of the Council of Maryland 1778-1779. 19

Counties, to meet at the Head of Elk, where we think they
and you may probably, by a free Communication of Sentiments,
from a general Plan for conducting the Business. The inclosed
Letter to M^r Rodney is occasioned by yours, and requesting
him to furnish some of the Delaware Militia, for guarding the
Stores. We wish the Militia may be collected Time enough
to answer the Purpose. Col^o Dallam happens now to be here.
Col^o Rumsey and you had better be together as soon as you
can, and send an Express for Col^o Bordley, mentioning the
Time for your Meeting.
We are &^ca

P. S. We have wrote to the Lieut^ts that the Service being
Continental it is expected that you will manage as to Pro-
visions.
Col^o Henry Hollingsworth

[Council to R. Dallam.]

In Council Annapolis 8^th April 1778.
Sir
We inclose you a Resolution of the General Assembly
passed this Morning, and, in Consequence of it, direct that
two Companies of the first Class of the Militia of your County
immediately march to Cecil or in the Delaware State, as Oc-
casion may require, to perform with two Companies ordered
from that and Kent, The Duties mentioned in the Resolve,
and you are to give the necessary Orders accordingly. We
think it may conduce to the Service that Col^o Bordley, Col^o
Charles Rumsey, yourself and Col^o Henry Hollingsworth
should meet at the head of Elk as soon as may be, to consult
on the Business and therefore request it, and, as from the

C. C.

151

Nature of the Service we apprehend three Field Officers may
be necessary, we hope one out of each County may be taken,
and that it will give general Satisfaction. We expect as this
is a mere Continental Service, Col^o Hollingsworth will find
the Provisions. If it should on Consultation be thought that
the Number ordered is too small and Time will permit, we expect
to be advised of it, but if the Occasion should be too pressing
to admit of Delay that then the further necessary Number be
taken of the next Militia or if we have ordered more than
there's Occasion for, that we should be so advised, but we would,
by no Means have the Guard too much weakened, as so much
depends on collecting the Stores. We hope this Service, so
necessary for our Army, will not be of any long Continuance.
We are Sir &^ca
Col^o Richard Dallam.

152