of the Council of Safety, 1776. 279

Committees of observation, was held on Friday last by
appointment previously advertised for the purpose of nomi-
nating officers for two companies of Militia to march imediately
for New York which nomination was accordingly made.
On Saturday I met my Battalion to publish the same and
solicit volunteers, they were very backward in offering, until
some officers of the Companies turn'd out, this in some
degree roused the Ranks and each (the officers of three
companies) got a considerable number of their men to offer
to go. I met all these officers yesterday in town each tells
me he has engaged some, on the whole I think about a
number sufficient for one company mostly of this Battalion
and say if they had money to discharge the bounty advance
and purchase of arms they have no doubt of succeeding.
Here we wait not only for the money, but also for an explana-
tion Respecting the offers of companies, whether they are
to be confined to two and therefore supersede our nomination,
or wheather all volunteer companies togeather with the two
by us nominated are to be taken into pay. not that I have
the least expectation that the whole county can turn out more
than the two companies properly equipped in good time, one
of which we would have a good chance of effecting by con-
solodating the three offering companies of my Battalion with
one of those nominated.
I know not whether I have been right in telling the Volun-
teers that so high a bounty is given to enable each to equip
himself with a blanket as well as other necessaries for their
immediate march, this will however be the most expeditious
method of procuring blankets, should they be paid for by the
State, which is by some expected. The Bearer Cap^t Teams
one of our nominated Cap" will be a good opportunity to
send money by for this business; he waits upon you for that
purpose and for further instructions therein to
Sir Your most obed^t & very Hble Serv^t
W^m Buchanan
P. S. Some directions for the subsistence of the troops is
also wanting.

Wednesday September 18^th 1776.

Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered That Western shore Treasurer pay to Peter
Chaille eighty five pounds, nine shillings for Am^t of Acc^t
M^r Nich^s Thomas appointed a member of this Board
attended, and having taken the oath prescribed by Convention,
took his seat accordingly.
Ordered That Western shore Treasurer pay to Col^o

C.S.J.