Letter from the President of Congress to the Maryland Council of Safety: The Congress have directed that the person and papers of Governour Eden be immediately seized

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Philadelphia, April 16, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: By the letters of Lord Germaine to your Governour, copies of which you have enclosed, it evidently appears that Mr˙ Eden has been carrying on a dangerous correspondence with the Ministry of Great Britain, who seem desperately bent on the destruction of America.

The Congress, therefore, have come to a resolution that the person and papers of Governour Eden be immediately seized, from which there is reason to believe we may not only learn, but probably defeat, the designs of our enemies.

The Congress also being informed that there is one Alexander Ross in your Colony, who has lately been with Lord Dunmore, and is represented as a dangerous partisan of the British Administration, him, also, the Congress are desirous of apprehending, and for that purpose have passed a resolution, which you have enclosed with the other. The Congress, relying on your zeal, confide that you will exert your best endeavours in executing these resolutions.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.