542 Proceedings and Correspondence

August 3
Liber No. 76
p. 236.

hundred under skilful and experienced officers will enable us to
confine them within very narrow Limits, our People are resolute and
determined they feel that animating and noble spirit which diffused
itself through all Ranks at the Commencement of this glorious Con-
test, the Approach of the Enemy has apparently banished every sordid
avaricious and selfish View, and we trust our People will act like Men
sensible of the Blessings they are Struggling for and the Miseries
which by an object and dastardly Conduct they most deservedly will
feel. If our Militia could be well armed and accoutred they would
acquire a Confidence which would stimulate them to a Conduct which
would not disgrace Regulars, and on Congress we rely for that Aid
and most earnestly solicit your Excellency to supply us immediately
with what can be spared and forward them. The field Pieces intended
for us would be very serviceable, Congress has not often been troubled
with Applications from this State and we flatter ourselves the Exer-
tions of our people upon all occasions merit every Assistance that can
be afforded especially at this Crisis. We have taken every possible
Precaution to prevent the Stores Provisions and valuable Property
belonging to the Continent and State falling into their Hands.

Ibid

[Council Circular, collector of Horses for western Shore.]

We have this Day received Intelligence that the Enemy from Ports-
mouth in Virginia with forty sail of Vessels and several large Barges
with about twelve or thirteen hundred Troops are coming up our
Bay said to he destined for Baltimore. We want a Number of Teams

P. 234

to remove the Public Stores and Papers and therefore request you
to forward immediately to this Post the Waggons and Teams col-
lected by you, we need not say more to you as you will see the Neces-
sity of forwarding without Delay.

Ibid

[Council Circular, Lieuts of St Mary's and Calvert Counties.]

We request you to Station Persons on whom you can depend upon
such Points as command the most extensive View of the Bay to give
Information of the Approach of the Enemy which you will be so
obliging as to communicate to this Board by Express immediately
on receit of it

Ibid

[Council to President of the Special Council.]

We have this Moment received the enclosed Intelligence so that the
Destination of the Enemy against this State no longer remain] s]
doubtful, we are taking every possible Measure for Defence. We
have about six hundred regulars at this City, and have ordered all the
select Militia and all the Companies of light Horse of this Shore, and
all the Draughts and recruits to rendezvous at this Post and Baltimore
Town and shall order out the Militia in the Vicinity of those posts.