The president laid before the convention a letter and several resolutions from the honourable the president of the congress, of the third day of this instant, which was read and thereupon the convention taking the same into consideration,

Resolved, That the commanding officers of the several battalions of militia in Prince George's, Frederick, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's and Caroline counties, be requested to call their battalions together as soon as possible, and that the field officers of the said counties, respectively, select companies of volunteers as follows, to wit-Prince George's one, Frederick three, that is, one in each district thereof, Anne Arundel two, Baltimore two, Harford two, Cecil three, Kent two, Queen Anne's two, and Caroline one; that each company consist of 68 privates, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, one drummer, and one fifer, under the command of a captain, two lieutenants and an ensign.

That each company be armed out of the arms belonging to the battalions of their counties respectively, which shall be appraised and borrowed, or paid for at the election of the owner, by the council of safety: That if arms cannot be procured from the militia, any of the field officers may impress and appraise arms neċessary to equip each company, which shall be paid for by the council of safety.

That to encourage the immediate march of the militia, a bounty of three pounds, and one month's pay, be advanced by the council of safety to each non-commissioned officer and private.

That the field officers of each battalion recommend the commissioned officers for each company to this convention, or in their recess to the council of safety, for their approbation; which officers so to be recommended shall be made known to the militia before their enrollment.

That the committees of observation of any of the said counties or districts, where there shall be no field officers to any battalion therein, be required to carry the above requisition into execution in their respective counties and districts.

That the convention, or in their recess the council of safety, form the said companies of volunteers into battalions, and appoint the field officers.

That the council of safety take every measure in their power to furnish and equip the said companies with all necessaries, to expedite and prepare carriages and provisions for their march.

That the said companies be enrolled until the first day of December next, unless sooner discharged by congress, and receive continental pay from the day of enrollment.

That the companies of militia so to be raised be enrolled in the counties and districts where they are directed to be raised as aforesaid, and not of inhabitants of other counties or districts.

That if any company of militia shall offer themselves, they shall be allowed to go into the service under their present officers; or if the present officers of any company, with a considerable number of their company, offer to go and shall be able to fill up the number by enrollment of others, such company may march under such officers.

That a warrant issue to captain Andrew Hines of Frederick county to enroll a company of men for the flying camp service, on the same terms as the other militia, and that commissions issue to him and other proper commissioned officers by the council of safety.

That the president transmit copies of the above to each of the said counties and districts by express; and that money be advanced by the council of safety, to such person in each of the said counties and districts as they shall think proper, to discharge the bounty, the month's pay, and the purchase of arms, as above directed.

On motion the question was put, That the committees of observation for the several counties and districts in this state, and the several committees of correspondence, and committees for licensing suits, do continue to act with the powers heretofere vested in them until the first day of December next? Resolved in the affirmative.

Mr. Chamberlaine brings in and delivers to Mr. President, a report from the committee to whom the several papers relative to the conduct of Joseph Wheland, jun., John Evans, Robert Howith, and John Price, were referred, which was read and ordered to lie on the table.

A petition from Job Greene of Baltimore town; a petition from Thomas Deale, sheriff of Anne Arundel county; a petition from a majority of Castle Haven company of militia in Dorchester county, against the conduct of their captain; and a petition from several prisoners of war in Frederick county jail, praying to be removed to the log jail; were severally read and ordered to lie on the table. Mr. Plater from the committee for that purpose appointed, brings in and delivers to Mr. President a constitution and form of government for this state, which was read and ordered to lie on the table. Convention adjourns till to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, September 11, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday. The proceedings of yesterday were read. Mr. B. Hall, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Potter, Mr. T. Ringgold, Mr. W. Ringgold, Mr. T. Smith, and Mr. Bowie, appeared in the house.

On motion, the question was put, That the consideration of the declaration and charter of rights, and form of government for this state, be postponed till Monday fortnight? Resolved in the affirmative.

On motion, That the deputies appointed to congress, and now attending this convention, or any three of them, immediately repair to congress, and in conjunction with Thomas Stone, esq., represent this state in such manner as is prescribed by the nomination and appointment heretofore made? The previous question was called for and put, whether the above question be now put? Resolved in the affirmative.

The main question was then put, and resolved in the affirmative. Mr. Sheredine and Mr. Stull have leave of absence. Mr. Ridge. ly and Mr. Stevenson appeared in the house.

The field offiers of the Severn battalion recommend to the convention Elijah Robosson as captain, Samuel Barber as first lieutenant, Vachel Gaither as second lieutenant, and Nicholas Worthington, junr., as ensign, who have engaged to raise a full company: thereupon it is ordered, that the council of safety issue warrants agreeable to the said recommendation, and commissions upon making up a full company; and the said council of safety are here. by authorised to advance the bounty money to said Elijah Robosson, he giving his receipt for the same.

On motion of Mr. Samuel Chase, Resolved, That the council of safety be empowered to contract for one thousand pikes, not less than twelve feet in length.

Mr. Goldsborough, Mr. Ewing, Mr. Lowes, Mr. Beall, Mr. Geo. Scott, and Mr. Williams have leave of absence.

On motion of Mr. Hughs, Resolved, That the qualification of voters in Washington county for the purpose of fixing on the most convenient place for a court house and prison in said county, be the same as of voters for representatives in this convention.

On motion, Resolved, That the reverend John Scott be allowed another week from this day to settle his affairs, and to remove himself and family to Frederick county, under the condition and restrictions of a former resolve upon this subject.

Convention adjourns till to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.

THURSDAY, September 12, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday, except Mr. Sheredine, Mr. Fischer, Mr. Beall, Mr. Stull, and Mr. Hughs. The proceedings of yesterday were read. Mr. Parnham and Mr. Mason appeared in the house.

A petition from William Hooper, sheriff of Caroline county, was read and ordered to lie on the table.

The convention appointed Mr. George Cook commander of the ship Defence, Mr. Henry Auchinleck first lieutenant, Mr. John Burnell second lieutenant, and James Codray master of the said ship.

On motion, Resolved, That the council of safety be empowered to sell the schooner Resolution, after removing her military and other stores, and her sails, rigging, anchors and cables.

Resolved, That no merchant vessel belonging to any inhabitant of this state, sail from this state without license from the council