of the Council of Safety, 1777. 101

being at home, I was wrongly informed, but have since bought
it and have delivered it to the Tent makers to be made imme-
diately. You have herewith enclosed an account of it. I
have this day received from M^r Richardson and M^r Cannon
250 pair shoes of each, and can inform you that M^r Cannon's
are deserving of 2/6 or 3/ more per pair than Richardson's.
I am, Gent. Your obedient Serv^t
Gerrard Hopkins, son R^d
The Honble The Council of Safety Annapolis

[Memorial of Chew's Company.]
Anne Arundel County Jan^y 29^th 1777.
The company of militia commanded by Capt. Richard
Chew, beg leave to represent to the Honourable the General
Assembly of this State, that they did on the 11^th day of Sep-
tember 1776, present a commission to the late Honourable
Convention, praying that new officers might be appointed to
command their company, they being unanimously averse to
serve under the officers then commanding them, on account
of sundry misdemeanors committed by them therein men-
tioned, which petition from the multiplicity of business was
then not answered. Colonel Weems having issued orders to
the officers to collect the several companys, they take this
public method of testifying their willingness to turn out in the
service of their country, on this urgent crices, provided they
are commanded by-officers, whom they can rely on for their
bravery and conduct. They therefore pray that the Honour-
able house of Assembly, would issue orders for a new election
of officers in their company, or (if the exegency of affairs is
such as not to admit of the delay) to appoint such officers
belonging to the company, as the Honourable House may
think propper, and that their late officers be emediately dis-
charged as persons unfit to hold such commissions.
To the Honble Council of Safety of Maryland, at Annapolis.

[John M. Burgess to Council.]
Gent. January 29^th 1777.
I understand you have honour'd me with a commission, and
am sorry to inform you it is not in my power to except of it,
through an indisposition of body I find myself not able to
recruit men this winter and as there is an immediate call for
men, I think I do justice to the State as well as to myself in
refusing, as I am not able to do my duty.
I am Gentlemen,
Your most obedient & humble Serv^t
The Honble. Council of Safety John M. Burgess,
of Maryland

C. S. C.