of the Council of Safety, 1777. 167

Tuesday, March 11^th 1777.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.

Ordered That the Western Shore Treasurer pay to George
Gordon four pounds for a Gun.
That the said Treasurer pay to James Creswell Eleven
hundred thirty three and one Sixths Dollars for the use of of
Vanbibber & Crockett by order of Abraham Vanbibber.
That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas Lansdale
One thousand Dollars.
Copy of Letter N^o 178 was sent to General Smallwood.
Ordered that the Western Shore Treasurer pay to Robert
Reid Ninety one pounds.
Adjourned till next day 10 ^oClock.

C. S. J.

[Council to Smallwood.]

Sir. March 11^th 1777
Your fav^r of the 3^d Instant came to hand and was immedi-
ately laid before the House of Delegates who referred it back
to this Board with directions that we should take such order
therein as we should judge necessary.
We have no doubt but you have taken such steps in this
business as you thought most conducive to the general good,
and hope you'll soon have it in your power to have your post
in such circumstances as will secure peace and quietness in
future.
You mention your having some Prisoners in custody, and
wish to know whether you are to send them up immediately
or detain them longer until you can take more depositions.
In answer to this we can only say that if the depositions
already taken are conclusive it might be proper to send up
the prisoners, if not you would do well to detain them until
you can obtain such depositions, if in your opinion they can
be had within a reasonable time. You would do well to pub-
lish the proclamation immediately as in our opinion no deci-
sive measures can be taken with the Insurgents until the expi-
ration of the 40 days therein mentioned, the arms of all should
be instantly taken.
If any of the excepted persons or others will inlist into our
service you are empowered to inform them this will wash
away their offences, and the Council would rejoice at their
taking this step to reinstate themselves in the good opinion of
their injured Country.
We shall take care to lay a list of the several applicants you
mention before the General Assembly
Gen^l Smallwood.

C. S. C.

No. 178.