of the Council of Maryland, 1778-1779. 463

[Delegates in Congress to Gov. Johnson.]
Sir Philadelphia June 29^th 1779

Your Excellencys Letters of the 18^th and one from Cap^t
Nicholson we have had the Honor of receiving. The Circum-
stances of Cap^t Nicholsons Captivity was not new to us, but
the answer from the Marine Com^ttee as represented by Cap^t
Nicholson is altogether so. As the members of this Com^ttee
and every other indeed, are frequently changing, it is im-
possible to know with certainty what verbal answer was given
to Cap^t Nicholson, by the Marine Com^ttee on the report of the
Navy Board; but from the minutes of the Com^ttee we are inclined
to think he is mistaken in the representations he has made to
you. What an individual of the Com^ttee uninformed upon the
subject might have said to the Captain is impossible to ascer-
tain; but the Com^ttee as a Com^ttee could not give him the answer
which he says they did; for no third witness is requisite by the
established mode of trial on a Court of inquiry, and therefore
it is unreasonable to suppose the Com^ttee could inform the Cap^t
that it was requisite. There must therefore be some mistake
in this matter which you will readily perceive by reading the
enclosed resolves of the Com^ttee in which they approve of the
report of the Navy Board and Speake of him as a spirited and
good officer. We are not unacquainted with the Merit of this
officer, and as soon as a Ship offers we shall use our endeav-
ours to provide for him, but at present we have a greater
number of Cap^ts than Ships, and of Course it is out of the
power of Congress or the Marine Com^ttee to employ the whole
of them.
Your Letter respecting the powder and Canon we have
laid before the Board of War. They had a few Days before
the receipt of it sent a person for both these Articles. He
must have been with you before this Time. If he has not, we
request you would not dispose of the powder as it is much
wanted by the Continent
Congress has had no Confirmation of the various reports
respecting our Southern Success. In a letter from Charles
Town from a Gentleman of rank and abilities, as late
as the 19^th of May, no mention is made of any action. The
Enemy did no more than appear before the Town and return
again. They are at present in the Neighbourhood of Charles
Town & the New York paper says in possession of John &
James Islands.
We are Sir with the highest respect
and Esteem your Excellencys
obdt & h^ble Serv^ts

J. Henry
Dan of S^t Tho^s Ienifer

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