of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 191

Summons issued to Major Henry Ridgely and M^r John Bur-
gess accordingly.
Commissions issued to Richard Stringer appointed Captain
W^m Spurrier i Lieutenant, Caleb Dorsey 2^d Lieutenant, and
Nicholas Ridgely Ensign of a Company of Militia in Ann
Arundel County belonging to the Elk Ridge Battalion.
Adjourned till next Day 10 o'Clock.

C. S. J.

[Kent and Henry to Council.]

Head Quarters. Northampton Court house Virginia
Feb^y 28^th 1776.

Honble Gentⁿ Your much esteemed favour of the 14^th Ins^t
is now before us, the contents of which has given much satis-
faction to us and our Companies in general, the Comp^y from
Kent County arrived here the 12^th and the Comp^y from Queen
Anns on the 14^th Ins^t in good health and spirits.
Sunday night last a schooner that lay in Hungers Creek
Loaded with provision was taken possession of by 13 negroes,
who attempted to make their escape to Lord Dunmore, but
the next morning she was pursued by a whale boat which over
hall^d her upon York Spit, and returned with her monday night,
the negroes are now under Guards, this is the only remarkable
event has happened since our arrival here, we have not heard
what officer is to take the Command over us, the Field officers
of the regulars raised in Accomack and this County are on the
Western Shore, but expected over every day. The militia and
regulars here are in a very defenceless state and see no anxiety
amongst them to get either Discipline or accrutred. The
resolve under which we march^d mentioned our coming to the
assistance of the inhabitants of Accomack and Northampton
Counties. But we are persuaded should we have an engage-
ment at this time we should have but little assistance from
them, but hope in a few days some companies will arrive from
the Western Shore. General Clintons arrival at Norfolk with
1000 Troops we imagine you are informed of, It is said Dun-
more has many friends in this place, tho the Complexion of the
Tories (we are told) changed much on our arrival here, how-
ever we can say with truth that we were rec^d here with every
mark of esteem and friendship, and the Committee has spared
no pains to procure us comfortable Quarters. We beg leave
to observe your wish for our continuing here the time men-
tioned by the Convention, altho we had enrolled only to serve
till the first of March, what you have said on this head & puting
it in our power to draw on the Treasurer for money to pay
Wages, we hope will have a good effect with the Companies,

Original.