of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 543

landing in that quarter, but should the enemy continue there
a few days, and keep the Militia on duty numbers of the
Inhabitants must unavoidably lose a considerable part of their
crops, their Wheat being now ready to cut.
Capt. Woolford is at this time with his Company on the
Borders of Nanticoke near the mouth of that River, to guard
that neighbourhood, where his assistance is much wanted.
I must further beg leave to inform you that our Militia are
badly fited with Arms, I am clearly of opinion, that not one
half of them have effective Guns, neither have we a sufficient
quantity of Powder & lead (particularly the latter) should we
have occasion to make use of those articles.
I have this moment received an Express from Hoopers
Straights by which I am informed that the Ship of War is now
in the mouth of Nanticoke, two of the Tenders in Hungar
River & one in Fishing Bay close to the shore, that the
people are in great confusion, and much harassed by them.
I have not the least doubt but they are in the like, or a worse
situation in Somerset County. I think it my duty to give you
this information as early as possible, and doubt not you will
give such assistance as the exigency of our affairs require.
I have the honor to be Gentⁿ
Your most Obed^t & Hum. Serv^t
Tho^s Ennalls.

[Bracco to Ridgely.]

Port Tobacco July 2^d 1776.
Dear Sir.
I have sent the Bearer John Barnet express to Annapolis to
request that you will make application to the Council for a
Sum of Money to defray the expenses of providing food and
other necessaries that are requisite for the soldiers under
inoculation here, the Doctors tell me that it will not be
proper for the soldiers to eat the Ration provided for them by
the Commissary for three weeks at least, in which time their
expenses will amount to near 150 pounds or there about, be
that as it may a true and just account shall be rendered of the
expenditure of the money in case the Council think proper to
advance it. May do this business as quickly as possible.
I have expended almost all my own cash and when that is
gone we may whistle for provision until we can get a fresh
supply. The People here follow a very good rule, not trust us
farther than they can see us. Please apply also for our Sub-
sistence from the fifteenth of March last and let me know it
whether it will be granted agreeable to account rendered by

C. S. C.