458 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [May 4,

sioner, on the part of the State of Maryland, to communicate
immediately with His Excellency, the Governor of Delaware,
in regard to the arming of free negroes of Delaware along
the Maryland line, and whether any arrangements can be
made to allay the excitement of our people along the Mary-
land line.

Which was read the first time.

Mr. Briscoe from the committee on the Judiciary, asked
leave to be discharged from the further consideration pf the
petition of Alexander Knott; which was granted, and
On motion,

It was referred to the committee on Ways and Means.
On motion of Mr. Warfield,

Leave was granted to introduce a bill to authorize the
the committee on Claims to pay George W. Hooper for provir
sions furnished by order of Gov. Hicks, through Major Ken-
ly, to the forces protecting the Pikesville Arsenal.

the following communication was received from the Execu-
tive by the hands of Grayson Eichelberger, Secretary of
State:

STATE OF MARYLAND.

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,

Frederick City, May 3, 1861.

Gentlemen of the House of Delegates :

In response to your order of this date, enquiring whether
the steamer Pioneer was employed or authorized by my order
to bring the Eastern Shore members to Baltimore, I have to
say, that I understood the steamer was chartered by Coleman
Yellott, Esq., for the purpose indicated, and that I approved
thereof.

THOS. H. HICKS.

Which was read and referred to the Joint Special Commit-
tee on Claims and the committee on Mileage.
Also the following:

STATE OF MARYLAND,

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,

Frederick City, May 3, 1861.

Gentlemen of the House of Delegates :

My letter to the Secretary of War, to which he responded
under date of April 17, 1881, a copy of which response has