92 . Journal and Correspondence

Original.

[T. Johnson to Council.]

Fred. Town 22^nd July 1776.
Gent. In conversation with M^r Ringgold as he past through
he told me that Genl Dent was collecting the Militia below to
attack Lord Dunmore. I am apprehensive they will want
arms for the purpose and that a good many of the men not-
withstanding their Desire to go on the service may reluctantly
leave their own neighbourhoods unhappily full of negroes who
might it is likely on any misfortune to our militia, become very
dangerous. I have spoke with several here and it seems to
be a general sentim^t that we ought to assist & I believe
though our Exertions are already as great as we can well
make that for a short Expedition on this very interesting occa-
sion we might soon collect a Battalion and borrow the Arms
which would be wanting. If you who are acquainted with all
circumstances think it necessary to have men from hence I
shall most gladly execute any orders you may think proper to
give for that purpose.
M^r Ringgold gave me your letter for my Brother James
our furnace is not now in Blast. I went out to him as soon as
I got the Letter. We have now by us a few potts of about
the size you describe, a few Kettles & a few Dutch ovens of
much the same contents, the covers we could lay by and of all
sorts, make up perhaps 60 or upwards. We shall have Bales
made to them, and unless you have an opportunity of supply-
ing the men with others more to your satisfaction, send them
to Balt as soon as we can: the prices must depend on their
sizes and the whole shall be so reasonable as to give Satisfac-
tion. But if you can be better provided please to advise me
of it. My Brother is getting his furnace into Blast with all
Diligence and hopes to effect it within a fortnight. You may
then have any number of pots and Kettles that you please
within a short time. We shall also attempt to cast such guns
as are wanted but cannot contract for them in all Events
because the metal may not suit, though we have every Reason
to expect it will If we succeed in making good Guns the
Public may have them del^d at Baltimore at 40 [ ] a Ton the
Guns being proved at the works at the public Expence, the
swivels at their common price, but I should be glad if you
would ascertain the length & other Descriptions as the make
of cannon carrying the same shot vary very much. If any
Body also will contract for a Certainty, I wish he should be
preferred even at a greater price.
I am Gen^t with great respect Your very obed^t Serv^t
Th. Johnson, Jun^r