120 Journal and Correspondence

C. S. C.

several companies of Militia in this county, requesting them
to call their respective companies at convenient times and
places in those letters ascertained, in order to know who

would voluntarily engage to reinforce Gen^l Washington glori-
ously supporting the cause of liberty and his country. The
Committee pursuant to those letters attended the meeting of
the Companies of the 20^th Battalion on Saturday the 1^st Inst.
to whom the recommendation of Congress and the requisition
of the Council of Safety were published when only sixteen
men offered themselves for the Service. And on Tuesday
the 4^th Inst. the Committee (pursuant to their appointment)
attended the meeting of the companies of the fifth Battalion
to whom the recommendation and requisition afs^d were like-
wise published, and enforced by an animating and pathetic
exhortation from the Rev. M^r Keener when forty six men
offered themselves for the Service. That no endeavors of
ours may be wanting to promote this service we have requested
other meetings of the Companies at their respective places of
exercise, and that returns may be made by the several Cap-
tains to the Committee on Thursday next. We lament the
backwardness which has generally appeared on this occasion.
The raging of the Small Pox to the northward which has been
brought here by the Soldiers of the Flying Camp, and is now
spreading fast in this county we have good reason to think
has discouraged many, who woud otherwise have offered
themselves for this service. To this we must add that at the
meeting of the twentieth Battalion, The backwardness of
men of property was assigned by many as the reason for their
declining the present service, who declared that if such men
would set the example they would most chearfully follow it.
What has been the effect of the meeting on Kent Island we
are not informed. M^r James Kent will on his way to Annap-
olis know the result and communicate to your honours. In
full assurance that you will direct such further measures on
this occasion as the exigence of affairs may require,
We are with respect, Your Honour
Most obedient Serv^ts (per order)
The Hon^ble The Council of Safety Sol^o Wright chairman,
of the State of Maryland
Thursday noon.

C. S. J.

Thursday February 6^th 1777.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.

Commissions issued to Michael Kraner appointed I^st Lieu-
tenant
Henry Rutter 2^d Lieutenant &