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duce to writing what he was willing to say on that subject, and deliver it in the next morning. He accordingly, the next day, gave in the following paper, viz: "Whereas, 1, in November last, wrote a letter to Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., of Boston, wherein I mentioned sundry things disrespectful of the American cause; I, therefore, do now freely acknowledge my imprudence in so doing, and am sorry for the same; and I do hereby further agree and promise, that, for the future, (during the present unhappy dispute between Great Britain and America.) I will not, either by writing or speaking, give any information to any person in power, or any other person whatsoever, prejudicial to the American cause; but, that I will conduct myself entirely, henceforward, so as to give no occasion of offence. "Williamsburgh, February 22, 1776." Which being satisfactory to the Committee, Mr. Hatton is discharged, and recommended to the friends of America to be restored to the peace and protection of society, so long as he observes the rule of conduct he has promised as aforesaid; and, it is Ordered, That these proceedings be published in the Virginia Gazette. Northampton County, Virginia, February 22, 1776. About a week ago two Minute Companies arrived here from Maryland-one from Kent County, under the command of Captain William Henry, the other from QueenAnne, under the command of Captain James Kent. They are two very fine companies, extremely well armed, having amongst them many gentlemen of family and fortune, and are examples of good discipline and subordination. The day after their arrival, the Committee met, and addressed them as follows: To Captain WILLIAM HENRY, and Captain JAMES KENT, and the Troops under their command. GENTLEMEN: The Committee of Northampton County beg leave to congratulate you upon your safe arrival into this County, after a fatiguing march, at this rigorous season.When gentlemen of easy fortunes, such as the companies we have seen From your Province, and who can enjoy at home every convenience and elegance of life, enter themselves voluntarily to serve their country, by undertaking a tedious march at an inclement season, and cheerfully submitting to every inconvenience consequent thereto, it cannot be doubted that they are actuated by the noblest principles; they are justly entitled to the thanks of their country, and we hope Providence will ever crown them with honour and success. The peaceful state which this once happy County ever enjoyed, till the present unnatural, though unavoidable contest, renders us totally unprovided for the proper reception of a number of armed men; and we hope, gentlemen, you will consider the very indifferent accommodations which you meet with here as solely owing to this cause, and not from want of respect and attention to your circumstances. We, however, beg leave to assure you, that nothing in our power shall be wanting to promote your convenience and happiness, which the situation of our County will permit, in full confidence that you will, at all times, during your residence amongst us, cheerfully co-operate with this Committee in maintaining good order and regularity in this place, and in opposing the dangerous designs of all the secret and avowed enemies of American liberty. To which the Committee received the following Answer: Head-Quarters, Northampton Court-House, Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Committee for NORTH-AMPTON County, VIRGINIA: We return thanks for your very polite Address to us, and the companies under our command, upon our arrival at this place, as, also, for your attention in making the necessary provision for our reception. MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
GENTLEMEN: The repeated instances you have given of your readiness to co-operate with us in such measures as we have thought conducive to the interest and security of this Province under our present unhappy circumstances, have proved very acceptable, and the information communicated by Mr. Samuel Purviance, Jun., by your order, that you will assist in providing shot suitable for the cannon, for which we have the pleasure to hear you have engaged a number of workmen in making wheels and carriages, agreeable to our requisition, when at Baltimore, affords us real satisfaction. Confiding in your zeal and diligence, we request you will immediately employ some able and skilful person in supplying a sufficient quantity of ball proper for those guns; and as we are advised some of the shot furnished the ship Defence are not round, that you will be particularly attentive to the casting of them, and receive none but what are truly formed and fit for service. We have not yet been wrote to by Mr. Hughes, fo a Proofmaster to try the can non he agreed with the last Convention to furnish for the use of this Province, or had any satisfactory information in what forwardness they are; however, as we are anxious to expedite this business, and presume Mr. Hughes must have run some of them by this time, we have appointed Captain Fulford to approve them, and have wrote him upon the subject; and from a wish to have every thing in readiness against the guns are brought down, we desire you will immediately contract for fit and proper carriages for them, to be supplied as expeditiously as they can. We are, &c., CHARLES CARROLL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. Mount Clare, February 22, 1776. GENTLEMEN: The enclosed was sent to my house at Annapolis, and by my clerk sent me up here. Mr. Hughes, by what he has heard, supposes there may be twenty nine-pounders cast by this time, though he has not, since we saw him at Baltimore Town, received any letter from his brother. There will be, he tells me, one thousand and eighty pounds of powder wanting to try them all; one hundred and eighty weight for the twenty nine-pounders, and nine hundred for the fifty eighteen-pounders, at the weight of the ball in powder for each gun. This, I suppose, must be ordered from Fredericktown;however, you will consider whether it may be necessary to send the powder for the eighteen-pounders till all or some of them at least be cast. You will observe what he says about the kinds of powder. I suppose that sent from Annapolis to Frederick was proper for cannon, if not, I do not know that we have any; the only method then we can fall upon, must be to diminish the quantity in proportion to the strength; this, I collected from him, was what he desired. I really do not know any person of experience and knowledge that we could appoint to attend the proving of them, and trying of their boxes, to find whether they were clear of material flaws. Major Pierce, if he be with you, perhaps may be able to inform you of one. Mr. Hughes mentioned Mr. Steel and Mr. Baird;if they understand it and will be pleased to undertake it, I am sure I shall not have the least objection to them. Mr. Cummings waits on you with his
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