76 Journal and Correspondence

worth his attention. His well known enmity to Liberty, his
untoward disposition towards this common wealth in particu-
lar, and his corrupt principles, capable of committing the most
atrocious villainies, give cause to suspect that his intention
might be to distress this place and the Inhabitants of each
side the River, by which your Province would experience the
dire effects of the Marauders.
Should you be attacked, and our assistance necessary we
wou'd cheerfully obey the summons of Liberty, humanity, and
neighbourly affection, and fly to your assistance, we should be
wanting in duty if we did not, because we are not bound up
by any ordinance, nor command, but at full liberty to exert
ourselves in behalf of ourselves and in that of a Sister Colony.
I hope you and the gentlemen of your Council of Safety will
excuse this remonstrance to you, and that you will see the
necessity in the same light that we do of empowering (at least)
your commanding officers on the river to raise the Militia
under their respective commands (in case of danger) and to
march them where there may be a call for them. I am con-
vinced the gentlemen and soldiers would chearfully do it from
a principle of humanity and friendship tho' the danger was
more remote from them was this request put in execution.
I am Gentlemen, Your most Obed' & very
Humble Servant
John West, chair. P. L.

Original.

[Dorsey to Jenifer.]

Sir: Elkridge July 18, 1776.
When the Elkridge Militia went from this from Annapolis,
I promised to send down an equal number on Sunday the 21^st
to relieve them, but as Capt. Dan^l Dorsey's company of the
Flying Camp will certainly be down on that day and Capt.
Edward Norwood's the day following, I am at a loss to
know whether you will stand in need of the Militia. Please
to inform me by M^r Larkin Dorsey that I may take measures
accordingly.
N. B. Cap^t Norwoods & Dorseys compy's will have few or
no fire arms. I am with respect
Y^r mo. obed^t Serv^t Thomas Dorsey.
The Honble Dan^l of S^t Tho^s Jenifer Esq^r
President of the Council of Safety of Maryland.

Original.

[Nicholson to Council.]

Gentlemen. Baltimore July 18^th 1776.
I was favor'd with your orders of the 16^th I shall finish
heaveing down the Ship this evening and expect to sail from