110 Journal and Correspondence

wish it supplied by the appointment of him who now acts as
my second Lieutenant (M^r Moses LeCompte Jun) And if y^r
Honours have not in view a person more worthy to act as
second Lieu^t take the liberty of naming M^r Matthias Traverse,
if you approve of him.
I am Gentlemen with due Respect
Y^r obed^t hum Ser^t
Joseph Robson.

P. S. As I cant possibly march until the officers are com-
plete, I hope the messenger will be dispatched as quick as
possible.

C. S. C.

[Committee of Safety of Virginia to Council.]

In Committee of Safety Virg^a Jan. 27. 1776.
Gentⁿ As we are so closely connected by inclination as well
as interest and our situation strongly points out the propriety
of attending to the operations which may be necessary for our
mutual defence. We are desirous of establishing & keeping
up a constant intimate correspondence with you. We think it
proper to inform you that we have resolved to build for the
protection of Potomac River two row gallies one of them to
carry one 24 pounder, the other a twelve pounder & both
swivels, also three vessels carrying one of them four six
pounders & some four pounders the other two vessels four
pounders & swivels, we do not conceive this adequate to the
importance of that great river, but as we have three other
rivers to which we must extend the like care, and as your
province is equally interested in the Safety of Potomac river
we could not doubt but it would be the wish of your body to
participate in its protection. Our determination on this head
is yet subject to alteration and we shall chearfully consult &
advise with you on this or any other subject conducive to the
Interest of both & to our mutual defence.
We are with great respect

Y^r m^o H. Sv^t John Page V. P.

John Tabb. Dudley Digges.
Tho^s Walker P. Carrington, J^s Mercer.

[Smallwood to Council.]

Annapolis 27 January 1776
Gentlemen.
I observe the Gentlemen of the convention have allowed the
soldiers as a uniform hunting shirts, but no spatter dashes,
which renders the regimentals incompleat, this they certainly