352 Journal and, Correspondence

C. C.

Original.

[W. Paca to Gov. Johnson.]
D^r Sir
Yours by Cap^t Campbell was just now delivered me the
Capt & his men were encamp'd upon the Heights above the
Town and will march to morrow with two field Pieces for the
Head of Sassafras Wednesday morning Major Smyth came
here from Camp in Sussex & brought me a Letter from Col.
Richardson who informs me of his getting ready with all Expe-
dition to march for our Head Quarters The militia here will
march next Tuesday. This Delay was unavoidable & not
owing to any want of Zeal or Spirit. Ever since my Arrival I
have seen every Exertion that could be made We have had
a number constantly employ'd in making of Cartridges and
have had every Tradesman at work Winters has repaired
the Guns we shall be able spare Queen Ann's about 200 we
have had made 500 Canteens Our Commissary is laying in
Provision The Cecil Militia I hear have turn'd out to a Man
except three Sam^l Chew Charles Gordon & Alex. Williamson ;
Sam^l Heath I hear is not taken a very spirited and active Part
in our Cause. The Cecil Militia on this side of Elk I am told
will be at the Head of Sassafras to morrow to collect in a
Body I saw M^r Hemsley the Day before yesterday the Militia
there were just officered and were closing The last of next
week they will march and not possibly sooner I do not hear
what they are about in Talbot I had a letter last Sunday from
M^r Tilghman in Answer to mine who says he will do what he
can and thinks the People will exert themselves I have had
no answer to my Express to Robert Goldsborough
This morning we shall dispatch some Waggons to Talbot
for Cannon Powder & I shall again write to M^r Tilghman.
Yesterday Gen Cadwalader rec^d orders from Gen^l Wash-
ington to take the Command of the Militia here Our People
will most chearfully submit The Gen^l was with me and has
accepted the appointment I shall endeavour to reconcile Rich-
ardson to it I am sure he has too great a Regard for his
Country to take Exceptions to any Irregularity in this Pro-
ceeding The General set off this morning for the Head of
Sassafras a few Days ago he wrote me the enclosed Letter
Pray, as far as you can, give a Sanction to the Appointment ;
I read General Washington's Letter and it is in the most
pressing Terms to take the Command of the Militia he says
that Smallwood nor Gist have yet pass'd his Camp. The
General's Letter is dated at Christiana Bridge 28^th Aug. 12
^oClock at night the Enemy he says are about 2 miles above
the Head of Elk and that we have taken between thirty and
forty Prisoners. Deserters are coming over every Day. By
the enclosed Letter from Carson you'll have a more particular