John Stevens; 26 August, 1652


Examination on the Interrogatories of David Kirke, in Baltimore vs. D. Kirke.

Maryland Historical Society, Calvert Papers, 174/200.
Published in Louis D. Scisco, "Testimony Taken at Newfoundland in 1652", Canadian Historical Review 9 (1928) 239-251, see 242-243. Revised by P.E. Pope.


The answeares of John Steevens, inhabitant of Renews, to his examination upon the Interrogatories ministered on the part and behalf of Sir David Kirke, Tuesday, August the 26th 1652:

1 [Re the personal bias of the witness] He answeares that he came to be examined by order of the Commissioners, as for benefit he knows not of any that he shall get by either of them. And, as for my Lord Baltimore [Cecil Calvert, Second Lord Baltimore], he knows [him] not but, for Sir David Kirke, he has known him thirteen years. And, for affection, he affects Sir David best but as far as he knows my Lord Baltimore may be as bad as Sir David Kirke. Also, he shall lose by the coming here and does think he shall have his labour for his pains.

2 To the second [re previous coaching of the witness] he answeareth that it was unknown to him concerning what they did express to him before he came. And as for suits, he hath none against Sir David, but if Sir David would be pleased to forgive him he will forgive Sir David with all his heart.

3 To the third [re extent of personal knowledge of the Calvert business], he answeareth that he was here in both these years mentioned '35 [1635] and '39 [1639]; but as for the Lord of Baltimore, he never saw him in his life.

4 To the fourth [re personal knowledge of the use of Calvert properties], he answeareth, that he was here when Sir David Kirke arrived in the Land [Newfoundland], but he never saw the Lord Baltimore here. As for boats that are expressed, he never saw none but one old boat which was left here. And for goods, he knows of none but some few old things which were left in the house, which said goods was perished, but of what value he knows not. And for houses that was left here, the goods that was left in the house was an old table board, and an old chair and an old boat left on the beach, in the possession of Captain [William] Hill.

5 To the fifth [re personal knowledge of Calvert's patent and of receipts from Kirke's imposition], he answeareth, as for the old Lord's power, he [Sir George Calvert, Lord Baltimore] had some, but for the young Lord he never saw nor his power. And as for customs and impositions, Sir David did receive some, which was received by his own person particular and some others in trust for that business, which was in the name of the Lords Proprietors; but what value the said imposition did amount to he knows not.

the mark of X
John Stevens