of the Council of Safety, 1776. 81

lars of the Damage sustained by Commodore Parker. We
have information from below that Lord Dunmore hath been
beat off at Gwinns Island, and we have too much reason to
believe by intelligence from a Deserter who was examined
before us yesterday, that Gov^r Eden is still on board the
Fowey. they have Seventy-two Sail of Vessell s, divers of
them small sharp Rigged Sloops or Boats.
We have received M^r Stone's Letter of the 12^th but know
not what answer to give as to supplying Tents, until we can
see how our Canvas holds out; — do not believe it will be in
our power to furnish any in time.
19^th July 1776

C. S. C.

[Steward to Council.]
Gentlemen.
The Bearer Cap^t Ewing has a ship to dispose of she is a
new vessel and as well built one as ever I see. She is really
a complete piece of work and stout enough to carry 8 or 10
six pounder with fifty men. She draws less water than any
vessel of her size. She has new ankers, cabels and rigging;
her mainsells new but not large enough for the revenue
Service. I would agreed with him for her but am in some
doubts of her sailing fast by the wind. There is no doubt of
her sailing exceeding fast from the wind. Cap^t Ewing has
agreed to carry her to Annapolis to you. I have told him you
would get Gilbert Midelton try how she sails by the wind.
Gil Midelton will make proper allowance for her being badly
saild. If she will answer the end of sailing by the wind she
may be made so able that nothing but men a war can hurt
her and then She run in to such shoal water from that they
could not get at her. I think when she has fifty men with
water and provision and ten six pounder. She will not draw
more than 6 1/2 feet water. If M^r Midelton finds she will
answer the end of sailing by the wind, She may be bought
from Cap^t Ewing for 450 [ ] or 475 [ ] and he must find you a
new mast Boom and all other spars for they are all too short.
I am your most obed^t humble Serv^t
July 19^th 1776. Stephen Steward
I have had a good deal of business with Cap^t Ewing and
have always found him very punctual. S. S.

Original.

[Scott to Jenifer?]
Hon^d Sir.
Some time past I purchased a parcell of Country Linnen
about 420 yards, in order to send into the lower counties to
get a quantity of wool for our Factory, but on inquiry found

Original.