parties afd. to these presents have hereunto Interchangeably sett their hands & fixed their seals ye day & year first above written.
Agangh Quoh Jensh; Sarah; Robin Hood; Wicampo; Thomas Cohunk; Benjamin; Dick signs;
Samson Cuchop; Betty Bushop; Widdow Tattowin; Sam Overfeen;  Hewetuck; Hanney; Ginney; Petty; Mister John; Patrick; Mister William; Betty Cacoe Queen; Pemetosusk Queen;
Signunco; Wiesk; Tom Bishop; Signm; Popscoe; Sary; William Ashquash; Perrecohos;
Hyewoussouss signum; Amsimus; Wouss Signum; Weesanush; Pacowassamuck
Memorandum on the Back of the foregoing Deed in thus wrote viz. The within Deed signed, sealed and Delivered in the presences of us Joseph Ennalls; Nacowetok; Barzell Noel; George Woodhead; John Emails; P. Sympson; Fra. Jolly.
Then came before me the following Choptank Indians whose names are within subscribed (that is to say) Pemetosusk Queen, Tom Bishopp, Perretohas, Nocowetok, Janney, Wicampo, Widdow Tatawin, Nanny & Tom Cohunk and acknowledged and Declared that the within Deed of bargain & Sale was by the within named Betty Caco Together with our Chief Gouverns. & Rulers made and Confirmed unto the within Henry Ennalls by and with our and Every of Our assents Consents & advice which we desire may be ratified & confirmed according to the purport & Intent of the within bargain and sale wee having received our full proportions of the Considerations therein mentioned. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 24th Day of April anno. Dom. 1727. Wm. Holland.


9 September 1726 - 8 Old 141 - Dorchester County Deeds -
THIS INDENTURE made the ninth Day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and Twenty Six, Between Betty Caco, Queen of the ababco Indians, Daughter and heir of winne Caco late of Dorchester County Deceased who was Ruler and King of the afd. ababco Indians, and Pemetasusk, Queen of the hatch Swamps Indians, Daughter and heir of Patch yosk late of Dorchester County Decd. who was Ruler and King of the afd. Hatchswamp Indians, Together with the free will, approbation, advice and Consent of the Rulers, Governors, great men and others the afd. Indians with the Taquasons of the One part and Edward Newton of Dorchester County in the province of Maryland, planter, of the other part, wittnesseth that the afd. Betty Caco and Pemetasusk and Others the afd. Indians for and in consideration of the Sum of Six pounds Currant Money of Maryland to them in hand paid by the said Edward Newton or Otherwise Secured to be paid before the Ensealing and Delivery hereof, the Receipt whereof we do hereby and our Selves therewith fully, Entirely Satisfied, Contented and paid and there- of and of Every part and parcell thereof do Exonerate, Acquit and discharge the afd. Edward Newton, his heirs and assigns for Ever, by these presents have given, granted, bargained, Sold, alienated, Enfeofed and confirmed and by these presents do fully, freely and Absolutely give, grant, Bargain, Sell, alien and Convey and Confirm unto the said Edward Newton, his heirs and assigns for Ever, One Certain Tract or parcel of Land called Newtons purchase Beginning at a marked White Oak marked with nine notches standing on the North Side of the main branch of Thonnerly Hill Dam and in the fork of the branch in the said Newtons pasture, and from thence Runs North Sixty One Degrees East Two Hundred and Twenty perches, then North twenty One Degrees East One Hundred and Eighty perches, then west One Hundred and Twenty perches, then North Sixty Degrees west One Hundred Seventy two perches, then South twenty Degrees west Sixty perches, then South thirty two Degrees west One hundred perches, then South forty five Degrees west One Hundred and forty perches, then with a straight line to the first Tree; containing and now laid out for five hundred and fourteen acres more or less, to have and to hold the said Land and granted premises with the appurtenances, privileges & commodities to the Same Belonging or in any ways appertaining, to him the said Edward Newton, his heirs and assigns for Ever, to his and their only proper use, benefit and Behoofe for Ever; and we the said Betty Caco, Pemetasusk and Others the afd. Indians and Every of them Do Covenant, promise and grant to and with the said Edward Newton, his heirs and assigns, that Before the Ensealing of these presents we are the true, Sole and Lawful Owners of the above bargained premises and are Lawfully Seized and possessed of the same in our proper Right as a good, perfect and absolute Estate of Inheritance and have in our selves good Right, full power and Lawful Authority to grant, bargain, sell, convey and Confirm the said bargained premises in manner and form as abovesaid and that the said Edward Newton, his heirs and assigns, shall and may from time to time & at all Times for Ever hereafter by Virtue of these presents Lawfully, peaceably and quietly have, hold, use, occupy, possess and Enjoy the said Demised and bargained premises with the appurtenances free and clear and freely and clearly acquitted, Exonerated & Discharged of and from all manner of former gifts, grants, bargains, sales, leases, entails or any Other Encumbrance and Troubles whatsoever and we the said Betty Caco, Pemetasusk, together with the Great men and Other the afd. Indians, unanimously covenant and bind our selves, our heirs & successors firmly by these presents to warrant and Defend the said Edward Newton his heirs and assigns in quiett and peaceable possession of all and singular the said granted premises against any Just & Lawful Claim of any person or persons whatsoever; in Witness whereof wee Betty Caco & Pemetasusk together with the great men & Others of the aforesaid Indians whose names are hereunto Subscribed have hereunto set our hands & seals the Day and year first above written. Signed, Sealed and Delivered In the presence of Henry Hooper; John Anderton; William Scotten;
Widow Tatowin; Permeta Sicsh; Arquasuckanack; Betty Caco; Tallowin; Tom Bishop; Six Pence; Dick; Weanchum; Bonna Clabbo; and Nannee Cahonke
On the Back of the foregoing Deed of Sale is Indorsed as followeth viz. Dorchester County ss. be it Remembered that on the 11th day of November Annoq. Domini One Thousand Seven hundred and twenty six came into open court the within named Betty Caco, Pemetasusk and some others, the Chief of the Indians, and did then and there of their own voluntary free will & consent before the Worshipful Henry Ennalls Esq. and his associates, then Justices of the same Court Judicially sitting, acknowledge the within written Deed and the Lands and premises therein contained to be the right of the within named Edward Newton his Heirs and assigns for Ever according to the True Intent Purport and Meaning of the same Deed. Test G. Loockerman Cur. Com. Dor. 


9 September 1726 - 8 Old 142 - Dorchester County Deeds
THIS INDENTURE made ye Ninth Day of September in the Eleventh year of the Dominion of ye right Honorable Charles Lord Proprietary &ca. and in the year of our Lord Christ One thousand Seven hundred & twenty six BETWEENE Permeta Sisk, Queen of the hard swamps, Betty Carco, Queen of the Ababco Indians, Tom Bishop & Bonna-clabbo of Dorchester County in the Province of Maryland of the one part, and John Anderton of the same County and province of the other part, Planter, WITTNESSETH that the said Parmetasusk, betty Carco, Tom Bishop, and Baunaclabbo, on behalf of them Selves and all others the Indians belonging to the said Two Nations of the hard Swamps and Ababco1s, have for and in Consideration of the sum of Three pounds fifteen shillings Currant Money to them in hand paid before the Ensealing & Delivery of these presents, the Receipt whereof they the said Parmetasisk, Betty Carco, Tom Bishop, & Banna-clabba, do acknowledge & of every part & parcel thereof do hereby Clearly and absolutely acquit, Exonerate & for Ever Discharge him the said John Anderton, his heirs, Executors and Administrators, and by these presents have given, granted & bargained, sold, alienated, enfeofed and Confirmed and by these presents for them selves, and all others, the Indians belonging to ye said two Nations of the hard Swamps, and ababco's & their Heirs, do Give, Grant, bargain, sell, alien, Enfeof and Confirm unto him the said John Anderton, his heirs and assigns for Ever, all that part or parcel of Land called or known by the name of Bath, Beginning at a bounded white Oak standing at the head of Secretary's Creek, on the South Side thereof, it being a tree marked for the said Indians, as a bounder of their late survey, and Runs from thence South twenty Three Degrees, East two hundred & Sixty perches, thence west one hundred and fifty three perches, thence North two hundred & thirty perches, to the said Secretary's creek, thence East up the said Creek bounded therewith to ye aforesaid white Oak, containing One hundred and fifty one acres more or less, Together with all patents, writings, Emoluments, houses Out houses, Orchards, gardens, fencings, with all and Singular the Benefits, privileges, and advantages thereunto belonging, or in any ways appertaining. To have and to hold all and Singular the hereby bargained Lands & premises with Every part and parcel thereof unto him the said John Anderton, his heirs and assigns for Ever, and to the only proper use & behoof of him the said John Anderton, his heirs and assigns for Ever more and to no other Use, Intent or purpose Whatsoever; and the said Permetasisk, Betty Carco, Tom Bishop and Banna-clabbo for them selves and all others afd. & their heirs do further covenant, Promise and Grant to and with the Said John Anderton, his heirs, Executors, Adminisrs. & Assigns by these presents that they the Said Permetasisk, Betty Carco, Tom Bishop & Bonna-clabbo & all others aforesaid and their heirs the hereby bargained Lands and Premises with Every part and parcel thereof unto him the said John Anderton, his heirs and assigns, shall and will for Ever Warrant and defend against any manner of person or persons Whatsoever Lawfully Laying claim thereto by from or under them or any of then, their heirs &c. In Wittness whereof the said Permetasisk; Betty Carco;Tom Bishop & bonna-clabbo with the others aforementioned have hereunto Set their hands and Seals the Day and year above written.  Six Pence; Permeta Sisk; Weanchum; Betty Carco; Nanne Cahonk; Tom Bishop; Widow Tatowin; Dick; Little John; and Bonna Clabbo.
On the Back of the foregoing Deed of Sale is Indorsed as followeth viz. Dorchester County Sct. Be it Remembered that on the 12th day of November Anno. Dom. 1726 Came into open Court the within Named Permetasisk, Betty Carco and Some others the Chief of the Indians and did then and there of their own Voluntary free will and con- sent before the Worshipfull Henry Ennalls Esq. and his associates Justices of the Same Court Judially Sitting, acknowledge the within written Deed and the Lands and Premises therein Containing to be the Wright of the within named John Anderton, his heirs and assigns for Ever according to the true Intent Purport and meaning of the same Deed. Test G. Loockerman Ct. Cur. Com. Dor.


