438 Journal and Correspondence

C. S. C.

our desire to preserve the connection with that nation, and
that we are driven from that inclination by their wicked coun-
cils, and the eternal laws of self preservation, Resolved, unan-
imously, that the delegates appointed to represent this colony
in General congress be instructed to propose to that respect-
able Body to declare the united colonies free and independant
states, absolved from all allegiance to, dependence upon the
crown or Parliament of Great Britain; and that they give the
assent of this colony to such declaration, and to whatever
measures may be thought proper and necessary by the Con-
gress for forming foreign alliances, and a confederation of the
colonies, at such time and in the manner, as to them shall
seem best provided, that the power of forming Government
for, and the regulations of the internal concerns of the colony,
be left to the respective colonial Legislatures: Resolved
unanimously, that a committee be appointed to prepare a
declaration of Rights and such a plan of Government as will
be most likely to maintain peace and order in this colony, and
secure substantial and equal Liberty to the people :
Edm^d Pendleton Pres^t

C. S. J.

Thursday 23^d May 1776
Council met. Present as on yesterday.

Ordered That Treasurer of Western Shore pay to Col^o John
Steell eighteen Pounds for three Months Pay of his Adj^t
Ordered That said Treasurer pay to Captⁿ Fulford one hun-
dred and one Pounds, nine shillings for Gun Carriages.
Ordered that Commissary of Stores at Baltimore Town
deliver to Mess^rs Dan^l and Sam^l Hughs whatever Quantity of
Powder that may be necessary for the Proof of Cannon to be
supplied the Province according to his Contract.
Commss^ns iss^d to Stephen Ilyland app^d Captⁿ W^m Veazy
1 L^t W^m Mauldin 2 L^t and Nathan Arrants Ensign of a Comp^y
of Militia in Caecil County.
Also to W^m Clayland app^d Captⁿ in Joseph Bruffs Comp^y of
Militia in Talbot Co^ty belonging to 4^th Battalion.
Also to Robert Hall app^d Ensign of Captain Jacob Gibson's
Comp^y in same County and bel^g to same Battalion.
Also to Jon^a Abell app^d 1 L^t Perry Benson 2 L^t & Jon^a
Gibson Ensⁿ of a Comp^y of Militia in Talb^t Co^ty bel^g to 38^th
Battalion.
Also to John Impey Dawson app^d 2 L^t and James Lowe
Ensign of Captⁿ Haddaman's Comp^y of Militia in same Co^ty
bel^g to same Battalion.