376 Journal and Correspondence

C. S. J.

Q. Why send let^r from Comm^ee of S[afety] of Virginia]
to us by a delegⁿ and not M^r Hancocks let^r
A. The let^r app^d to be defaced & we sent persons upon
that acc^t
Q. How can you account for y^r Gentⁿ not shewing all your
instructions.
A. They had no instructions, none were ever thought off.
A. Copy of the clause in the act (restraining Bill) of Parlia-
ment referred to by Lord George Germain: Provided always
nevertheless, and it is hereby enacted by the authority afore-
said, that in order to encourage all well affected persons in
any of the said colonies to exert themselves in suppressing
the rebellion therein, and to afford a speedy protection to
those who are disposed to return to their duty, it shall and
may be lawful to and for any person or persons appointed, and
authorized by his majesty to grant a pardon or pardons to any
number or description of persons by proclamation in his maj-
estys name to declare any colony or province, colonies or prov-
inces or any county town, Port, district, or place in any colony
or province to be at the peace of his majesty :

In Council of Safety. Annapolis 24 April 1776.

Examination of M^r Samuel Purviance junior Chairman of
the Committee of observation for Baltimore County :
1. Q. You have a letter from General Lee directed to you
as chairman of the Committee of observation for Balt^o County,
Will you produce it.
A. It is a doubt with me whether I can produce it in public
with Honour. I will shew it to you in private :
2. Q. Do you refuse to produce that letter to us in council.
A. If I do, I expect a copy will not be taken.
3. Q. Will you produce it to the Council, Yea or nay.
A. Delivers it. The letter was read.
4. Q. Who made up the Packet to the Congress from your
Committee.
A. M^r Lux I believe, I was not present when it was done.
5. Q. What letters were in it:
A. I do not know, there were very few :
6. Q. Was there any other Packet sent to Congress.
A. Not that I know of.
7. Q. Do you know any thing of an anonymous letter
inclosed to M^r Hancock in the Packet :
A. No.
8. Q. Do you know of no anonymous letter or paper sent
to Philadelphia.
A. I know of none :