2 June 1727 - 8 Old 161 - Dorchester County Deeds -
THIS INDENTURE made this second day of June in the year of our Lord god one Thousand seven hundred Twenty and seven Between Pemetasusk, Queen and Ruler of the Hatch swamps Indians, and We- campo, Ruler of the abaco Indians, Together with the free will, approbation, advice and Consent of the Governors, Great men and others the aforesaid Indians of the one part and Henry Trippe of Dorchester County in the province of Maryland, planter, of the other part, Witnesseth that the aforesaid Pemetasusk and Wecampo and others the aforesaid Indians, for and in consideration of the sum of Twenty six pounds Currant money of this province to us in hand paid by the aforesaid Henry Trippe before the Ensealing and Delivery hereof, the Receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge our selvs therewith fully and Entirely satisfied and contented and thereof and of Every part and parcel Thereof do Exonerate, acquitt and Discharge the said Henry Trippe, his heirs and assigns for Ever, by these presents have given, granted, bargained, sold, alienated, Conveyed and Confirmed and by these presents do fully and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, Convey and Confirm unto the said Henry Trippe, his heirs and assigns for Ever, one Certain Tract or parcel of Land lying and being in Dorchester County on the south side of great Choptank River and in the fork of secretarys creek, it being a part of a Tract or parcel of Land called and known by the name of Bath, Beginning at the fork of the aforesaid secretaries Creek and Running up the aforesaid southermost branch of the aforesaid Creek to the Exterior bounds of the Line Run Esq. Philemon Loyd, Col, Richard Tilgh- man and Col, Mathew Tilghman Ward for the aforesaid Indians, and Running with the aforesaid Line to the Eastermost branch of the aforesaid secretaries Creek, and with the branch or creek to the First bounder, by Estimation five hundred acres More or Less; To have and to hold the said granted and bargained Premises with the appurtenances, privileges and Commodities to the same belonging or in any way appertaining him the said Henry Trippe, his heirs and assigns for Ever, to his and their own proper use, Benefit and behoof for Ever; and we the said Pemetasusk and Wecampo and others the aforesaid Indians and every of them do Covenant, promise and grant to and with the said Henry Trippe, his heirs assigns, that before the Ensealing of these presents were all the true, sole and Lawful Owners of the above bargained premises and am Lawfully seized and possessed of the same in our proper right as a good perfect & absolute Estate of Inheritance, and have in ourselves good Right, full power and Lawful authority to grant, Bargain, sell and confirm the said Bargained premises in Manner and form as abovesaid; and the said Henry Trippe, his heirs and assigns, shall and may from time to time and at all times for Ever hereafter, by virtue of these presents, Lawfully, Peaceably and quietly have, hold, use, occupy, possess and Enjoy the said Demised and bargained premises with the appurtenances free and clear and freely and clearly acquitted, Exonerated and Discharged of and from all manner of former gifts, grants, bargains, sales, leases, entails or any other Encumbrances and Troubles whatsoever, the Rents and services to become due for Ever from him the said Henry Trippe, his heirs and assigns for Ever; and we, the said Penetasusk and Wecampo, and we of the great Men Chief Rulers and others the aforesaid Indians Unanimously do further covenant and bind our selves, our heirs and successors, firmly by these presents Do warrant and Defend the said Henry Trippe, his heirs and assigns in Quiet and peaceable possession of all and singular the said granted premises against any Just and Lawful Claim of any person or persons whatsoever; in Witness whereof we the said Penetasusk and Wecampo and all wee of the great men and Chief Rulers and others the aforesaid Indians whose names are hereunto subscribed have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year First above written. Signed sealed and Delivered in the presence of Isaac Nicolls; B.W. Ennalls Junr; Sha. Feddeman; Pemetosusk, Queen; Wecampo; Tom Bishop; Scoweto; Highwassuk; Heaack; Weanchum; Watsawasco; Tom Cohunk; Woscoerfixpe; Dick; Isaac; Sacowouks; Widow Tatowin; Asegeconok Bett; and Tetwock. 
On the back of the Foregoing Deed of sale is Endorsed as followeth viz, Dorchester County Sct. Be it Remembered that on the fifteenth day of June anno Domini one Thousand Seven hundred and Twenty seven came into open court the within named Pemetasusk, Tom Bishop and the others within and those above signing the same Deed and Did then and there of their own Voluntary free will and Consents before the Worshipful Major Henry Ennalls and his associates, Justices of the same Court Then Judicially sitting, acknowledge the within written Deed and the Lands and Premisses therein contained to be the Right of the within Named Henry Trippe his heirs and assigns for Ever according to the true Intent, meaning and purport of the said Deed. Received July ye 8th 1727 of Henry Trippe to the value of Twenty six pounds Currant Money it being in full for a Tract of Land sold him called Bath and edition to bath Received by us.
Test. G. Loockerman Clk Cur Com Dor. Tests. Andrew A. Willoughby James Hicks
George Twigg; Nehatuckwis; Chohsonawask.  On the Back of the aforegoing Receipt was Indorsed as followeth viz. Aug. the 9th 1727 Came personally before me the Subscriber, one of His Lordships Justices of the peace for Dorchester County, Andrew Willoughby and George Twigg and Made Oath on the Holy Evangelist of almighty God that they saw the within named Henry Trippe pay unto the within Mentioned Indians the within specified sum of Twenty six pounds Currant money & that they saw the said Indians Receive the Same on & for the said Lands mentioned in this said Receipt on the Back Heroof and that they saw the said Indians sign the with: in Rect: and were contented and satisfd: Certified - Tho: Taylor Just: Ct: Co: Recd: June ye 23 of Henry Trippe the sum of four pounds Currant Money and forty gallons sider it being for four years Rent of a Tract of Land called Bath as pr: agreement by us made Recd: pr: us Test Daniel Cox; Queen Pemetasusk; Tom Bishop; Weachoweto; and Buterman.


9 August 1727 - 8 Old 165 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Know all men by these presents that I Henry Ennalls Senr., of Dorchester County in the province of Maryland, have promised, released, and for just claimed, unto William Fooks and Mary, his wife,.  I the said Henry Ennalls have of and in one part of a tract of land called the _______ that John Foster gave his daughter Mary Fooks laying on the side of Haywards Dam which right and title I the said Henry Ennalls do hold by virtue of a purchase made from the Choptank Indians which land as of to remain to the said William Fooks and Mary his wife.  Witness:  W. Ennalls, Joseph Ennalls. 


10 May 1729 - 8 Old 279 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture made the tenth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine between Henry Ennalls of Great Choptank Parish, the county of Dorchester, Gentleman, of the one and Thomas Airey, Rector of said Parish in this county:  the lower half part of "Ennalls Ridge," beginning at a marked oak landing on the upper side of a branch that leads through John Wheelers Plantation and from thence up the said Branch until it intersects the southwest line of the Indian Land and with the said land 6 degrees west to a cedar post and bounded red Oak, it being the first bounder of the said land called "Ennalls Ridge" and from thence the readws? courses of the said land will canGrants? the bounded Oak standing by the said branch.  Containing by estimation 150 acres more of less.  Witness: Henry Ennalls Junior, Bartholomew Ennalls. 


3 July 1735 - 9 Old 310 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture made the third day of July in the year of our Lord on thousand seven hundred and thirty-five between Sarah Kirke of Dorchester County, widow and devisee of John Kirke, late of the same county, deceased, and Ann Kirke of the same county, spinster daughter of aforesaid John Kirke of the one part and John Stewart of the same county of the other part.  Witnesseth that the said Sarah Kirke and Anne Kirke for and in consideration of the sum of four thousand pounds of tobacco:   All that tract or parcel of land formerly called or known by the and of "Perth" by the Metes and bounds following.  Beginning at an arched hickory standing on the east side of Black Water River and just by the side of a Beaver Dam that issues our of the head of the aforesaid River, it being the fourth original bounded tree of the said land thence runs North West 14 perches; then North 27 degrees West 10 perches; then North 80 degrees West 42 perches; then North North West 14 perches; then North 6 degrees East 9 perches; then north 22 degrees West 20 perches; then North West 14 perches; then North 16 degrees West 14 perches; then North 64 degrees West 20 perches; then North 38 degrees West 12 perches; then North 50 perches; then North 35 degrees East 14 perches then South East 186 perches; then by a straight line to the said marked hickory.  Containing and laid out for 63 acres more or less.  Also full right good power and absolute authority for the said John Stewart, his heirs or assigns to fall, cut down, maul, and carry away for the use of the land aforesaid, all such timber as now is or shall hereafter grow on another tract of land now in the possession of the said Sarah Kirke, situated, lying, and being on the south side of the road that leads from Richard Manning's gate to the head of Shoal Creek, and formerly purchased from the Indians by John Kirke.


14 February 1745 - 14 Old 1 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Thomas Howell to John Stewart Junior:  part of "Howell's Regulation," adjioning "Ashbourne" and lands of Dr. William Murray and the Indians.  Containing 104 acres more or less.


14 November 1750 - 14 Old 462 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Isaac Nicolls of Dorchester County, Gentleman, to Ebenezer White of the same county, Gentleman:  part of a tract on Great Choptank River, Secretary Creek, and Goose Creek bought by Isaac Nicolls Senior from the Choptank Indians, containing 250 acres more or less. 


20 November 1750 - 14 Old 494 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Henry Ennalls Junior of Dorchester County, Gentleman, to Henry Murray of the same county, Chyrurgeon:  "Ennalls Purchase" at the head of the northernmost  branch of Blackwater River, adjoining "Murray's Settlement" and "Manning's Marsh," on the road from Cambridge to Ezekiel Keene's, containing 16 acres more or less.  Mentions purchase of said land from the Indians by Henry Ennalls, grandfather of grantor.


23 July 1856 - 15 Old 374 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Henry Ennalls Jr., of Dorchester County to Thomas Manning, of the same county, blacksmith:  part of a tract bought by Henry Ennalls from the Indians, called "Ennalls Outrange" containing 53 acres more or less.


11 April 1757 - 15 Old 475 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Henry Ennalls Jr., to Thomas Ennalls, gentleman:  part of "Ennalls Outrange" bought by Henry Ennalls the grandfather of said Henry Ennalls Jr. from the Indians.  20 acres


6 October 1759 - 16 Old 242 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Nehemiah Fromanteel, merchant, to John Hicks: personal property.  Schedule of debts made over to Hicks include:  George Pocatahouse (Indian), Indian Mary, Richard Travers (Somerset Indian), William Cohunk (Indian)...


28 January 1760 - 17 Old 17 - Dorchester County Deeds -
James Phillips of Dorchester County, and Ann, his wife, and Joseph Fooks and Mary Kirk, his wife, of Dorchester County, to Charles Goldsborough:  200 acres near Cambridge town, adjoining land conveyed by said James Phillips to John Woollford.  Also adjoining the Indian land and adjoining land of Thomas Howell.


