510 Journal and Correspondence

C. C.

[Council to J. Dashiell.]

In Council Annapolis 19^th Feb^y 1778
Sir.
We imagine the Expences of the Prisoners taken in the
Prizes are to be a Continental Charge; the few you sent to
Cambridge are all we have and those, we should be glad to
exchange for our own People and, if you could think of any
Method of getting W^m Merrill as one of them, we should
most willingly contribute what we can towards it but, at
present, no Way appears to us by which we can effect it. By
our last Accounts from the Maryland Troops, they are still in
great Want of Cloathing, those you sent up were very useful
and the Public and we, are obliged to you for your Exertions
the Price was high, though there's no Doubt of your doing all
in your Power to moderate it. We understand there have
been several late arrivals; if you could get some more Wool-
ens, especially Blanketts, they would be very acceptable.
Shoes, Stockings and Blanketts we believe, are the most defi-
cient. Coating too is wanted and Shirting is yet desirable, if
the Price is fallen. We are at some Difficulty to get Shoes
made, though, we believe not from the Motive you mention
to have actuated your Workmen. If the Assembly, on its
Meeting, should pass such a Law as in Virginia, and we
should be glad they would, we should soon have Shoes in
Plenty. If you should have an immediate and good Oppor-
tunity of sending the Goods you have purchased or may pur-
chase to this Place, we should be glad you would as we must
send to Cambridge for those lodged there. Some Cattle
from Talbott have reached Gen^l Smallwood at Wilmington
and were very acceptable. Those purchased in Worcester
may be joined, as you advise, with those of Somerset and sent
under just such Number of Hands as you think will carry
them safely, a little way up, there's no Danger the rest of the
Way, or if joining the Droves will make any Delay, we wish
the Gentlemen to send them separately. Col^o Henry Hol-
lingsworth at the Head of Elk, now purchases for the Conti-
nent; let the Drovers call on him, he'll either receive them or
advise and if necessary, assist in sending them forward. Pray
advise him by Letter, what farther Number may be bought in
your County; we expect, if worth while he'll send down for
them. Our Treasury will not bear further Advances.
Col^o Joseph Dashiell. We are Sir &^ca