that the trade in arms and ammunition filled the settlements with rumors of projected outbreaks, leading to widespread uneasiness; it was determined, therefore, to require every person engaged in this trade, which seems at this time to have been practically confined to beaver, otter, and other furs, to obtain a commission from the Governor of the Colony. The latter was admonished to grant it only to those who were known to be distinguished for integrity, and who in consequence could be relied upon not to abuse the privilege.[1] This Act seems to leave been disregarded to a great extent, many unlicensed men continuing in a secret way to trade with the Indian tribes. To suppress this evil, it was provided that every uncommissioned person discovered dealing with the aborigines should forfeit treble the value of the articles which he obtained under these circumstances. All controversies between the Indians and the commissioned traders were to be settled by the Governor, or an arbitrator whom he should appoint for the purpose.
The importance of the Indian trade was shown as early as 1663, by the report of a committee which at that time sat upon Indian affairs. This committee, finding that the traffic of the Virginians with the aborigines was seriously injured by the encroachments of the English and Indian inhabitants of Maryland, as well as of tribes residing further to the north, recommended that measures should be adopted to put a stop to this system of bartering on the part of these strangers, and in pursuance of this recommendation, a prohibitory law was passed.[2] The exchange of arms and ammunition for the commodities of the Indians was again expressly interdicted in 1665.[3] The punishment now prescribed was a fine of ten thou-
