Agreeable to the order of the day, the convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole to consider further of the declaration of rights and form of government for this state; Mr. T. Wright in the chair. After some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the chair, and Mr. Wright reported, that the committee had according to order take into their consideration the declaration of rights, and form of government, and had come to several resolutions thereon, but not having had time to come to a conclusion had directed him to move for leave to sit again.

Resolved, That this convention will to-morrow morning resolve itself into a committee of whole, to consider further of the same. Convention adjourns till to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, October 16, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday. The proceedings of yesterday were read. Mr. Bowie appeared in the house.

On motion of Mr. Johnson, Resolved, That the commissioners of the loan office put no bonds in that office in suit before the first day of January next, because of the non-payment of interest thereon, and that they advertise in Maryland Gazette, and Goddard's and Dunlap's papers printed in Baltimore town, that no further indulgence will be given.

Agreeable to the order of the day, the convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole to consider further of the declaration of rights, and form of government for this state; Mr. T. Wrigat in the chair. After some time spent therein Mr. President resumed the chair, and Mr. Wright reported that the committee had, according to order, taken into their consideration the declaration of rights, and form of government for this state, and had come to several resolutions thereon, but not having had time to come to a conclusion, had directed him to move for leave to sit again.

Resolved, That this convention will in the afternoon resolve itself into a committe of the whole, to consider further of the

same.

Resolved, That the council of safety be empowered to draw for a sum not exceeding fifteen thousand pounds of the bills of credit nowremaining in the hands of the treasurers, appropriated for calling in and exchanging the bills of credit issued by the convention in July, seventeen hundred and seventy five, and that they apply the same or any part thereof to the use of the public as occasion may require, and that this convention will make such provision for calling in and exchnging the said former emission as may be

necessary.

Adjourned till 3 o'clock.

POST MERIDIEM.

Convention met. Mr. Edmondson and Mr. T. Smyth appeared in the house.

A petition from Basil Clarkson praying to be released from Anne Arundle county jail, was read and ordered to lie on the table.

On reading a letter from Samuel Purviance, jun., chairman of the committee of observation for Baltimore county, respecting the conduct of Francis Sanderson, the same was taken into consideration, and the said Francis Sanderson called before the Convention, and on the examination of several witnesses and hearing him in his defence.

On motion of Mr. Paca, the question was put, That the said Francis Sanderson is guilty of delivering sentiments tending to discourage the American opposition to the hostile attempts of Great Britain: That therefore he be reprimanded at the bar of this house by the president; that he give bond in the penalty of one thousand pounds, with good security, to be approved of by the committee of Baltimore county, to the president, conditioned that he will not hereafter speak or do any matter or thing in prejudice or discouragement of the present opposition; that he pay all the expenses incurred on account of his being apprehended, guarded, and brought to this convention, and that thereupon he be discharged? Resolved in the affirmative.

Francis Sanderson was then called to the bar of the house, and

reprimanded accordingly.

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

THURSDAY, October 17, 1776.

Convention met.

All members present as on yesterday. The

proceedings of yesterday were read.

On motion of Mr. Johnson, Resolved, That the commissioners appointed to repair to the camps obtain a list of the cadets now in the Maryland troops at the camps in New York and the Jerseys, and return the same to this convention, or in their recess to the council of safety, and also return the names of such non-commissioned officers in the said troops, as may be recommended by their superior officers as men of merit.

Whereas, this convention hath been informed that William Sluby, merchant, of Chestertown in Kent county, hath lately in a public manner delivered sentiments and opinions with an intention to disunite and disaffect the good people of this state in their present opposition to the hostile attempts of Great Britain against the United States, therefore, Resolved, That the committee of observation of the said county summon James Claypole of the said town to appear before them as a witness against said Sluby, and make enquiry into the truth of the said information, and report the facts arising thereon to this convention, or in their recess to the council of safety, and if they shall judge it necessary, take the said Sluby into custody, and send him under a guard of four of the militia to this convention, or the council of safety as aforesaid, to be dealt with as the nature of his offence may require.

