of the Council of Maryland, 1777. 391

[Council to R. Barnes.]
In Council Annapolis 3^d Oct^r 1777.

Sir.
It is quite uncertain whether it may not be necessary to
keep up a Body of our Militia at Camp, and the Time of
those who are now there, being nearly expired, we request
you will immediately order the first & second Classes of the
Militia in your County to march, they will do well to take each
of them a Blankett, we have none with which we can supply
them and, such as can, a Gun. The Arms, Tents, Camp
Kettles and Accoutriments, in the Use of those now at Camp,
will be put into Hands of those who are to supply their Places ;
but, probably, as is too common, some of the Arms may be
carried away and others abused so as not to be immediately
serviceable. Through Baltimore Town will be the best Rout,
and we shall be glad that an Officer from each Company
should come to us here, by the Time the Militia get to
Marlbro'. We wish all Expedition to be used as, eventually
it may be necessary to form a large Body of Militia, or, what
is indeed to be wished, our Affairs may be in such a Situation
as to allow us to dismiss them on their Way.
Richard Barnes Esq^r We are &^ca
L^t of S^t Mary's County

C. C.

175

[Council to C. Beatty.]

In Council Annapolis 3^d Oct^r 1777.
Sir.
By a Letter of yesterday Evening from Gen^l Buchanan, we
are advised that a number of People are collected in Balti-
more in Arms, to oppose the Distresses made under the
Militia Law and are apprehensive that he may need Assis-
tance from your County to reduce them to a due Obedience
to the Laws. If he applies for your Aid, you are to furnish it,
and of such as you can best rely on. It is a distressing Cir-
cumstance to be obliged to exert Force against our own
Countrymen, but suffering a lawless armed Force to prevail
over the Laws, would certainly and soon enslave us all.
Charles Beatty Esq^r We are &^ca
L^t of Frederick County

176

Monday 6^th October 1777.
Present I. Polk, I Sim and T. S. Lee Esquires

Ordered, That the western shore Treasurer pay to Capt.
Rich^d Coward Ninty pounds thirteen shillings and six pence
per Acct passed

C. B.