of the Council of Maryland. 347

[Council to Marquis La Fayette.]

We have authentic Information from one of our Delegates in
Congress that the French Ships which were in Chesepeak Bay
arrived at New Port Rhode Island on the 24^th Ult. of which we make
no Doubt you have been apprised. We think it necessary to com-
municate to you the Intelligence we have received of the Force of the
Enemies Privateers in the Bay, we are informed and from Authority
we cannot Doubt that there is a Brigg of 16 Guns a Schooner of 12
Guns and two Sloops of 8 Guns each cruising together on the 6^th
Instant in Annemessex River in our Bay.

March 9
Liber No. 78
p. 86

Saturday 10^th March 1781.

Ordered that the Commissary of Stores deliver to Gabriel Williams
of the 7^th Regiment and Serj^t Fenwick of the 4^th Regim^t each a suit
of Cloaths and also to Ensign Robert Halkerston of the 3^d Reg^t one
suit of Cloaths and two shirts for the year 1781.
That the Armourer deliver to Doct^r James Murray two quire
Cartridge paper to secure the Medecine in the State Shop and also
to Capt. William Middleton of the Dolphin in the service of the
Continent Transporting the Detachment of Troops under the Com-
mand of the Marquis La Fayette thirty pound Cannon & six pound
Musk^t Powder

March 10
Liber C. B.

No. 24
p. 57

[Council to Colonel George Dashiel.]

The Arrival of the Marquis de la Fayette at this Place, at the same
Time the Messenger and your letter arrived, has necessarily occa-
sioned his being detained, and as the Information you gave materially
concerned the Marquis's Expedition down the Bay your Letter was
given to him to copy out that Information and unfortunately he has
taken it with him, so that we cannot particularly answer it. The
Assembly ordered a Proportion of Canon Arms and Ammunition for
the Eastern Shore, your Part of which has accordingly been sent to
Cambridge. Your Messenger mentions some Pieces of Cannon lately
found in a Marsh in your County, if those could be procured and
fitted they might we think be of Service in your Defence; and if you
want Shott or Powder it is probable you may be supplied out of the
Proportion sent to Cambridge. We approve of your drawing out
your Militia to oppose the Enemy and, make no Doubt you will
pursue the most effectual Measures for opposing them.
We have some Reason to expect that Circumstances may soor
happen that may greatly contribute to free you from the Enemy's
Depredations; but in the mean Time you should relax nothing ir
your Preparations.

March 11
Liber No. 78
p. 87