of the Council of Maryland, 1777. 207

[Council to Capt. David.]

In Council Ap^l 11^th 1777.
Sir.
You are hereby desired to bring the Conqueror to Ann-
apolis immediately. The Acoutriments you want will probably
be procured as soon, if you were here, as if you remain at
Baltimore, and it is expected that, in future you will instantly
obey any Orders you may receive from the Council.
Cap^t John David. We are &^ca

C. C.

20

[Washington to Gov. Johnson.]

Head quarters Morris Town 11^th April 1777
Sir: The latest accounts received respecting the Enemy,
(rendered probable by a variety of circumstances) inform us,
That they are very busily engaged in fitting up their Trans-
ports at Amboy for the accomodation of Troops, that they
have completed their Bridge, and are determined to make
their first push at Philadelphia.
The Campaign is therefore opening, and our present situa-
tion, weaker than when you left us, forces me to entreat your
utmost attention to the raising & equipping the Continental
Troops alotted to be raised in your State. I have waited in
painfull Expectation of a Reinforcement; such an one as
would probably have ensured an happy Issue to any Attack I
might have determined upon, and such as I had a right to
expect, had the officers faithfully discharged their duty. But
that time is past, and I must content myself with improving
on the future Chances of War. Even this can not be done,
unless the officers can be perswaded to abandon their com-
fortable Quarters and take the Field. Let me therefore, in
the most earnest terms beg that they may be forwarded to the
Army without loss of time.
I have also to ask the favour of you to transmit to me a List
of the Field-Officers of your Battalions, and their Rank, with
the number of their respective Battalions.
Since writing the above, I have the disagreeable, informa-
tion that Disputes still prevail in your State, about the rank of
your officers, and that the recruiting service is exceedingly
injured by them.
Shall the general Cause be injured by such illtimed & inef-
fectual Jarrings among them? I have inclosed two Resolves
of Congress, warmly hoping that the knowledge of them may
tend to an honourable and necessary Accomodation. No
settlement which they can make or submit to among them-
selves, will affect the army at large. I have long since deter-

Original.