344 Journal and Correspondence.

C. C.

an Interview with Col^o Richardson as soon as you can. You
can fully explain to him the Circumstances we are in on the

Western Shore and the Views we entertain. You may assure
the Gentlemen and People in General that we are persuaded,
if our Countrymen will but turn out, we shall soon get rid of
our Enemies, and that every Nerve will be exerted to support
General Washington with a good Body of Western Shore
Militia, some of whom, I expect, are on their March and many
preparing. I am &^ca
Cap^t Thomas.

Original.

[W. Paca to Gov. Johnson.]
D^r Sir
I came here last friday Evening to take up my family to
Philadelphia Since my arrival the Enemy have reached as
far as Cecil Court H'ouse, and began yesterday about four
o'Clock to land in that neighborhood Apprehending that I
cannot with safety venture to Philad^a I am determined to
remain in this Quarter and share the Fate of my Country
This Letter we hope will get to your Hands. The several
Lieutenants of the Counties are exerting themselves and the
People I am told are willing to turn out and are equipping
themselves as well as possible. In this county we meet with
a difficulty which obliges us to send an Express to you
requesting your immediate Consideration of it: not an officer
is appointed to command the militia: what is to be done? I
know of no other method but your enclosing a number of
blank Commissions to the Lieutenant of the County leaving
it in his Discretion to fill them up I shall be on the Spot and
will assist him in it I suppose other Counties may be in the
like situation Pray either adopt this Plan or think of some
other mode by which the difficulty may be avoided
As to money we must have it as soon as possible or we
must take measures for supplies such as necessity will warrant.
I need not mention our want of Arms & Ammunition: I
know you can't assist us but if you can send us a thousand or
two of flints we will make what shift we can with our old
muskets.
I wish we could establish a Communication: let me know
your Sentiments as to the Plan. I intend to write circular
Letters to the several Counties requesting a meeting of the
principal Gentlemen at Talbot Court House to consult on
proper measures of Defence. I shall write to M^r Goldsbo-
rough & Tilghman particularly. The Lieu^ts of the several
Counties are so engaged in classing the Militia we have not
yet been able to establish a regular Line of Correspondence
or to fix on any Place for Head Quarters.