of the Council of Safety, 1776. 475

an interest in the Expedition in proportion to the amount of
the Powder, and we are in hopes of getting 14 or 1500£ for
you if a ship arrives that was purchased and loaded with rice
in part of the rations. At any rate we expect to save the
Capital, and you'll please to make a blank charge of it against
us untill the voyage is settled. Tobacco is rising fast in St.
Eustatia where several ships are loading with it for Holland,
and begins to sell well here. But Flour and corn are very
low, and will keep down till towards the Spring. Such a
cargoe as Capt. Conway brought us last will generally answer
best, especially if the Quantity of the Tobacco was to be more
large, black and thin. We hope soon to be advised of the
arrival of Martin and Conway, and are very sincerely
Sirs
Your most ob^t Servants,
Van Bibber & Harrison
St. Pierre, Martinique Nov. 24^th 1776. Received of Van
Bibber and Harrison seventy two pounds Eighteen shillings
and three pence, this Currency for the use of the Schooner
Dolphin, belonging to the State of Maryland. This being one
of Three Receipts for the same. William Patterson.
£72. 18. 3

C.S.C.

[Chase to Council.]

Philadelphia Nov. 23^d 1776.
Saturday.
Gentlemen.
Since I wrote you on yesterday I saw a letter from General
Mifflin from Elizabeth Town dated the 21^st Inst, in which he
writes, that the Enemy crossed the North River below Dobbes
ferry in 400 Boats, and stole a march to Fort Lee, which the
Garrison evacuated leaving all their artillery, cannon, stores,
provisions and their Baggage. We have not heard from the
Army since the general Letter of the 19^th The alarm of a
Fleet sailing from New York, with Troops is without any
foundation, about 150 Transports and store ships sailed
under convoy of Commodore Shuldam in the Bristol, and two
frigates, and one supposed to be bound to Ireland for provi-
sions. This Information comes from General Mercer. On
yesterday I procured a state of our Treasury, as a few days ago

Dollars

Emitted 20.000.000
Expended. 16.817.737
In Treasury 3.182.263.

This is for your private Information and not to be made
public.

Original.