[Footnote 5: The act is in Hening, _Statutes at Large of Virginia_, III. 176-179, passed in May, 1699. It had been superseded by the act 11 and 12 Will. III. c. 7, passed in the session of Parliament just ended, that of Nov. 16, 1699-Apr. 11, 1700, but that fact would not yet be known in Virginia. On Apr. 28, 1699, the Virginia council had issued a proclamation against pirates, which is printed in the _Virginia Magazine of History_, VIII. 191.] To Lieut Collo. Thomas Ballard or Majr. William Buckner at York Town who are to take a Copy hereof, and Dispatch it as Directed and Each Colonel or Chief officer is also to take a Copy hereof and dispatch it as Directed. Lieut. Collo. Thomas Ballard and Major Wm. Buckner are to send an Express to the Hon'ble Col. Edmd. Jenings, with a Copy of this, and they are likewise to send a Copy of this to Collo. Philip Ludwell, who is in his Maj'tes Name Commanded to have the Militia of James City ready by this Order of KIQUOTAN, Ap'll 28th 1700 Whereas this Day I have received Informacion that there is three or four ships or vessels now riding at anchor in Lynhaven bay, suspected to be Pyrates or Privateers, These are therefore in his Maj'tes Name to will and require you on Sight hereof to give Notice to all officers and Souldiers under your Comand to be in readiness with their Armes and amunition at one houres Warning as you Shall receive further Orders. given under my hand and Lesser Seal at Armes the Day and Year above written. To Lieut. Collo. Miles Cary, Comander in Chief of his Maj'tes Militia in Warwick County.[6]... FR. NICHOLSON. [Footnote 6: Warwick and James City lay westward, up the James River. A series of directions like those sent northward was also sent southward, to Norfolk, Princess Anne, Nansemond, and Isle of Wight.] _92. Deposition of William Fletcher. May 2, 1700._[1] [Footnote 1: Bodleian Library, MS. Rawlinson C. 933, f. 12. An enclosure in no. 93.] The Deposition of William Fletcher, Master of the ship _Barbadoes merchant_ of Leverpoole, Sworne the Second Day of May 1700, Saith