Council of Maryland, 1782-1783. 357

[W Paca in Council to The Commanding Officer of the Maryl^d
Troops at Frederick Town]

The Enemy's Barges have done considerable Mischief in the Bay,
and we are apprehensive they will attempt to destroy the State Ship,
building at M^r Stephen Steward's Ship Yard; to prevent which we
request you will, immediately upon Receipt of this Letter, send to
Annapolis 30 Men, under the Command of a proper Officer, to be
stationed at West River, for the Purpose of guarding the Ship.

February 8
Liber No. 78
p. 413

Monday February 10^th 1783.

Present as on Saturday. —
Commissions of Letters of Marque and Reprisal issued to Stephen
Benezett commander of the Brigantine Hibernia fifty Tons burthen
navigated by fifteen men, mounting four Carriage Guns, belonging
to Pringle & Wilson of Philadelphia and also to Robert Ewart Com-
mander of the Brigantine Eagle one hundred and sixty Tons burthen,
navigated by twenty four men, mounting five Carriage Guns belong-
ing to Thomas Russell and others of Baltimore. —

February 10
Liber C. B.
No. 24
p. 385

[B. Stoddert Pres^dt in Council to The Command^g Off of the Maryl^d
Troops at Frederick Town]

Since writing the enclosed, we have Reason to apprehend, that the
State Ship is in immediate and imminent Danger, and therefore we
beg you will lose not a Moment in dispatching the Party of Men we
directed you to send to Annapolis. If you can spare 40 Men, and leave
a sufficient Guard over the Prisoners, you will send 40 in Stead of
thirty.

February 10
Liber No. 78
p. 413

Tuesday 11^th February 1783

Present His Excellency The Governor
Benjamin Stoddert, Gabriel Duvall, James Brice and John Hoskins
Stone Esquires. —
Ordered that M^r Shaw furnish Serjeant Suit with Arms and
Accoutrements and Ammunition, for ten men to Guard the new Ship
building at M^r Stewards. —
That the western shore Treasurer pay to Luther Martin Esq^r forty
seven pounds, two shillings and one penny specie agreeable to the
Act to adjust the Debts due from this State per Cert^s adjusted —
Permission given to Col^o Robert Ballard of Baltimore to solicit
Leave of His Excellency General Washington or the Commanding
Officer at Dobbs's Ferry for the purpose of transacting Private busi-
ness and to return. —

February 11
Liber C. B.
No. 24
p. 306