of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 277

redations. These and other reasons will not justify our pur-
chasing her for the Services suggested.
23 March 1776

C. S. C.

[Council to Maryland Deputies.]
To the Deputies for Maryland in Congress.

Gentⁿ Two Ton of Powder or near that Quantity we
believe has been lately received at Baltimore Town from
Philadelphia, one Ton of which M^r Alexander wrote us, was
intended for Virginia, but given up by their Deputies on Occa-
sion of the late Alarm, we wish to be informed whether we
are indebted to Virginia or to Congress for that last Ton, if
to Virginia we can easily settle the Account, because we have
already lent them 12 Barrels — 2 for the lower Counties — 10
for their Sloop of War at Alexandria. Musketts by Captain
Tibbitt not yet come to Hand, they are much wanted, our
Independent Companies are very importunate for Arms, which
we have not as yet been able to supply them with. Our Gun-
smiths go on very slowly, and we want small Arms very much,
permit us to request you would remind the Congress of those
lent for fitting out the Hornet and Wasp. We are anxious to
have all the Powder secured we can, and should be glad to
know what Quantity Mess^rs Willing and Morris sent, and
whether any more is to be expected from that Quarter soon.
We are satisfied so far as relates to the Province with the sale
of the Vessell called Wild Dick, W Lux seems not altogether
pleased and talks that he had some Claim, but we think he
ought to be contented, all things considered. Some Gold and
Silver have already come in, and more might be got had we
Cash to exchange, we are in daily Expectation of the Arrival
of the Continental Money; as also of our Plates and Paper for
the new Emission; we admire much at your Silence on that
Head, and can account for it no otherwise than by taking it
for granted that your Attention is engaged on Subjects of
more Importance. We have heretofore requested you would
let us know the Pay of Officers and Seamen engaged in the
Continental Navy, and must again remind you of sending it
to us that we may settle the Pay in our Province. We can
spare fifty Pieces of the heaviest Duck and most unfit for
Tents, the rest you will pleased to forward to us by the Stages.
All is quiet here at Present, nothing new only that the Man of
War in her passage down plundered Sharp's Island and carried
off some Stock and had taken a small Vessell belonging to
Col^o Tayloe; a flying Report by Charles Landsdale this Day,
that they were lately seen at the mouth of Potowmack. Your

No. 78.