Parliamentary Post not permitted to travel in, or pass through, the Province

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Monday, December 11, 1775.

Convention met. All Members present as on Saturday, except Mr˙ James Tilghman, Mr˙ Mackall, Mr˙ Smith, Mr˙ Sim, Mr˙ Contee, Mr˙ Rogers, Mr˙ Gilpin, and Mr˙ Moale.

The Proceedings of Saturday were read. Mr˙ Pollard Edmonson and Mr˙ James Lloyd Chamberlaine, Members for Talbot County, appeared and took their seats in the House.

The Proceedings of the Committee of Observation for Talbot County, relative to Mr˙ Francis Baker, a Member returned for the said County, together with several Resolves of the Continental Congress, were read the first time, and ordered to lie on the table.

On motion, Resolved, That the Parliamentary Post be not permitted or suffered to travel in or pass through this Province, with any Mail, Packages, or Letters; and the several Committees of Observation are requested and directed to see this Resolution strictly observed and executed.

Ordered, That the above Resolve be published in the Maryland Gazette.

On motion, Resolved, That every Member of this Convention consider himself under the ties of virtue, honour, and love of his country, not to divulge, directly or indirectly, any matter or thing agitated or debated in Convention, during the time of debate, or before the same shall be determined, which the mover thereof shall openly request to be kept secret, without the leave of the Convention, or a majority thereof, or any matter or thing which a majority of the Convention shall order to be kept secret; and that every person who shall violate this agreement, shall be expelled this Convention, and considered as an enemy to America, and liable to be treated as such; and that every Member signify his consent hereto by signing the same.

Adjourned till three o' clock.

Post Meridiem.—Convention met.

The Convention took into their consideration the Proceedings of the Committee of Talbot County, on the case of Mr˙ Francis Baker, who had been guilty of a breach of the Continental Associntion, and who had been since elected a Member for Talbot County. The said Francis Baker appeared, acknowledged his offence, and expressed great contrition and sorrow for the same, and prayed a remission of the penalty annexed by the Congress to his crime, that he might not be declared an enemy to America, but be permitted to enjoy the rights of a member of this community, on such terms and conditions as this Convention may think proper to impose; and promised a strict compliance with all Continental and Provincial Resolutions; whereupon, it is

Resolved, That the seat of the said Francis Baker be vacated, and that the Electors of Talbot County elect another person as a Member and Committee-man for that County, in the room and place of the said Francis Baker, the Committee giving ten days' notice of the election, excluding the days of notice and election, and any three of their Members to be judges thereof: That the said Baker not offering himself (or any office of trust, his offence be not published, nor any further proceedings had against him.

Ordered, That the Clerk make out and transmit a copy of the above Resolve to the Committee of Observation for Talbot County.

On motion, Resolved, That this Convention will, on

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The Proceedings of the Eastern Shore branch of the Council of Safety, relating to Mr˙ Isaac Atkinson, were read the first time, and ordered to lie on the table.

Convention adjourned till to-morrow morning, half after nine o' clock.