1776.] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND, 83

To this constitution we are attached, not merely by habit, but
by principle, being in our judgments persuaded, it is of all known
systems best calculated to secure the liberty of the subject, to
guard against despotism on the one hand, and licentiousness on
the other.

Impressed with these sentiments, we warmly recommend to you, to
keep constantly in your view the avowed end and purpose for which
these colonies originally associated, the redress of American griev-
ances, and securing the rights of the colonists.

As upon the attainment of these great objects, we shall think it
our greatest happiness to be thus firmly united to Great Britain, we
think proper to instruct you, that should any proposition be hap-
pily made by the crown or parliament, that may lead to or lay a
rational and probable ground for reconciliation, you use your ut-
most endeavors to cultivate and improve it into a happy settlement
and lasting amity, taking care to secure the colonies against the
exercise of the right assumed by parliament to tax them, and to
alter and change their charters, constitutions, and internal polity,
without their consent,—powers incompatible with the essential se-
curities of the lives, liberties, and properties of the colonists.

We further instruct you, that you do not without the previous
knowledge and approbation of the convention of this province, as-
sent to any proposition to declare these colonies independent of
the crown of Great Britain, nor to any proposition for making or
entering into alliance with any foreign power, nor to any union or
confederation of these colonies, which may necessarily lead to a
separation from the mother country, unless in your judgments, or
in the judgments of any four of you, or of a majority of the whole
of you, if all shall be then attending in congress, it shall be thought
absolutely necessary for the preservation of the liberties of the uni-
ted colonies; and should a majority of the colonies in congress,
against such your judgment, resolve to declare these colonies inde-
pendent of the crown of Great Britain, or to make or enter into
alliance with any foreign power, or into any union or confedera-
tion of these colonies, which may necessarily lead to a separation
from the mother country, then we instruct you immediately to call
the convention of this province, and repair thereto with such pro-
position and resolve, and lay the same before the said convention,
for their consideration, and this convention will not hold this pro-
vince bound by such majority in congress, until the representative
body of the province in convention assent thereto.

Desirous as we are of peace with Great Britian upon safe and
honourable terms, we wish you nevertheless, and instruct you, to