January 1-December 31, 1781 139

their is a very Great Backwardness in their Militia to turn out And
not knowing any Law that can force them I am much at a loss how
to act
If their should be an occation & our Men would turn out I am not
able to Arm above 150 with Proper Musketts nor have I ammuni-
tion or Meat Provisions. I have sent to Baltimore & received some
Powder & about 2000 Cartridges. As your Excellency must be in-
formed of the Enemies Whole forces can form some good conjec-
ture of their designs I should be happy to receive Instructions how
to conduct myself & where to apply for such Articles as I may want
I am apprehensive that if the Enemy command the Bay this summer
we shall receive frequent Vessels from their Tenders & Armd Boats
therefore wish to be directed as to the mode of defence most likely to
be effectual to prevent their depredation.
If there is any late Laws for the regulation of the Militia I shall
be obliged by having them sent by return of the post with Commis-
sions for Officers agreeable to the Inclosed lists Who are now on
duty & any Orders your Excellency may Plan to give
I hear of no Person being appointed In this County to receive &
provide for the recruits obtain'd under the act to procure recruits.
Three recruits are the whole yet obtained & they are rambling about
which must be the situation of any others that may enlist Until I
have Your Excellencies Orders

March 21

A List of Officers wanting Commissions,

John Day Jun^r Captⁿ of a Com^y (of the 8^th Battalion) lately com-
mand^d by Sam^l Groom Osborn, resignd being appoint^d Ass^r &
Collector.
George B. Presbury 1^st L^t in same Comp^y
Joseph Presbury Jun^r Ensign in D^o
Aron Grace. Cap^t of a Comp^y (in 23^rd Battalion) lately com-
mand^d by Syrus Osborn resigned & removed to Balt Town.
David Thompson Lt. in D^o

March 21
[Indorsed
" Com-
mis.iss^d
4 Ap^l
1781 "]

[Edw^d Gaither, Jr. Commissary of Provisions for Ann Arundel Co.
Elk Ridge to the Governor & Council]

I have delivered to Jn^o Chalmers order thirteen Head of Beef
Cattle, which I have received. I expect to receive some more in a
few days.

March 21

[Jos^h Merriken to His Excellency Thomas Sim Lee Esq^r]

the two Schooners are still up the Bay as I am Informed Lye of
the mouth of Susquehanna River — I shall be glad to get a further
Supply of Ammunition and some flints — I Received only one Hun-

March 21