of the Council of Maryland. 343

two of the swift sailing Vessels constantly before and behind to
prevent any of the others running away.

March 7
Liber No. 78
P. 83

[Council to James Calhoun Esqr.]

\Ve request you to forward three hundred Barrels of Bread
(besides the 600 heretofore ordered) to the Head of Elk for the
Troops under the Marquis, you will apply to M^r Donellan and if he
has not that Quantity ready, you can [obtain] what may be wanting
of William Smith Esq^r either by Loan or Purchase.

Ibid.

[Council to Col Rollings worth.]

Finding it impracticable to procure an immediate Supply of Pro-
vision of the Meat kind to carry into Effect the present important
expedition without the Exertion of the extraordinary Powers with
which we are invested and having been informed that the Object of
the Expedition will in all Probability be frustrated unless every
Assistance is instantly afforded to enable the Detachment to move
forward, We do therefore upon this Emergency authorise and
earnestly request you to seize or cause to be seized 15000 of Flesh
Provisions Salt and fresh being a Proportion of what is necessary
for the Consumption of a Detachment of 1500 Men from the main
Army under the Marquis De la Fayette going on an expedition
against General Arnold; such a Quantity of Flesh Proportions Salt
and fresh as will he necessary for the Consumption of 1500 Men for
thirty Days. If the Owners of the Beaves prefer keeping the fifth

Ibid.

Quarter and will have them immediately killed and the Meat sent to
this Place, you will consent to it otherwise you will take them on the
Hoof and Nothing except the Hide will be returned. You will give
Certificates to the Owners expressing the Quantity seized and the
Price thereof, if it can with Justice be ascertained at the Time of the
Seizure, which shall be paid with Interest. This Business must be
done with the utmost Expedition.

p. 84

[Council to Marquis la Fayette.]

We had the Honor to be favored with your Letter of the 5^th Instant
and most sincerely lament the Delay and Difficulties by which the
Troops have been prevented from embarking and wish we could
gratify our Inclinations by an immediate removal of every Obstacle
we have impressed and sent forward every Vessel in our Power and
shall continue forwarding all we can procure until there is a sufficient
for Transporting the Troops with their Baggage &^ca Skows and
Small Boats fit for landing the Cannon and the Detachment cannot
be obtained at this Place. We shall order to Elk immediately the
three Hundred Barrels of Bread which you require with as a greal
a Quantity of other Supplies as we can command. The necessary

Ibid.