Proceedings of the Maryland Convention, 1775. 65

by engaging immediately all Gun Smiths, and others con-
cerned in carrying on that business. We therefore beg leave
to recommend, that proper persons be appointed in each
County to contract the Gun Smiths in their several Districts,
and that a sum of Public money be lodged in their hands, to
be advanced at their discretion to the Contractors (on Secu-
rity) to enable them with greater expedition to fulfil their
engagements.
There are three Gun Smith Shops in Baltimore Town, one
in George Town, four in Fredericktown, one near Frederick
Town, two in Hagers Town, one in Jerusalem Town, in the
whole amounting to twelve. We are informed that each of
these Shops can in one month, complete twenty substantial
musquets (the dimensions of which may be 42 inches in length,
24 of an Inch clear in the bore 1 1/2 inch diameter at the
breech, and 7/8 of an Inch at the Muzzle) with Steel rammers
and Bayonets 20 Inches in length including the Stock. The
price of the Musquet with its Bayonet may be about four
pounds, the Cartridge Box of 23 charges & Sling, the Sling
for the Musquet, the Scabbard and belt for the Bayonet will
altogether cost about 20/
So that by this mode 240 musquets may be furnished
monthly. Besides we are informed there are several Gun
Smiths on the Eastern Shore and in other places. And we
apprehend that from the great encouragement Artificers in this
business will receive, their number will soon be greatly
increased, and therefore the quantity of Arms we want may
be furnished in a much shorter time than the above calculation
supposes. And we offer it as our opinion that a proportion of
Rifles may be also had, if it should be found necessary.
Should that be the case we recommend them to be three feet
four Inches in length, and one half inch the Bore which we
suppose may be had, well fixed, at about £5. each, and we
apprehend that Swords and Tomahawks may also be manu-
factures in this Province.
If this mode meets with your Approbation, we recommend,
that each Gun be proved before it shall be received, and when
proved, that the word Maryland be stamped on the Barrel.
We further offer our opinion that the Persons to be appointed
to contract, shall from time to time advise the,
of the number of Guns by them received, to the end that some
further Provision may be made in case this mode shall not be
found to answer the purpose of procuring Arms with expedi-
tion. All this we humbly submit to the consideration of the
Hon^ble Convention. C. Beatty James Murray
Stephen West J^r To^y Chase
W^m Buchanan Will Deakins Jun^r
John Hanson J^r

C. J.²