They were on the move.
256 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1701—14.
P. R. O. [Indians in Maryland.]
B. T. Md.
Vol. 9. An Account of what Nations of Indians reside within the
province of Maryland and are under Articles of Peace with
the said Government.
The Emperor of Nanticoke, which Nation consists of ten
Towns, the certaine number unknowne.
The Eastern Shore Indians remove very often into Virginia
and Pensilvania; so tis almost impossible to have the Exact
number of men or Towns; but some of those which are
called so, have not twenty families in them. The numbers of
the Indians in these parts decrease very much by reason of the
Small pox a distemper they had not before the Europeans
came amongst them, and by their old way of poisoning, which
they are very expert in; but the greatest cause of all is their
being so devilishly given to drinking, especially of Rum, for
procuring which they will even sell or pawne all they have
The Emperor of Piscattaway under whose subjection is con
tained Chapticoe and Mattawoman Indians, all which joined
by other are said not to be above 8o or 90 in number.
The Pomunkey Indians came also by consent and order of
the Government under the Subjection of the said Emperour.
A commission being granted him generally to rule and
governe all the Nations of Indians on the Westerne Shore,
dated the 14th day of July, anno 1696, which said Commission
was to remain during pleasure
[Sir Thos. Lawrence to the Earl of Bridgewater. Dated
Mar 25, 1697]
