1861.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 143

ter complains of further occupation of our soil by the Virginia
forces, in different localities, and asks for protection against
losses likely to be incurred by reason of what the writer calls
"invasion of our State."

The subject of the petition alluded to has already been com-
mitted to the official charge of a prominent citizen of Frede-
rick county, selected as a Commissioner on the part of
Maryland, to adjust the very difficulties complained of and
provide against their recurrence. The causes of complaint set
up by Mr. Biggs fall properly within the scope of the au-
thority conferred upon the same Commissioner (Mr. Horsey)
and will no doubt retreive his careful and successful attention.
The Committee have great confidence that all the questions
growing out of the disturbed condition of the Virginia and
Maryland border will be ably and satisfactorily dealt with
and adjusted by the Commissioner, and they await his report
and the authentic information lie may communicate, before
offering any further recommendations. They cannot but
add however, that they are quite sure no troops from Vir-
ginia can have entered our territory with any purpose of hos-
tility or aggression, and that to call any act of theirs an
"invasion," is to give an exaggerated coloring to the whole
subject.

The Committee are confirmed in the propriety of post-
poning action, for the present, upon the matters in question,
by a correspondence between His Excellency the Governor
and the Governor of Virginia, which they find in the news-
papers, and which they presume to be authentic, from its hav-
ing been some days before the public without contradiction;
But for this latter fact, they would have felt it their duty to
presume that the Executive would not have corresponded
with the Virginia authorities, upon a subject which he had
brought before the Legislature and upon which it was act-
ing without at all events apprising us of its character and
results.

Doubtles however, His Excellency has been governed, in
so unusual a proceeding, by reasons which he deems satis-
factory.

The correspondence referred to, is as follows :

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Frederick City, May 1st, 1861.

His Excellency John Letcher, Governor of Virginia—
Sir:—Sundry citizens of Maryland, residing near the boundary
of our State and Virginia, have complained to me of out-