11 December 1760 - 17 Old 229 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Joseph Fookes and Mary Kirk Fookes, his wife, of Dorchester County, to Charles Goldsborough of the same county:  part of the lands purchased from the Indians by John Kirk, deceased, grandfather of said Mary Kirk Fookes; excepting what lies in the town of Cambridge and that part purchased of John Woolford from James Phillips.  Also six lots in Cambridge, all now in the possession of said Charles Goldsborough.


1 January 1761 - 17 Old 296 - Dorchester County Deeds -
James Phillips of Dorchester County, and Ann, his wife, James Benn of the same county, and Sarah, his wife, to John Caile of the same county:  part of the land formerly bought of the Indians by John Kirk, deceased, father of said Ann Phillips and grandfather of said Sarah Benn.


13 January 1761 - 17 Old 239 - Dorchester County Deeds -
James Phillips of Dorchester County, shipwright, and Ann, his wife to John Caile of the same county, Gentlemen:  part of the land on Choptank River bought from Indians by John Kirk, father of said Ann Phillips.


17 March 1761 - 17 Old 284 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Joseph Fooks and Mary Kirk, his wife, and James Benn and Sarah, his wife, granddaughters of John Kirk, deceased, to John Woollford of the same county:  part of the tract formerly called "Ricarton", but now called "Phillips Discovery", bought by John Kirk from the Indians on Shoal Creek and Cambridge Creek.  Containing 378 acres more or less.


13 July 1761 - 17 Old 389 - Dorchester County Deeds -
James Benn and Sarah, his wife, (granddaughter and heiress of John Kirk, deceased) to Charles Goldsborough:  part of the land formerly purchased by said John Kirk from the Indians, excepting parts sold by said Benn & wife to John Woollford, Wm. Murray, and John Anderson.


13 July 1761 - 17 Old 392 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Charles Goldsborough to James Benn & Sarah, his wife:  part of the land bought by James Kirk from the Indians, purchased by said Goldsborough from Joseph Fookes and Mary Kirk, his wife.


9 November 1761 - 17 Old 452 - Dorchester County Deeds -
James Been of Dorchester County, Mariner, and Sarah, his wife, to John Caile of Dorchester County:  part of the land bought by John Kirk from the Indians, on Shallow Creek.


16 November 1761 - 18 Old 12 - Dorchester County Deeds -
James Phillips and Ann, his wife, of Dorchester County to Charles Goldsborough:  their part of lands lying between the Indian boundary and a tract called "Ricarton", where the town of Cambridge is located.


17 June 1765 - 20 Old 150 - Dorchester County Deeds -
Richard Glover, planter, & Elizabeth, his wife, to Mary Hicks, widow:  parts of "Clift", "Clifton", "Busby", and "Hog Hole" on the east side of Jenkins Creek and on Indian Cabin Cove.  Containing 100 acres

 

 


1785 - AN ACT to vest certain powers in the Governor and the Council.
(Laws of 1785, Ch. 88)

IV. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the governor and the council be authorized and requested to appoint some fit and proper person to treat with the Indians entitled, under any act of assembly, to any lands in Dorchester County, for the purchasing the said lands, or any part thereof, on behalf of this state, and to agree with them on the terms of the said purchase for a certain annual sum to be paid to the said Indians as long as any of them shall remain, and to take a deed to the state expressing the conditions, which said deed shall be acknowledged before the general court of the eastern shore, or the court of Dorchester county, in open court, at the election of the said Indians; and if such purchase be made, the person so appointed shall sell the same, at auction, for current money, in such lots or parcels as will probably bring the best price, on a credit of one third of the purchase money annually until the whole is paid, with interest annually on the several sums, or the governor and the council may, in their discretion, direct a sale of the said lands for state or continental government securities, and eight weeks notice shall be given previous to the sale in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and New-York news-papers.


1790 - AN ACT for appointing commissioners to contract for and purchase the Indian lands in Dorchester County, and for appropriating the same to the use of this State. (Laws of 1790, Ch. 43)
BE IT ENACTED, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That Nicholas Hammond, Daniel Sullivane, James Shaw, John Eccleston and James Steele be and they are hereby appointed Commissioners to promote the purposes hereinafter mentioned and the said Commissioners or a Majority of them shall have full power and authority to execute and perform the several trusts and duties vested in and required of them by virtue of this Act; and if any of the said Commissioners shall refuse to act, resign, die, or remove* out of the County, it shall be lawful for the remaining Commissioners or a majority of them to appoint another skilful Person or Persons to supply such vacancies; and every Person so appointed shall have the same power and authority as any of the Commissioners appointed by this Act. AND BE IT ENACTED, that the said Commissioners, or a major part of them, shall be and hereby are authorized and empowered with all convenient speed after the Passage of this Act to repair to the Indian Settlement near Secretary's Creek in Dorchester County, and to contract, covenant and agree in behalf of this State, with the Choptank Indians inhabiting the said Settlement for the purchase of all and singular the Lands, Tenements and appurtenances belonging to the said Indians, and to enter into such covenant and agreement on the part of this State for enabling the said Commissioners to obtain the right and title of the said Indians to the said Lands, Tenements and appurtenances as in their discretion and judgment shall be deemed advisable: Provided nevertheless that in making such contract and agreements it shall be covenanted and agreed by the said Indians that the right, title and Interest of and in the said lands, tenements and appurtenances shall be granted by the said Indians and for ever thereafter vested and confirmed in this State, and that in Consideration thereof it shall be covenanted and agreed by the said Commissioners on the part of this State, that there shall be reserved to the said Indians for their own Cultivation and improvement, a quantity of the said Land not exceeding three hundred acres; to be so laid off by the said Commissioners as to include their present settlements and a suitable proportion of the wood land; and that the quantity of Land so reserved shall be held, used and occupied by the said Indians so long as their Tribe shall continue to inhabit the said settlement; and also that an annuity in Current money not exceeding three hundred Dollars, shall be settled on the said Indians and be payable for their use quarterly out of the Treasury of the Eastern Shore, to the orders of such person or friend as the said Indians shall from time to time appoint to draw the same; and that the payment of such annuity shall commence on the first Monday of January next ensuing the date of such agreement, and be payable as aforesaid so long as the said tribe shall continue in their said settlement. AND BE IT ENACTED, that on the Completion of such contract and agreement the terms thereof shall be fully and distinctly written on parchment or paper, and the same shall be subscribed and executed in the presence of two Justices of the Peace of the said County by the said Indians or by some of them, on the part and with the consent of their tribe, and by the said Commissioners, or the major part of them on the behalf of this State; and the attestation thereof shall be made and certified by the said Just- ices; and the said agreement shall in some convenient time there- after, be deposited in the office of the Clerk of the said County and be recorded by him among the land records of the County, and after the enrollment thereof the same shall be transmitted by the said Commissioners to the Governor and Council, to be filed and retained by them for safe custody. AND BE IT ENACTED that after the completion and execution of the said contract and agreement the said Commissioners shall determine on a certain day when they shall meet together at the said Indian Settlement, and shall cause a summons to be served on the Surveyor of the said County or on such other qualified person as they shall nominate for this purpose, directing him to be and appear at such time and place in order to survey the said lands; and shall give public notice of their intentions to survey the same by advertisement to be set up at the Court House of the said County, and at other public places in the neighborhood; And the said Commissioners and Surveyor, or other qualified Person, summoned as aforesaid, shall accordingly meet at such time and place, and shall thereupon proceed from time to time to make an accurate survey of the said Lands, and of the several Creeks, branches, tenements, roads and other particulars in the discretion of the said Commissioners, which may be necessary to furnish a Just Idea of their situation and value; and after such survey thereof, the said Surveyor shall make an exact and correct plot thereof, describing thereon the said several tenements Creeks, branches and roads, and such other particulars as shall be directed by the said Commissioners; and shall thereto annex a full and plain Certificate of such survey and of the actual boundaries, courses, distances, quantity of acres and such other particulars, as shall by directed as aforesaid; and shall subscribe and Seal the same. AND BE IT ENACTED that the said Surveyor, under the directions of the said Commissioners shall lay off the quantity of Land reserved for the said Indians, as is herein before mentioned, including their present settlement and a suitable proportion of the wood land, and shall distinctly mark and bound the same; and thereupon the said Surveyor under the direction of the said Com- missioners shall proceed to lay off the remaining lands in lots, each lot to contain not less than one hundred, nor more than three hundred acres, unless a departure from this direction should become necessary by the interference of creeks, branches, roads or angles; and in laying off the said lots, due regard shall be had to situation, Soil, timber and other Circumstances, so as to make them as equal in value as the nature of the subject will admit; and each respective lot shall be numbered, marked and bounded in such manner as shall be directed by the said Commissioners; and the Land reserved as aforesaid and the said respective Lots shall be located, distinguished and numbered upon the said plot; and distinct Certificates of their respective bounds and quantities shall be likewise annexed and subscribed by the said Surveyor. AND BE IT ENACTED that the said Surveyor under the direct- ions of the said Commissioners shall lay off a road through the said lands, to unite at each end thereof with the Main road leading from Cambridge to New Market in the said County, of the width of forty feet clear of Ditches, fences or other encumbrances, and as straight in its direction as the branches, soil and Situation of the ground will permit; and a location of the said road, so laid off, shall likewise be made upon the plot and Certified by the said Surveyor; and the said Commissioners shall immediately thereafter cause the said road to be made, cleared, grubbed, ditched and plowed up in all such places where such respective labor may be necessary, and shall cause the same to be completed, and afterwards examined by two of the Neighboring Magistrates; and when the said road shall be completed and examined as afore- said if the said Magistrates shall approve thereof, a Certificate of such road shall be returned by them to the County Court of the said County to be recorded, and the same shall be thereafter deemed and taken as a public road. AND BE IT ENACTED that the said Commissioners shall keep and subscribe a fair account of their proceedings and lawful expenditures in the execution of their trust and immediately after the duties herein before prescribed shall be performed, their said proceedings and expenditures, together with a Correct Duplicate of the Plot and Certificates of the said Surveyor, shall be trans- mitted by the said Commissioners to the Treasurer of the Eastern Shore, and the original plot and Certificates of the said Surveyor shall be deposited in the office of the Clerk of the County, to be filed by him and retained for safe custody, AND BE IT ENACTED, that the said Treasurer in a Convenient time after the receipt of such proceedings, shall give public notice for the space of six weeks by advertisements to be inserted in the Easton, Baltimore and Annapolis news papers, and set up in public places in the neighboring Counties, that the said Indian Lands aforesaid are allotted and intended for public sale, at a certain time and place to be mentioned in such advertisements; and the said Treasurer shall accordingly attend at the time and place appointed, and shall proceed to expose the said lots to sale by the acre, and the same shall be respectively struck off to the highest bidder upon the following terms and not otherwise; The purchaser shall pay into the hands of the Treasurer one eighth part of the Purchase money, and shall give bond to this State with approved security for the payment of the balance of the said Purchase money in specie, in three annual installments, The Lands belonging to the Purchasers and their Securities at the time of such sale, shall be bound from the passage of their respective Bonds for the payment of the Purchase money, or so much thereof as may be due. AND on a Compliance with the foregoing terms of sale by any Purchaser, it shall be lawful for the said Treasurer, and he is hereby authorized and empowered, to execute and acknowledge in due form of law, a deed of bargain and Sale to such purchaser for the Lot or Lots, respectively sold, describing the said lot or lots in such deed according to the Surveyors Certificate thereof; and thereupon, and upon the due enrollment thereof, the right title and Interest of the State shall thereby vested in such Purchaser and his heirs in fee simple, And the said Treasurer shall proceed in his discretion to expose the said lots to sale at the time mentioned in the said advertisements, or for sufficient reason, may adjourn the Sales to such other time or times as shall seem to him advisable, so as to promote a fair and Honest State of the premises aforesaid. AND BE IT ENACTED, that each of the said Commissioners shall be entitled to receive fifteen shillings for every day he shall be necessarily employed in the execution of this trust; and that the said Surveyor shall be entitled to the same fees as on other Surveys; and that the said Treasurer shall be entitled to receive a Commission of one per Cent on the Amount of the Sales of the said lots. And the said expenses and all other in making and Completing the road herein before directed to be laid off, made and completed, and in the employment of Chain Carriers and other lawful expenditures incurred by Virtue of this Act, shall be defrayed out of the money paid down by the purchasers as afore- said, and paid by the said Treasurer to the respective parties entitled to receive the same; and the said Treasurer shall keep a Correct account of all such payments and of his proceedings in the premises; and the same, together with the bonds taken in Virtue of this Act, and the several vouchers for his payments, and the proceedings and expenditures of the said Commissioners shall be lodged by him in the Treasury of the Western Shore and be subject to the inspection of the General Assembly when the same shall be required. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the Treasurer of the Eastern Shore shall be authorized and he is hereby required, after the execution of the trusts herein before mentioned and the times limited, to pay the orders drawn as aforesaid, for the use of the said Indians out of any un-appropriated money in the Treasury of his shore; and if there should be no such money, in his Treasury at the time of application, then the said orders shall be payable by the Treasurer of the Western Shore out of any un-appropriated money in that Treasury. AND BE IT ENACTED that it shall not be lawful for the said Indians to sell, grant, lease or otherwise dispose of the lands to be reserved to them by Virtue of this Act, or any part thereof, for any estate or in any manner whatsoever; and if any Person or Persons after the Completion of the Contract and agreement afore- said shall presume to purchase, lease, or in any manner take the said lands, or any part thereof, of the said Indians or any of them contrary to this act, such person or persons shall forfeit and pay the sum of ten pounds Current money; and his, her or their Estate therein shall be void and of no effect; and the party or parties shall be trespassers; and for such trespass, and for every other trespass in any manner committed upon the said reserved Lands, the party or parties shall be liable to be sued in the name of this State, and on conviction, double damages shall be recovered and the Costs of Suit. Provided Nevertheless, AND BE IT ENACTED that before any Commissioner appointed or to be appointed in Virtue of this Act, shall proceed to execute the trust hereby reposed in him, he shall take an oath or affirmation before some Justice of the peace of the said County "that he will faithfully and honestly according to the best of his skill and Judgment execute and perform the several trusts and duties required of him by this Act, without Affection partiality or prejudice" And the taking thereof shall be certified by such Justice and trans- mitted to the Treasurer of the Eastern Shore together with the proceedings of the said Commissioners. And provided also, that if any of the said lots at the time of the Sale thereof, shall be occupied by any lawful Tenant of the said Indians, such tenant shall be permitted to have and possess the quiet enjoyment of the said Land until the last day of the ensuing December, and shall account with the said Indians for the rent due in the same manner as if this Act had not been passed. (Repealed by 1798 Ch. 82.)


