of the Council of Safety, 1777. 15

those of this Brigade. Your silence on that head compels
me to repeat my request that you will send me something
decisive on that point. I hear from Col^o Beatty as far as New
York that Washington Militia turn out well. J. Johnson's
and Bruce's Battalions do us honor. B. Johnsons not so much,
a good many in it are backward, though every thing will be
done that industry can effect, from what I hear the Mont-
gomery Militia muster very thin. I this evening received
Col^o Sheredine's and Major's Howard's resignations, and
believe Major Moor will not act. several of commissions for
the commissioned officers are wrong, it is really difficult to
put things on a footing at such times that will please gen-
erally. I have appointed the Battalion to meet next Tuesday,
and shall attend it in my way to Philadelphia. By this means
only I expect to be able to send you a list of such as will do.
I inclose a letter from Col^o Bruce by bearer to forward the
commissions to Philadelphia. I think it my duty to mention
to you one Robert Bruce who was in the Clerk's office of
Charles County. He went a rifleman in Price's company.
He now goes out in the Militia. He is very active in spurring
up and I believe very spirited. I think he merits and I wish
he had an Ensign's Commission. The companies I believe
have recommended his brother, who I understand deserves
well. Would it not be well that a few recruiting officers
were ordered to attend us. I suspect if they do not, I shall
have broils about our Militia enlisting as the quota of our
neighbours which I must oppose. Frederick Ridgely goes
surgeon to Baker Johnson's Battalion, if you approve, he is a
fine young fellow, will you by bearer send him a commission.
Doct. Adam Fisher to C. Beatty.
I am Gent, your most obed^t Serv^t
Thomas Johnson Jun^r
The Honble Council of Safety of Maryland

[Jesse Hollingsworth to Council.]

January 4^th 1777.
Sirs.
The Bearer Capt Jean Antoine Conture is bound for see.
I have got a permit for him to proseed to Anopolis. Pleas
act with him as is right, the man has behaved very well here.
I have loded his Slupe with flour and aplied to M^r Coolhoon
for his nesery papers, hee choos to refer them to you. Wee
are going on with the Brig as fast as posible loden when shee

C. S. C.