APPENDIX

[Richard Peters, War Office, to the Hon'ble The Executive Council
of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.]

The Board have the Honor to enclose a Copy of a Resolution of
Congress respecting the Removal of Provisions & stores from the
Peninsula between the Delaware & Chesapeake Bays. The Directions
contained therein are founded upon well grounded Information re-
ceived from the Commander in chief of an operation now in much
Forwardness on the Part of the Enemy for the Purpose of possessing
themselves of the ample Supplies which that country will afford them ;
and which while in their present situation hold out the most flattering
Inducements to them. A Removal of them will defeat the End of
their Enterprize and probably would prevail on them to give it over
& thereby the People be relieved from the Danger & Distress which
threaten them. We trust however that no Arguments are necessary
to convince you of the urgency of the Measure & we hope for your
concurrence therein; Indeed without this it appears to us to be im-
practicable to carry into effect the Directions of Congress. We have
therefore ordered down a judicious prudent officer with a few Troops
& have directed the commissary General of Purchases to assist in the
Business so far as depends upon him. These Officers will consult your
Excellency, and the Honble Council on the Matter & act agreeable to
your advice; both as to the Removal of Public & Private Property ;
and particularly with Regard to the Latter. Assistance in the Trans-
portation is absolutely requisite from the State: as it is impossible
for the Officers to collect Teams or Craft without the concurrence of
the Executive of the State. Altho Horses are not mentioned in the
Resolution of Congress yet they are equally within the Power of the
Enemy & should be removed. Any of these delivered to the Officer
of Dragoons will doubtless be accounted for by Congress & proper
Credit given the State; or Certificates to the Individuals as may be
thought most proper

1781
April 25
Red Book

No. 7
Letter
No. 207

[Special Co[ouncil], Talbot C^t House]

The Special Co. for the Eastern Shore appointed by an Act of the
last Session of Assembly having determined that the Contingencies
had happened in which the Legislature intended the powers of Gov^t
for this Shore shou'd vest did accordingly take upon themselves the
Exercise of those powers, and issued their Proclamation notifying
the same, in Consequence whereof various matters & things have
been transacted a Journal of which we beg Leave to lay before the
Honorable the two Houses of the General Assembly.

May 29