46 Journal and Correspondence

C. S. C.

This Committee have on all occasions exerted their
utmost influence to preserve the peace of the State (so far as
their very limited powers extend) and will continue to do it,
but while the State remain in the present confusion, without
any laws or any constitution it cannot be expected but that
irregularities will ensue. We must therefore earnestly recom-
mend it to your Hon^ble Board to convene the Legislature as
soon as possible that our constitution may be carried into
effect and that we may be represented in Congress.
There has been an information given this day that a number
of People in the upper part of this county has been forming a
petition to Lord Howe, and that one Maddir can give further
light into the affair. We have issued a Summons for him to
attend the 21^st Inst. when we will examine into the matter.
We herewith transmit to you the deposition of John Hard-
man a sargeant belonging to this State, who we understand
may be found near French Town in Cecil County. This
deposition was taken against John Ross, when he was gone to
Virginia and consequently not present. On his return we
called him before us and examined Elizabeth Dewit, wife to
Thomas Dewit Prison Keeper, and also two witnesses in his
favour, the purport of which is herewith inclosed. We have
obliged him to enter into bond in the sum of five hundred
dollars, conditioned that he will appear before your Board at
any time you may think proper to cite him and that in the
mean time he will be of good behaviour towards this and the
rest of the United States.
We are Gentlemen, with Esteem, Yours,
(Signed p^r order) James Calhoun
Chairman
P. S. A former letter from your Board concerning the pro-
ceedings of the Whig Club was laid before this Committee
and refer'd to a Special Committee to draw up an answer
thereto, but at that time we were in the utmost hurry and
confusion at this place on account of the Congress removing
from Philadelphia, and the letter was by some means mislaid.
J. C.
lo the Honorable Council of Safety. Annapolis.

[Affidavits in Ross's case.]

Elizabeth Dewit, wife to Thomas Dewit, Keeper of the
Prison made oath that she heard John Ross drink success to
Lord Howe, and that M^r Ross appear'd a little groggy at the
time.
Daniel Curtis made oath that he heard John Ross drink confu-
sion to Lord Howe and all his proceedings in the Prison, that