1775: Present, Samuel Purviance, Chairman, and thirtythree Members.

Watson Crosby, of the Schooner Polly, from Jamaica, reported his cargo, and took the Oath.

Complaint by Thomas Rutter, against John McKim, of an overcharge in the price of twenty-four ells of Brown Roll.

On examination, it appeared that Mr. McKim had purchased said Brown Roll, with other goods, in Philadelphia, and paid thirteen shillings per ell, ready money, for the same.

N. B. The further proceeding in this business interrupted by the following accusation:

Captain D. Lawrence informed the Committee, that on or about the 5th instant, being at the house of Mr. Brit. Dickinson, and in conversation with Mr. Richard Button, who had a vessel launched that day, and talking about some of the Captains of vessels having lowered their colours on the Saturday before, when said vessel of Mr. Button was first attempted to be launched, said Button expressed himself with great passion about the affront given him. On which said Lawrence told him, the reason of their lowering their colours, was because they looked on him to be a Tory. Said Button replied," They do call me a Tory, and so I am, and think the Ministry have a right to tax America, as we are descended from England."

Captain John Bruce, who was also present at the said conversation, confirmed the same; and further said, that he heard said Button say, the Americans were wrong in opposing the taxes; and speaking on the subject of news, he said that he believed none of the accounts published in the papers, except General Gage's.

In consequence of the above information, Captain Button was summoned to attend, which he accordingly did, and made his defence.

After debating thereon, Captain Button requested the decision of the Committee might be postponed until their next meeting; which was accordingly suspended.

At a meeting of the Committee, June 19, 1775: Present, Samuel Purviance, Chairman, and fifty Members.

Mr. Richard Button appeared, in consequence of the order of the last meeting, and delivered in two publications by him addressed to the publick.

And the Chairman informing the Committee that Mr. Button had subscribed and paid in seven Pounds ten Shillings for the Poor of Boston, and five Pounds for Arms and Ammunition, the Committee were unanimously of opinion that the same is satisfactory, and Mr. Button is, by the Committee, restored to the publick favour.

The Committee, to remove any impressions which may be taken up by the publick that would imply Mr. Buttons resignation of the Magistracy to be in consequence of a requisition for that purpose by the Committee, do declare the said resignation was not required of him by them.

Post Meridiem.—Mr. Charles Ridgely, Son of John, complained that Mr. James Christie had asked a price for Osnaburghs above the advance limited by the Provincial Convention, and mentioned Mr. Christopher Johnston as a witness.

Notice of the above was made but and sent to Mr. Christie, who being absent,

Ordered, That the same be referred to Monday next, at which time the same is to be heard, together with the charge against John Welsh.

Mr. Christie attended, and requested a hearing of the charge against him, alleging that he was present in the Committee in the forenoon, and had notice of the charge been then given him, he should immediately have attended; that he came on the first notice, and that having business which would oblige him to be absent on Monday next, he could not possibly attend that day.

But the Committee declined a hearing at this time as many of the Members were retired.

Information being made to the Committee that Mr. Rezin Hammond had, at a meeting of the Inhabitants of Delaware, Hundred, for the purpose of forming themselves into Companies and learning the Military Exercise, used his influence and dissuaded the people from the measure as a violation of their allegiance,

Ordered, That notice be given Mr. Hammond to attend on Monday next.

Copy of the notice to Mr. Welsh and Mr. Hammond was made out and delivered Mr. John Howard; and, also, notice to Mr. Samuel Shipley, requiring his attendance as an evidence.

The following are copies of Captain Button's Publications, and referred to in the Proceedings of this day.

TOTHE PUBLICK.

It is to you I now address myself, and as there is no man, but at times is liable to errors and mistakes, I humbly hope what I now offer to the publick will be accepted as a sufficient atonement for my past conduct. I am truly sorry that what I have said at different times respecting the publick measures now carrying on has given so much offence, and beg pardon for it. I own (with regret) that I did not properly consider the bad tendency it might have, and acknowledge I have been very justly censured; I now assure you that I see the Parliamentary measures in a different light from what I have formerly done, and I trust my future conduct will convince you that I shall be a steady friend to the utmost of my abilities, and will cheerfully and readily contribute and join every measure that may be adopted for the publick welfare.

I remain your most obedient, humbe remain your most obedient, humble servantl servant,

RICHARD BUTTON.

Baltimore, June 15, 1775.

TOTHE PUBLICK.

Being sensible of my political errors, induced me to address my fellow-citizens a few days ago, with a declaration of my sincere sorrow, that my past conduct and unguarded expressions had given them such offence. Am very desirous to give them every reasonable assurance of my political principles, and hereby further declare, that I do most heartily and sincerely approve of the measures hitherto pursued, and now pursuing, by the publick, to oppose the claims of the British Parliament. I also acknowledge that I am now sincerely sorry for having lately accepted a commission to act as a Magistrate in this town; I solemnly engage that I will not act any longer in that capacity, nor in any other respect that may give offence to my countrymen. 1 flatter myself that this declaration, with a correspondent conduct, will entitle me to the same candour and humanity from the publick, which I have already experienced from the gentlemen of the Committee.

I remain your most obedient, humble servant,

RICHARD BUTTON.

Baltimore, June 17, 1775.

True Entries of the Proceedings of the Committee, fromthe 19th day of May, to the 19th day of June, inclusive.

Test: ROBERT ALEXANDER.

At a meeting of the Committee, June 26, 1775: Present, Samuel Purviance, Chairman, and forty-two Members; William Lux, Secretary.

The Inhabitants of Baltimore Town having found it absolutely necessary to establish a nightly Watch in the said Town, for the preservation of their property from robbery or fire, as well as to prevent any hostile attempts in this time of publick confusion, and having had several meetings to digest a proper plan for the purpose, they unanimously agreed to recommend the same to the Committee for their approbation and superintendence; which being done, the Committee highly approved of the measure; and a subscription being signed by every inhabitant, wherein he obliges himself to conform to the regulations adopted, and to attend personally, or provide a sufficient man in his room, which said man, so provided, to be a subscriber, or to pay seven Shillings and six Pence, the Committee received the said subscription, and divided the subscribers into six Companies for the Town, and one for the Point, and then directed a general meeting of the subscribers to elect a Captain for each Company, which being done, the following gentlemen were returned, viz:

James Calhoun, First; George Woolsey, Second; Benjamin Griffith, Third; Barnet Eichelberger, Fourth; George Lindenberger, Fifth; William Goodwin, Sixth, for Baltimore Town, and Isaac Vanbibber, for the Point;