SIR Edward Mascy being dead, a Writ issued for a new Election.

The said William Cooke, and Col. Henry Norwood stood in Competition April 19. 1675. Four indifferent Gentlemen were chosen, who by mu­tual Consent were to methodize and order the proceeding at the Election, which was to ensue the day following.

April 20th. 1675. Being the day of Election; the County Court was call'd, and the Writ ready, as also the agreement of the persons aforesaid, the appointed Managers of the Election, which Mr. Cooke submitted to; but Col. Norwood, and the elder Sheriff refused to conform to them, but proceeded in a disorderly manner to a Poll, which occasioned so great a confusion, that Sir Robert Atkins, and some other Gentlemen interposed; and then a more regular way of proceeding being agreed upon, that Mr. Cooke should Poll 5, and then Col. Norwood 5, and so to continue till one side should Poll out all their whole number; which continued till about 11 of the Clock, when Col. Norwood having no more ready to be Poll'd, intimation being given thereof to the said elder Sheriff, he abruptly rose, without making any Proclamation; and being followed by Col. Norwood and his Friends, remov'd into the Colledge Church-yard.

The Mayor, the younger Sheriff, Mr. Cooke and his party continuing in the Court, Poll'd on according to the agreement, till Mr. Cooke having Poll'd above 50 more than Col. Norwood: All then concluded the Election over, the rest of Mr. Cooks Voices departed, and went about their own private concerns.

About 12. of the Clock, the elder Sheriff, and Col. Norwood return'd to the Court, and proceeded to Poll again, with a croud of people after him, and without regularity, Poll'd some who had no Voices, some who had been Poll'd before; At which, Mr. Cooke took exceptions on the place; But the elder Sheriff refused that he would adjourn to the Election-cham­ber, alledging, he was much tired and spent, and there he would hear all exceptions, and examine the List e're he clos'd it, and made his Return.

About 1 a Clock the Court adjourned to meet at the Election-chamber at 3, in order to the clearing the Poll.

According to the Sheriffs own appointment, Mr. Cooke and his friends met at the Election-chamber, where, after half an hours stay, the said She­riff, and Col. Norwood, &c. came, where some of Mr. Cooks Voices hea­ring Col. Norwood had Poll'd after they had left the Court, then crav'd the Poll, and were not admitted, though they had a right to Elect beyond all exceptions.

Mr. Cooke then offered several exceptions against Col. Norwords Poll; but was positively refus'd by the said Sheriff (though that meeting was by his own appointment for that purpose,) saying; That he was resolved to Seal Col. Norwoods Indentures, and return him, and then let Mr. Cooke make his exceptions at his leasure.

And in pursuance of that resolution, he made a Declaration of Col. Norwoods Election, and sealed the Indenture accordingly.

Though Mr. Cooke can make it appear, that several of his Voices were obtained by Threats and Menaces, several by Bribery, several twice, nay some thrice poll'd, and few such as paid to Church and Poor.