1858.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.          363

tion, to report a bill to sell free negroes and mulattoes of this
State, for debts contracted by themselves.

On motion of Mr. Schnebly,

Leave was granted to the Washington county delegation,
to introduce a bill to incorporate the Trustees of Oak Grove
school house in Washington county, Maryland;

Which was referred to the Washington county delegation.
On motion of Mr. Schnebly,

Leave was granted to the Washington county delegation,
to introduce a bill to authorise and empower the County Com-
missioners for Washington county to enlarge, extend, modify
or add to, the Court House in Washington county.

On motion of Mr. Contee,

Leave was granted to the Prince George's county delega-
tion, to introduce a bill to incorporate Patuxent Lodge No.
45, I. O. O. F., at Laurel Factory.

Mr. Mackubin proposed the following resolutions:

Concurrent Resolutions in reference to the Claims of Revolu-
tionary Soldiers:

Resolved, That we have witnessed with pleasure, the efforts
which were made during the recent session of Congress for
the final settlement and payment of our Revolutionary debt.
We consider that our Government is under the most solemn
obligation to carry out the promises of the Continental Con-
gress, as contained in the resolutions of the 21st of October,
1780, January 7th, 1781, and March 8th, 1785, by allowing
to the officers of the Revolutionary Army the half pay for
life, to which they are entitled, under those resolutions, for
the payment of which the National faith is pledged; and all
those Senators and members who have taken an active interest
in behalf of the officers of the Revolution, there widows and
children, are entitled to the thanks and gratitude of the coun-
try.

Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives, in Con-
gress be instructed to advocate and vote for a bill to provide
for the final settlement and payment of the half pay for life
which was promised by the Continental Congress to the offi-
cers of the Revolutionary Army who should serve to the end
of the war, or until the time of their reduction, deducting
the value of the commutation certificates issued in their
names; and that the amount found due be paid to the officers
if alive, and if dead, to his widow and children equally, of
such deceased officer; and that suitable provision be made for
the widows and children and other representatives of those
officers who were killed in battle or died in the service;
and that such bill conform to the principles and promises con-