of the Council of Maryland, 1778-1779. 365

[Council to D. Hughes.]

In Council Annapolis 24^th April 1779
Sir.
Yesterday Afternoon, after writing the Letter herewith sent
you we received yours of the 19^th Ins^t with Col^o Barren's
Letter inclosed.
We flatter ourselves that if an Expedition goes on the West-
ward, that Force will necessarily call off the Indians from the
Frontiers, but in the mean Time the Inhabitants must be en-
couraged and protected, or they will leave their Settlements,
Col^o Barrett has proposed in his Letters, the Building Stock-
aded Forts at three different Places; he does not mention his
Ideas of the Expence or the Number of Men which will be
necessary: we should have been Glad of your Sentiments on
these Points, as well as the Means of supplying Provisions,
Any thing that is done, we imagine, ought to be with a meer
Temporary View. You will be frequently advised of the
Situation of Things and therefore may, on a Change of Circum-
stances so likely to happen, be able to do what is proper
before you can advise us. As Things now appear to us, we
think it would be well for Col^o Barrett to draw out a Com-
pany, for a Month from his Battalion and that about sixty Men
should be drawn out from your County Militia below, for the
same Time; Barrett's Battalion renewing their Number from
Time to Time, whilst necessary and, if it should be necessary,
to replace the sixty Men, then to draw them below: if you think
this Number necessary, we desire and empower you to give
the necessary Orders accordingly or to order any less Number
that you may think sufficient. If from the Situation of Affairs,
you should judge it absolutely necessary, that a greater Force
should be immediately sent we desire you to send out what
you may think necessary to keep the People from deserting
their Habitations and advise us by Express that we may exert
every Means in our Power to preserve the Settlements and
divide the Burthen as equally as may be. You do not men-
tion the Quantity of Powder & Lead that you have or whether
you have any; furnish Col^o Barrett with what may be neces-
sary, if you have it, if not, order from Frederick Town an
ample Supply. We wish you to concert the Means of supply-
ing Provisions on the best Terms and to appoint some Person
to conduct that Business whose Activity and Integrity may be
relied on.
We are &^ca
Daniel Hughes Esq^r
Lieu^t of Washington County

C. C.