126 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION [1776.

Ordered, That Gabriel Duvall be continued clerk to the conven-
tion, and that he qualify himself as such by taking oath that he will
faithfully, diligently, and honestly discharge the office of clerk to
the convention of Maryland, and that he will not disclose or reveal
the secrets thereof.

Ordered, That Mr. Allen Quynn be continued messenger, and
Mr. Robert Reynolds door keeper to the convention, and that they
severally qualify themselves as such by taking the oath of office
and secrecy as above directed to be taken by the clerk.

Ordered, That the resolve of secrecy entered into at the last ses-
sion of convention be observed this session.

Convention adjourns till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock.

THURSDAY, May 9, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday. The
proceedings of yesterday were read. Col. George Plater, a mem-
ber for St. Mary's county, appeared and took his seat in the house.
Mr. Sudler appeared in the house.

A remonstrance from the committee of observation for the lower
district of Frederick county, relating to the payment of public
taxes; a petition from the lieutenants of the second independent
company of regular troops, praying to be removed from said com-
pany; a petition from William Faris of the city of Annapolis; and
the proceedings of the committee of observation for Tabot county,
against Alexander Wickham, were severally read and ordered to
lie on the table.

Certificates of the qualification of the clerk, messenger and door
keeper, were produced and filed.

The proceedings of the council of safety, in consequence of in-
tercepted letters from lord George Germain to Robert Eden, Esq.,
deputy governor of Maryland, were laid before the convention,
read, and ordered to lie on the table.

On reading a second time the representation of the committee
of Talbot coutity of the case of Alexander Wickham, Ordered,
That the said Alexander Wickhnm be committed to the custody of
a guard, to be appointed by col. William Smallwood, until the con-
vention shall take order in the premises, and that the guard from
the independent company commanded by captain Hindman, be dis-
charged of the said Alexander Wickham,

Adjourned till three o'clock.