of the Council of Safety, 1776. 532

[Johnson to Council]

Fred. Town. 16^th Dec^r 1776.
Gent.
Your letter of the 14^th by Express came to me this moment
12 o'clock, and I shall not lose a minute in sending to the Col
as you direct. I am afraid we shall be able to arm only a
small proportion of the men these parts having been much
drained of arms, and those of the Flying Camp who have
returned, having left their guns behind them. I am told no
Field officers are yet appointed to the Battalion of which
Wells was recommended to be Col^o. If there's no capital
objection 1 wish the commissions were sent. I would not
intrude advice but if no steps are already taken for the pur-
pose, I wish to submit to your consideration whether it would
not be well to remove our magazine further into the country
it appears to me that if our Enemies succeed against Phil^a out
stock of powder may be an object. I intended to have set out
in the morning for Bait., but shall now wait till I hear from you
or am well informed of a considerable change in our affairs.
I am Gent.
Your most obed^t Servant
Th. Johnson, Jun^r

Original.

[Claypoole to Council.]

Chester Town i6^th Dec. 1776.
Gentlemen.
I have sent p^r Rock Hall boat one hogshead containing 200
pair Shoes and expect to send 200 pair more in 4 weeks, I
have been disapoint'd in hands, or shou'd have comply' d more
fully with my contract, which I hope you'l excuse. If you think
proper to let me have 100 pounds shou'd be greatly oblig'd
by your sending it to me p^r first opportunity,
from your Hble. Serv^t
James Claypoole.

Original.

Tuesday, December 17. 1776.

Council met. Present as on yesterday. M^r Jenifer attended,
Ordered that Capt. Paddison immediately proceed with all
the Hands he can procure, to the Head of Elk, there to assist
in bringing down the Vessels containing the continental
Stores, to Baltimore Town.
Ordered That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Doctor
Richard Tootell all the medicine in the Store.
That the said Commissary deliver to Capt. Paddison twc

C. S. J.