1798 - AN ACT appointing commissioners to contract for and purchase the lands, commonly called the Choptank Indian Lands, in Dorchester County, and for appropriating the same to the use of this state, and to repeal the Act of assembly therein mentioned. (Laws of 1798, Ch. 82)
BE IT ENACTED, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That Henry Waggaman, William B. Martin, James Steele, Moses Lecompte and William Marbury, be and they are hereby appointed commissioners to promote the purposes herein after mentioned; and the said commissioners, or a majority of them, shall have full power and authority to execute and perform the several trusts and duties vested in and required of them by virtue of this act; and if any of the said commissioners shall refuse to act, resign, die, or remove out of the state, it shall be lawful for the remaining commissioners, or a majority of them, to appoint another skilful person or persons to supply such vacancies, and every person so appointed shall have the same power and authority as any of the commissioners appointed by this act, II. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the said commissioners, or the major part of them, shall be and are hereby authorized and empowered, with all convenient speed after the passage of this act, to repair to the Indian settlement near Secretary's creek, in Dorchester county, and to contract, covenant and agree, in behalf of this state, with the Choptank Indians inhabiting the said settlement, for the purchase of the right, title and interest, of the said Indians, to all and singular the lands and tenements afore- said, and to enter into such covenant and agreement on the part of this state, for enabling the said commissioners to obtain the right and title of the said Indians to the said lands, tenements  and appurtenances, as in their discretion and judgment shall be deemed advisable; provided nevertheless, that in making such contract and agreements it shall be covenanted and agreed by the said Indians, that the right, title and interest, of and in the said lands, tenements and appurtenances, shall be granted by the said Indians, and for ever thereafter vested and confirmed in this state, and that, in consideration thereof, it shall be covenanted and agreed by the said commissioners, on the part of this state, that there shall be reserved to the said Indians, for their own cultivation and improvement, a quantity of the said land, not exceeding one hundred acres, to be so laid off by the said commissioners as to include their present settlements, and a suitable proportion of the woodland, and that the quantity of land so reserved, shall be held, used and occupied, by the said Indians, so long as they, or any of them, or their descendants, shall continue to inhabit the said settlement; the said commissioners, or a majority of them, may agree to pay each individual of the said Indians who now claims title to, and receives rents from, said land, such annuity as may be agreed upon between said commissioners and said Indians, provided that the aggregate amount of such annuities shall not exceed the sum of six hundred dollars, and such annuities shall be payable for their use quarterly, out of the treasury of the western shore, to the orders of such persons, or friends, as the said Indians may respectively from time to time appoint to draw the same, and that the said annuity shall commence on the first day of January next ensuing the date of such agreement; and the annuity allowed to any Indian as aforesaid shall, upon the death of said Indian, descend and be paid to such person or persons as under the laws of this state would be entitled to have the personal estate of said Indian, in case said Indian died intestate, leaving personal estate, and be transmitted in same manner; provided, that no annuity shall be transmitted to any but the immediate descendants of the Indian to whom granted, and that upon the death of any of the said Indians, or their descendants, without any representatives as aforesaid, the annuity in such case granted shall cease. III. AND BE IT ENACTED, That on the completion of such contract and agreement, the terms thereof shall be fully and distinctly written on parchment or paper, and the same shall be subscribed and executed in the presence of two justices of the peace of the said county, by the said Indians, or by some of them, on the part and with the consent of the Indians claiming title to said lands, and receiving rents therefore, and by the said commissioners, or the major part of them, on behalf of this state, and the attestation thereof shall be made and certified by the said justices, and the said agreement shall, in some convenient time thereafter, be deposited in the office of the clerk of the said county, and be recorded by him among the lands records of the county, and after the enrolment thereof the same shall be transmitted by the said commissioners to the governor and the council, to be filed and retained by them for safe custody, IV. AND BE IT ENACTED, That after the completion and execution of the said contract and agreement, the said commissioners shall determine on a certain day when they shall meet together at the said Indian settlement, and shall cause a summons to be served on the surveyor of the said county, or on such other qualified person as they shall nominate for this purpose, directing him to be and appear at such time and place in order to survey the said lands, and shall give public notice of their intentions to survey the same, by advertisement to be set up at the court-house of the said county, and at other public places in the neighborhood; and the said commissioners, or a majority of them, and surveyor, or other qualified person summoned as aforesaid, shall accordingly meet at such time and place, and shall thereupon proceed, from time to time, to make an accurate survey of said lands, and of the several creeks, branches, tenements, roads, and other particulars, in the discretion of the said commissioners, or a majority of them, which may be necessary to furnish a just idea of their situation and value; and after such survey thereof, the said surveyor, shall make an exact and correct plot thereof, describing thereon the said several tenements, creeks, branches and roads, and such other particulars as shall be directed by the said commissioners, and shall thereto annex a full and plain certificate of such survey, and of the actual boundaries, courses, distances, quantity of acres, and such other particulars as shall be directed as aforesaid, and shall subscribe and seal the same. V. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the said surveyor, under the direction of the said commissioners, shall lay off the quantity of land reserved for the said Indians as is herein before mentioned, including their present settlement, and a suitable proportion of the woodland, and shall distinctly mark and bound the same; and thereupon the said surveyor, under the direction of the said Commissioners, shall proceed to lay off the remaining lands in lots, each lot to contain not less than one hundred, nor more than five hundred acres, unless a departure from this direction should become necessary by the interference of creeks, branches, roads or angles; and in laying off the said lots due regard shall be had to the situation, soil, timber and other circumstances, so as to make them as equal in value as the nature of the subject will admit, and each respective lot shall be numbered, marked and bounded, in such manner as shall be directed by the said Com- missioners; and the land reserved as aforesaid, and the said respective lots, shall be located, distinguished and numbered, upon the said plot, and distinct certificates of their respective bounds and quantities shall be likewise annexed and subscribed by the said surveyor; and if the said commissioners, or a majority of them, shall deem it necessary, they shall direct the surveyor to lay off, mark and bound, a road not exceeding thirty feet wide through the said land, in such direction as they shall order and direct, and the same to note upon the plot, and when so laid off shall be deemed and taken as a public road. VI. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the said commissioners shall keep and subscribe a fair account of their proceedings and lawful expenditures in the execution of their trust, and immediately after their duties herein before prescribed shall be performed, their said proceedings and expenditures, together with a correct duplicate of the plot and certificates of the said surveyor, shall be transmitted by the said commissioners to the agent of the state, and the original plot and certificates of the said surveyor shall be deposited in the office of the clerk of the county, to be filed by him and retained for safe custody. VII. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the said agent, in a convenient time after the receipt of such proceedings, shall give public notice for the space of twelve weeks, by advertisements to be inserted in an Easton, Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, George- town and Philadelphia News-papers, and set up in public places in the neighboring counties, that the said Indian lands aforesaid are allotted and intended for public sale, at a certain time and place in Dorchester county, to be mentioned in such advertisements, and the said agent shall attend at the time and place appointed, and shall proceed to expose the said lots to sale by the acre, and the same shall be respectively struck off to the highest bidder, upon the following terms, and not otherwise: The purchaser shall give bond to this state, with such security as the said agent may approve, for the payment of the said purchase money in specie, in four equal annual Installments, with interest thereon from the day of sale, the lands belonging to the purchasers, and their securities, at the time of such sale, shall be bound from the passage of their respective bonds for the payment of the purchase money, or so much thereof as may be due; and on a compliance with the foregoing terms of sale by any purchaser, it shall be lawful for the said agent, and he is hereby authorized and empowered, to execute and acknowledge, in due form of law, a deed of bargain and sale to such purchaser for the lot or lots respectively sold, describing the said lot or lots in such deed according to the surveyor's certificate thereof, and thereupon, and upon the due enrolment thereof, the right, title and interest of the state, shall thereby be vested in such purchaser, and his heirs, in fee simple; and the said agent shall proceed, in his discretion, to expose the said lots to sale at the time mentioned in said advertisement, or for sufficient reason may adjourn the sales to such other time or times as shall seem to him advisable, so as to promote a fair and honest sale of the premises aforesaid. VIII. AND BE IT ENACTED, That each of the said commissioners, and the said surveyor, shall be entitled to receive three dollars for every day they shall be necessarily employed in the execution of this trust, and the said agent shall be entitled to receive a commission of one per cent, on the amount of the sales of the said lots; and the said expenses, and all other lawful and reasonable expenditures incurred by virtue of this act, shall be paid by the treasurer of the western shore to the respective parties entitled to receive the same, and the said treasurer shall keep a correct account of all such payments; and the said agent shall keep an account of his proceedings in the premisses, and the same, together with the bonds taken in virtue of this act, and the several vouchers for payments, and the proceedings and expenditures of the said commissioners, shall be lodged by them in the treasury of the western shore, and be subject to the inspection of the general assembly when the same shall be required. IX. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the treasurer of the western shore shall be authorized, and he is hereby required, after the execution of the trusts herein before mentioned, and the time limited, to pay the orders drawn as aforesaid for the use of the said Indians out of any un-appropriated money in the treasury. X. AND BE IT ENACTED, That it shall not be lawful for the said Indians to sell, grant, lease, or otherwise dispose of, the lands to be reserved to them by virtue of this act, or any part thereof, for any estate, or in any manner whatsoever; and if any person or persons, after the completion of the contract and agreement aforesaid, shall presume to purchase, lease, or in any manner take, the said lands, or any part thereof, of the said Indians, or any of them, contrary to this act, such person or persons shall forfeit and pay the sum of two hundred dollars, to be recovered by presentment and indictment in the county court of Dorchester, and his, her or their estate therein shall be void and of no effect, and the party or parties shall be trespassers, and for such trespass, and for every other trespass in any manner commit- ted upon the said reserved lands, the party or parties shall be liable to be sued in the name of this state, and, on conviction, double damages shall be recovered, and the costs of suit. XI. PROVIDED NEVERTHELESS, AND BE IT ENACTED, That before any commissioner, appointed or to be appointed in virtue of this act, shall proceed to execute the trust hereby reposed in him, he shall take an oath, or affirmation, before some justice of the peace of the said county, that he will faithfully and honestly, according to the best of his skill and judgment, execute and perform the several trusts and duties required of him by this act, without affection, partiality or prejudice, and the taking thereof shall be certified by such justice, and transmitted to the treasurer of the western shore, together with the proceedings of the said commissioners; that in case no contract shall be made between the said commissioners and the said Indians, under and by virtue of this act, before the first day of August next, that in such case the agent for the time being be authorized, at his discretion, to prosecute a suit or suits at law or equity, as the case may require, to recover the possession of said land, or any part thereof, to which the state may be entitled. XII. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the act, entitled, An act for appointing commissioners to contract for and purchase the Indian lands in Dorchester County, and for appropriating the same to the use of this state, shall be and the same is hereby repealed. (Act of 1790, ch. 43)


