EARLY AND INDEPENDENT COMPANIES
               
                RESOLVES OF THE MARYLAND CONVENTION OF DECEMBER, 
               
               
   								 1 January, 1776.
                  "Resolved, 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 1444 men, with proper officers, be immediately
               raised in the pay and for the defence of this province.
                  Resolved, That 8 companies of the said troops, to consist of 68
               privates each, under proper officers, be formed into a battalion.
                  Resolved, That the remainder of the said troops be divided into
               companies of 100 men each.
                  Resolved, That two companies of the said troops, to consist of 100
               men each, be companies of matrosses, and trained as such."
                  14 January, 1776, Resolves were passed which authorized the
               troops to consist of a battalion of 9 companies, 7 independent com
               panies, 2 companies of artillery and 1 company of marines. The
               officers were selected and their pay fixed. The Council of Safety was
               empowered to order these troops into Virginia, Delaware and Penn-
               sylvania.