160 Journal and Correspondence

C. S. C.

No. 105.

[Council to Hooper.]

Brig^r Gen^l Hooper
Sir
Since our last we have had advice from Major Price our
Commanding officer in Saint Mary's, that the British Fleet lay
near the mouth of Smiths creek in Potowmack, that they were
very weak in Land-forces not exceeding 300 men, that they
were so sickly that 50 dead bodies had appeared on the
shores, chiefly negroes, and that having gone up the River
Potowmack to take in water & returned, he imagined they
would soon sail from that Quarter.
Their Forces appear so inconsiderable and contemptible to
him that he has dismissed all the militia and keeps only two
independent Companies to oppose them, one of which, Cap^t
Thomas's, we have this day ordered to march to the North-
ward, and Captⁿ Mantz of the Fred^k Battalion marches to
supply his place.
Captⁿ Dean's Company is stationed at Kent Island, and
Cap^t Goldsborough's is to supply the place of Captⁿ Hind-
man's, if the latter can get arms (which we cannot doubt the
Militia will lend him for their defence, until the Province can
supply them) These with the three independent Companies
will make a body of near 500 men; we therefore think three
fourths of the militia under your command may return to their
habitations, and keep themselves in readiness to march in case
of an attack, as the above force will be more than sufficient to
repell any invasion from the Fleet.
We do not expect from their weak state that any attempt
will be made, except to plunder, and we think the 500 regular
Troops together with the 200 militia a sufficient force to pro-
tect your shore until the fleet sails, which we daily expect to
hear of, and if some of them go to sea, & only a few remain
at our Capes, and in Virginia to destroy our Trade, as is sug-
gested to us will be the case, the remainder of the militia also
may be discharged.
If the Schooner you have taken would answer to make an
armed Boat or vessel for the Defence of this Colony, we
should be glad you would send her over that she may be put
in repair & fitted for the service, if she is unfit on Acc^t of her
size, value and stores will be agreeable to us.
We are of opinion that a Court-martial ought to be held on
the conduct and opinions of the two military Gentlemen you
mention, and a representation made from it to our board, as a
Foundation for their being deprived of their Commissions.
The spirit and ardor with which your Brigade has acted on
this occasion has been exceedingly agreeable to us, and we