of the Council of Safety, 1777. 123

Mill, about nine miles from Salisbury, and 'tis reported they
have three field peices, which they received from the Roe-
buck, with some men, with intention to seise the Magazine
and destroy the property of the Whiggs. Coll. Dashiell is
now at Salisbury with what Whiggs he could collect about
130, and is to be reinforced on Monday, by eight companies
from this county
Capt. Nicholson's Tender brings accounts that there are
three men of war in the bay, one at the Tangiers, one at
Smith's point, and one in the middle, and that it is reported
some men, with two field peices are landed from the
Roe Buck. Congress has ordered Col. W^m Buchanan's Bat-
talion, which was ordered to Camp, to march with Col^o Gist,
and some armed vessells to prevent any communication from
the Ships, and to prevent their plundering.
I suggest my fears of a difference injurious to the service,
if Gen^l Hooper should march on this business. Col. Gist will
not submit to be commanded by that Gentleman. I beg leave
to remind the Board of the opinion of Gen^l Gates to the neces-
sary orders respecting the Fort here. Several recommenda-
tions have gone from Congress to our State. I hope they
will be duly attended to.
If advice Boats are not sent outside of the Capes, several of
our Store vessells may fall into the hands of our enemies.
The post has not come in — no news. I must again repeat
the necessity of a Representation.
I am, Gentlemen, with respect & Regard
Your most obed^t Servant,
The Honble Council of Safety Sam^l Chase,
of Maryland

c. s. c.

Fryday February 7^th 1777.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.

Ordered That the Western Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Francis Deams Nine hundred & forty three Pounds Thirteen
Shillings.
Commission issued to Frederick Deams appointed Captain
of a Company in the Continental Army.
Ordered that the Western Shore Treasurer pay to Wool-
man Gibson Three pounds Seven Shillings.
That the said Treasurer pay to General Smallwood Two
Thousand Dollars
That the said Treasurer pay to Zekiel Towson Seventy
Nine pounds Fourteen Shillings and Nine pence.
That the said Treasurer pay to Robinson Stevens for the
use of General Hooper One Thousand pounds.

C. S. J.