immediately wanted for carrying into execution the resolution of the Convention for fortifying the city of Annapolis and Baltimore Town; and as we are not certain whether Mr. Hughes (though he has already begun casting the nine-pounders with some success) may be able to comply with his contract for the heavy cannon with the Convention in time, those purchased by Mr. Paca we intended for the ship Defence, which is getting ready with all possible expedition.

We are obliged to you for the attention you have given to our request, and the resolution of the Convention, relative to the plates and paper for the new emission of paper currency, and should most readily conform to your advices, and agree to the striking the money at Philadelphia, by the persons you mention, but we think ourselves, in that particular, tied up by the resolve of the Convention, which requires that "the bills he printed and struck under the direction of two freemen of this Province, to be appointed as supervisors, by the Council of Safety, who are to receive twenty shillings per day;" and it would be difficult to get two that would attend at Philadelphia during the time of printing.

We have been long in expectation of receiving the powder from Messrs. Willing and Morris, which they engaged to supply us with, and for which the money was lodged in their hands, but have not, as yet, been favoured by them with any thing on that head. We need not acquaint you that it is an article we stand much in need of, and that the Convention, to relieve our present necessity, had agreed to take five tons of that made at Philadelphia from the saltpetre lately imported, in part of what we were to have had from those gentlemen. We shall be obliged if you will know of them when we may expect the five tons, and what prospect they have of procuring the rest contracted for by them, and favour us with their answer.

While the Convention was sitting, Mr. Samuel Purviance sent down two depositions, to the purpose of what you mention in your last. The subject was considered by the Convention, and it was resolved that no further notice should be taken of the affair, and that the proceeding should be kept secret. We suppose the two depositions sent you by Mr. Purviance are in substance the same, and we cannot but think it extraordinary that he should presume to trouble you with a matter that had been agitated and settled in Convention. If it be not too much trouble, we request you will send us copies of them, and a copy of his letter enclosing them to you. We are, &c.,

To the Deputies of Maryland, in Congress.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO VIRGINIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

GENTLEMEN: We are much obliged by your favour of the 27th ultimo, and shall most cheerfully cooperate with you in every measure that may contribute to our mutual defence against the invaders of our reciprocal rights, that may be in our power; and shall also be happy in keeping up a constant, intimate correspondence, which our common cause at this time renders necessary.

Our inexperience in naval preparations prevents us, at present, from either approving or disapproving your plan of row-galleys for the protection of Potomack River. We have a ship, which we call The Defence, that mounts twenty-two six-pounders, besides swivels, and will be ready to proceed to her station by the 1st of March. She will cruise in the Bay, and, as occasion may require, proceed up Potomack; and the Captain shall have orders to contribute every thing in his power to the common defence, on all occasions. The powder necessary for this ship, and for fortifications which we are building, will diminish our stock so much as to prevent us from attempting an increase of our marine, till we receive a supply of that necessary article, more than sufficient for our troops and Militia, on whom we chiefly rely for protection; and when this happens we shall advise you of it.

We have adventured very extensively to procure arms and ammunition, but are fearful, from the advices that we have lately received, our endeavours will not be attended with the success we wished, and had reason to hope for.

We are, &c.

Committee-Chamber, New-York, February 8, 1776.

To the Inhabitants of the neighbouring Counties and Colonies:

In the course of Divine Providence, (to whose righteous dispensations it becomes us at all times to submit,) this city is now become a scene of confusion and distress, occasioned by an apprehension that unmerited hostilities will shortly be commenced by the ships-of-war lying in this harbour. Under the influence of this belief, many of our poor are abandoning their habitations, and flying for protection into the arms of their brethren in the neighbouring Counties and Provinces. This Committee, therefore, earnestly entreat all those among whom such poor may come, to exercise great kindness and lenity towards them, by furnishing them with habitations, and other necessaries of life for their present subsistence, on the easiest terms, and accommodating them in any other way which their duty to the poor, as Christians, may direct.

By order of the Committee:

HENRY REMSEN, Chairman.

COLONEL WAYNE TO JOHN MORTON.

Philadelphia, February 8, 1776.

SIR: When I intimated to Congress that quarters could be had for one battalion in the vicinity of Chester, my idea was that empty houses, stores, &c., might be procured by way of barracks for the troops; and as I understand the Congress have resolved that we shall be stationed until further orders, I must request that you would appoint some proper person, or persons, for that purpose, as well as for providing provisions, firing, &c.

Several of the companies are to rendezvous at Chester to-morrow, and the whole in the course of three or four days. Pray let something be immediately done in the premises; otherwise we shall be in the utmost confusion.

Interim, I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

ANTHONY WAYNE.

To John Morton, Esq.

P. S. I have summoned the Committee of Chester County to meet on Monday next. If the Congress should be of opinion that we should apply to the inhabitants for blankets, in the manner that the Committee of the city and Liberties have done, this affords a favourable opportunity for the purpose.

A resolve of Congress, requiring the several Committees of Inspection to assist in apprehending deserters, will be of the utmost utility, as the Tories will conceal them.

MAJOR CONNOLLY TO PRESIDENT HANCOCK.

Philadelphia, February 8, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I have for some time past been indulged with the privilege of walking in the jail, for the benefit of the air, and flattered myself that such enlargement would tend to facilitate my recovery; but, unhappily, find myself disappointed, My infirm state of health, and present condition, cannot fail to touch the humanity of every feeling individual; and, in whatever light I may appear as an enemy, yet my distress as a prisoner, aggravated by the cruel addition of pining sickness, must command the attention of every generous heart.

My difference in political opinion, and the causes instigating me to action, however criminal they may appear, I can, with the integrity of a man of honour, assert, arose from a sense of duty and gratitude too powerful to becombatted by any contrary arguments.

I have now languished near four months in close confinement, and my physician has even given over his visits, as ineffectual towards my recovery, without exercise in the open air. I shall not presume to dictate to you, gentle-men, but cannot avoid intimating that my treatment appears particularly severe. Conscious of unblemished honour, where the security of my person is demanded, my sensibility is deeply wounded to find you prefer the strength of a jail to effect that purpose. Political reasons may urge this severity; but permit me to assure you that, whatever may be your determination with regard to me hereafter, I shall be equally ready to obey your summons, if enlarged upon parole, as immured within these walls.

If you will be good enough to allow me to attend my