of the Council of Maryland, 1777-1778. 517

[Council to Col. Beatty.]

In Council 23^rd Feb^ry 1778.
Sir
We inclose you a Copy of a Letter from the Board of War
dated the 11^th Ins^t of the Resolutions of Congress respecting
the Prisoners transmitted to us, and an Order of this Board
for a Guard. We wish it may be effectual, though from our
former Endeavours having failed and the Conversation which
passed between the Governor and you on the Subject, we are
apprehensive it will not. The Defect of the Militia Law, in
this Particular, will be laid before the Assembly, who are alone
capable of making a Competent Provision. Some of the
Officers who are Prisoners, were desirous of Permission to go
to York to obtain the old weekly Allowance and to put
Things on such a Footing as to get Cloathing, but you'll see
by the Resolutions of Congress, that they have stopped the
Allowance and that no such Indulgence is to be permitted.
If any of the Gen^l have a Mind to write open Letters to Gen'
Howe for Necessaries, it would be proper to forward them to
Gen^l Washington who will doubtless send them in and permit
their Friends to relieve them with Cloathing. Be pleased to
forward the inclosed Letter to M^r Hughes, by the first Oppor-
tunity. We are &^ca
Col^o Beatty.

C. C.

98

[Council to D. Hughes.]

In Council Annapolis 23^d Feby 1778.
Sir.
Inclosed you will receive a Copy of a Letter from the Board
of War, of the Postcript to another, and of the Resolutions
of Congress, respecting the Prisoners of War. We also
inclose you an Order for a Detachment of the Militia to keep
Guard over the Prisoners, though we are doubtful whether it
will have the Effect we wish it. The Matter will be laid
before the Assembly and we hope the Defect in the Law will
be remedied. We shall be glad to know what State Fort
Frederick is in, whether Provision is made for the Prisoners
and Guard, what Number you are likely to have and what will
be wanted. We imagine that the Continental Agents are to
lay in all Provisions and hope it is, in great Measure, already
done. A Letter from you would be very acceptable. Write
also, on all Points to the Commissary General for Prisoners.
We are Sir &^ca

Col^o Dan^l Hughes

99