284 Journal and Correspondence

C. S. C.

intrust it to a casual conveyance I have engaged a person to
take the care of it to you by way of Rock-Hall with orders
that should he be pursued in the bay and be in danger of
being taken to sink the letter with weights. M^r Houston
brings no intelligence worth communicating.
I am Gen^t Y^r H ble Serv^t
Chester Town. Tho^s B. Hands. 23^rd Mar. 1776.

[J. Steward to Council.]

Gentlemen. The late convention were pleased to Honour
me with an appointment in the regular independent service of
this province. I am well pleased with my present situation,
but from the consideration that I cannot attain so just a knowl-
edge of Military duty in it, as in the Battalion or artillery I
wish to exchange for the vacancy in Cap^t Fuffords company ;
If gentlemen you think I merit such Favour, it shall be my
constant study to qualify myself for the Post.
I am gentlemen with the greatest respect,
23^d March 1776. Y^r ob^l Servant,
Jn^o Steward

[J. Beall to Council.]

Bladensburgh 24^th March 1776.
Gentlemen. I received yours of the 19^th instant, with the
commitions for the majors and other officers in the 25^th Bat-
talion; requesting me to recommend proper persons as a
second Lieu^t and ensign in Captⁿ Warrings company, and an
ensign in Cap^t Richardsons Company. As to the first, M^r
Baruk Duckett was commissioned by the convention & has
acted as ensign in that company; I am therefore at a loss
about recommending a second person till I know whether you
intend to remove, or leave him out of that company M^r Joseph
Carlton who has acted as first serjant to that company ever
since it was formed, and is very capable of acting in either of
those offices, would be very agreeable both to the officers &
men of that Company: I am not yet well enough acquainted
with Cap" Richardsons company to fix on any particular person
in that, but will in a few days inform myself and send up his
name, inclosed you have some acct^s for wood and candles
furnished the guard at this place, as also for the hire of an
express to Annapolis, to acquaint you with the arrival of the
powder. I have received your order for the delivery of ten
barrels to the Gentlemen in Virginia, which will be delivered
this day. And I sincerely wish there may be as speedy dis-