needed not penalties and judicial tribunals, for the dominion that has public sentiment for its throne is irresistible.

3. All who refused to submit to the decrees of the convention were denounced by that body, and from that moment the offenders became the object of the withering scorn and contempt of their countrymen. And this has more terrors than the

stake.

4. Having provided for the exercise of their authority, the convention resolved that if the crown attempted to carry out by force the measures against Massachusetts, Maryland would assist her to the last extremity. They then ordered all males from sixteen to fifty years of age, to be enrolled and organized into companies; to be armed, equipped, and drilled, ready for instant service.

5. These resolves were immediately carried out; old and young enrolled with the greatest enthusiasm. Maryland was girding herself for the struggle in which she won so glorious a name. The convention was to meet again on the 24th of April, 1775; on the 19th the struggle broke out into open conflict, and the first blood shed in the revolutionary war was at Lexington. The blow was struck and the American people sprung to arms for the defence of their liberties.

Questions.-3. What was done to those who refused to submit? 4. What did the convention resolve to do? 5. When was the convention to meet again? What took place on the 19th.

6. Elsewhere, it was suggested by the timid that submission would ensure reconciliation. The city of New York was cold, but in Maryland, the people were long since prepared for the resort to arms. The Connecticut troops had to be placed within a short distance of New York, to overawe the tory tendencies of many of the people. But subsequently, the Connecticut troops themselves were charged by Washington with deserting the cause of their country at the most critical moment. Their ill-timed yearning for home was bad enough; but they not only took themselves off, but the ammunition also, leaving none for the Maryland troops, whose fondness for home never overcame their sense of honor.

7. After the battle of Bunker Hill, there was no more hesitation. Congress determined, not only to defend the rights of the people, but to drive out the British troops. Boston was ordered to be invested. Thos. Johnson, of Maryland, had the honor of nominating Gen. Washington, as Commander-in-Chief of the American forces. The election was by ballot, and was unanimous. Washington's modesty in accepting this important trust, was equalled only by the confidence the country reposed in his abilities, and was the surest evidence of his fitness.

Questions.-6. What did the timid suggest? What is said of New York, and of Maryland? 7. What was the result of the battle of Bunker Hill? What did Congress determine? Who nominated Gen. Washington as commander-in-chief?

8 Although Johnson, of Maryland, nominated Washington, Adams, of Massachusetts, claimed the honor of first bringing him forward as the proper person for the emergency. Hancock, of Massachusetts, who was presiding, shewed evident marks of disapprobation and resentment at Adams' honorable allusions to "a gentleman from Virginia," for he did not mention Washington by name. New England was desirious of having one of their own men made commander-in-chief.

9 On the 26th of July, the convention of Maryland again met, and their first step was to adopt the famous "Association of Freemen of Maryland." This became the written constitution of the province until the new system was framed in 1776.

10. They also set about the formation of a regular force, to be composed of a battalion, of which Colonel Smallwood received the command, and of seven independent companies, numbering in all 1444 men, besides two companies of artillery, and one of marines.

11. By a resolution of Congress, two companies of riflemen were called for, from Maryland. These companies were soon filled with the hardy pioneers of Western Maryland. Capt. Cresap's company numbered one hundred and thirty men, who were

Questions.-8. What is said of Hancock? What did New England desire? 9. When did the convention again meet, and what was their first step? 10. What did they set about? 11. What is said of riflemen?

armed with tomahawks and rifles, were painted like Indians, and were dressed in hunting shirts and moccasins. These men were ordered to march to the camp around Boston, being joined by like companies from Virginia and Pennsylvania.

12. The arrival of these stalwart fellows, such as Washington had known in his early, campaigns —many of them upwards of six feet high, and of vigorous frame-in their fringed frocks and round hats, excited great wonder among the rustic visitors of the camp. Their dash, their skill-they could hit a mark while advancing at quick step, at the distance of two hundred and fifty yards-their striking costume, caused them to be looked upon with some jealousy by the plainer troops about them, who seemed to think that all valor, as well as virtue, was enclosed in the round jacket and trowsers of Marblehead; and it was well for the gaily clad. sons of the South, that their behavior in battle was always equal to the expectation they excited. In the sharpest conflicts of the war, it was they "who stemmed the current of the heady fight."

13. The officers of these were Michael Cresap, Thomas Warren, Joseph Cresap, Jr., Richard Davis, Thomas Price, Otho H. Williams and John Ross Key.

14. Many were too impatient to endure the delay of organizing these troops, and hastened to

Questions.-12. What is said of their appearance in camp? What is said of their skill? 13. Who were their officers? 14. What did many do?

join the camp before Boston, at their own expense. Among these was James Wilkinson, afterwards a Major-General in the United States service.

15. The great difficulty to be contended against was the want of supplies. The arsenal at Annapolis, was almost empty. To overcome these difficulties, the convention offered bounties and encouragement for the manufacture of such articles as were most needed-such as saltpetre, materials for clothes, and munitions of war. Powder mills were erected, and Mr. Hughes, of Frederick county, agreed to furnish the province with cannon.

CHAPTER II.

LORD DUNMORE-Plans of Lord Dunmore-Attempt to inflict a Servile War-Discovery of his Plans-Aid to Eastern Shore of Virginia - Batteries Erected near Baltimore. "The Otter" "The Defence" - State Navy-Gov. Eden-Civil Authority and Military Power -Eden Sent to England-Militia Sent to the CoastFlying Camp.

1. As yet Maryland had not even been threatened with hostilities. But a period of real danger was approaching. This arose from the attempts.

Questions.-15. What was the great difficulty to be contended against? How did the convention overcome these difficulties? 1. What danger now threatened Maryland?