Nevertheless, it was continued at different times till 1692,
when a new law was passed differing little from the former
act. 22

Objections were raised in other colonies about this time
against the importation of felons, but apparently without
avail. Virginia attempted to prevent the landing of con-
victs in December, 1678, but the king sent a peremptory
order to the governor and other officers commanding them
to permit Ralph Williamson "to land and dispose of fifty-two



JO



Cal. St. Pap. Col. May 10, 1686.
21 Arch, of Md. II. pp. 540-541-

23 Ibid. XIII. pp. 539-540; Scharf, Hist, of Md. I. p. 372; Bacon's
Laws of Md.
