of the Council of Safety, 1776. 199

[Perkins to Jenifer.]

Original.

Kent County M^d August 13^th 1776.
Sir. Our company of militia destined for the Flying Camp
I am in hopes will be fitted with musketts by the midle of
next week, but have not as yet received any tents, Catridge
boxes, priming wires and brushes, nap or Haversacks or
Canteens, some of which articles M^r Thomas Smith imforms
me are sent to this county but has received no orders for the
distribution of them. Canteens with your permission I could
get here for our company. The privates complain loudly for
being kept so long here after haveing broke off from their
homes and now no provision found them nor as yet no assu-
rences of wages till they march altho many of them has been
enroled six weeks. I think if we were ordered to assemble
together at some convenient place for exercise and provision
found them it would much forward the cause as some of our men
are entirely undisciplined and would by no means be fit for
action as soon as they arrive at the Rendivous. Some of the
men are indebted and are threatened to be stopt for the same
Pray inform me your opinion if they should be kept back it
the province will repay me the money that I have advanced to
them agreable to the Resolutions of the late Convention.
am with due respect. Your very Humble Servant
Isaac Perkins

[Stone to Council.]
Gentⁿ

Original.

I am very glad to be informed that L^d Dunmore and his
fleet have quitted the Bay and am hopefull this circumstance
will induce your militia to lend Assistance to the neighbour;
with more alacrity than could be expected while an Enemy
was hovering on their Coast. You may be assured they are
much wanted in the Jersys and at N. York when an Attack is
daily expected and at both which places our strength is by no
means sufficient to oppose the Enimy with that certainty of
Success which every man who considers the Importance of
the Event must wish. Cap^t Thomas is arrived with his
company. I shall rejoice to see Col Griffith with his Troops
and shall with pleasure afford him and all other officers and
Troops from Maryland any assistance in my power. I shall
shew particular attention to Col Griffith. Your recommenda-
tion entitling him to peculiar notice.
The Difficulties you have experienced in raising your
Quota of the flying Camp I am convinced have been distress-
ing, but I hope they are now pretty well over. You may have
any money you want from Congress upon application. The
Enemy's strength at Staten Island is 15,000 men. the