Maryland State Archives

April 22nd proclamation issued by Governor Hicks calling for a session to meet in Annapolis on Friday, April 26. Published in the Sun on April 23, 1861 (p. 2).

As Annapolis was occupied by federal troops, Governor Hicks issued a second proclamation on April 24th, this time instructing that the General Assmebly meet at the courthouse in Frederick rather than Annapolis. Published in the Sun on April 25, 1861 (p. 2). Article II sec. 16 states that "whenever from the presence of an enemy, or from any other cause, the Seat of Government shall become an unsafe place for the meeting of the Legislature, he may direct their sessions to be held at some other convenient place."

Carl N. Everstine. The General Assembly of Maryland 1850-1920 (Charlottesville, Va: The Michie Company, 1984), 97-109.

Summary of laws passed during the special session, as published in the Maryland Gazette on April 12, 1792.

Article II Section 16 details the Governor's authority to convene a special session of the Legislature, or the Senate alone, as well as the authority to move the meeting location should the Seat of Government be unsafe.

Article III Section 14 establishes the meeting dates for regular sessions of the General Assembly, and that it shall not meet at any other time "unless convened by Proclamation of the Governor."

"Aid Sole Topic for Maryland's Special Session." The Washington Post, 4 March 1936.

"Nice Sales Tax Meets Setback in Upper House." The Washington Post, 5 March 1936.

"New Maryland Taxes." The Washington Post, 8 April 1936.

"Mandel to Call Assembly." Washington Post, 20 June 1973, p. C1.

"Maryland Assembly Will Tackle Three Key Problems." Washington Post, 29 July 1973, p. B1.

"2d Session Is Mulled By Mandel." Washington Post, 4 Aug 1793, p. B8

"Special sessions: Maryland's history of ‘unfinished business'." The Capital, 20 May 2012.