1776.] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 223

or from the dates of their commissions, where no warrants have
been previously issued.

A petition from Thomas Wilson of the city of Annapolis, pray-
ing a remission of the fine set upon him by the committee of ob-
servation for Anne Arundel county, for not having enrolled in some
company of militia, was read and referred to the consideration of
the committee of observation for Anne Arundel county aforesaid.

A petition from Thomas French, late sheriff, and George French,
present high sheriff of Frederick county, was read and ordered to
lie on the table.

The council of safety laid before the convention an inventory of
sundry articles taken out of a small sloop, drifted ashore in this
state from the British fleet under the command of lord Dunmore,
and now stored by order of major Price, which was read.

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take the subject
matter into consideration, and report in what manner such articles
and prizes of the like nature are to be disposed of; and Mr. Paca,
Mr. Gustavus Scott, and Mr. Hooe, were elected by ballot a com-
mittee for that purpose.

On motion, Ordered, That the council of safety be directed to
advance the sum of ten pounds to Mr. James Hopkins, to enable
him to construct a machine according to proposals communicated
to this house.

On motion, Ordered, That the resolution of Saturday, respecting
the declaration of independence, be published in the Maryland
Gazette.

The council of safety laid before the convention sundry papers
and depositions relative to the reverend John Scott, and several de-
positions taken by George Plater and John Hall, esquires, rela-
tive thereto ; thereupon it is ordered, that a committee be appoint-
ed to take the same into consideration, and report their opinion
thereon ; and Mr. Samuel Chase, Mr. Jeremiah Townley Chase,
Mr. Paca, Mr. Worthington, Mr. Ridgely, and Mr. Chamberlaine,
were elected by ballot a committee for that purpose.

On reading the depositions laid before the convention by the
council of safety against Isaac Costin, Ordered, That the same be
taken into consideration on Monday, the 2d of September next.

Adjourned till 3 o'clock.

POST MERIDIEM.

Convention met.

Sundry depositions against William B. Townsend of Worcestei
county, and Joseph Wheland, jr., John Evans, Robert Howith, and