6 April 1799 - 14 HD 527 - Dorchester County Deeds
THIS INDENTURE made the sixth day of April in the year seventeen hundred and Ninety nine, between Mary Mulberry, Henry Mulberry, Henry Sixpence, and Thomas Joshua of Locust Neck Indians in Dor- chester County, and State of Maryland, of the one part, and Henry Waggaman, William Bond Martin, James Steele and William Marbury, Commissioners for the State of Maryland of the other part. Where- as the said Henry Waggaman, William Bond Martin, James Steele, Moses Lecompte and William Marbury or a majority of them were ap- pointed by an Act of Assembly of Maryland held at the City of Annapolis on the fifth day of November in the year seventeen hundred and Ninety eight Commissioners to contract for and pur- chase the Lands commonly called The Choptank Indian Lands, and whereas the said Mary Mulberry, Henry Mulberry, Henry Sixpence, and Thomas Joshua, are all that remain of those Indian who posses- sed the Choptank Indian lands aforesaid & are now inhabiting the same. NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that they the said Mary Mul- berry, Henry Mulberry, Henry Sixpence and Thomas Joshua for and In consideration of the covenants e.nd agreements herein after mentioned to be done and performed on the part of the said State of Maryland as agreed to by the said Commissioners parties to these presents, have bargained, sold, aliened, released, enfeoffed and confirmed & by these presents, do bargain, sell, alien, release, enfeoff and confirm unto the said State of Maryland all the lands, Tenements and Appurtenances which they hold and possess, commonly known by the name of The Choptank Indian Lands, situate the river Choptank in the County aforesaid agreeable to the metes and bounds of the said Lands, supposed to contain about Pour Thousand Acres more or less, and every part and parcell thereof, and also all houses, orchards, fences and other improvements what- soever thereto belonging or in any wise Appertaining, and also all the right, title, Interest and estate, claim and demand either in Law or Equity of them the said Mary Mulberry, Henry Mulberry, Henry Sixpence, and Thomas Joshua of, in and to the Lands and premeses afsd. hereby bargained and sold and every part and parcel thereof. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all and singular the aforesaid hereby bargained and sold lands and premises and every part there- of with the appurtenances unto the said State of Maryland and to the only use and behoof of the said State, And the Commissioners afsd. on the part of the said State do covenant and agree to and with the said Indians that Ten Acres shall be laid off, of cleared land for the said Mary Mulberry and Henry Mulberry where their house now stands so as to include the same and any other house to them now belonging and also Ten Acres of wood land for the use of the same, also Ten Acres of cleared land for the said Henry Six- pence and including his Tenement and also Ten Acres of Wood land for the use of the said Henry Sixpence, and Ten Acres of cleared Land for the afd. Thomas Joshua so as to include his tenement, and also Ten Acres of Wood land for the use of the same and all the said Lands which shall be laid off as afsd. shall be held, used and occupied by the said Indians, so long as they and their descendants shall continue to Inhabit the same, and to use it for their own Cultivation and improvement, and the Commissioners afsd. in behalf of the said State do further covenant and agree to and with the said Indians to pay them the following sums of money, yearly to wit: to Mary riulberry and Henry Mulberry her son, party to these presents, one hundred and sixty dollars; to Henry Six- pence one hundred dollars, to Thomas Joshua one hundred and Sixty dollars, and to Esther Henry Thirty dollars and that the said several sums of money shall be paid by the State quarterly to Commence from the first day of January next ensuing the date of these presents during the life of the said Indians to whom the same is payable, and upon the death of any one of the said Indians his or her annuity shall descend and be payable to such person or persons as under the laws of the State afsd. would be entitled to have the personal Estate of the said Indian in case the said Indian died intestate leaving Personal Estate and transmitted in same manner; but it is not intended by this Covenant that any of the foregoing annuities shall be transmitted to any but the immed- iate descendants of the Indian to whom the annuity is by these presents granted, and also in case of any of the aforesaid Indians or their descendants dying without any representative as aforesaid the annuity afsd. covenanted to be paid as afsd. shall cease and the lands reserved as afsd. shall become the property of the said State upon death as aforesaid. IN WITNESS Whereof the parties aforesaid have interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year before mentioned.  Mary Mulberry; Henry Sixpence; Thomas Joshua; Henry Waggaman; William Marbury; William B. Martin; Jas. Steele;   Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of John Stevens; John Reed.
On the back of the aforegoing deed was this Endorsement to wit. We, the Subscribers, two of the Justices of the Peace for Dorches- ter County, and Subscribing Witnesses to the within deed, do hereby certify that the parties to the within Indenture respect- ively acknowledged the same to be their Act and deed According to the true intent and meaning of the same, And We further Certify that at the time the within deed was executed by the said Indians they were perfectly sober, and executed the same voluntarily and were well satisfied with their contract. Given under our hands and seals this sixth day of April Seventeen hundred and Ninety.  John Stevens; John Reed.


1801 - AN ACT TO appoint a trustee to take care of that part of the Indian lands in Dorchester County which was laid off for, and occupied by, a certain Molley Mulberry, lately deceased. (Laws of 1801, Chap, 101)
WHEREAS it is represented to this general assembly, that a certain Molley Mulberry, one of the tribe of the Choptank Indians, had laid off for her by the commissioners appointed to contract for and purchase the lands commonly called the Choptank Indian Lands, in Dorchester County, the quantity of twenty acres of the aforesaid land; and the said Molley Mulberry having lately died, and leaving no descendant, therefore, 2. BE IT ENACTED, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That Henry Waggaman be and is hereby appointed trustee for the purpose of taking care of the land heretofore laid off for the aforesaid Molley Mulberry, and the same to let out for the ensuing year, and until the legislature shall make further order therein, and to account for the rents and profits thereof in such manner as the legislature shall hereafter direct.


