Letter from James Kent to the Maryland Council of Safety

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Queen Anne' s County, August 7, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 29th July, with my commission enclosed, has been received.

I observe you request my attendance at your Board to consult on matters relative to the Flying Camp. It would have given me pleasure to have received this request earlier, for at an election in this County for Delegates to serve in Convention, I have been very unexpectedly polled, and now stand second on the polls. This distinguished mark of the approbation of the freemen of this County forbids my leaving them at this time; and could I be permitted to hold both posts, do think I should be wrong in attempting it; therefore take the earliest opportunity of resigning my commission into the hands of the honourable body that honoured me with it. Although I am well convinced, when I consider the two departments, that my abilities in the military must excel any I have for the legislative, yet I must submit this to the choice of the freemen of my County.

I have the honour to be, with much esteem and respect, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant,
JAMES KENT.

To the Hon˙ Council of Safety of Maryland.