Act for Naturalization of Peter DOWDEE (1698); Somerset Co., Maryland Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Andrea K. Haga ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** [4 April 1698] An Act for the Naturalization of Peter Dowdee a French- man Liveing in Somersett County Be it Enacted by the Kings most Excellent Maty by & with the Advice and Consent of this present Generall Assembly and the Authority of the same That Peter Dowdee Borne in the Kingdom of ffrance but now liveing in Somersett County be reputed and taken as [a] Naturall born Subject of this Pro- vince and That from henceforth he be Enabled and adjudged to all Intents and purposes to ask Demand Challenge have hold and enjoy any Lands Tenements Rents and Heredita- ments within this province to which he may in any wise be Intituled as if he were a ffree an naturall borne Subject And also he shall & may be Enabled to prosecute maintain, avow Iustify and defend all and all manner of Actions suites pleas plaints and other Demands whatsoever as liberally Frankly freely Lawfully and securely as if he had been naturall born Subject of this Province Provided allway & it is the true Intent and meaning of ths Act That no Franchise Priviledge or imunity is hereby given unto the said Peter Dowdee which is any wise Contradictious or repuganant to the late Act of Parliament made in the Seaventh and Eighth Years of the reign of our Sovereigne Lord King William the third Intituled an Act for preventing frauds and Regulating Abuses in the Plantation Trade And also Provided the said Peter Dowdee do before some magristrate of this Province within six months after the publication of ths Act take the oaths appointed by Act of Parliament instead of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy and subscribe the Test any Law Statute usage or Custom to the Contrary in any wise nothwithstanding.