1 September 1801 - 17 HD 465 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture made this first day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and one between Henry Hall Harwood, Agent of the State of Maryland, for and on behalf of the said State of the one part and William McKeen of Dorchester County and State aforesaid, Gentleman of the other part: Whereas William Marbury Esquire by the power and authority in him vested by an Act of November Session one thousand Seven hundred and ninety Eight: Entitled An Act Appointing Commissioners to contract for and purchase the Lands commonly Called the Choptank Indian Lands on the twentieth day of August one thousand Seven hundred and ninety nine did expose to public Sale Lot Number two being part of the Choptank Indian Lands aforesaid At which said Sale a Certain Samuel White became the purchaser at and for the sum of Six hundred and sixty nine pounds fifteen Shillings Current Money as by a Certificate of the said Sale appears; and Whereas the said Samuel White did on the fifth day of March One Thousand Eight hundred and one Assign, transfer and make over unto the above named William McKeen all his title, interest and claim of and into the said Lot or parcel of Land and of the purchase thereof by him made as aforesaid, which said Lot or parcel of Land is contained within the following Courses meets and bounds to wit - Beginning for the out bounds of said Lot at a marked post standing at the End of the South eighty two degrees East One Hundred and eleven perches Course of the line of Lot Number one, and from thence runs South twenty five degrees East thirty two perches to a post, then south sixteen degrees and thirty minutes East one hundred and forty two perches to a post, then south fourteen degrees East one hundred perches to a post, from thence South Seventy one degrees East Sixty Eight perches to the line of Griffith's land where stands a post, from thence North two degrees forty five minutes East two hundred and ninety four perches to a marked Cedar standing on the west side of the south East branch of Secretarys Creek, from thence down the said branch bounded therewith the following courses vizt.: North Sixty five degrees East four perches, North Seven perches, North four degrees East ten perches, North twenty Eight degrees west nine perches, North twenty eight degrees East twenty two perches, North four perches, North Seventy two degrees west twenty one perches, North fifty one degrees west Eight perches, to a marked post standing at the end of the fourth course of Lot Number One, then straight to the first beginning; Containing and laid out for two hundred and twenty three and a Quarter Acres of Land, Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the State of Maryland by the said Henry Hall Harwood, agent as afore- said, for and in consideration of the premises and that the pur- chase money for the said Lot or parcel of Land hath been fully paid, and also in pursuance of the Act of Assembly in that case made and provided, Hath granted, released, Confirmed and transfer- red and by these presents doth grant, release, confirm and transfer the said Lot or parcel of land with the appurtenances there- unto belonging unto the said William McKeen his heirs and Assigns forever - To have and to hold the said Lot or parcel of Land and premises with the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said William McKeen, his heirs and assigns forever to his and their only proper use and behoof. In Testimony whereof the said Henry Hall Harwood, agent, on behalf of the State of Maryland, hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first herein before written. Signed, Sealed and delivered) H. H. Harwood (SEAL) In the presence of ) State's Agent G. Duvall On the back of the aforegoing Deed was the following Endorsements Vizt. Received on the day of the date within mentioned the consideration money within expressed. Witness G. Duvall H. H. Harwood States Agent Maryland Sct, September 1st, 1801. Then came Henry Hall Harwood, party grantor within named, before me, the Subscriber, one of the Judges of the General Court, and acknowledged the within Instrument of Writing to be his Act and Deed and the Lot or Parcel of Land therein described together with its premises and appurtenances to be the right and title of the said William McKeen his heirs and Assigns forever According to the true intent and meaning thereof and the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided. Taken before G. Duvall


1802 - AN ACT supplementary to the Act (1798, Ch. 82) entitled, An Act appointing commissioners to contract for and purchase the lands commonly called the Choptank Indian Lands in Dorchester County and for appropriating the same to the use of the State, and to repeal the act of assembly therein mentioned. (Laws of 1802, Chap.45)
WHEREAS by the said original act, the agent of the State was authorized and empowered to execute and acknowledge, in due form of law, deeds of bargain and sale to the respective purchasers of the several lots of Indian land which should be sold by him, and the office of the agent being discontinued, it is necessary to authorize some other person to make such conveyances; therefore, 2. BE IT ENACTED, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the chancellor of this state shall be and is hereby authorized and empowered to execute all and singular the powers and authorities by the said original act delegated to, and vested in, the state's agent, relative to the making and acknowledging deeds of conveyance to the purchasers of any part of the said Indian lands, and to persons lawfully claiming under such purchasers, or any of them; and any conveyance made by the said chancellor, in virtue of this act shall be good and effectual to convey the right of the state to the person or persons to whom the same shall be made, in as full and ample a manner as if the same had been made by the agent of the state in virtue of the said original act.


9 April 1803 - 20 HD 292 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture, made this ninth day of April in the year Eighteen hundred and three, between the honorable Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire, Chancellor, acting on behalf of the State of Maryland of the one part and Abram Ross of Dorchester County and State afore- said of the other part: Whereas John Willing purchased of the Agent of the State who was authorized to sell lot No. 10, part of the Choptank Indian Lands lying in the County aforesaid, And whereas the said John Willing did by his assignment bearing date the twenty seventh day of January Eighteen hundred and two transfer and make over all his right and title to the said purchase to John Green, who by his assignment bearing date the second day of November Eighteen hundred and two, transferred and made over all his right and title of, in and to the same unto Abram Ross afore- said on condition of his paying the purchase money, and whereas it appears by a receipt of the treasurer of the Western Shore endorsed on the Certificate of survey of said Land, that the purchase money for said Lott hath been fully paid according to Law. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Alexander Contee Hanson, as Chancellor aforesaid, for and in consideration of the premises and that the purchase money for said Lott No. 10 hath been fully paid by the said Abram Ross, and in pursuance of the Act of Assembly passed at November Session Seventeen hundred and ninety eight; and the Supplement thereto passed at November Session eighteen hundred and two, hath granted, bargained, sold, released, transferred and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell, release, confirm and transfer the said Lot No, 10, being part of the Choptank Indian Lands in Dorchester County aforesaid and contained within the following metes and bounds vizt. Beginning at a post marked with six notches standing cn the south west side of Rowling house Creek and near the head of a branch that issueth out of the said Creek, and from thence runs South forty eight degrees East three hundred and Eighty three perches, to a post standing on the east line of the Indian Survey, thence north forty six degrees and thirty minutes East ninety eight perches to a marked post being a corner post of Lot No, 9, then north forty eight degrees west three hundred and three and a half perches to a marked post standing on the south east side of Rowling house Creek, thence north fifty seven degrees and forty five minutes west Eighty four perches to a marked post standing in the middle of said branch, then south eighty one degrees west twelve perches, North fifty Seven degrees, west twenty eight perches, South west seven perches, South sixteen degrees west eight perch- es, South eighty two degrees west four perches to a marked post standing on the west side of the aforesaid branch that issueth out of Rowling house Creek, then with a straight line to the first beginning, containing two hundred and forty four acres and three quarters of an acre of Land, with the appurtenances, unto the aforesaid Abram Ross, his heirs and assigns forever, To have and to hold the same unto him the said Abram Ross his heirs and assigns forever, to them and their proper use and behoof. In Witness whereof the said Alexander Contee Hanson, on behalf of the said State of Maryland hath hereunto set his hand and Seal "the day and year first written. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of ) The Words "on Condition of his paying ) . A. C. Hanson, Chan, the purchase money", and also the words ) (Seal) "by the said Abram Ross", and the word ) "house" being first lined ) J. Brewer


18 November 1803 - 20 HD 720 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture made this eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three between the honorable Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire, chancellor acting on behalf of the State of Maryland, of the one part and Stephen Lecompte of Dorchester County of the other part - Whereas William Marbury Esquire, agent for the State of Maryland and in virtue of the power and authority vested in him by an act of assembly passed at November session one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight entitled an act appointing commissioners to contract for and purchase the lands commonly called the Choptank Indian lands, did on the twentieth day of August one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine expose to public sale lot number Eleven at which said sale a certain Stephen Lecompte became the purchaser at and for the sum of fifteen hundred and forty one pounds and three pence Current money, which said lot number Eleven is part of the Chop- tank Indian lands lying in Dorchester County and contained within the following courses meets and bounds to wit, Beginning for the out bounds thereof at post marked with six notches standing by the side of the main road on the north side thereof where the said road crosses a branch called Bear Skin Branch which is at the letter L. on the plot, and from thence running up the East side of said branch south Eighty degrees East four perches, south seventy one degrees East seven perches, south east fifteen perches, south fifty degrees East nine perches, south sixty degrees, East eight perches, south forty three degrees, East six perches, south fifty two degrees, East thirteen perches, north sixty seven degrees East sixteen perches to a marked post, then north eighty two degrees, East thirteen perches, to another marked post, then south fifty degrees east two hundred and ninety seven perches to a marked post on the out line of the Indian Survey standing at the root of a gum tree marked with twelve notches, three on each side, from thence running north forty six degrees and thirty minutes east one hundred and ten perches and one half perch to a marked post being the corner of lot Number ten, thence north forty eight degrees, west three hundred and eighty three perches to a marked post being the Beginning of lot number ten, then north fourteen degrees, East eighty six perches binding still with lot number ten to a marked post standing on the west side of Rowling house Creek, thence down the said Creek binding with the same the several courses vizt. north fifteen degrees, west eight perches, north thirty four degrees west eleven perches, north twenty five degrees, west ten perches, north seven degrees west twenty perches, north eleven degrees west twelve perches, North two degrees west twelve perches, North thirty five degrees west eight perches, north twenty seven degrees East eleven perches, North forty eight degrees, east eighteen perches, North thirty five degrees east seven perches, North ten degrees East eight perches, north thirty five degrees, East twenty five perches, north nineteen degrees, thirty minutes west twenty seven perches, to the intersection of Choptank River, then down the said river bounded therewith the following courses south fifty two degrees and thirty minutes west fifty eight perches, south fifty one degrees west fifty perches, South sixty two degrees west thirty six perches, south eighty degrees, west forty two perches, north sixty five degrees west "twelve perches, to a marked post standing at the mouth of Bearskin Creek, thence up the said Creek bounded therewith the several following courses south forty five degrees and thirty minutes east sixteen perches and one half perch, south ten degrees, East six perches, south fifty seven degrees west five perches, south six degrees East twelve perches, south fourteen degrees east six perches, south forty three degrees and thirty minutes East seven perches, south eighty nine degrees East six perches, south twenty five degrees East twelve perches, south sixty one degrees west twelve perches, south forty eight degrees west eight perches, south twenty one degrees East fifteen perches, south nine degrees west ten perches, south seventy five degrees east four perches, south forty four degrees, east five perches, south thirteen degrees west six perches, south twenty nine degrees west eight perches, south west eight perches, south twelve degrees East five perches, south eighty eight degrees East six perches, south six degrees, East ten perches, south forty eight degrees east nine perches, south sixty five degrees west sixteen perches, south twenty four degrees west eleven perches, south twenty degrees East thirty four perches, then up the middle of said Bearskin branch the following courses to wit, south eleven degrees west eighteen-perches, then south seventeen degrees East fourteen perches, south twelve degrees west thirteen perches, south fifteen degrees East six perches, then south two degrees, west twelve porches, south eleven degrees east six perches, then south forty two degrees east eight perches, then by a line to the first "beginning containing and laid out for five hundred and five and a quarter acres of land and it appearing that the said purchase money for the said lot of land hath been fully paid and satisfied "by the said Stephen Lecompte as by the Treasurer's receipt endorsed on the Certificate of said lot appears, the said Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire as Chancellor aforesaid in pursuance of the act of assembly in such case made and provided hath agreed to execute these presents: Now this Indenture witnesseth that the said State of Maryland by the said Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire as chancellor aforesaid, for and in consideration of the premises and in virtue of the act of assembly aforesaid hath granted, released, confirmed and transferred, and by these presents doth grant, release, confirm and transfer unto the said Stephen Lecompte his heirs and assigns forever the aforesaid lot number Eleven situate in Dorchester County aforesaid, together with the appurtenances and all the right, title and estate of the said State of Maryland in law and equity of in and to the said lot of land, and also with all and singular the privileges, appendances and appurtenances thereto belonging or in any wise appertaining - To have and to hold the said lot of land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said Stephen Lecompte his heirs and assigns forever - In Witness whereof the said Alexander Contee Hanson on behalf of the said State of Maryland, according to the act of Assembly aforesaid, hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year herein first before written.


