204 Letters to the Governor and Council

April 24

the Bay at the mouth of Patuxent, and afterwards kept in such places
as will best answer the purpose of scouring the Co^ty Shuld this not
meet with your approbation you are only to let me know your senti-
ments which shall be complyed with. On the return of the Enemy
down Potomack one George Howard from this Neighbourhood went
to them and carryed five negroes that was known of, four of which
were the Rev^d M^r Waltons. M^r James Adderton who was taken by
the Enemy when they landed at S^t Inigoes informed me, that when
he was on board one of their Ships in S^t Marys, one of the Ships
Crew who he was acquainted with asked him if he knew Geo :
Howard, and told him, that such a one pointing to Howard, was the
Person, and that he brought nine negroes with him, when he came on
board, Howard I am inform'd was sent to Frederick by some Gentⁿ
some short time before he left this, and it is said, that he Brought
some Letters from the Convention Troops, which he carryed to the
Enemy, I have been thus particular as he has a right to about one
hundred and fifty acres of Land for life, with I suppose some other
property which his Wife and Family are now in possession of, the
whole Family I am informed are good for but little. Aught they not
immediately to have every thing takin from them as a warning to
others. Particularly as Howard was a Native and had takin the
oathes to Government, I observe your Sentiments relative to the
Militia being furnished with spirituous liquor my intention at the
time was only to give it to those Men that were on guard, in bad
weather, and when they were fatigued in marching which If not
granted, there are but very few that will in such casses have it in
their power to get any, for in general our People are very poor, and
their are times when it will be proper, for them to be supplyed with
it, particularly if they are kept together. I am informed that the
officers in the upper Battⁿ got the quarter master to supply the Mili-
tia that were on Wiocomico with some Brandy while the Enemy were
up Potomack, without my knowing any thing of it which in future
I shall prevent If it shuld not be directed by you to the contrary. I
have inclosed you M^r Mills Acc^t of the expence of sending to An-
napolis by him for Arms, whether it is right or not, I am totally at
a loss to determine, not knowing the value of the money, or having
the least knowledge of such business, in the present situation of our
affairs, I therefore flatter myself you will direct the Auditor to settle
it, and send it to me, and if more money shuld be wanted, than the
hundred Dollars delivered to M^r Mills that you will put it in my
power to settle it, together with the expence of sending an express to
you some time past, business of this sort ought to be paid if it is ex-
pected that it will be in my power in future to have any thing of the
kind executed.