Proceedings of the Maryland Convention, 1775. 53

(N^o 10.)
Annapolis August the 11^th 1775
Gentlemen,
We are jointly with M^r William Russell and M^r Daniel
Bowly of Baltimore Town Owners of the Brig Nancy, Capt.
Lund; Sometime in the month of May last we chartered this
Brig to Mess^rs Wallace Davidson & Johnson to load with
Tobacco in Potowmack, for London. She is now loaded and
ready to clear out on her intended voyage; but she having
lain longer by a considerable time than was expected, in col-
lecting her cargo, and the season having been remarkably dry
the worms have injured her bottom to such a degree as to
render her unfit to proceed to Sea: and before she can do so
her Cargo must be relanded and her bottom sheathed. Work
of this kind cannot be done where she lays. We must have
her up to Baltimore. Under these circumstances, the work
being tedious, we are apprehensive the Vessel cannot be
finished previous to the 10^th of September. It is our wish to
make Rules formed for the benefit of the Community, our line
of Conduct, nor would we, we assure you Gentlemen, under
any specious pretences, endeavour to infringe them. Our
situation is a very peculiar one. We beg you will take it into
consideration, and allow us, if not in our power to do it before
to reload the above Cargo after the 10^th of September. The
Vessel & cargo shall be cleared out before. To obviate every
suspicion that may arise of intentions to counteract the general
Resolves, we desire to be sworn as to the fitness, and condi-
tion of the Vessel to take in her Cargo at the time of her going
from Baltimore to Potowmack.
We know the arduous business in which you are now
engaged Gentlemen must take up much of your attention ;
We are sorry to be an interruption to it, but hope our situa-
tion will be a sufficient apology, as well as farther excuse us,
in desiring your speedy directions in this business. The con-
dition of the Vessel being such as to render some immediate
Steps necessary to be taken with her.
We are with respect, Gentlemen
Your most Obedient Servants
Will^m Lux, Matt^w Ridley.

(N^o 11)
Rules and Articles, for the better Government of the Troops
raised, or to be raised, and kept in pay, by and at the joint
expence, of the Twelve United English Colonies of North
America.
In General Congress of the United Colonies, held at Phila-
delphia, on the 10^th day of May 1775

C. J.²