of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 95

She is still a very fine vessell, now in the most compleat order
and it gives me concern to inform you that, the Cap^t one of the
most active fellows in the world, is about leaving her. of this
Cap^t Conway never gave me the most distant hint, till within
these few days, as soon as he made known his intentions I
expostulated with and endeavor'd to convince him of the
impropriety of leaving the service without giving the Council
of Safety due notice to provide another Master, but all in vain.
He has had a little Vessell built some where in the lower parts
of Virginia, she is finished and come up and he is going out
in her. However he promises to stay by the vessel and see
things carried on, till another master conies on board you'll

therefore be pleased to appoint one and send him to take

charge as soon as possible. He says he intended to give you
notice at Annapolis, but the Council Room was always full &
he never could find an opportunity, if you have not a proper
person to spare, there is a Brother of Conways, who I believe
to be an able seaman & a very industrious spirited man that
has offered himself; He being well acquainted, could pick up
men in a short time of w^h the vessel is bare, having but 3 on
board. I am Sir y^r most

Ob^t Serv^t R. Hooe

If you incline to accept of his brother it will be well to give
me orders by next post or he will be engaged.
To The Honble D S^t T. Jenifer Esq^r

[Ewing to Smallwood.] Baltimore 10th jany 1776. Dr Sir. With pleasure have I heard of your being much better of your late illness, I hope the bearer Mr Joseph Baxter, my Lieut will find you thoroughly Recovered, he now waits on you and the convention to get the commissions for our Com- pany with orders for enlisting troops, as I suppose it will be found necessary to advance the Soldiers a months pay or some advance money, you will please procure for him what you think Necessary, and I do here engage to be accountable to you or the convention for any money you give him on acct of our Company. I am in hopes I shall have a very Respectable Company of farmers sons as I am determined I will take very few, if any, out of this Town, if any troops is to be kept in this Town I am in hopes you will indulge me & my Compy with staying here. I am with due respect, Dr Colonel Yr most obedt Huml Servt Thos Ewing. To Col Wm Smallwood.

Original.