382 Journal and Correspondence

C. C.

[Council to Grason.]

In Council Annapolis 7^th May 1779
Sir.

The General Opinion entertained here that the Gallies have
been very useful and the Expectation that a great many Vessels
designed for this Bay will, in a little Time, be on the Coast;
The Merchants are exceeding anxious to prolong your Cruize
a Month or two; they have applied to us with great Earnest-
ness to concur in the necessary Measures to effect it which we
have done, as far as we can. By Maj^r Smith & Mess^rs Young
& Johnston who go down at the Request of the Merchants in
Balt^o we have sent Provisions sufficient, we expect, to answer
the Purpose. We very much wish that your People may
chearfully agree to stay longer and we are confident that you
and your Officers, to promote a Service of such Consequence
to the Public & many Individuals, will exert your best Endeav-
ours to get them into a good Humour. If the Matrosses from
Annapolis, who had the Governor's Promise to return in two
Months, do not agree to stay longer, the Promise shall be kept,
and we will send down others to relieve them, immediately on
being advised of it. We have not seen the Plater, we want
her up & wish you to send her.
We are &^ca
Commodore Grason

[Council to Delegates in Congress.]

In Council Annapolis 7^th May 1779
Gent.
The Assembly have left us a discretionary Power to sell Part
of our Powder. We think the State might spare 15 or 20
Thousand Weight; it lies at Frederick Town. Not knowing
how the Continent is supplied and having Reason to believe
your Stock is not abundant; we have not yet disposed of any
nor shall we of a considerable Quantity, 'til we hear from you,
which we expect to do by the next Post. If there is any want
of it for the use of our Army, the sooner it is purchased &
delivered, the more agreeable to us. We shall be obliged to
you for an Answer by the next Post to that Part of our Letter
of the 30^th of April, which respects the Emissions called in;
we wish to get those Bills out of our Treasury, as soon as we
can We are &^ca
Delegates in Congress