Council of Maryland, 1782-1783. 365

Merchants of Baltimore, in Consequence of which, we expect to be
able, in a very few Days, to send down the Pole Cat, a French Brig
of 14 Guns, 3 Sloops or Schooners of 8 or 10 Guns each, and 3
Barges; a Force which will be sufficient to clear the Bay of the
Wretches from whom you are under such just Apprehensions. But
it is possible we may be disappointed; at any Rate, you ought not
to rely too confidently upon this Assistance, but attempt every Thing
which Prudence will permit, for your own Security- We enclose an
Order on Talbott for such Ammunition as you may want. The Field
Pieces which were there, were brought over here, and applied for
the Use of the Barges. There are two Iron Pieces at Wye Island, but
without Carriages sufficient to transport them. The Ammunition
formerly promised to be sent, we have not been able to forward, from
Want of Craft. We send you 1000 Flints. You will make a Return
of the Time the Militia are in Service, and we will lay them before
the Assembly at their first Sitting, and represent in strong Terms,
the Justice of making immediate Payment.

February 20
Liber No. 78
p. 418

[W Paca in Council To the Lieut^ts of Queen Ann's, Talbot &
Dorset Counties]

We are fitting out and manning the Barges, to co-operate with
three armed Vessels we have solicited the Merchants of Baltimore
to furnish us, and expect they will be in Readiness to proceed down
the Bay in a few Days. The only Thing that can possibly impede
their Sailing, will be the Want of a sufficient Number of Men for
the Barges, and there being twenty three in your County, who be-
longed to Spedden's and Frazier's Barges, and who are stil in the
Pay of the State; we most earnestly request you would have them
collected immediately, and sent over : their Names are mentioned in
the enclosed List.

Ibid.

[W Paca in Council to Maj^r John Davidson.]

We request you to be so obliging, to sign the Provision Returns
of those Soldiers who you may think entitled to draw Provisions,
who are in this City, or may be passing through, until there is some
Continental Officer to take Charge of them.

Ibid.

Friday 2 1^st February 1783.
Present His Excellency the Governor,
Benjamin Stoddert, Gabriel Duvall, Jere. T. Chase & James Brice
Esq^rs

February 21
Liber C. B.
No. 24
p. 387

[W^m Paca in Council to His Excellency General Washington]

From the Letters which lately passed between your Excellency and
General Carleton, and from the Speech of the British King to his

February 21
Liber No. 78
p. 419