1776.] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 139

cillatlon with Great Britain, has been, or is likely to be given, but
the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is
to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these colo-
nies—and whereas it appears absolutely irreconcilable to reason and
good conscience, for the people of these colonies NOW to take
the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any govern-
ment under the crown of Great Britain; and it is necessary that
the exercise of every kind of authority under the said crown should
be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted
under the authority of the people of the colonies, for the preserva-
tion of internal peace, virtue, and good order, as well as for the
defence of their lives, liberties and properties, against the hostile
invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies—Therefore,

Resolved, That it be recommended to the respective assemblies,
and conventions, of the united colonies, where no government
sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs has been heretofore es-
tablished, to adopt such government as shall, in the opinion of the
representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and
safety of their constituents in particular, and America in general.

"Extract from the minutes. CHA. THOMSON, sec'y.
Which was read and thereupon, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to take the same into consideration, and report thereon;

and Mr. T. Johnson, Mr. Paca, Mr. Goldsborough, Mr. Hollyday,
and Mr. Tilghman, were elected by ballot a committee for that pur-
pose.

The proceedings of the committee of observation for Prince
George's county on the 16th inst. were read and ordered to lie on
the table.

A petition from the merchants of Dorchester county; a letter
from John Hanson, jr. of Frederick county, and a petition from the
minute company lately commanded by captain William Henry,
praying to be established a company of militia, under their late
officers, were severally read and ordered to lie on the table.

Adjourned till 3 o'clock.

POST MERIDIEM.

Met according to adjournment.

Ordered, That the muskets made and sent hither by Henry Yost
and John Unsold of Frederick county, in consequence of their re-
spective contracts with the council of safety on the 28th day of
November and 14th of December last, be returned to them as unfit
for service, and that they pay the expense of sending them here.

Mr. T, Johnson brings in and delivers to Mr. President a report