of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 291

any use about our Troops we have sold the Holland Duck at
8. 10. & the Russia at 7. 10 a p^s the sale was to the Congress
for the use of the Frigates and to the Virginians for their
armed vessels. Immediately on T. J^s coming to phil^a he &
R. A. mentioned the Defence to the Marine Committee either
to sell or have insured they seemed not very fond of taking
her off our hands before the matter was totally given up Cap^t
Squires Expedition was defeated T. J. confirms our Opinion
that if any Depredations should take place after we had
parted from the vessell it would be imputed to the sale of her
and there's no Idea of the Congress taking her off our Hands
but on subjecting her to the uncontrolled orders of the Con-
gress we have therefore thought it best to let this Matter rest
till the Convention. R. A. has rece^d of the Congress 8250£
to exchange for Gold, of which on S. C^s order he let him have
105. The rest M^r Buchanan carries down the Change for the
money T. J. bro^t up & for Maj^r Jenifers 1/2 Joes is put up
seperately. Would it not be well that some pson in Balt.
Town should be specially appointed to take Charge & keep
account of all things sent there for the public use. We con-
gratulate you on the Evacuation of Boston we have not yet
rece^d any account of the Course the Forces went some think
they are destined for N. York others for the Southward but
most for Hallifax.
We are Gen^t
With the greatest Respect Your most obed^t Servt^s
R. Alexander. Th. Johnson.

The inclosed letter for M^r Calvert, We believe is from M^rs
Custis.

[Plater to Council.]

Gentlemen. I have the honor of yours of 19^th Inst, com-
municating your appointment of me with Brigadier John Dent,
to cooperate with the Commissioners of Virginia in erecting
Beacons on the shores of Potomac River. It will give me the
highest pleasure to be in any manner serviceable to my coun-
try, & I only lament that my abilities are not equal to my inclin-
ation. But upon this (and I hope on every) occasion, be
assured they shall be exerted, & that I am, Gentlemen
Sotterley Hall Y^r most obd^t Hble Serv^t
March 26^th 1776. Geo. Plater.

C. S. C.

Wednesday 27 March 1776.
Council met. Present as yesterday.
Ordered That the Treasurer of the Western Shore pay to

C. S. J.