238 Journal and Correspondence

C. C.

loss, especially as the next in Command (Cap^t Manly) is
vastly his inferiour in abilities, & knowing as I do how much

your Excellency wishes to promote the Service of America, I
cou'd not refrain from mentioning my notions on this Subject.
There is also another matter that gives me concern & that is
the detention of Continental Troops on the Eastern Shoar to
keep Forces in order at a time when Gen^l Washington cou'd
strike a Capital stroke was he reinforced by those & others
that ought to join him, I wish you wou'd think of this & order
them to march on, other means may be found to keep the
Forces in order there, you will merit & require the thanks of
the continent if you think proper to improve this hint, the
resolve of Congress for detaining them was obtained in conse-
quence of your letter to me on that Subject. The Arms that
came on the Ship blown up at our Capes I am told are pretty
generally damaged in the explosion, the Continent had 2500
on board & for your State 500, but the Packages are all blown
to pieces and the muskets mixed therefore of what is saved
we must receive in proportion & I am now sending for the
whole to this City to have them put in order & divided, that
done I will inform your Excellency or the Council of Safety
& deliver what I receive as my proportion to their order.
The Continent also rec^d when at Balt^o 52 bbls of the Powder
I imported for your State, supposing it theirs, I will get an
order for it & send the same down, for I think that Powder is
still at Baltimore. I am very respectfully
Your Excell^ys most obedient
Very hble Servant
To His Excell^y Rob' Morris
Tho^s Johnson jun^r Esq^r

45

[Council to Lux and Bowly.]

In Council Annapolis 2^d May 1777.
Gent.
The fitting the Row Gallies is an Object we have much at
Heart, as our and the Public Confidence is, in great Measure
placed in them for the Defence of the Bay. We therefore
wish you to forward their Rigging all you can. We are
desirous the Public should be as cheap and well served as
Individuals; we cannot expect it will be better; if you secure
yourselves on a Rise, we expect to be benefitted by a Fall in
the Price of Hemp, if it should happen. We are Gen^t &^ca
Mess^rs Lux and Bowley
Baltimore