476 Journal and Correspondence

The Congress have resolved to encrease their navy, two
frigates of 36 Guns are to be built in our State.
Many of the Congress, some true friends, are uneasy at the
Powers to the Delegates of Maryland, they are apprehensive,
if made known, they will reach Lord Howe, and encourage
him, and if the courts of Europe should see them, it would
prevent a foreign alliance. Some Reasons are given to coun-
tenance this opinion. I do not see why they should be pub-
lished in the Journall, the Powers relate to Peace and War,
and can be of no service to the public. I wish you would
consider this subject.
In eight days the enlistment of the far greater part of our
army expires. I greatly doubt if we shall be able to prevail
upon the Troops to enter into the service. I have some hopes
of obtaining our wish from Congress, our commissioners will
proceed on Tomorrow I believe, however whether they do or
not is a secret. I am, Gent.
With respect & regard
Your obed^f Serv^t
Sam^l Chase

Original.

[B. Rumsey to Jenifer.]
Sir.
We have continued in this Place untill this day in w^ch we
shall set off for the Camp not being able to proceed before
neither under the Letter nor Spirit of our Commission.
Our Convention had certainly two capital objects in view
that as the Congress had engaged the faith of the United
States to furnish the Soldiery with the Bounty of Lands which
they were to purchase, it followed by Implication that the
United States had none belonging to them in common but
must purchase of particular States who claimed a monopoly in
them and of course might ruin those States who had none.
Her view then was to have those lands declared a common
stock as being purchased (if ever purchased) by the joint
Blood and Treasure of the confederacy or find no Land to
her Ruin.
The first Satisfaction she received on this Head was that
she might inlist for three year and give the 20 Doll^s Bounty,
but must give the Soldiers the alternative to inlist during the
war on the first conditions. Opening two Rolls for the
Purpose.
This not pleasing they Resolve again that the Commission-
ers may proceed to inlist for three years upon one Roll alone
keeping it always in view that it was better to inlist during
the war, if it did not retard the Service.
This Resolution keeping up the first Bone of Contention