1 December 1803 - 21 HD 48 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture made this first day of December in year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and three Between the honourable Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire, Chancellor, acting on behalf of the State of Maryland, of the one part and Charles Lecompt of Dorches- ter County and State aforesaid of the other part, Whereas William Marbury Esquire, agent for the State of Maryland on the twentieth day of August in the year seventeen hundred and ninety nine, pursuant to an Act of Assembly passed at November session seven- teen hundred and ninety eight entitled an act appointing Commissioners to contract for and purchase the lands commonly called the Choptank Indian Lands, exposed to sale lots number twelve and thirteen situate in the County aforesaid and a certain Charles Lecompte became the purchaser thereof at and for the sum of thirteen hundred and sixty eight pounds seven shillings current money as appears by a Certificate of the said sale, and it appearing that the said purchase money for the said two lots of land hath been fully paid and satisfied by the said Charles Lecompte as by the Treasurers receipt endorsed on the said Certificate and bond appears, the said Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire as Chancellor aforesaid, in pursuance of the act of assembly in such case made and provided, hath agreed to execute these presents. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said State of Maryland, by the said Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire as Chancellor afore- said, for and in consideration of the premises and in virtue of "the act of assembly aforesaid, hath granted, released, confirmed and transferred and by these presents doth grant, release, confirm and transfer unto the said Charles Lecompte, his heirs and assigns forever the aforesaid lots number twelve and thirteen situate in Dorchester County aforesaid and comprised within the following metes, bounds, courses and distances, to wit - lot number twelve Beginning for the out bounds thereof at a marked post standing in a field at the end of a line drawn south sixty degrees and three quarters west one hundred and three perches, distance from the first boundary of lot number Eleven, from thence runs south fifty eight degrees East four hundred and six perches to a bounded post standing in the back line of the Indian Survey, from thence North forty six degrees and thirty minutes East sixty eight and one half perches to the end of lot number Eleven, from thence bounded by said lot the following courses viz. north fifty degrees west two hundred ninety seven perches, then south Eighty two degrees west thirteen perches, then south sixty seven degrees, west sixteen perches, then north fifty two degrees west thirteen perches, north forty three degrees west six perches, north sixty degrees west Eight perches, then north fifty degrees west nine perches, then north west fifteen perches, north seventy one degrees west seven perches, then north eighty degrees west four perches to the first boundary of lott number Eleven, then with a straight line to the first place of Beginning, containing and laid out for two hundred and sixteen acres and three quarters of an acre of land; lot number thirteen beginning for the out bounds thereof as specified in the Certificate at a marked post standing in a field noted on the plot by the letter A being the first bounder of lott number twelve, from thence to run south fifty Eight degrees East four hundred and six perches to a post standing in the back line of the Indian Survey being a corner of lot number twelve, from thence to run south forty six degrees and thirty minutes west one hundred and ninety four perches to a marked post standing in the middle of Haywards Beaver dam branch, from thence up the middle of said branch the following courses viz. north four degrees East Eighteen perches, north north east twenty two perches, north fifty three degrees West forty perches to a post, from thence north forty two degrees west thirty five perches, north thirty five degrees west thirty two perches, north three degrees, East fifteen perches, north thirty five degrees west nineteen perches, north seventy six degrees, west seven perches, north thirty nine degrees West seven perches, north twenty six degrees, West seventeen perches to a small marked red oak and stone fixed by the Commissioners to be the head of Haywards Dam, from thence north fifty six degrees and fifteen minutes, west two hundred and thirty one perches to a marked pine standing at the head of the branch of Ennalls Creek as fixed by said Commissioners, from thence north sixty five degrees and thirty minutes west ten perches to a bounded post of Charles Lecomptes land, from thence by a line to the first beginning, containing two hundred and ninety one and a half acres of land; the said two lots of land containing in the whole the quantity of Five Hundred and eight and one quarter of an acre of land as by the Certificates of survey thereof may more fully appear, together with the appurtenances and all the right, title and estate of the said State of Maryland in law and equity of, in and to the said two lots of land and also with all and singular "the privileges, appendances and appurtenances thereto belonging or in any wise appertaining. To have and to hold the said lot of land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said Charles Lecompte his heirs and assigns forever. In Witness whereof the said Alexander Contee Hanson on behalf of the said State of Maryland, according to the act of assembly aforesaid, hath here- unto set his hand and seal the day and year first before written.


9 June 1804 - 21 HD 252 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture made this twenty ninth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four between the honorable Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire, Chancellor, acting on behalf of the State of Maryland, of the one part and Charles Lecompte of Dorchester County of the other part Whereas William Marbury Esquire by the power and authority in him vested by an act of November Session one thousand Seven hundred and ninety eight, Entitled an act appointing Commissioners to contract for and purchase the lands commonly called the Choptank Indian Lands, did on the twentieth day of August one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety nine expose to public sale lot number three at which said sale a certain Henry Smoot became the purchaser at and for the sum of Two hundred and Thirty four pounds three Shillings Current Money as by a Certificate of the said sale appears, and whereas the said Henry Smoot has by writing under his signature requested that the said land be deeded to the said Charles Lecompte, and it appears that the said purchase money for the said lot of land hath been fully paid and satisfied as by the Treasurer's receipt endorsed on the said Certificate appears, The said Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire, as Chancellor as aforesaid, in pursuance of the act of Assembly in such case made and provided hath agreed to execute these presents. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said State of Maryland by the said Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire as Chancellor aforesaid, for and in Consideration of the premises and in virtue of the Act of Assembly aforesaid, hath granted, bargain- ed and sold, released, confirmed and transferred and by those presents doth grant, bargain and sell, release, confirm and transfer unto the said Charles Lecompte, his heirs and assigns forever, the aforesaid lott number three situate in the County aforesaid, it being part of the land called the Choptank Indian Lands, beginning for the out bounds thereof according to the Surveyors Certificate thereof at the head of the Bishops Cove that makes out of the Indian Creek and from thence to run up the middle of the branch thereof as follows: North fifty six degrees East twenty eight perches, to a post, North forty three degrees and thirty minutes East twenty perches to another post, then North eighty three degrees East nine perches to another post, then North fifty seven degrees East fifty one perches, North thirty six degrees west twenty four perches to a post, then North fifty four degrees west sixty eight perches to another post at the head of the south prong of Goose Creek, from thence down the said Creek bounded therewith the several following courses to wit, North eighty four degrees West four perches, North one degree East twenty perches, North fourteen degrees West Sixteen perches, North fifty six degrees East four perches, North eleven degrees and thirty minutes East fourteen perches, North forty three degrees west forty one perches, south fifty nine degrees west forty three perches to the intersection of Choptank River, then bounded with the said river the several following courses south thirty degrees west twenty eight perches, south one half degree East twenty one perches, south four degrees East eighty perches, South one degree East seventy six perches to a marked post at the mouth of Bishops Cove, "then up the said Cove bounded therewith as follows, North forty one degrees East twenty six perches, North sixty one degrees East "twenty four perches, North eighty seven degrees and thirty minutes East thirteen perches, then with a straight line to the first beginning, containing One hundred and Eleven and a half acres of land and thirty seven perches, together with the appurtenances and all the right, title and Estate of the said State of Maryland in law and Equity of, in and to the said lot of land and also with all and singular the priviledges, appendences and appurtenan- ces thereto belonging or in any wise appertaining. To have and to hold the said lott of land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said Charles Lecompt his heirs and assigns forever. In Witness Whereof the said Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire on behalf of the said State of Maryland according to the Act of Assembly aforesaid hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year herein first before written.


