142 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION [1776.

the strength and promote the happiness of the whole empire, ob-
jects which this province hath ever had in view, the said deputies
are bound and directed to govern themselves by the instructions
given to them by this convention in its session of December last,
in the same manner as if the said instructions were particularly re-
peated.

Agreeable to the order of the day the convention proceeded to
take into consideration the petition of lieutenant Uriah Forrest,
preferred on behalf of himself and lieutenants William Sprigg
Bowie, and Benjamin Brooks, setting forth, that from the conduct of
their captain, John Gunby, of the second independent company of
regular troops, they had cause to suspect his zeal for the rights and
liberties of America, and praying to be removed from said compa-
ny; and on hearing and considering the proofs and allegations of-
fered, as well by the petitioners as the said John Gunby, Resolved,
That it is the opinion of this convention that the said captain John;

Gunby, far from having given any just cause to suspect his zeal for
the rights and liberties of America, hath by his conduct manifested
a laudable zeal in defence of the rights and liberties of America in
general, and this province in particular.

Resolved, therefore, that the said petition be rejected.

Mr. Bond has leave of absence for a few days.

The order of the day for taking into consideration the late inter-
cepted letters to governor Eden, the proceedings of the continen-
tal congress, and of the council of safety of this province, being
read, Ordered, That the same be referred for further consideration
till to-morrow.

The order of the day for taking into consideration the proceed-
ing of the committee of Calvert county, on the complaint of Joseph
Wilkinson against James Weems, was referred for consideration
till to-morrow.

Convention adjourns till to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, May 22, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday, except
Mr. Potter. The proceedings of yesterday were read.

The committee for that purpose appointed, bring in and deliver
to Mr. President, a report on the proposals of Henry Hollings-
worth, to manufacture gun barrels; also a report on the terms of-
fered by Elisha Winters of Chestertown, in Kent county, to manu-
facture fire arms, which were severally read and ordered to lie on
the table.

The proceedings of the committee of Baltimore county, on the