[Annapolis] Friday, May 24, 1776.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention, that upon the evidence before them of the correspondence which his excellency governor Eden has, from time to time, held with administration, it does not appear that such correspondence has been with an unfriendly intent, or calculated to countenance any hostile measures against America.
Whereas by a late intercepted letter from lord George Germain, one of the secretaries of state, to his excellency the governor, it appears that a great armament of land and sea forces was in readiness to proceed to the southward, in his lordship's expressions "in order to attempt the restoration of legal government in that part of America," but in effect to invade and subdue the southern colonies; which armament was to proceed in the first place to North Carolina, and from thence either to South Carolina or Virginia, as circumstances of greater or less advantage should point out; if to the latter, it might have very important consequences to this province; and therefore in the said letter his excellency is called on well to consider of every means, by which he may, in conjunction with lord Dunmore, give facility and assistance to the operations of the said armament. ー And whereas the governor must, if he remains in the exercise of his powers of government, fulfil and execute the instructions of administration, or hazard the displeasure of the king, which it cannot be expected he will do. ー And whereas by act of assembly of this province, the powers of government, in the absence of the governor, devolve upon the president of the council, and therefore the governor's departure cannot occasion a dissolution or suspension of the present established form of government within this province, which this Convention doth not think ought now to be changed, therefore Resolved, That it be signified to the governor, that the public quiet and safety, in the judgment of this Convention, require that he leave this province, and that he is at full liberty to depart peaceably with his effects.
Upon the last resolve, the yeas and nays being required, they were as follow:
[Carried, 12 counties to 4.]
Resolved, That a committee of five persons be appointed to wait on the governor and deliver him copies of the said resolutions, together with the following address, to wit.
To his Excellency Robert Eden, Esq; governor of Maryland
May is please your Excellency,
We are commanded by the Convention to wait upon your Excellency, and to communicate to you the resolutions they have this day entered into; and we are instructed to assure your Excellency, that the Convention entertains a favourable sense of your conduct, relative to the affairs of America, since the unhappy differences have subsisted between Great-Britain and the United Colonies, as far as the same hath come to their knowledge, and of their real wishes for your return to resume the government of this province, whenever we shall happily be restored to peace and that connection with Great-Britain, the interruption and suspension of which have filled the minds of every good man with the deepest regret. From the disposition your Excellency hath manifested to promote the real interests of both countries, the Convention is induced to entertain the warmest hopes and expectations, that upon your arrival in England, you will represent the temper and principles of the people of Maryland with the same candour you have hitherto shewn, and that you will exert your endeavours to promote a reconciliation, upon terms that may be secure and honourable both to Great-Britain and America.
Mr. President, Mr. [William] Paca, Mr. T[homas] Johnson, Mr.[George] Plater, and Mr. [James] Hollyday were elected by ballot a committee accordingly.
Post Meridiem.
On motion, Resolved, That a court of admiralty be erected, for the purpose of determining upon such captures and seizures of vessels as are or shall be made according to the late resolves of the Continental Congress upon that subject, and brought into this province.
