184 Journal and Correspondence

Original.

[Thomas to Council.]

Leonard Town 24^th Feb^y 1776.
Gentⁿ At the time I waited on you at Annapolis, I gave
orders to M^r Steward the first Lieutenant of my Company to
be at Leonard Town with the party of thirty men (which he
returned to me) on tuesday last, but have heard not a word
either of him or the men since that time, The men enlisted by me
are now here supported by M^r Ford and we are endeavouring
to instruct them as fast as possible we can. I am sorry to
request that you will interfere in the business and order M^r
Steward down with the thirty men that he has enlisted,
Information was lodged this day with the Committee that two
men well dressed were passing thro this County who from their
appearance & behaviour the Committee had reason to suspect,
they therefore requested me to send after them, which I imme-
diately did, but the two men that I sent were delayed a con-
siderable time from the difficulty of procuring horses. I would
beg you to consider whether as it will be frequently necessary
to advise you of what may be passing here, and the numberless
occasions we must have, whether it would not be proper to
allow a horse for the use of the Company. If you think it
proper be pleased to acquaint me by M^r Neale who will deliver
you this.
I have also to request that you will send me about one hun-
dred pounds, the money that I last received being all expended
in Board, Blankets, Clothes, and neither of the two last yet
fully got. M^r Neale also brings up seven gun locks sent by
the Committee, and six purchased here by me the account of
which M^r Neale will deliver. We have as yet received no
powder, from Charles County, and from what I hear there
is no reason to expect any. I am much afraid we shall be
pushed for a Drummer & Fifer, I have been informed by
M^r Davidson the second Lieutenant that there is a servant
in Baltimore who has two years to serve who is a good fifer,
which he will sell for fifteen pounds or thereabouts, as his
Wages in one year would pay that sum and find him Clothes.
I should be much obliged to you to allow me to purchase him.
Of the several matters be pleased to inform me by M^r Neale.
I am Gen^t Your most obliged hu^ble Serv^t
J. A. Thomas.

Original,

[Gilpin to Rumsey.]

Head of Elk. Feb^y 24^th 1776.
Sir. I must beg the favor of you while you continue at
Annapolis to git the Commitions for five of the Companys of