184 Journal and Correspondence

poor soldiers are very badly off for want of subsistance. I
therefore think it would very much forward the good of the
service to put the soldiers as raised into barracks. I would be
glad you would give me leave to isue such orders. M^r Chew
tells me he thinks he could procure a quantity of Gunns and
Blankets provided he had money. I should be glad you
would let him have some.
I am with due respect, Honb^e Sirs
Your most obed^t Hble Serv^t
Tho^s Ewing

Original.

[St. Mary's Committee to Council.]

St. Mary's County Leonard Town August 7^th 1776.
Gentlemen. In Committee.
Capt Mantz with his Company is arrived here; we pre-
sume to assist in repelling the Enemy from this quarter as
well as to supply the place of the Independent Company
ordered from hence to the Northward. We beg leave to
observe to you, that as the principle cause, that of the Enemy
is now happily removed by the Fleet having left Potowmack
and passed down the Bay there may not be so great a neces-
sity for that Company now as existed and appeared to your
Board, at the time you ordered Cap^t Mantz to march to our
assistance. We would further observe to you, that we find
the strongest dissatisfaction prevailing in these men, at being
stationed in this part of the Country, proceeding from a rep-
sentation of some persons that it is unhealthy; and from the
difference of situation, disease and ill health must be expected
as a certain consequence, Espescially to those who have been
born and bred in a more healthy climate. Add to this their
licentious behaviour since they have been at this place, in kill-
ing and destroying people's property, and threatning to dis-
band & return should any of their company fall sick. And
being as we perceive and observe under no control or com-
mand of their officers, we fear they will rather prove a disad-
vantage, than service to the people of this county. Under
these circumstances and for these reasons, we have taken the
liberty to remonstrate to you and intreat their removal from
hence, hoping that this act (which we conceive to be for the
good of the whole) cannot meet with your censure or disap-
probation. That it is right, agreable to a Resolve of Conven-
vention, to station some troops in the lower part of this
County, we agree, and beg you will order that part of Cap^t
Beall's company now stationed at Port Tob^o to move down, or
any other you may think more proper. This we are of opinion
will answer the purpose better. Upon this principle we have