of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 301

be necessary to have done about the fort (that the Committee
refused to do) a Magazine Hospital and Laboratory, which in
my opinion no fort or garrison ought to be without, those
would not cost more than £300. The hospital sufficient to
hold 50 sick or wounded men the magazine to hold ammuni-
tion for a months siege the Labaratory sufficient for 10 or 12
men to work in making cartridges &c I was mentioning a
saine for catching fish but if it cant be allowed, without deduct-
ing any part of the soldiers rations would not desire it, as their
allowance is full small for a hearty man to subsist on. I under-
stand there has been application to you for Cap^t of the fort or
fort Majors. I dont know there would be any necessity for
such an officer, at this time, but hope gentlemen you will not
put another over me, unless you think him more fit to fill the
station, & in that case shall submit with pleasure.
I am gentlemen your mo oblidged Hble Serv^t
Nath^l Smith.
Balt^o 30^th March 1776.

[R. Beall to Council]

Portobacco 30^th March 1776.
Gentlemen. The bearer James Warren is a soldier in my
company who has lately lost his father and wants to be dis-
missed from the service as his mother has nobody to take care
of the family, as I would not act without your consent, shall
be glad if you will let me know as I can get a good man in
his stead.
I am Gentlemen Your mo. ob^t Serv^t
Rezin Beall.

C. S. C.

Monday 1^st April 1776.
Council met. Present as on Saturday except M^r Smyth.

Ordered That the Treasurer of the Western Shore pay to
Michael Gratz Eighty nine Pounds fourteen Shillings for
Blankets.
Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to John King four
pounds ten Shillings for going Express to Antietam Forge.
Copy of Letter N^o 99 was sent to the Committee of Obser-
vation for Baltimore County, Copy of N^o 100 to Mess^rs Baker
Johnson & Charles Beatty, and Copy of N^o 101 to the Com-
mittee of Talbot County.
Adjourned till next Day 10, O'Clock.

C. S. J.