518 Journal and Correspondence

no reasons were given. The only thing w^e can be laid to my
charge, is not having taken up arms; & I defy any man to say
(at least to prove) that I have directly or indirectly done any
thing in opposition to, or to the prejudice of the present
measures. Besides if I had been ever so criminal, I surely
was entitled to a hearing before condemnation. It may be
necessary to inform your board of some of the persons who
were present at this extraordinary transaction. Commodore
Nicholson, Lieu^t Aquila Johns, Cap^t John Martin of the armed
brig (a very busy man), David Stewart, Daniel Bowly, Charles
Ridgely son John, W^m Hammond, John M^cLure, Barnet
Eichelberger, Doctor Baird, Doctor Swoope, Nich^s Norwood,
Thomas Elliot tavern keeper Fells point who I tho' seemed to
assume some command, James Cox & John M^cLellan mem-
bers of the Committee, & one Poe a wheelwright (who seemed
at the head of the lower class) composed this body, or at least
such part of it as I can at present remember—In justice to
Commodore Nicholson I must observe that he declared in my
presence, his sole reason for coming there was to prevent
injury to our persons, & he actually forbid the people from
insulting us when we went out to mount our horses—My chief
reason for troubling you is that Baltimore County is deprived
of a Sheriff by my expulsion, & there is a considerable number
of prisoners confined in Jail who must be supply'd w^t provi-
sions, therefore you will take such steps as you may Judge
proper on this occasion. After such unmerited treatment as
I have experienced, I cannot again trust myself in Baltimore,
nor will I come there untill times alter.

Since I left Town it has been reported that I went off in
Debt to the County, w^c is a scandalous falsehood. On the
contrary I am considerably in advance for the year 1775, &
altho' I cannot exactly say hbw the acco^t stands for 1776 yet I
am pretty certain after deducting my own claim against the
County w^c was allowed last levy Court, I have paid away
more than I have received. I shall appoint a person of charac-
ter & property to transact the collection business during my
absence, w^t directions to pay off the public Creditors as fast as
he receives the money. I sincerely wish peace & prosperity
to the Province of Maryland & am w' great respect, Sir

your most obedient Servant

I am told Cap^t Nath' Smith, Rob^t Christie, Jun^r
Rob' Buchanan & Jn^o M^cHenry
were all of the party.