May 27, 1776

In late May 1776, reactions to the Continental Congress’s May 15 resolution began to roll into Philadelphia. The news from the Maryland Convention in Annapolis was not what the Congress might have hoped. On May 21, the Convention considered the resolution and agreed that “the people of this province have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police of this province.” Maryland would “continue to exert itself with cheerfulness and alacrity in the common cause.” However, the Convention decided that “it is not necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority” under the crown of Great Britain “should be now totally suppressed in this province,” as recommended in the Congress’s resolution. They further resolved that “a reunion with Great-Britain, on constitutional principles,” was the best path forward. It would take time for this opinion to shift.

Dunlap’s Pennsylvania Packet or, the General Advertiser
Printed by John Dunlap

In CONVENTION, Annapolis, [...] May 21.

On reading, a second time, and considering the resolution of Congress, of the 15th day of this instant, transmitted to this Convention by the Deputies attending for this province in Congress, by express.

Resolved unanimously, That the people of this province have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police of this province.

Resolved unanimously, That it is the opinion of this Convention, that this Convention hath ample power to draw the whole force of this province into action against the armed force of this province into action against the armed force that is, or may be, employed to carry into execution the several unconstitutional and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, for laying taxes in America, to enforce the collection of those taxes, and for altering and changing the constitution and internal police of some of the United Colonies.

Resolved unanimously, That this province has hitherto exerted itself, and will, upon all occasions, continue to exert itself with cheerfulness and alacrity in the common cause, agreeable to the faith pledged in the union of the Colonies; and, if it shall appear to this province necessary to enter into farther compact with the other Colonies, for the preservation of the constitutional rights of America, this province will enter into such farther engagements for that purpose.

Resolved unanimously, That this Convention, by a resolution of the 15th day of this instant, hath made sufficient provision to prevent a necessity for any preson within this province now taking the oaths for the support of government under the crown of Great Britain; and that it is the opinion of this Convention, that it is not necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority under the said crown should be now totally suppressed in this province, and all the powers of government exerted under the authority of the people.

Resolved, That the Honorable Matthew Tilghman, Esq; and Thomas Johnson, jun. Robert Alexander, Samuel Chase, Robert Goldsborough, William Paca, Thomas Stone, and John Rogers, Esquires, Deputies, now re-elected, by ballot, to represent this province in Congress, be, and they, or any three or more of them, are empowered to represent this province in Congress, until the end of the next session of Convention, as fully as they might, until the end of this session of Convention have done the same, under their former appointment. 

Resolved unanimously, That as this Convention is firmly persuaded that a reunion with Great-Britain, on constitutional principles, would most effectually secure the rights and liberties, and increase the strength, and promote the happiness of the whole empire, objects which this province hath ever had in view, the said Deputies are bound and directed to govern themselves by the instructions given to them by this Convention in its session of December last, in same manner as if the said instructions were particularly repeated.

Extract from the Proceedings,
G. DUVAL, Clerk.