1776.] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 287

proceedings of yesterday were read. Mr. J. Smith and Mr. Ridgely
have leave of absence on account of particular private business.

Whereas, many young men under twenty-one years, seized of
lands and tenements within this state, have entered, and others so
seized may enter, into the service of this state or the United States
in arms, and by the laws now in being they cannot devise their
lands or tenements, it is therefore Resolved, That any last will of
any young man in the service aforesaid, made after he hath or shall
have accomplished the age of sixteen years, shall, in case he hath
died or shall die whilst in service as aforesaid, be of the same force
and effect, to all intents and purposes, as if he was of the full age
of twenty-one years at the time of his making the Same Witt.

Mr. Bishop has leave of absence on account of the indisposition
of his brother.

The president laid before the convention a letter from the com-
mittee of observation for Kent county, relative to the conduct of
Mr. William Sluby, which was read.

Ordered, That the same be entered on the journal, and it follows
in these words:

Chestertown, October 23, 1776.

"GENTLEMEN—Inclosed is a report of the facts, relative to Mr,
Sluby's case, as they arose on the examination of Mr. Claypoole,
and two others who were summoned by the committee at the re-
quest of Mr. Sluby. The committee set two days on the business
for want of time to finish the examination the first day. Mr. Clay-
poole was absent in the country the second day of our sitting, so
that Mr. Sluby had not an opportunity of cross examining him.
The committee are of opinion, that nothing appeared against Mr.
Sluby, which would justify the exercise of the power of sending
him under a guard to the convention.

" Signed by order, JOHN COMBS, clerk com.
"P. S. The reason Mr. Sluby did not cross examine Mr. Clay-
poole on the first day is, that after Mr. Claypoole had delivered his
testimony, the chairman was called off on necessary business.
"To the honorable the convention at the city of Annapolis."
Mr. Mason appeared in the house.

Agreeable to the order of the day, the convention resolved itself
into a committee of the whole, to consider further of the declara-
tion of rights, and form of government for this state; Mr. T. Wright
in the chair. After some time spent therein, Mr. President resum-
ed the chair, and Mr. Wright reported, that the committee had, ac-
cording to order, taken into their consideration the declaration of
rights, and form of government for this state, and had come to sev-
37