514 Journal and Correspondence

Original,

[Capt. Cook to Council.]

December 8^th 1776.
Honor'd Gent.
Our people's time will expire some time this month, and the
beginging of next, and as their is wages given as far as
Eleven Pounds per month in the mere' service, its very pos-
sible that many of them will leave the service of this State,
without due encouragement. I'm informed that there is a
resolve made by the Hon^ble Convention of this State giving
twenty dollars bounty for able seamen and ten Pounds for
ordinary seamen. I'm in hopes this bounty will engage the
whole of them or the greatest part to the service, provided its
advertised. I hope for your instructions in this case and
should take it as a singular favour you would provide for me
the resolves of this State, or Congress, that is relative to the
Navell Department, that I may act accordingly. I'm doing
all I can to get the Ship away before Christmas and make no
doubt of its being so provided we can keep our people
together.
Since I wrote the above I rec^d your favour of the 6^th Inst,
and it gives me pleasure I can be supply'd with canvas. M^r
Hollingsworth bid for the Snow fourteen hundred Pounds and
upwards, I believe he went as far as he thought the value of
her, but was over bid. The Schooner Nancy one of our Prizes
I make no doubt will answer your purpose, if large enough,
the Capt. of her informs me she is a good vessell and well
found. As I expect to see you in a few days I shall have an
opportunity of taking farther with you, therefore shall trouble
you no further at present, but am, Hon^d Gent.
Your very Hble Serv^t
Geo: Cook.

C. S. J.

Monday December 9, 1776.

Council met. Present the same members as on Saturday.
M^r Plater attended.
Captain Thomas Watkins resigned his Commission, which
was accepted by the Council.
Ordered That the Western Shore Treasurer pay to Joseph
Selby and John Howard two hundred Pounds on Contract.
That the said Treasurer pay to Doct^r Richard Tootell fifteen
Pounds.
Adjourned till next Day 10 O' Clock.