of the Council of Maryland, 1778-1779. 459

dence ready to receive the Men & join you. You are to con-
sider yourself at Liberty to run out to Sea or along the Coast
Southward or Northward, as you may judge prudent and most
to the Advantage of the Service, and in general regulate your
Conduct by your own Discretion in which we have great
Confidence, as may best answer the Intention of your Cruise
which is, to afford all the Protection in your Power to the Trade
and annoy the Enemy all you can.
We are &^ca
Commodore Grason.

C. C.

[Council to Delegates in Congress.]
In Council Annapolis 18^th June 1779
Gent.
We have yet heard nothing farther of the Powder we offered
to Congress, we have Opportunities frequently of selling, it in
as large Quantities as we chuse, to private People: the Day
before yesterday we let near two thousand Weight go at 40/.
a^lb. but, learning in Conversation with M^r Plater the Congress
are in Want of that Article, we have refused to part from any
more, 'til this Day Week, when we expect an Answer. Priv-
ate People now sell at 45 /. If the Powder is really wanted, we
should be glad they would send some Body to receive it at
Frederick Town some Day between next Friday and the
Wednesday following, the Governor will be there for several
Days and can give the necessary Orders concerning it on the
Spot. No Body has yet been down for the Cannon, we are
sorry that we made an Offer of five nine Pounders which we
have not got; there were so many sent to Indian Landing with
the Eighteens. The Assembly lent the nines to the Owners
of the Buckskin and they went out in her long ago. In the
Return of Stores in March, long after they had been taken away
the Officer carelessly returned them as stil there. We shall be
obliged to you to mention both these Matters to the Board
of War; the Mistake we were led into gives us Concern
though we hope it may not produce any bad Consequences.
The Assembly is to meet the 15^th Day of next Month. Pray
forward the inclosed to Col^o Marbury, it is from his Wife.
We are &^ca
Delegates in Congress

p. IO

Saturday 19 June 1779
Present as on Yesterday
Ordered that the western shore Treasurer pay to Patrick
Hannan Four hundred and thirty four Pounds, five shillings
on Account.

C. B.