of the Council of Maryland, 1778-1779. 115

go about the Country. Pray make Inquiry and deal with him
according to Law; if he should be in Queen Ann's, write to
Col^o Hemsley.
W^m Bordley Esq^r L^t of
Kent County.

C. C.

[Washington to Gov. Johnson.]

Valley forge May 29^th 1778
Sir
I was last night honoured with your favor of the 22^d Ins^t
Satisfied that an intercourse with Philadelphia would be
productive of great disadvantages, I have endeavoured to pre-
vent it, as far as I could; and have not in any instance granted
passports for that purpose, but where the parties applying
have been recommended, either by some public body or by
Gentlemen in whom I had entire confidence; and where the
objects of the applications have been materially interesting.
Those whom you or the Council shall think proper to recom-
mend, will always meet with a ready indulgence on my part ;
being convinced, that requests, not founded in necessity or on
circumstances of an interesting nature will not be contenanced.
The permits must be obtained at Head Quarters, as the situ-
ation of the Army might make it expedient on some occasions,
to defer granting them for a short time. From the present
appearance of things, I flatter myself, we shall not be obliged
to use these restrictions much longer, and that we shall be in
full possession of the City. Every information leads to this
hope, and it is generally imagined that New York, in case of
an evacuation will be the first place of rendezvous of the
Enemy now in this quarter

I have the honor to be, with great respect
Sir Your Most Obed^t Serv^t
G^o Washington

Original

Saturday 30^th May 1778.

Present as on yesterday
On the evidence of James Beck given before this Board
on oath it appears that Richard Beck who was adjudged by
Major Williams a Vagrant hath Constantly lived with his
Mother ever since before Christmas and managed her Plan-
tation and family on a Contract for one year and to have
one half of the Crop and that therefore he cannot come under

C. B.