Letter from George Munro to the Committee

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Monday, August 7, 1775.

The Committee met according to adjournment, and proceeded to choose a Chairman, who made choice of Mr˙ Thomas Gantt, Chairman, Thomas Williams, Clerk.

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The Committee resumed the consideration of the business before them on Tuesday the first instant. The following Letter was produced and read from Mr˙ Munro to the Committee:

Bladensburgh, August 7, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: You would no doubt, alter reading the letter I wrote you last Tuesday, be surprised at my sudden departure, when you had a right to expect my appearance before you when called for. I do solemnly declare, when I wrote that letter to you in the morning, that I had no intention to leave the place before I had appeared before you, and submitted to whatever might have been your determination with respect to me. If I had intended going away, I should most certainly have done it in the night time; but in place of that I think it was after twelve o' clock on Tuesday when I left the Town. My only reason for taking this step was, for fear of the violence some of the people threatened, and were preparing to inflict on my person at all events, whatever might be your determination. I confess to you, gentlemen, that my fear was so great as to give me no time to reflect on the danger in which my flight might involve Mr˙ Henderson, who had passed his word for my appearance before you, and who was ignorant of my going away. My only thought at that time was, to get out of the way of the people' s fury until they should have time to think more coolly on the matter; but I never had any intention of leaving the country without appearing before you. As a proof of this, while I was down the river, and before I heard any persons were sent after me, two ships sailed for Glasgow, in either of which I could have gone. I think I can say with truth, that any person, if ever there was a person who felt as I did, on finding I was to be deprived of my only hope, (I mean the humanity and deliberation of your proceedings on my inconsiderate conduct,) and was to fall a victim to the rage of a few men who I thought had not considered the nature of my case, nor the temperate and prudent rules of the Congress and Convention; I say, that any such person would excuse my going out of the way at that tune. I am now, gentlemen, waiting to appear before you, and to submit to your determination, whatever it may be, and most earnestly implore your protection and interposition with this people, should they still be exasperated against me. Allow me to go safe home in obedience to my father, for I never intended, nor ever will injure America.

With great respect, I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant,

GEORGE MUNRO.

To the Gentlemen of the Committee of Bladensburgh.