436 Journal and Correspondence

C. C.

Delay in complying with our order for Arms &^ca from Cecil.
We presume we are as well acquainted with the Circum-
stances of the different Parts of the State as any Body in it,
and in judging Baltimore to be a first Object, in this State,
with the Enemy, we but give into the common Opinion. The
Arms sent to Cecil, we designed only for temporary Service,
and not to appropriate them for the Use of that County; too
much may eventually depend on the Arms being at Baltimore
for us to omit requiring in the most positive Terms, that those
ordered be sent with all Dispatch. We will send you some
Powder, as soon as we have an Opportunity, but cannot
possibly send a Boat at present with it. It is not in our Power
to take Maj^r Savin's Commission from him or to prevent its
Effect, but should imagine that, if he considers that the End of
its being given to him was only to enable him to serve his
Country when he sees the very contrary Effect, he will, if he
deserves to hold it, as willingly give it up as he accepted it,
and we think you would do an essential Service to your
County & Country in bringing about a Resignation

Charles Rumsey Esq^r We are &^ca
Lieu^t of Cecil County

p. 3

[Council to A. Buchanan.]

In Council Annapolis 1^st June 1779 12 o'clock
Sir.
M^r Chever, who was in the Plater Lookout Boat, which was
ordered as low as the Mouth of Patuxent, has this Moment
come to Town; he says that yesterday Afternoon, as the Plater
was taking in Water at M^r Carroll's, they saw 3 large Ships
with 2 small Vessels opening to the Mouth of Patuxent, that
they endeavoured to get out of the Mouth of the River in the
Plater, but the Ships came up so fast, they could not; that M^r
Steward who commanded the Plater said he had no Doubt
that the Ships were English Men of War & the small Vessels
Tenders. He (Chever) was put on Shore at Col^o Fitzhugh's
& rode all Night to bring the Intelligence. He says, a little
before Sun down he saw one of the Ships about Barren Island
under an easy Sail. This Intelligence is very unexpected
after our having heard last Night from unquestionable
Authority that the Enemy had gone out of the Bay; it can't be
accounted for but on a Supposition that the Enemy had
turned out only to amuse us. Pray advise us whether you are
likely soon to get the Arms from Elk. We shall write you
again soon. We are &^ca
And^w Buchanan Esq^r
Lieu^t of Balt^o County