1776.] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 247

On motion of Mr. Fitzhugh, that the question be put on the
following:

Whereas, it has been the uniform rule and practice of former con-
ventions of this state, to delegate members to general congress from
their own body, being the representatives of the people of this state;
and as a departure therefrom may introduce and intrude on this
community men unworthy of confidence into the most important
and highest trusts, dangerous to the safety and welfare of America,
especially at this critical conjuncture, That no person whatsoever,
except a delegate of the people in convention, bo chosen or qual-
ified to serve this state as a member of the general congress? The
previous question was called for and put, whether the above ques-
tion be now put? Carried in the negative.

NEGATIVE.

Mr. Barnes, Mr. Schriver, Mr. Edmondson,

Hooe, Beall, Gibson,

Dent, Hughs, Chamberlaine,

Semmes, Stull, Goldsborough,

Parnham, Schnebely, Murray,

Bowie, T. Symth, John Ennalls,

Hall, Chase, Potter,

Sprigg, H. Wilson, Mason,

Marbury, Gilpin, Johnson,

Paca, Ewing, Gust. Scott,

Carroll, T. Ringgold, Geo. Scott,

Wootton, W. Ringgold, Horsey,

J. Wilson, Earle, Lowes,

Bayly, J. Smith, Chaille,

Sheredine, T. Wright, Mitchell,

Edelen, Kent,

AFFIRMATIVE.

Mr. Plater, Mr. Williams, Mr. Love,
Fitzhugh, Deyc, Archer,
J. Mackall, Stevenson, Brevard,
Hammond, Bond, S. Wright.
Mr. Stevenson and Mr. T. Smyth have leave of absence till
Tuesday next, and Mr. W. Ringgold till Monday next.

On motion of Mr. Paca, the question was put, That Thomas
Stone, Esq.; be and he is hereby empowered to represent this state
in congress, in as full and ample manner as the delegates hereto-
fore appointed might or could do, until the said delegates or any