38 Journal and Correspondence

C. S. C.

When I was amongst the people the other day, some Gent,
from Ann^s were there, from whom I learnt that some people
below were buying up wheat at very high prices. They told
me the conjecture was it was done to invest the paper money

for fear of its falling in the purchaser's hands, it is obvious if
provisions should be ingrossed from such a motive, it will
bring very great distress on us; there's no existing power I
believe to prevent it, but as an article of our constitution pro-
vides against retrospective laws, I submit it whether if this
practice is carrying on in any very great extent, it may not be
proper to forwarn people from pursuing it to lay a foundation
in justice for the interposition of the Legislature.

[H. Hollingsworth to Council,]

Gentlemen. Baltimore 10^th Jan^y 1777
I am now hear settling my bil for publick services for the
Virgenia State with Congress, fully intended to have waited
on your Honnours in hopes of geting credentials to the com-
mittee of Safety at Philadelphia or Lanckester, in order to
obtain some of the prisoners, to work at my gun factory, if
any workmen should be among them that would sute for
either finishing, or lock making. Should your Honnours think
fitt to furnish me with a request of this sort to either of the
above Committees (or elsewhere as seem to you best) I shall
with pleashure wait on them, and use my indeavour to obtain
and set to work such workmen. I am in the greates want of
locks for the large peices, which is the reason for trouble you
at present, as I fear they will be much wanted next Campain.
I congratulate your Honnours on the great good news, but
have not time for particulars, shall be hear till the return of
the bearer, and am, Gentlemen,
Your most obed^t Humble Serv^t
H. Hollingsworth
To the Hon^ble The Council of Safety of M^d
P. S. I mean to go to Lanckester next week in order to
get a large grind stone for the Gunmill. Should therefore
thank your Honnours for the credentials above, by the
bearer who I shall wait the return of.

[Jesse Hollingsworth to Council.]

Sirs. Baltimore January 10^th 1777
I did not by the ship yesterday, but can have her this morn-
ing for the 4400 Pounds. Shee is a fine Ship built in Philla-
delphia, but 4 years old, Seeder and live Oke, sales well and