46 Proceedings of the Maryland Convention, 1775.

C. J.²

take his answer in writing. The Gentlemen returned and
Report that M^r Christie declared there never was any associa-
tion between him and his friends for the purpose alluded to,
or for any other purpose, and all that he remembers to have
past on the occasion was, that some time last Winter he was
informed, that he with some of his friends were to be made a
publick example of, for not uniting with the Town in the
present opposition, and this being spoken of accidentally
among two or three of his friends, it was proposed, whether
our association for mutual defence would be adviseable but no
determination being then made, and they soon after being
convinced that no threats worth notice had been thrown out
against them, the matter dropt and was never afterwards
thought of or attempted and that it was at this time of doubt
and apprehension that he had wrote the Letter in question
which accounts for that part of it alluded to in the Enquiry.
The Committee proceeded to take M^r Christies conduct with
respect to said Letter into further and deliberate consideration,
and were unanimously of opinion, that by representing in said
Letter the people of this Town, to be concerned in Treason-
able and Rebellious practices, and that a number of Soldiers
would keep them quiet, he has manifested a spirit and prin-
ciple altogether inimical to the Rights, Privileges and Liberties
of America. They do therefore think it their duty to advertise
the said James Christie Junior as an enemy to this Country,
and all persons are desired to break off all connection and
intercourse with him.
The Committee further Resolve, that as the Crime of which
the said James Christie is guilty is of so dangerous and atro-
cious a nature, they will lay the same before their Delegates at
the Continental Congress for their advice, and in the mean
time, it is ordered that as M^r Christie is confined to his Bed
and cannot be removed with safety to a place of security, the
same guard be continued at his House to prevent any escape
attempted either by himself or the Assistance of his friends,
and that M^r Christie pay each man five shillings for each
twenty four hours, and the Officer seven shillings & sixpence.
A Report having been circulated that a number of Arms
and a quantity of ammunition were secretly lodged in the
House of M^r James Christie, and the same being mentioned in
the Committee, they directed two of their members, Capt.
Clopper and M^r James Cox to go immediately and search M^r
Christies House which they accordingly did, and reported that
they had examined the House attentively in every part
attended by M^r Robert Christie Junior, and that they only
found two Guns and a Pair of Pistols and no ammunition, and
were convinced no others were in the House.