of the Council of Safety, 1776. 485

I hope the Defence is safe arrived. I have been uneasy for
her safety as she has exceeded her proposed cruise.
I am with much Respect
Gent. Your most obed^t Hum^ble
Serv^t
Thos. Smyth.

[A. Hall to Council.]

November 27^th 1776.
Gentⁿ
As Cap^t Bennett Mathews has made application to your
Hon^rs for a Capt^ns place in one of the Gondolas now building,
and as Capt. Alexander Cowin and M^r Archb^d Buchanan
has one nearly ready, and wants a Captⁿ to take charge of her ;
and as I am well acquainted with Capt. Mathews and know
him to be a good Seaman and a sober man, begg leave to
recommend him as a proper person for such a place, and shall
take it as a favour if your Honours should think proper to
give him a birth. I am Gentⁿ y^r
Most obed^t Humb^l Serv^t
Aquila Hall.

[J. Murray to Council.]

Cambridge Nov. 27^th 1776.
Gentlemen.
As I have heretofore had the Honour of an appointment
from your Board to the Command of a Battalion of Militia of
y^r State, permit me to return you thanks for that mark of y^r
Esteem.
I have filled that Station, as long as I find it convenient
under its present Regulations, and must therefore beg leave to
resign. Y^r ob^t hum^l Serv^t
James Murray

C. S.C

Thursday 28 Nov. 1776.

Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Copy of Letter N^o 28 was sent to Captain John Martin,
Copy of N^o 29 to M^r Stephen Steward, and in his Absence, to
M^r Jesse Hollingsworth, Copy of N^o 30 to the Honble Board
of War, Philadelphia, and Copy of N^o 31 to the Committee of
Observation for Frederick County.
Ordered That the Treasurer of the Western Shore pay to
Samuel Barber twenty four Pounds Currency for four month's
Services as Adjutant to the Severn Battalion of Militia in
Anne Arundel County.

C.S.J.