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FIRST CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 269
12th of September, Captain George Cook, who had served in the English
navy for seven years, was appointed in his place. On the 26th of July,
Captain Nicholson, of the Defence, together with Major Thomas Price, fitted
out an expedition to drive off the enemy from St. George's Island, which
proved unsuccessful. Major Price, however, placed a battery on Cherryfield
Point, and drove the sloop-of-war Fozuey out of St. George's River. Early in
August the enemy hastily abandoned the island, leaving several galleys and
some stores behind.
In pursuance of the resolutions adopted by the late convention, elections
were held throughout the State, on the 1st of August, 1776, for delegates to a
new convention, to form a Constitution and Bill of Rights. The new convention assembled at Annapolis on the 14th of August, and organized by the
election of Matthew Tilghman as president.
It appears from the proceedings, that the inhabitants of Prince George's
County agreed that every taxable freeman bearing arms, should have the right
to vote for delegates, and the judges at the time of election permitted such to
vote. The convention thought differently, however, and upon the presentation of the credentials of that county, they were rejected, and a new election
was ordered under the resolution adopted by the last convention, requiring a
property qualification. The new election was held, and those elected according to the resolution were permitted to take their seats. In Kent County,
those who did not have the necessary property qualification prevented the
election ; so the convention ordered a new election, and pledged itself to support the judges in their office. The election was held; and the proper
members were returned. A new election was also ordered in the lower
district of Frederick County.
Before proceeding with the business for which the convention was called,
the convention took into consideration the resolutions of congress, declaring
the United Colonies free and independent States, and thereupon, on the 17th,
" Resolved, unanimously, That this convention will maintain the freedom
and independency of the United States with their lives and fortunes." On
motion of Mr. Samuel Chase, they resolved to appoint committees " to prepare
a declaration and charter of rights, and a plan of government agreeable to
such rights as will best maintain peace and good order, and most effectually
secure happiness and liberty to the people of this State." They then proceeded to ballot, and Mr. Tilghman, the president; Charles Carroll, barrister;
William Paca, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, George Plater, Samuel Chase
and Robert Goldsborough, seven of the ablest and most distinguished patriots
of the country, were chosen. On the 30th of August, Mr. Thomas Johnson and
Robert T. Hooe were added to the committee.1 On the 27th of August, the
1 These two distinguished gentlemen were ap- Brice T. B. Worthington, informed the conven-
pointed on the committee, in consequence of the tion that, in consequence of receiving instruc-
resignation of Charles Carroll, Barrister, and tions from eight hundred and eighty-five of their
Samuel Chase, two of the original members. constituents, " enjoining them, in framing of a
On the 27th of August, they, together with Mr. government for this State, implicitly to adhere
| Title | History of Maryland - 2 |
| Creator | Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas) |
| Publisher | J. B. Piet |
| Place of Publication | Baltimore |
| Date | 1879 |
| Language | eng |
| Type | Books/Pamphlets |
| Title | 00000300 |
| Type | Books/Pamphlets |
| Transcript | FIRST CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 269 12th of September, Captain George Cook, who had served in the English navy for seven years, was appointed in his place. On the 26th of July, Captain Nicholson, of the Defence, together with Major Thomas Price, fitted out an expedition to drive off the enemy from St. George's Island, which proved unsuccessful. Major Price, however, placed a battery on Cherryfield Point, and drove the sloop-of-war Fozuey out of St. George's River. Early in August the enemy hastily abandoned the island, leaving several galleys and some stores behind. In pursuance of the resolutions adopted by the late convention, elections were held throughout the State, on the 1st of August, 1776, for delegates to a new convention, to form a Constitution and Bill of Rights. The new convention assembled at Annapolis on the 14th of August, and organized by the election of Matthew Tilghman as president. It appears from the proceedings, that the inhabitants of Prince George's County agreed that every taxable freeman bearing arms, should have the right to vote for delegates, and the judges at the time of election permitted such to vote. The convention thought differently, however, and upon the presentation of the credentials of that county, they were rejected, and a new election was ordered under the resolution adopted by the last convention, requiring a property qualification. The new election was held, and those elected according to the resolution were permitted to take their seats. In Kent County, those who did not have the necessary property qualification prevented the election ; so the convention ordered a new election, and pledged itself to support the judges in their office. The election was held; and the proper members were returned. A new election was also ordered in the lower district of Frederick County. Before proceeding with the business for which the convention was called, the convention took into consideration the resolutions of congress, declaring the United Colonies free and independent States, and thereupon, on the 17th, " Resolved, unanimously, That this convention will maintain the freedom and independency of the United States with their lives and fortunes." On motion of Mr. Samuel Chase, they resolved to appoint committees " to prepare a declaration and charter of rights, and a plan of government agreeable to such rights as will best maintain peace and good order, and most effectually secure happiness and liberty to the people of this State." They then proceeded to ballot, and Mr. Tilghman, the president; Charles Carroll, barrister; William Paca, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, George Plater, Samuel Chase and Robert Goldsborough, seven of the ablest and most distinguished patriots of the country, were chosen. On the 30th of August, Mr. Thomas Johnson and Robert T. Hooe were added to the committee.1 On the 27th of August, the 1 These two distinguished gentlemen were ap- Brice T. B. Worthington, informed the conven- pointed on the committee, in consequence of the tion that, in consequence of receiving instruc- resignation of Charles Carroll, Barrister, and tions from eight hundred and eighty-five of their Samuel Chase, two of the original members. constituents, " enjoining them, in framing of a On the 27th of August, they, together with Mr. government for this State, implicitly to adhere |
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