Maryland both agreed to it. But some accident hindering the
agent of Carolina from giving notice thereof to Maryland by the day
appointed, the governor of that province proclaimed the act void,
although every body there knew that Carolina had fully agreed to all
things required of them. But he took advantage of this nice punctilio,
because of the loss such a diminution would have been to his annual
income, and so all people relapsed again into the disease of planting
tobacco.

Virginia was more nettled at this ill usage from Maryland, than at her
former absolute denial; but were forced to take all patiently, and by
fair means get relief, if they could. They therefore appointed agents to
reassume the treaty, and submitted so low as to send them to Saint
Mary's, then the residence of the governor of Maryland, and the place
where the assemblies met. Yet all this condescension could not hold them
to their bargain. The governor said he had observed his part of the
agreement, and would not call an assembly any more upon that subject.

Sec. 87. In this manner two whole years were spent, and nothing could be
accomplished for their relief. In the mean while England was studious to
prevent their receiving supplies from any other country. To do that more
effectually, it was thought expedient to confine the trade of that
colony to one place. But that not being found practicable, because of
the many great rivers that divide their habitations, and the
extraordinary conveniences of each, his majesty sent directions to build
forts in the several rivers, and enjoined all the ships to ride under
those forts; and farther ordered, that those places only should be the
ports of trade.

Sec. 88. This instruction was punctually observed for a year, and
preparations were made for ports, by casting up breastworks in such
places as the assembly appointed, and the shipping did for that time
ride at those places. But the great fire and plague happening in London
immediately upon it, made their supplies that year very uncertain, and
the terror the people were in, lest the plague should be brought over
with the ships from London, prevented them from residing at those ports,
for fear of being all swept away at once. And so every body was left at
liberty again.

Sec. 89. Still no favor could be obtained for the tobacco trade, and the
English merchants afforded but a bare support of clothing for their
crops. The assembly were full enough of resentme