of the Council of Maryland, 1778-1779. 139

the British Troops and to have lately come out of Philadelphia,
having as he says resigned his Commission in the Month of
June 1777. This Board not being satisfied that he is not now
in the British Service and on some evil Design travelling about
this State and being of Opinion that the Truth of his Case
may be better enquired into in the Neighbourhood of Philadel-
phia, especially of General Irvine, Col^o Marbury of Maryland
or Major Giles to whom he refers for a Knowledge of his Situa-
tion in Philadelphia should be released. It is ordered that
the said Thomas Seon be Kept under Guard til some of the
Recruits are sent from hence and that he be sent in Charge of
the Officer who may go with the Recruits to the Camp where
he is to be delivered to the proper Officer with this Commit-
ment in Order that due Inquiry may be made.

C. B.

[Council to Gist.]

In Council Annapolis 17^th June 1778.
Sir.
John Drummond complains that Cap^t Samuel Griffith en-
listed his Son Hugh only fourteen years old next Valentine's
Day. He says his Son is a very weakly Lad and Subject to
Fits, and that he was carried away without being passed by
a Field Officer. Lads under 16 years old ought not to be in-
listed without the consent of their Parents. We wish you to
enquire into this Matter and, if the Boy is under 16, we
request you to discharge him, on his paying the Money he
has received back to you, for which you'll give Credit. If
Griffith has not been paid the £6, he ought not to receive it
and, if he has received it, he ought to return it.
We are &^ca
Col^o Mordecai Gist.

C. C.

p. 175

Thursday 18 June 1778.

Present as on yesterday
Gabriel Williams a Substitute from Saint Marys County for
nine Months is discharged he having procured James McBride
to serve in the Continental Army for the Term of three years
and having paid him the Sum of eighty Dollars in which the
State Bounty is included
Ordered that the western shore Treasurer pay to Samuel
Messersmith Three hundred and forty pounds, four shillings
and nine Pence due him one hundred and twenty four Pounds,
eighteen shillings for the use of Matthias Messersmith, and

C. B.