332	Records of Maryland Troops in the Continental Service

     		MUSTER AND PAY ROLLS FOR 1780.

             	MARYLAND ACTS--NOV., 1779.

   	"An ACT for recruiting the quota of troops of this state in the
American army.
   	Whereas an enlistment of volunteers on bounty is the most eligible
mode to furnish fourteen hundred men for recruiting our quota of the
American army;
   	Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the
said fourteen hundred men be apportioned amongst the several
counties according to the number of militia in each county.
   	And be it enacted, That every recruit, at the time of his enlistment,
shall have his choice of the regiment or company in which he will serve,
provided such regiment or company be not full, and if full, he may
chuse any other regiment or company not being full, which shall be
entered against his name.
 	And be it enacted, That the recruits aforesaid shall be carried by the
recruiting officers respectively before the lieutenant, or any field officer,
of the county in which such recruits are raised, to pass muster."

     					Bladensburgh, February 22nd, 1780.
Sir:
   Inclos'd you have certificates for Eleven men authenticated by Mr.
Christopher Lowndes. The men comes under the command of Ser
jeant Mantle who makes the number mentioned. I have three or four
others who, not being certify'd, is obliged to remain behind. If your
Excellency thinks proper Serjeant Mantle & Wm. Harriss will return,
as their presence with me is very essential. No doubt your Excellency
will think proper to cloth the recruits immediatly, it being a part of
their Bounty.
            					I have the Honor to be
N. B. The Serjeant brings 14 Men   	  	 Your Excellency's
1 of which is not Certify'd owing to the 	  Most Obedient
freshes. W. D. B.           			   Humble Serviant
             					    Wm. D. Beall.
To His Excellency
 Thomas Sim Lee, Esq.