74 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1753-1761.

Lib. J. R.
& U. S.

opportunity, and in case any private Soldiers or men, shall
refuse to be drafted in manner above directed, or afterwards
to Serve, or March to the Place of Rendezvous, and join the
Company, The Captains of such men, so Refusing to be
drafted or Serve, shall thereupon put in Execution the Militia
Law of this Province, particularly that Clause thereof which
directs, what shall be done if upon any Foreign Invasion, any
Person or Persons shall upon the Command of his Captain
obstinately refuse to appear and Serve in Arms and the said
Captain shall then proceed to select and draft other men to
make up the Number, that he may be by you required to
furnish from his Company. As soon as you have appointed
Officers for the Company of Rangers, you are to acquaint me
with their names that I may send them further Instructions
for their Government & Conduct — you shall also Advise me
what Place you have appointed for their Rendezvous, till
they receive my final Orders, that I may if Possible review
them before they March, you must also make me a Return of

the Arms and Ammunition in your Possession, or the Maga-
zine of the County, that if wanted I might send up a proper
supply for this Occasion

Given at the Council Chamber at the City of Annapolis
under my hand and Seal this third Day of July in the fifth
year of his Lordships Dominion Annoq Domini 1755
Hor^o Sharpe

p. 61

To Colonel Nathaniel Wickham of Frederick County. For-
asmuch as the Safety of the Inhabitants of this Province who
are threatened to be attacked by the French and their Allied
Indians makes the putting & Keeping the Militia of the
Frontier Counties especially in Good Order at this time of
danger extremely necessary I have thought fit hereby to re-
quire and command all Military Officers within your County
to have the several men under their respective Commands
frequently Mustered and disciplined (once at least in every
forthnight for this three Months) and ready to march upon
any Emergency to Serve his Majesty by defending that part
of his Majestys Dominions and their own Properties and I
do further strictly Command and enjoin you and the Several
officers under your Command during the time aforementioned
to put in force and see the Militia Laws of this Province
strictly executed against such Persons as shall neglect their
duty or disobey the Lawful Commands of their officers, and
to the End the said Militia may be rendered fit and ready for
Service on occasion you shall as often as you shall see fit and
at such times and Places as you shall judge most convenient