Page:American History Told by Contemporaries, v2.djvu/549

No. 184] same manner as the other loans of Bills of Exchange to this Convention. . . . On reading and considering the Petition of Richard Henderson of Bladensburgh, setting forth his apprehensions, that some people of the neighbourhood of that place, if not advised to the contrary by this Convention may do violence to his person or property. . . this Convention strongly impressed with an idea of the confusion and disorder which must inevitably ensue, and the disunion which must necessarily follow, from the people at large being collected and inflicting punishments before a cool and temperate investigation of the case ; and consequently the injury which may be thereby done to the common cause of Liberty, confide, that the Virtue of the people, and their attachment to the liberties of America, will guard them against a commission of the Excess apprehended. . ..

The memorial of James Christie Junr of Baltimore Town was read ; and upon reading the Letter of the said James Christie therein referred to, dated the 22d of February 1775, to Gabriel Christie, Lieutenant Colonel of the 60th Regiment in which the said Christie represented the inhabitants of that Town, as concerned in measures, in his opinion, treasonable and rebellious ; and that a number of Soldiers would keep them very quiet ; the same was considered by this Convention and thereupon it is Resolved, that the said James Christie, by the said Letter hath manifested a spirit & principle altogether inimical to the Rights and Liberties of America ; that the said James Christie by insinuating the necessity of introducing a Military Force into this Province, has manifested an inveterate enmity to the Liberties of this Province in particular, and of British America in general.

Therefore Resolved, that the said James Christie is, and ought to be considered as an enemy to America, and that no person trade, deal or barter with him hereafter unless for necessaries and provisions, or for the sale or purchase of any part of his real or personal Estate, of which he may at this time be seised or possessed.

Resolved that the said James Christie be Expelled and banished this Province for ever, and that he depart this Province before the first Day of September next.

Resolved, That no punishment be inflicted on the said James Christie other than what is now directed by this Convention.

Resolved, That the said James Christie deposit in the Hands of this