of the Council of Maryland, 1777. 397

Craycraft six hundred and seventy three pounds seven shill-
ings and eight pence balance due him for Cattle purchased
for the State, by Order of Council.

Tuesday 14 October 1777.
Present as on Saturday M^r Rogers Attended.

Ordered That William Jacob deliver to Rich^d Murrow the
Coarse Linen belonging to the Public heretofore put into his
hands to make into Tents which he thinks is not proper for
that purpose.

C. B.

[Council to C. Birkhead.]

In Council Annapolis 14^th Oct^r 1777.
Sir.
We are informed by M^r Thomas Dawson who commands
the Guard over the Powder lodged near Talbot Court House,
that about the Quantity of 1400 w^t only now remains at that
Place. As we are, from our not being intimately acquainted
with the necessary Circumstances, unable to judge of the
Expediency of continuing or discharging that Guard; we are
to request that you will do the one or the other, as you may
think the most eligible and proper. If you continue the
Guard, the smaller it is better on account of the Expence.
Christ^o Birkhead Esq^r We are Sir &^ca
L^t of Talbot County

C. C.
181

[Smallwood to Gov. Johnson.]

Camp Tomansin Township Oct^r 14^th 1777.
Dear Sir,
The inclosed Extract from a Ltr. received this Day from
Albany will inform you of the Success of our Arms to the
Northward, the wretched situation the Royal Northern Army
must be in will lower the Pride of the once pompous and
boasting Burgoyne which must afford a sensible Pleasure to
every honest American, our Affairs here do not wear an
unfavorable Aspect the Enemy are raising Batterys Fortifica-
tions & falling Trees in their Front to obstruct our Armys
advancing on them and many other Incidents strongly indicate
their Apprehension of an Attack for which our Forces are
anxious and prepared if they can be got at on equal Terms
and if Fort Mifflin holds out as is expected Howe's situation

must soon become as alarming and critical as ever Durgoyne's

was his resources are now from Chester and that County
which may easily be intercepted indeed had the Pensylvanians

Original.