“While Dunmore was thus committing his depredations in the lower portions of the Chesapeake, the Maryland Convention on the 7th o£ December, assembled and immediately set about the formation of a military force for the protection of the province and to maintain her resolutions. After appointing Messrs. Charles Beatty, James Johnson and John Hanson, Jr., a committee to establish a gun-lock manufactory at Fredericktown, they resolved on the 1st of January, 1776,

That this province be immediately put in the best state of defence.

Resolved, That a sufficient armed force be immediately raised and embodied under proper officers, for the defence and protection of this province.

Resolved, That one thousand four hundred and forty-fourmen, with proper officers, be immediately raised in the pay and for the defence of this province.

Resolved, That eight companies of the said troops, to consist of sixty-eight privates each, under proper officers, be formed into a battalion.

Resolved, That the remainder of the said troops be divided into companies of one hundred men each.

Resolved, That two companies of the said troops, to consist of one hundred men each, by companies of matrosses, and trained as such.”

The convention also appointed Messrs. Baker Johnson, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll, barrister, Benjamin Bumsey and Francis Ware, a committee to report resolutions ‘for raising clothing and victualling the forces to be raised in the province;’ and Thomas Johnson, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Thomas Stone, Benjamin Rumsey and James Tilghman, a committee to report regulations for the government of the troops. A few days afterward the respective committees made their reports, which were adopted. The convention then elected the following officers to command the first battalion: William Smallwood, colonel;1 Francis Ware, of Charles County, lieutenant-colonel; Thomas Price, who commanded the second company of Frederick riflemen, first major, and Mordecai Gist, of Baltimore Town, second major.”

Reference Data:

History of Maryland 1765-1812, by John Thomas Schraf, 1879, pages 191-2