12 October 1815 - 3 ER 555 - Dorchester County Deeds -
This Indenture made this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifteen between the honorable William Kilty Chancellor, acting on behalf of the State of Maryland of the one part, and William Morgan of Baltimore County in the said State of the other part. Whereas William Marbury Esquire, Agent for the State of Maryland, did on the twentieth day of August in the year seventeen hundred and ninety nine pursuant to an act of assembly passed at November Session seventeen hundred and Ninety Eight, entitled "an act appointing Commissioners to Contract for and purchase the lands, commonly called the Choptank Indian Lands in Dorchester County &c." expose to sale Lot No. 8 being part of the said lands, and a certain Denwood Hicks became the purchaser thereof at and for the sum of one thousand and fifteen pounds Current Money and gave bond with security to the said State for the payment of the said purchase money agreeably to Law; And whereas it appears by an assignment bearing date the twenty second day of July in the year Eighteen hundred and nine, that the said Denwood Hicks for a valuable consideration to him paid by a certain Henry Haskins, did assign all his right and title to the said Lot of land above mentioned and herein after described to the said Henry Haskins; And whereas it appears also by an assignment bearing date the first day of April in the year Eighteen hundred and fifteen that the said Henry Haskins for a valuable consideration to him paid by the said William Morgan did assign all his right and title to the said Lot of land to the said William Morgan, and it appearing that the said purchase money for the said lot of land hath been fully paid and satisfied, the said William Kilty Esquire, as Chancellor aforesaid, in pursuance of an act of assembly in such case made and provided, hath agreed to execute these presents. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said State of Maryland by the said William Kilty Esquire as Chancellor aforesaid, for and in consideration of the premises and in virtue of the act of assembly aforesaid, hath granted, release, confirmed and transferred and by these presents doth grant, release, confirm and transfer unto the said William Morgan, his heirs and assigns forever, the aforesaid Lot number Eight situate in Dorchester County aforesaid, beginning for the out bounds thereof at a marked Post standing on the East side of Rowling House Creek which is at the letter G as described on the Plot, and from thence running south forty Eight degrees East four hundred and seventy six perches to a marked post standing on the out line of the Indian survey, then north forty six degrees and thirty minutes East Ninety four perches to a post being a corner of the Lot No. 7* from thence running and binding with said Lot the nine following courses, north fifty degrees and thirty minutes west three hundred and thirty two perches to the first boundary of said Lot, from thence North fifty one degrees West thirteen perches, north twenty three degrees East Ten perches, North four degrees west six perches, North sixty Eight degrees West eight perches, North Eighty three degrees West six perches, North sixty two degrees West ten perches, West North West eleven perches to a post, from thence Worth twenty six degrees West nineteen perches, then across the branch south Eighty degrees west eight perches to a post on the west side of/ the Creek, thence down the said Creek bounded thereby the following courses to wit, North twenty nine degrees west four perches, North Eleven degrees west twelve perches, North thirty four* degrees west fourteen perches, North Eighty one degrees West Nineteen perches, South Eighty three degrees West seven perches, North Eighty Eight degrees west twenty six perches, south forty seven degrees west seven perches, South sixteen degrees East thirteen perches, South fourteen degrees, West five perches, North sixty two degrees West twenty three perches, South sixty one degrees west eleven perches, south fifty six degrees west twelve perches, then home; containing and laid out for two hundred and fifty three acres and three quarters of an acre of land, as by a certificate of survey thereof deposited in the office of the Clerk of Dorchester County aforesaid may more fully appear, together with the appurtenances and all the right, title and estate of the said State of Maryland in law and Equity, of, in and to the said Lot of Land with all and singular the privileges, appendances, and appurtenances, thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining. To have and to hold the said Lot of Land, and premises with the appurtenances unto the said William Morgan, his heirs and assigns forever. In Witness Whereof the said William Kilty on behalf of the said State of Maryland, according to the act of assembly aforesaid, hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first herein before written.


1816 - AN ACT authorizing the appointment of a trustee for the sale of Lot No. 9, of the Choptank Indian Lands, in Dorchester County. (Laws of 1816, Chap. 136)
1. BE IT ENACTED, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the governor, by and with the advice of the council, is authorized and empowered to appoint a trustee to sell lot No. 9 of the Choptank Indian Lands, lying in Dorchester county, upon such terms as the governor and council shall prescribe and direct. 2. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the trustee appointed in virtue of this act, before he proceeds to exercise any of the powers vested in him by virtue of said appointment, shall give bond to the State of Maryland, in such penalty, and with such security, as the governor and council shall approve, for the faithful performance of all and singular the powers of this act directed to be vested in him. 3. PROVIDED ALWAYS, AND BE IT ENACTED, That no sale made by the trustee aforesaid, by virtue of this act, shall be good and valid unless the same shall be approved by the governor and council. 4. AND BE IT ENACTED, That upon the payment of the whole of the purchase money, the said trustee shall convey the said lot of land to the purchaser or purchasers thereof, which conveyance being duly made, shall be valid and effectual, to convey all the right, title, claim and interest, of the State of Maryland, of, in and to, the said lot of land, and also all the right, title, claim and interest, either in law or equity, which William Ennalls, late of Dorchester County deceased, had to the said lot of land at the time of his death, and which descended to his heirs. AND BE IT ENACTED, That so much of the proceeds of the sale of the said lot of land shall be applied to the credit of a "bond made and executed on the twentieth day of August in the year seventeen hundred and ninety-nine, by William Ennalls, with John Eccleston and Joseph Ennalls as his securities, as shall be sufficient to discharge the same, and the surplus, if any, shall be by the said trustee paid over to the executors or administrators, as the case may be, of the said William Ennalls, and be considered assets in their hands. 6. AND BE IT ENACTED, That the said trustee shall be entitled to the same compensation for his services as is allowed by the chancellor in cases of sale of lands made in virtue of a decree of the court of chancery.


1856 - AN ACT to provide for the sale of the lands reserved for the use and occupation of the Choptank Indians in Dorchester County, (Laws of 1856, Chap. 125)
WHEREAS, it has been represented to this General Assembly that the lands which were reserved and laid off by the commissioners appointed under the provisions of the act of Assembly, passed at November session seventeen hundred and ninety-eight, chapter eighty-two, for the use, benefit and occupation of the remnant of the tribe of the Choptank Indians, has long since been deserted by them, and the race has become extinct, and by the provisions of said act, the said Indians were to have the use and benefit of said lands, so long as they continued to occupy the same, and that said lands now lie in an unimproved and dilapidated condition, and the interest of the neighborhood requires the sale thereof; Therefore, SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OP MARYLAND, That Thomas J. Dail, James A. Waddle and John L. Willis, of Dorchester County, be and they are hereby appointed commissioners to make sale of the Stated interest in all the lands reserved and set apart for the use of the remnant of the tribe of Choptank Indians, or their descendants, by the commissioners, Henry Waggaman, James Steele, Moses Lecompte and William Marbury appointed by and under the provisions of the act of Assembly passed at November session seventeen hundred and ninety-eight, chapter eighty-two. SEC. 2. -AND BE IT ENACTED, That said commissioners before they proceed to act as such, shall give bond to the State of Maryland, in the penalty of three thousand dollars, to be approved by the clerk of the circuit court for Dorchester County, and to be filed in his office, conditioned for the faithful performance of the trust hereby reposed in them, or that may be reposed in them for any subsequent act; they shall then proceed to make sale of said lands at auction, and shall give three weeks notice, to be published in some newspaper in Cambridge, of the time, place and "terms of sale; which terms shall be as follows: one hundred dollars in cash on the day of sale, and the residue to be paid in three equal annual installments, with interest from the day of sale, and secured by bond or bonds to the State of Maryland, with security to be approved by the said commissioners; and the said commissioners are hereby authorized to use the name of the State, sue for and collect the amounts of said bonds, with interest, in case of failure of the obligors to pay the same, and to collect and hold the entire amount of the purchase money for the purposes of education in Dorchester county, hereafter to be provided for by the General Assembly of Maryland; and the said commissioners or their successors are hereby authorized, after the payment of the entire purchase money, and not before, to convey to the purchaser or purchasers of the aforesaid lands, by deed or deeds to be executed and acknowledged according to law, at the expense of said purchaser or purchasers, the said lands so as aforesaid, sold by them in fee simple, free and clear and discharged of all interest or claim from or on account of, or by the State of Mary- land. SEC. 3. AND BE IT ENACTED, That said commissioners shall be en- titled to deduct from the amount of sales, the expenses attending such sale or sales, and the costs of collecting; and five per centum on the amount of sales for their compensation in discharge of the trust; and if any one or more of the aforesaid commissioners shall die, fail or refuse to qualify or discharge the trust hereby reposed in him, the Judge of the Circuit Court for Dorchester is hereby authorized and directed to appoint a successor or successors, and the commissioner or commissioners so appointed by said Judge, shall have the same power, and perform the same duties as if appointed under the provisions of this act, SEC. 4. AND BE IT ENACTED, That this act shall take effect from and after its passage.


22 October 1866 - 6 FJH 518 - Dorchester County Deeds -
THIS DEED, made this twenty second day of October in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and sixty six, by Thomas J. Dail, James A, Waddell and John L. Willis, all formerly of Dorchester County and State of Maryland, Witnesseth: Whereas by an act of the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, passed the eighth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and fifty six, entitled "An act to provide for the sale of the lands reserved for the use and occupation of the Choptank Indians in Dorchester County", the said Thomas J. Dail, James A. Waddell and John L. Willis were appointed Commissioners to make sale of the State's interest in all the lands reserved and set apart for the use of the remnant of the tribe of Choptank Indians, or their descendants, by the Commissioners, Henry Waggaman, James Steele, Moses LeCompte and William Marbury, appointed by and under the provisions of the act of assembly, passed November Session, Seventeen hundred and ninety eight, Chapter Eighty two. And whereas, the said Thomas J. Dail, James A. Waddell and John L. Willis, Commissioners aforesaid, after giving bond in compliance with the said act of Assembly, did proceed to advertise and sell the said lands at public auction, at which said sale, Thomas B. Shearman became the highest bidder & purchaser of the two within described pieces or parcels of land, at and for the sum of six hundred & ninety five dollars, and hath paid the entire purchase money, and is now desirous of obtaining a title to the premises, Therefore "this Indenture further witnesseth, in consideration of the premises, the said Thomas J. Dail, James A. Waddell & John L. Willis, Commissioners aforesaid, do grant unto Thomas B. Shearman, of Dorchester County and State of Maryland, in fee, all that piece of Indian land in Dorchester County, and at the head of Indian Creek, and bounded by the said Shearman's land & the County road leading from E. New Market to Cambridge, and on the east side of a branch & marsh adjoining Dr. Henry W. Houston's land, & containing thirty acres of land, more or less; the second piece lying on the Hicksburg road leading to East New Market, and on the west side of said road, and bounded by said road & said Shearman's land and John M. Marshall's land, and containing thirty acres of land, more or less. Witness our hands and seals: Test: William Rea. Thomas J. Dail (Seal) J. A. Waddell (Seal) Jno. L. Willis (Seal)


1870 - AN ACT to divert a certain sum of money in the hands of Commis- sioners to the Board of School Commissioners of Dorchester County, for the use of the public schools in said county. (Laws of I87O, Chap. 228)
WHEREAS, By an Act of the General Assembly of Maryland, passed at the January Session, eighteen hundred and fifty-six, Chapter one hundred and twenty-five, Thomas J. Dail, James A, Waddell and John L. Willis, of Dorchester County, were appointed Commissioners to sell a small reservation of the Choptank Indian Lands, situated in Dorchester County, and were directed to retain the proceeds of sale, to be disposed of by some future Act of the General Assembly for the purpose of education in Dorchester County; and it having been represented to the General Assembly that the said real estate has been sold for the sum of six hundred and ninety-five dollars, and the amount is now in the hands of the said Commissioners, awaiting the order of the General Assembly, therefore, SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OP MARY- LAND, That the said Thomas J. Dail, James A, Waddell and John L, Willis, be and they are hereby directed to pay over the said sum of six hundred and ninety-five dollars, received by them, from the sale of the Choptank Indian Lands, to the Board of County School Commissioners of Dorchester County, for the use of the Public Schools in said county. SEC. 2. AND BE IT ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect from the date of its passage. Approved April 7, 1870.