52 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION. [1773,

POST MERIDIEM.

Convention met. Mr. Gantt has leave of absence.

Isaac Atkinson, according to order, being brought before the
convention in custody of Captain William Hyde, the proceedings
of the Eastern shore branch of the council of safety, respecting the
said Isaac Atkinson, were read; and he was informed by Mr. Presi-
dent, that the convention would hear any thing, which he had to
say in mitigation of his offence; the said Isaac Atkinson declared,
he never meant to injure America, his native country, and was ex-

tremely sorry for what he had done; that he was ready and willing

to make any concessions, and atonement to his country, which
were in his power, and this convention thought necessary; that he
was willing to give security for his good behaviour in future; where-
upon, it is Resolved, That the President reprimand the said Isaac
Atkinson for the offence, of which he stands condemned; and that
the said Isaac Atkinson be informed by the President, that this con-
vention views him, as a man guilty of a crime of a heinous nature
against this country, which was and is entitled to his aid and assis-
tance: but that this convention, considering the penitence and con-
triton of the said Isaac Atkinson, and that a numerous family must
suffer by a continuance of his imprisonment, had thought proper to
mitigate his punishment.

Resolved, That the said Isaac Atkinson be discharged from confine-
ment, first having given bond with good security, payable to the
President, in the sum of one thousand pounds currency, for his fu-
ture good behaviour; and for the payment of such reasonable ex-
penses as shall be adjudged by the convention to have been incur-
red in guarding and confining him.

Resolved, That the thanks of this convention are due to the com-
mittee of Somersett county, and to all those patriotic and spirited
friends of Worcester and Somerset counties, who were active in ar-
resting and securing the said Isaac Atkinson, and quelling that dan-
gerous spirit, which was discovered by the said Isaac Atkinson,
and others, who joined in inimical designs against this country.

Ordered, That the said Isaac Atkinson be continued in custody,
till he give the security above mentioned.

Ordered, That four men of Captain Hyde's company guard the
said Isaac Atkinson.

The Convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole
house. Charles Carroll, Esq., barrister, in the chair.

After having spent some time in considering the state of the pro-
vince, Mr, President resumed the chair; and Mr. Carroll reported,