of the Council of Safety, 1776. 111

enemy up Potomack. I took the liberty last week to mention
the want of more powder to Piscattaway &^c As you said
nothing on the subject in your letter, permit me to mention
the matter again, as there's uneasiness from the apprehensions
of the people, on acc^t of the small quantity we have. I hope
your hble board will consider the matter, and order for the
best. I have the satisfaction to say our people have shewn a
manly disposition, (on Monday last, when from the alarm guns
from the Virg^a Vessels, fired in their way up to Alex^a, the
enemy were expected every hour up) they marched to the
shore with great firmness. I was with them all the day, and
from their behaviour make no doubt they would have behaved
well had the enemy appeared and tryed them. I much wish
they were provided better if it can be done. I am this morn-
ing so unwell with the cholic, that sitting to write is uneasy
and prevents adding further than that I am with real esteem
for your hble board
D^r Sir, Your most obed^t Serv^t
Josia Beall.

[Dent to Council.]

Charles County 24^th July 1776.
Gentⁿ On the evening of my return home from the Camp
at St. George's yours of the 22^nd inst. came to hand; wherein
you say, you dont doubt of my doing every thing necessary to
repel the Invaders; and likewise that you've ordered Major
Price with three Field Pieces, and one nine pounder &^c
These you say will enable the Major and myself to speak
more properly with the Row Gaily than I hitherto could do.
You likewise request I will (as I hitherto have done) continue
to watch their Motions, and from time to time inform you
thereof, with several other requests equally irreconcilable to
me, after having by a short order given me nothing to do.
I have the highest opinions of the Major's abilities and attach-
ment to the Cause, and doubt not but he is equal to the Task ;
all that I request is, to be informed whether you've any reason
(from the disposition of the Troops while under my command)
to believe, that I was wanting, either in military Knowledge,
Assiduity or personal Courage; for the first of which I would
beg leave to refer you to Major Price, and for the two latter,
to the officers of the several Corps while under the command
of Your most obed^t Serv^t
Jno Dent

Original.