of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 127

A Conference had with M^r [Alcock] and [Mr. Maussen-
baugh] on the Subject of Fortifications.
The Council called on Mess^rs Keener, Messersmith and Red-
dick to know what Quantity of Musquets they had made for
the use of this Province in Consequence of their Contracts
with M^r Alexander. M^r Keener reported that he had made
thirty. M^r Messersmith that he had made twenty seven, and
repaired fifty eight for the Ship Defence.
M^r Riddick that he had made seventy.
Ordered, That Major Gist and Captain Ewing or either of
them be requested to employ a skilful person to prove the
said Muskets or any others that may be hereafter made by the
said Keener, Messersmith and Riddick or either of them under
their aforesaid Contracts; and that the said Major Gist and
Captain Ewing or either of them be empowered to draw on
the Committee of Observation for Baltimore County, for pow-
der sufficient for that purpose.
Council adjourns till Tomorrow morning 10 o'Clock.

C. S. J.

[Mason and Galton to Jenifer.]

Fairfax County Jan^y 31^st 1776.
Sir. Being empowered & directed, by the Committee of
Safety for this Colony, to build two row gallies, one to carry
a 24 & the other an 18 pounder, & provide three armd cutters
for the protection of Potomac River, we think it proper to
inform your board that this measure will be carryed into execu-
tion with all possible expedition, & that we hope to have your
co-operation, in adopting some similar plan, for the same pur-
pose, we beg the favour of an answer by the first opportunity ;
and are, with the greatest respect,
Sir y^r most obd^t Hble Sert^s
G. Mason
John Galton.

C. S. C.

Thursday 1^st February 1776.
Council met. Present the same Members as yesterday.

Copy of Letter N^o 7 sent to the Deputies of this province
in Congress.
Ordered, That the Company of Light Infantry in the regular
Forces of this Province be armed with Rifles.
Ordered That Mess^rs John Hanson Jun^r Charles Beatty and
James Johnson or any two of them be requested to provide
and furnish the said Company with good substantial and ser-
viceable Rifles, necessary Bullet-Moulds and powder Horns

C. S. J.