,56 MARYLAND.

On the 15th February, 1776, congress,

"Resolved, That a committee of three(two of
whom to be members of congress be appoint-
ed to repair to Canada, there to pursue such
Instructions as shall be given them by congress:

"The members chosen, Dr. Benjamin Frank-
lin, Mr. S. Chase, and Mr. C. Carroll, of Car-
rollton,

"Resolved That Mr. Carroll be requested to
prevail on Mr. John Carroll to accompany the
committee to Canada, to assist them in such
matters as they shall think useful:

"That this congress will make provision to de-
fray any expenses which may attend this mea-
sure."

This mission being a matter of extreme
delicacy, as well as of great interest, the in-
structions to be given to the committee, seem
to have required profound deliberation. Con-
gress was occupied from time to time, from the
above period until the 20th March, ensuing, be-
fore those instructions were definitely arranged
and agreed upon. On the 23d of the same
month, a vote giving the following comprehen-
sive powers to this delegation, passed congress.

"Resolved That the commissioners appointed
lo go to Canada, or any two of them, be empow-
ered, if they think it necessary for the service of
of the united colonies, to raise a number of in-
dependent companies, not exceeding six, and
to appoint the officers; that they also be empow-
ered to fill up all vacancies that may happen in