1775. ] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 35

fence thereof, as they shall deem necessary and expedient, and
execute such other powers as may be entrusted to them by the
convention of this province.

That as at some times a necessity for taking speedy measures,
may be so pressing that a delay till the council of safety could as-
semble together, would be highly dangerous, and many things of
less moment may well and more conveniently be transacted by a ma-
jority of members residing on the respective shores, the members
residing on either shore respectively, or the major part of them, or
such of them as shall be in this province, may not only grant com-
missions for court martials when applied for, and hear, determine,
and punish high and dangerous offences, according to the resolu-
tions of this convention, but may also in case of instant danger,
or pressing necessity, call forth the minute men or militia of their
respective shore; yet it is recommended, if time will permit, for
the whole council of safety, or nine of them to meet and consult
together, that those of either shore do not separately call forth the
minute men or militia, and that if time will not permit such meet-
ing and consultation, then, as soon after the separate act done as
may be, the whole council of safety shall be summoned, and the
orders and resolutions of a majority of any nine or more of them,
shall control and govern; it being the intention of this convention
that a joint council, when the same can be held on things of mo-
ment, should have the supreme direction.

That any two or more of the said council of safety call a meet-
ing of the members on their respective shore, or of the whole.

That any officer of the minute men or militia may be suspended
from the exercise of his commission by the council of safety, or
that branch of it residing on the shore whereon such officer resides;
or if the council of safety should think proper, they may, upon full
hearing, displace any field officer, and appoint and commission
another in his stead; and that on the death, resignation or remo-
val of any commissioned office, below the degree of a field officer,
from his office, the council of safety may appoint and commission
another in his stead.

That the council of safety, or either branch thereof, for expenses
incurred on its respective shore, may from time to tune, draw orders
on the treasurer of their respective shore, for the bills of credit to
be issued by virtue of the resolutions of the convention, who shall
accordingly pay such orders.

That the council of safety may, in case they shall think it neces-
sary, summon and call the convention to meet before the day to
which it may stand adjourned.
4