340 Journal and Correspondence

Original

plans had been thought of that above mentioned was esteemed
the most eligible, and indeed the only one that could be ac-
cepted, as the introduction of those Gentlemen into the line
would have been impracticable.
I have, agreeable to the powers vested in me, appointed a
Board of General Officers to take into consideration and re-
port to me the rank of the Maryland line. I do not imagine
that it will be possible to give general satisfaction, but I am
convinced that the Gentlemen who have the Business in hand
will pay the strictest attention to the claims of all parties, and
give the most disinterested decision.
Whatever that decision may be, I hope it may be considered
by the State as definitive, and that they will not in future pay
any regard to the importunities of those who may be discon-
tented with the arrangement which is about to be made.
I have sent off as many Officers as can possibly be spared
with recruiting Serjeants, Drums and Fifes. They are directed
to report to your Excellency for instructions and money. I
have but one matter to recommend which is, that the Officers
be ordered in the most express manner not to enlist any Brit-
ish Deserter under the penalty of being obliged to refund the
Bounty, as the Recruit, upon being discovered to be a Deserter,
will be dismissed the Service. These people not only de-
bauch our other troops, but are sure to desert again to the
enemy upon the appearance of an offer of pardon, or any the
least encouragement, and more than probable carry others
with them. I have the honor to be
Your Excellen^cys most ob^t
Gov. Johnson. G^o Washington

C. B.

Friday 9 April 1776

Present as on Yesterday
Ordered that the western Shore Treasurer pay to Benjamin
Harwood, Three hundred Pounds to be delivered over to
Benjamin Nicholson due him for one Years Salary as Judge of
the Court of Admiralty per Acc^t passed by the Aud^r Gen^l
That the said Treasurer pay to George Ranken seventy five
Pounds due him per Account passed by the Dep^y Aud^r
That the said Treasurer pay to James Houston Fourteen
Pounds due to him per Account passed by the Dep^y Aud
That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Duncan Camp-
bell a Nine months Soldier in the 5^th Regiment, Discharged
the Amount of Twenty three pounds in Cloathing and 1
Blanket due him by an Act of Assembly to procure Troops
for the American Army