PART VIII
PROGRESS OF THE RESOLUTION
CHAPTER XXX — UNION AND INDEPENDENCE
184. Proceedings of a Revolutionary Convention (1775)
BY CLERK GABRIEL DU VALL
The first step in the Revolution was to overthrow the existing colonial governments. In some colonies, as Maryland, the governors refused to call assemblies, and the control of colonial matters was taken over by an irregular and revolutionary body elected by the patriots. The proceedings printed below are typical of those in county, town, and provincial assemblies throughout the country. — Bibliography: Frothingham, Rise of the Republic, ch. xii; Curtis, History of the Constitution, I, ch. iii; Channing and Hart, Guide, 137. — Compare with assembly proceedings, ch. ix above.
AT a Meeting of the Delegates appointed by the Several Counties of the Province of Maryland, at Annapolis, on Wednesday the 26th of July 1775 . . .
Friday July 28. . . .
The petition of Patrick Graham of Charles County, Taylor, praying a "Remission of the Sentence of the Committee of Charles County, and that he might be restored to the privileges of a Citizen" being read and considered, It is thereupon Resolved, that the said Patrick Graham be allowed to exercise his former Trade of a Taylor, and that he also be permitted to buy provisions and other necessaries for the use of his family ; And that the said Patrick Graham be allowed and permitted to collect, and receive all just Debts due to him ; and that all persons be permitted to employ the said Patrick Graham as a Taylor, and to sell him provisions and other necessaries for his Family. But that the said
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