214 Journal and Correspondence

C. B.

Ordered That the following Resignation of M^r John Contee
be inserted, as follows
Feb^ry 24^th 1777.
Gentlemen
The honour conferred upon me by the General Assembly
in appointing of me a member of the Council to the Governor
of this State claims my sincerest acknowledgements, and for
which I do return unfeigned Thanks. sho^d be exceedingly
glad (was it in my Power) to undertake that honourable Trust,
but am prevented by the great Danger at this Time in Ann-
apolis of taking the Small Pox, and the dreadful Idea I have
of receiving that Disorder in the natural way will I hope by
every discreet Person be thought a reason sufficient for my
not attending, it is my Intention to get innoculated as soon
as it can with Convenience be done, after that should I be
thought worthy of Confidence in this Government will cheer-
fully undertake the Post, to which I may be appointed. As I
profess myself a Friend to the Cause of Independence, am
desirous to lend a helping Hand towards the support of it.
I presumed it necessary to trouble you with these few
Lines, that the Council might be informed thereof, and pro-
ceed to elect another member in my stead.
I am Gent"
Y^r much obliged and
The Hon^ble The General Assembly. most ob^l Serv^t
John Contee

Whereupon James Brice Esquire was elected by Ballot in
his Stead.
Ordered, That the Western Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas
Gann four Pounds twelve shillings and eight Pence for his
Cloathing, p Certificate of his Officer Captⁿ Woolford.
Thomas Fisher Captain of the Sloop Betsy makes report of
said Vessel, which appears to have been regularly cleared
from the Port of Hampton in Virginia, and Permission granted
to him to dispose of the Cargo, on Board within this State.
Ordered, that the Western Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas
Gordon three pounds, two shillings, and six Pence, for Am^t of
Acc^e
That the said Treasurer pay to Elisha Edgar, eighteen
Pounds, five shillings for Am^t of Acc^t

C. C.

26

[Council to St. G. Peale.]

In Council Annapolis 16^th April 1777
Sir
Your Letter to the Governor is just now received. In our
Instructions to M^r M^cHard we inserted the following Clause.