of the Council of Safety, 1776. 45

I receive your Orders, or untill Captⁿ Bealls Return. The
Ships of War, Tenders &^c was this Morning lying off between
S^t Mary's River & Point Look Out, & it is reported by some
Desserters from thence that they intend to Land on St.
George's Island in the mouth of S^t Mary's River. Capt. Beall
desired me to Inform you of his Marching, and desires your
Orders how he shall proceed. Coll^o Barnes could not get an
Express to carry his Letter to you in St. Mary's, therefore sent
it this Way & expects to receive your Answer the same way,
which I will send him as soon as it comes: I shall go to Drum
Point in the morning & you may Depend I'll do all in my
Power to prevent their Landing in this County; if they should
alter their Course, so as to come up the Bay or into to Patux-
ent; this Express is to be paid from Drum Point to Annapolis
which is about sixty five miles, & by whom I expect your
Orders, which shall be punctually Obeyed.
P. S. A messenger will be waiting at the late Capt Car-
rolls Dwelling House to morrow Evening to receive your
Answer to Colo Barne's letter. You will be pleased to direct
what number of Militia are to be kept on Duty in this County
& what number of Officers.
I am Gent Your Mo: obed^t Hble Serv^t
Alex Somervill.

[Dorsey to Council.]

Gentlemen: Capt. Riggs waits on you with a company of
Melisha, out of my Battalion. The extream busy time has pre-
vented my being able to send them sooner. I hope they will
be releaved by the Flying Camp in a Few days. If they are
not, I purpose to Releave them by another company out of
the Battalion.
July 14^th 1776. Am Gentlemen your mo: Humb^le Serv^t
Thomas Dorsey.

Original.

[Hanson to Jenifer.]

Frederick Town July 14^th 1776.
Sir. The mode pointed out by the Convention for arming
the men now raising for the Continental Service, I am afraid
will prove ineffectual. The people are much averse to parting
with their Arms unless they are immediately paid for them,
and we know of no resolve authorizing such purchase. Should
there be any such be pleased to order a Copy to be sent, or if
your Hon^ble Board should think proper to order such guns as
may be necessary to be bought up. I think the men would

Original.