342 Journal and Correspondence

C. C.

this place by water, the men under my Command are all in
high Spirits. Shou'd be glad to have your Oppinion &

Instructions by Return of Express.
I am Sir
Your M^o obliged Hble Serv^t
Nath^l Smith.

151

[Gov. Johnson to I. Craycraft.]

Annapolis Aug^t 23^d 1777.
I have directed Ignatius Craycraft of S^t Mary's County to
purchase a Number of Black Cattle for the Public Use, they
will be wanted for the Support of the Militia who is to march.
Our Treasury now being removed I cannot supply him with
Cash, but what he purchases shall be honestly paid for.
M^r Ignatius Craycraft.

You are to purchase what Beef Cattle you can in S^t Marys
County and on the Way for the Use of the Militia which is
embodying to reinforce General Washington. As you pur-
chase on the Water Side, have them drove into the Country,
and when you get a good clever Drove, send them along the
Elk Ridge Landing, so that you may avoid the Rivers. You
will hire careful Drivers who will not hurry the Cattle, keep
an exact Account of the Cost and all Expences & advise me
from Time to Time of your Success, that I may as soon as our
Treasury is opened, send you Money and may know how far
I can depend on these Cattle as Provision you cannot get too
many at moderate Prices.
M^r Ignatius Craycraft

Original.

[B. Rumsey to Gov. Johnson.]
Sir
The Col^o of the Eighth Battalion without waiting for your
Excellency's Orders upon the Enemy's appearing off the
Mouth of Gunpowder ordered down two Companies to pre-
vent the Enemy's landing and plundering the Country One of
the Companies attended yesterday Evening but had not above
five Guns among forty men they had scarcely arrived before
they and the whole of the Battalion were ordered up by the
Lieutenant of the County to Swan Creek to oppose the
Enemy who have landed there
Your Excellency will no Doubt conclude that Men unarmed
can be of no Service to repel an Enemy they may assist the
Inhabitants in removing their Stock & portable Effects and
they march with great Alacrity without Arms in full Confidence
you will supply them at least to do all they can.