of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 525

rialists beg leave to refer, no obstructions have been thought
of by them proper to be placed in the channel of the river, but
Chiveaux de frise, or piles, both these are liable to be soon
destroyed by the worm, if large piles could be driven down
headed with Iron, they would be eaten so much with worm, in
the course of one season, that they would be easily born down
by men of war, coming up under full sail with a brisk wind,
all obstructions of wood are liable to this objection, and there-
fore in their opinion not to be depended on.
The Council of Safety endeavoured soon after their appoint-
ment to procure Cannon from Philadelphia or New York, but
were disappointed, M^r Hughs hath not yet complied with his
contract, the want of heavy cannon was a further reason,
why they could not proceed, when they can be procured,
your Memorialists are of opinion that Batteries may be erected
on Greenbury's Point, the Wind-mill Point, Horn Point, and
places adjacent, between that and the city on the South side
of the River, which may be of service, to prevent Landing,
altho' they might not fully answer the purpose of preventing
men of war approaching the place.
"Your memorialists further observe that at the late Con-
vention, it was thought expedient to appropriate part of the
money for building three Row Gallies, or Gondolas, so that
there will not remain more than three thousand pounds cur-
rency, or thereabouts to be applied to the erecting fortifi-
cations.
" Under these Circumstances your memorialists submit to
the Hon^ble Convention, whether they will direct the Council of
Safety to endeavour to procure Cannon, and also buy up mate-
rials for erecting Batteries, giving them a discretionary power
to draw on the treasury for such expences, as may be neces-
sary, not exceeding a certain sum, or whether your honors will
direct the residue of five thousand, nine hundred pounds, to
be laid out in throwing up breast-works, and making other
defences within the city, to prevent the Enemy landing, and
taking possession thereof"
" By order and on behalf of the Council of Safety "
Dan^l of S^t Tho^s Jenifer, P:

Ordered that the Commissary of Stores at Annapolis and
the Armourer deliver to Major Thomas Price thirty eight Gun
Locks, for the rifles made at Frederick County.
Ordered That said Commissary deliver to Captⁿ Veazey 1/2
Dozen Quire Cartridge Paper.
Ordered That the Treasurer of Western Shore pay to Capt.
James Tootle sixteen pounds & eight Pence C^y for guarding
Magazine &c:

C. S. J.