82 Journal and Correspondence

it could not be had, there being a great scarcity of that neces-
sary article. It is very well calculated for the Troops, and
have been told that the Council of Safety wanted a quantity
for that purpose. Should you incline to take it, please give
me an answer by M^r John Ross Key, the bearer of this, who
will return in a few days.

I am hono^rd Sir, Your obd^t Serv^t
Frederick Town, July 19^th 1776. George Scott.

	Original	[Bourk to Council.]
		Cambridge July 19th 1776. Gentlemen. I have to acquaint you that we have not met with the wished for success in raising the company you ordered us to raise in this county. The Militia having been discharged till after harvest we have not had an opportunity of seeing the men; add to this that on my return from Ann- apolis the Cambridge Blues were ordered to march to the streights where the Enemy was said to have landed. Unwil- ling to desert them at a time of danger, I commanded them on that expedition, so that it has not been in my power to exert myself as yet. Mr Lynch has made up his complement, they are here and are a likely set of men. We have about forty or fifty men engaged in Somerset there were none willing to engage. I expect some next week from Worcester. I wait to know how many, which when informed of shall pro- ceed to Annapolis to receive your orders, whether I shall con- tinue to enlist or not. Our Militia Companies will meet next week, when we shall have a better opportunity of completing our number. Could I have engaged to take the men into immediate pay, the Company would have nearly completed. Mr Lynch carries our warrants. I am Gentn your obedt humle Servt Thomas Bourk.

	Original.	[Hooper to Jenifer.]
		Dorset County 19th July 1776. Sir. On receipt of yours of the 15th Inst. I immediately ordered a draft of fifteen privates and proper officers to be made from each company of Militia of this Brigade and those drafted in Dorset & Caroline Counties to be stationed in Dorset and the drafted militia of Somerset and Worcester Counties to be stationed in Somerset County, the men so drafted are ordered to be at the several places of rendezvous on Wednesday the 24th Inst.