74 Journal and Correspondence

C. B.

the Watering place. Saw a vast number of Light Horse on
board and that the Fleet was very full of men that their des-
tination was a secret, the officers appeared anxious to know
— that their Conjectures were various about it. Some talked
of Georgia — some of Maryland, and others of Rhode Island.
From these several Accounts and the particularity with
which they are related, there can be no doubt but that a body
of Troops have embarked and Sailed. What their number is
cannot be ascertained, but were [it] according to the lowest esti-
mate, which from a consideration of the Fleet & many other
circumstances I should suppose to be as high as it possibly
can be, and to exceed their real account, it is formidable. I
wish the W Ind^s may be their object, but from their having
Horse & other considerations, it is to be feared their opera-
tions will be on our Southern Continent.

Original

[Delegates in Congress to Gov. Johnson.]

Philadel^a May 11^th 1779.
Sir
We should have sent by Co^l Hyde a larger Sum than five
hundred Thousand Dollars had not the Demands on the
Treasury been so pressing and of such a nature as to render
it impossible. We have now a Warrant for the further Sum
of eight hundred Thousand Dollars, the greater part of which
if not the whole, we expect to send forward to you in the
course of this week. This supply we hope will enable your
Excellency to prosecute with success, the purchase of above
& for the Army.
General Washington at this time stands in need of
heavy Cannon, for the further Defence of the North River
and the necessity of being immediately supplied with at least
five pieces, has induced Congress to apply to our State, for
such Cannon as can be spared either on Loan or purchase, at
the Election of the General Assembly. Under the circum-
stances of this case, and knowing the necessity, we cannot
suppose the General Assembly (if you have not power already)
can have any objection against granting the request of Con-
gress. If you should lend the Cannon, M^r Hughes who has
now contracted with Congress for a considerable number, will
be directed to send to Annapolis or such place as you may
direct, the like number and weight of metal, with those that
shall be lent by the state.
Your letter of the 30^th Ap^l does not clearly express in what
way the Emissions of May and Ap^l came into the State Treas-
uries. If by Taxes for the Continent, there can be no doubt