1776.] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 237

POST MERIDIEM.

Convention met. Mr. Fitzhugh appeared in the house. Mr.
Solomon Wright appeared and took his seat in the house.

The order of the day for taking into consideration the petition
against the election of delegates for Anne Arundel county, being
read, the same was withdrawn at the request of the petitioners.

Mr. Lowes has leave of absence.

Convention adjourns till to morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
WEDNESDAY, September 4, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday, except
Mr. Lowes, Mr. William Ringgold, Mr. Earle, and Mr. Turbutt
Wright. The proceedings of yesterday were read. Mr. Peter Chaille,
Mr. Samuel Handy, and Mr. Josiah Mitchell, delegates returned for
Worcester county, appeared and took their seats in the house.

Mr. Thomas Ringgold, from the committee appointed to enquire
into the state and condition of manufactories, brings in and deliv-
ers to Mr. President the following report:

"In obedience to a resolve of the honorable convention, your com-
mittee for enquiring into the state and condition of manufactories
beg leave to report, That not having had time to inquire into the pro-
priety of the particular charges made in an account lately exhibited
by the commissioners of the gun-lock factory at Frederick town, beg
leave to defer their opinion thereon until they have an opportu-
nity of making the necessary inquiries, and until proper vouchers
are produced. Nevertheless, upon a general view of the account,
your committee are enabled to report to your honorable house, that
the sum of twelve hundred pounds common money has been ad-
vanced; that one thousand and seventy-six pounds nine shillings
and eight pence has been laid out and expended, and that no more
than to the amount of eighty-two pounds nineteen shillings and
seven pence has been returned in work, valued in the opinion of
your committee, at high prices, and only thirty-eight gun-locks have
been produced; that from the best information the expense of con-
tinuing the factory on the public account will be very great, and
under its present circumstances, no returns can be expected in any
degree adequate to it. Your committee are therefore of opinion
that the proposals of Elisha Winters of Chestertown, ought to be
accepted on the following terms, viz:

" That the present buildings shall be finished, and such other
additional buildings erected as shall be thought necessary for the
carrying on the factory, and that for the accommodation of Elisha
Winters' family, and the hands employed in the said factory, that