of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 179

in said County, and there committed to the Care of one of the
Clerks of M^r John Brice.
Copy of Letter N^o 24 was sent to the Deputies of this Prov-
ince in Congress.
Adjourned till next Day 10 O'Clock.

C. S. J.

[Council to Maryland Deputies.]

To the Deputies of Maryland in Congress.
Gentⁿ:
We some time since informed you that we had appointed
a Number of Persons in each County of the Province to collect
all the Gold and Silver Coin that can be got.
Within this Week or ten Days we have had Application from
several of those who were appointed to furnish them with
Cash to exchange, without which they tell us many People
will not part with the Gold and Silver. We would willingly
supply Provincial Money, but the State of our Treasury pre-
vents us. the Demands are very considerable for raising,
cloathing and paying the Troops, and furnishing Rations, to
say nothing of other Disbursements. If you do not send us
down the Plates and Paper soon the Treasury will be totally
exhausted, therefore we take the Liberty again to remind you
of forwarding them to us. With Regard to Gold and Silver
we think something handsome might be collected but cannot
say how much. Should the Congress approve of sending
down Continental Money we will engage to return Gold and
Silver for whatever they may send not exceeding £8.000 or to
return the Money again, without this we apprehend Gold and
Silver cannot be procured in any considerable Quantity until
the new Emission of our Money, when we can supply the
Collectors with Cash. We lay the Affair truly before you and
must leave it to yourselves to move the Congress, or not as
you may think best. We wish to hear from you on every
important Occasion and are much obliged to M^r Alexander for
the Intelligence he hath been so kind as to communicate to us
from Time to Time. Our Troops are drawing together very
fast, we should be glad to have the Arms intended for this
Province as soon as possible that we may distribute them.
The Manufacture of Guns goes on but slowly amongst us from
the best information we can get. Pray purchase for the Use
of the Province 50 Ream of Cartridge Paper and send to us
by the first Opportunity. We will remit the money as soon
as we are furnished with the Cost of it.
24^th Feby 1776

C. S. C.

No. 24.