1775. ] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 55

The order of the day for taking into consideration the state of
the province was read.

The convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole
house to consider of the same; Mr. Carroll in the chair.

After some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the chair,
and Mr. Carroll reported, that the committee according to order
had under their consideration the state of the province, but not be-
ing able to go through the same, had directed him to move for leave
to sit again.

Resolved, That the same be referred for further consideration till
to-morrow.

Mr. Wright has leave of absence.
Mr. John Duckett was appointed clerk assistant to the convention.

On motion, Ordered, That the committee of claims estimate and
report a proper allowance to a guard for the security of prisoners

or offenders.

A petition from sundry inhabitants of Harford county, was read
the first time and ordered to lie on the table.

Convention adjourns till to-morrow morning half after 9 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, December 20, 1775.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday. Mr.
Sim and Mr. Gantt appeared in the house. The proceedings of
yesterday were read.

The order of the day for taking into consideration the petition
from Baltimore county, which was referred from Thursday last to
this day, being read, the same was considered, and thereupon it is
Resolved unanimously, that Robert Alexander, Benjamin Nicholson,
John Mole, Walter Tolley, jun., and Jeremiah T. Chase, returned
delegates for Baltimore county, are duly elected.

The petition of Samuel Dorsey, of Anne Arundel county, was
read the first time and ordered to lie on the table.

The order of the day for taking into consideration the state of
the province, being read, Ordered, That the same be referred for
consideration till to-morrow.

Convention adjourns till to-morrow morning half after 9 o'clock.

THURSDAY, December 21, 1775.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday, except
Mr. Wright. The proceedings of yesterday were read.

A letter and deposition of Thomas Hammond, and the memori-
al of William Whetcroft, were read the first time and ordered to-
lie on the table.