as a Guard. I received from three Waggons the other
day what is supposed to be 6000 lbs. the greatest part of
which I think it probable is Cannon powder and such as will
be useless with Musquetry. I send you a sample of it and
hope it will be found better than it looks to be. I made a trial
of it in a small Cannon that we have and found it to have
equal force and quickness with some English powder that I
had. I have directed a Guard from our Militia and shall con-
tinue them till I have your directions which shall be glad to
have by the Bearer, its very inconvenient to those who are
now on that service and if they must continue you'l please to
direct the number that shall compose the Guard.

I am Respectfully, Gentlemen, Your obd^t Hble Serv^t

Jas. Lloyd Chamberlaine

	[Dean to Council.] Gentlemen. Kent Island July 28th 76. Agreable to your orders, I have marched the Company under my command to this place and am sorry to find no pro- vision made for us. You'll please direct whoever you may think proper to find us all that is fit and necessary for a Com- pany of men. We expected to have found some pork, which we supposed was left by Capt. Harrison, but were disap- pointed. I am Gent very respectfully Yr very Hble Servt John Dean. You'll please direct immediately in this matter, as we live only on what we can borrow.	Original.
	[B. Mackall to Council.] Gentlemen. Drum Point 28th July 1776. I left the Camp at St. George's yesterday & Major Price desired me to send to the Council, attended by a Subaltern officer Mr Braithwait, who deserted from the Fleet Thursday night, and brought with him, two trunks, which shall be sent up to you as soon as Mr Middletons boat returns from the mouth of Potowmack, where she is waiting upon the Defence. I am with much respect Gent, your most Hble Servt Benj: Mackall 4th Lieut Gray who comes with Mr Braithwait desires nothing more for his trouble than his Expenses to be paid by the province.	Original.