of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 123

eighteen Pounders in less than four months from this Time.
That he was going to Philadelphia at the Request of M^r Alex-
ander in Expectation of hearing Proposals from the Congress
on the Subject of founding Cannon and should be better able
to judge whether it would be worth while to undertake the
Business and would expect to hear from us on his Return.
Council adjourns till Tomorrow morning 10 o'Clock.

C. S. J.

[West to Council.]

Woodyard 30^th January 1776.
Honourable Gentlemen.
I think it my duty to acquaint you that I have received a
letter from Cap^t Isaiah Robinson L^tof the Hornet Cap^t Stone
dated off Annapolis desiring me to recommend him to your
favour. I know him to be a very honest sensible faithful man,
it will be seen how he behaves in his present station. He
writes to me on another subject. I shall give you his words.
" I have another request to make you about a matter that I am

very anxious for viz^t that you will please to Countenance my

Brother in law M^r Burgess he is come over at an unlucky time
for himself as to what he Primarily intended, but as he is
remarkably ingenious, and well versed in drawing, and in mil-
itary matters he may be a very useful hand at this time, should
there occur any thing in which he could be employed I'm con-
fident his conduct would give satisfaction," so far Cap^t Rob-
inson, and as to the gentlemen in question M^r Burgess, I have
seen him — he is a sensible clever middle aged man from Ire-
land brought his wife & children and is now at Hagars Town
his intention was for Fort Chartres on the Ilionois in the view
of a grant there where he has friends. I believe he is both a
sea and land officer perhaps of the Marines, he appears to
me to be a man of great spirit & understanding and if he was
to engage in the American Service would be of Use. Cap^t
Stull or some of the officers there might sound him, but I
would rather wish that the Honorable Council themselves
were to examine him. I inclose a letter to him which may be
forwarded or not, as you Judge proper.
Last night about 8 oclock came here a drummer engaged
by Col^l Murdock for Cap^t Sims Company on foot, he had a
letter for Col^o Sim and being resolute to proceed, I sent a ser-
vant & horses with him to Col^o Sims. The man informed me
that one of the Minute Officers from Alexandria had wrote to
his wife that Lord Dunmore was on his way up to Alexandria
and would be up as soon as the River permitted, therefore
desired her to remove, that 30 waggons were constantly
employed at Alex^a removing their effects &c. Col^o Sim wrote

Original.