Ordered, That the clerk transmit a copy of the above resolution to the committee of observation of Kent county.

On reading and considering the petition of John White of Dorchester county, setting forth, that his sloop had been taken by a certain Joseph Whyland and carried to lord Dunmore's fleet, where she had been stript of her sails and rigging, and burned, but that the sails and rigging had been since taken in a vessel belonging to the enemy, and were now in the possession of a certain major Follin of Dorchester county, and praying that the sails and rigging

aforesaid might be restored to him, thereupon Resolved, That the said major Follin deliver to the said John White the sails and rigging of his sloop, he first ascertaining by oath or other sufficient proof, that the sails and rigging in the possession of major Follin are the same which were taken from his sloop.

On motion, Resolved, That the council of safety be empowered to make captain John Fulford an allowance for his services in superintending the fortifications at the city of Annapolis, over and above his pay as captain of the artillery company, in proportion to what they may be of opinion he hath or shall deserve.

Agreeable to the order of the day the convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to consider further of the declaration of rights, and form of government for this state; Mr. T. Wright in the chair. After some time spent therein Mr. President resumed the chair, and Mr. Wright reported, that the committee had, according to order, taken into their consideration the declaration of rights, and form of government for this state, and had come to several resolutions thereon, but not having had time to come to a conclusion, had directed him to move for leave to sit again.

Resolved, That this convention will on to-morrow resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to consider further of the same. Mr. Joseph Ennalls has leave of absence.

On motion of Mr. Lowes, Ordered, That the petition of Basil Clarkson be referred to the council of safety.

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

FRIDAY, October 18, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday, except Mr. Joseph Ennalls. The proceedings of yesterday were read. Mr. Parnham has leave of absence. Mr. Ridgely appeared in the house.

On motion, Resolved, That the council of safety be empowered to hear and determine on the case of William Bartlet Townsend of Worcester county, and to pass such judgment thereon as in their discretion they may think fit.

Agreeable to the order of the day the convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to consider further of the declaration of rights, and form of government for this state, Mr. T. Wright in the chair. After some time spent therein Mr. President resumed the chair, and Mr. Wright reported that the committee had, according to order, taken into their consideration the declaration of rights, and form of government for this state, and had

come to several resolutions thereon, but not having had time to come to a conclusion, had directed him to move for leave to sit again.

Resolved, That this convention will on to-morrow resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to consider further of the same. Convention adjourns to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.

SATURDAY, October 19, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday, except Mr. Parnham. The proceedings of yesterday were read.

On motion of Mr. Johnson, Resolved, That every member who asks for leave of absence shall give his reasons for asking such leave, and that they be entered on the journal.

Mr. T. Wright has leave of absence till Wednesday next, on account of particular private business. Mr. Fischer has leave of absence for a few days. Mr. Hughs has leave of absence, his private affairs requiring his attendance at home.

Agreeable to the order of the day the convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to consider further of the declaration of rights, and form of government for this state; Mr. Worthington in the chair. After some time spent therein Mr. President resumed the chair, and Mr. Worthington reported, that the committee had, according to order, taken into their consideration the declaration of rights, and form of government for this state, and had come to several resolutions thereon, but not having had time to come to a conclusion, had directed him to move for leave to sit again.

Resolved, That this convention will on to-morrow resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to consider further of the same.

Mr. S. Wright has leave of absence on account of his bad state of health. Mr. Mason has leave of absence on account of the sickness of his family.

Convention adjourns till Monday morning, 9 o'clock.

MONDAY, October 21, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on Saturday, except Mr. Fischer, Mr. T. Wright, Mr. S. Wright, Mr. Mason, Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Hughs, and Mr. Sprigg. The proceedings of Saturday were read. Mr. Dent has leave of absence.

Agreeable to the order of the day the convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to consider further of the declaration of rights, and form of government for this state; Mr. Worthington in the chair. After some time spent therein Mr. President