102 Journal and Correspondence

Original.

[E. Gaither to Council.]

Gentⁿ Elk Ridge 21 Jany. 1776
Whereas the Hon. the Convention has thought Proper to
appoint me a field Officer to the Elk Ridge Batalion, I there-
fore apprehend the Nomination of the Capt, is with the Hon.
the Council of Safety; I am requested by my Company to beg
leave to recommend Mr. Elisha Riggs, their Capt, if it should
be thought Necessary to appoint one; — he is the first Lief of
the Company. I can assure you Gent^l he is much the Properest
Person in my Opinion, and from the begining of our unhappy
disputes discovered a disposition which does Honour to him
as an American. They also beg leave to recommend M^r John
Marriott, their first Lieu^t, Mr. Joseph Walker Jun^r their Second
Lief, and Mr. Aquilla [Ra]ndall Jun^r their Ensign — these
Gentl. are officers Company.
I am, Gentl. y^r mo ob^d Hble. Serv^t
Edw^d Gaither Jun^r

Original.

[Stricker to Council.]

Frederick Town 21 Jan^y 1776.
Gentlemen. I am informed that my Company of light
Infantry are to arm^d with Rifles shall therefore esteem your
giving directions to some person to contract for the same they
being to be had here, the Gunsmiths have offered to furnish
the Company with the same in a few weeks, nothing retards
me now but the want of arms and recruiting cash I have
recruited 21 select men in two days and make no doubt of
compleating my Company in ten more, please to send by the
Bearer M^r Benjⁿ Ford or any one of my Lieutenants the
recruiting cash, imagine shall want about £250.
I am with respect Gentⁿ your most ob^t H^l Ser^t
George Stricker

N. B. If a person is directed to contract for rifles it will
be necessary also to contract for Bullet pouches and powder
horns.

Sir. None of the Council of Safety being in Town & under-
standing this Ltr. came from Capt. Stricker reques^g a sum of
money by Mr. B. Foard for enlisting his Men, have taken the
Liberty to open it & must request you to give M^r Benjamin
Foard an Order on the Treasurer for one Hundred & Twenty
pounds for this Purpose. I am Sir, y^r Hbl. Ser^t
24 Jany 1776 W. Smallwood
To Mr. Gabriel Duval, Clerk of the Council of Safety