Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1761-1769. 259

is rendered most unfortunate and disgraced forever; in the
behalf of a tender Mother and of Number of Sisters and
Brothers, allow an unfortunate Wretch to Implore forgive-
ness and Mercy, the which have been acquainted by M^r

Lib. C. B.
No. 20

Thomas Johnson has been heretofore done by the Justices of
this County, a Gentleman of the Law in my behalf having
heretofore been incapable of Acting, By your Excellency's
Clemency saved from Publick Shame, to which many do wish
to bring me, my Grateful Heart, impressed with a due Sense
of the invaluable Obligation conferred, shall never forget the
Benign Author of its future Peace, and Eternal Repose, which
I shall endeavour to seek and find if Possible in some Clime
where unknown. I can say nothing in my behalf, Mercy.
Your Excellency's wonted Mercy; is all my Plea and depend-
ance; I most humbly, in the Name of the Almighty Author of
all Things, implore the same, that I may be by the same
Wrested out of the Hands of mine Enemies whereof I here-
tofore have had and still have too many to Struggle with, and
those chiefly in Power, who, if they wou'd be Candid, might
Justly vouch that I am a Foe to none but myself. Should your
Excellency deign to peruse in my behalf the Records of his
Lordship's Council, for the Year 1747, thereby will be Con-
vinced of my Attachment to the Illustrious House, who now
with Glory doth fill the British Throne, as well as perceive
the Malicious attempts then made to affect my utter destruc-
tion, steadfast to my Principles in the last unhappy times,
having endeavoured to keep the People Quiet, and been active
in my Duty, (which the whole County can vouch,) the Dis-
turbers of the Peace of this Province, styling themselves the
Sons of Liberty, did attempt my Destruction, and I saved my
Life perhaps by Complying with their Extravagant Orders,
the Insults renewed again at Our last Election, having opposed
Mess^rs Ridgely Adair and Moal their Leaders. I can hardly
express the Risk I at that time did run, being within one Yard
of the River, their Mob were Ordered to throw me in, I hope I
never was wanting in my Duty to his Lordship, whereof I
cou'd, if by your Excellency Commanded, give Convincing
Proofs; whatever is contained in the Petitions by me delivered
to the Honble John Ridout Esq^r in Regard to the Magistrates
of this County exacting Fees, is Truth, but the Petitioners,
afterwards Threatened and awed by them, were forced to
Retreat, of which Your Excellency might, were you so pleased,
be Convinced by Ordering each to appear before you, as each
also, Owings and Richards Excepted, were active in that

p. 34