of the Council of Safety, 1777, 113

expend in the purchase of beef at this advanced season, but
if I find it otherwise I will call on him for a further sum agree-
able to your instructions. It is a great misfortune this com-
mission was not given to me about the first of December. At
that time I coud have purchased a hundred thousand with as
little trouble as I now expect to buy a fifth part of the quan-
tity (if to be had at all) and at 25 per cent less. I have
employed one of the most skilful hands on this shore about
this kind of business who is now out and will secure all he can
that is yet remaining to be disposed oi hereabouts.
I have also to inform you that I received yours per Capt.
Patterson of the 22^nd ult. and by him I was informed he had
no other salt on board but the 50 bushels you sent for me,
that he was certain the quantity would hold out and that it
would not be worth while to measure it as he wanted to be
despatched; accordingly I sent my carts with large cases
(which I use on like occasions) to receive the salt intending to
take it upon his word and in order to hurry the people I went
to Town myself but seeing the cases not near as full as I
expected to find them I was induced to have the salt measured
by a careful hand. I also staid by myself and found I had
only 38 3/4 Bushels in the place of 50. Capt. Patterson came
up here by land before his vessel arrived and returned again
to Oxford before her, nor was he on board while here, neither
the mate nor any of the hands came on shore after the
delivery to get a receipt, which I promised Capt. Patterson to
give them: had they done this I should on seeing the bulk so
small have refused untill I had seen it measured. I think it
my duty to inform you of these circumstances that you may
enquire whence this deficiency arises as there has certainly
been a very grand mistake or some foul play on the occasion,
being very clear a greater quantity than 38 3/4 bushels was
never delivered to my people and if you think it necessary I
will send you my own deposition, and that of an indifferent
person respecting this matter. I am Sirs,
Your most obed^t & Humb^l Serv^t
Rob^t Harrison.
The Honble The Council of Safety
in Annapolis

C. S. C.

Tuesday, February 4, 1777.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.

Commissions issued to Thomas Sim Lee appointed Col.
Luke Marbury, Lieutenant Colonel, Truman Skinner, first
Major and William Lyles junior second Major of the lower
Battalion of Militia in Prince George's County.

C. S. J.