1776.] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 203

regulating the internal polity and government of this colony be re-
served to the people thereof. We have also thought proper to call
a new convention, for the purpose of establishing a government in
this colony. No ambitious views, no desire of independence, in-
duced the people of Maryland to form an union with the other col-
onies. To procure an exemption from parliamentary taxation, and
to continue to the legislatures of these colonies the sole and exclu-
sive right of regulating their internal polity, was our original and
only motive. To maintain inviolate our liberties, and to transmit
them unimpared to posterity, was our duty and first wish; our next,
to continue connected with, and dependent on Great Britain. For
the truth of these assertions, we appeal to that Almighty Being
who is emphatically styled the searcher of hearts, and from whose
omniscience nothing is concealed. Relying on his divine protec-
tion and affiance, and trusting to the justice of our cause, we ex-
ort and conjure every virtuous citizen to join cordially in defence
of our common rights, and in maintainance of the freedom of this
and her sister colonies.

Adjourned till 3 o'clock.

POST MERIDIEM.

Convention met.

The president laid before the convention several letters from the
honorable, the president of the congress, of the 25th and 29th of
June, and of the 4th instant, and sundry resolutions of that respec-
table body, which were taken into consideration, and thereupon
Ordered, That colonel Smallwood immediately proceed with his
battalion to the city of Philadelphia, and put himself under the con-
tinental officer commanding there, and be subject to the further or-
ders of the congress.

Ordered, That the independent companies stationed in Talbot,
Kent, Queen Anne's, and St. Mary's counties, immediately pro-
ceed to Philadelphia, and put themselves under the command of
colonel Smallwood, subject to the further orders of the congress.

Ordered, That vessels be immediately procured to transport such
of the said troops as are on the western shore to the head of Elk.

Resolved, That the council of safety take such measures as they
may think best, to supply the said troops with carriages and provi-
sions on their march to Philadelphia.

Resolved, That the said battalion and independent companies be
deducted from the number of the militia required by congress of
this colony to compose the flying camp.

Ordered, That copies of the letter from congress of the 4th inst.
and of the above resolutions, be transmitted by express, to the se-