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JOHN BAXTER TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. Baltimore Town. May 2, 1776. GENTLEMEN: Permit me to take this opportunity of acknowledging the grateful sense I entertain of the honour done me by the late Provincial Convention held for this Province, which honourable body you now represent, in appointing me a Lieutenant in the Fourth Company of the Regulars, raised for the defence of this Province. An opportunity now offers, by embracing of which, I am fully convinced I can equally serve the, American cause, and, peradventure, reap considerable private advantage; and inasmuch as I am well assured that numbers of gentlemen, with superior abilities, and, I hope, with equal zeal and attachment, will gladly accept of my berth, I therefore humbly beg leave to resign my commission, which I have sent you enclosed; most ardently wishing that America in general, and this Province in particular, may ever be successful in their struggle for the glorious cause of liberty. I am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your very humble servant, J0HN BAXTER. To the Honourable the Council of Safety. CHARLES CARROLL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. Mount Clare, May 2, 1776. GENTLEMEN: The enclosed were brought to me yesterday, by Mr. William Smith, which I promised him I would transmit to you by the first opportunity. I sent for Mr. Hopkins, as you desired, and directed him to send half the linens to Annapolis, by the Defence or her tender; but they had set off before he returned to town. Be pleased to write to him, whether he may hire a boat and now send them with safety to you. I have been so much out of order that I have not been able to call on Colonel Ware about the tents, but will do it as soon as I possibly can. I am, with respect, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant, CHARLES CARROLL. To the Council of Safety. MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
GENTLEMEN: We understand from Captain Nicholson, that you have now got your boom down at Whetstone Point. We desire, therefore, the schooner Ninety-Two may no longer be detained, and have ordered Mr. Young to despatch her immediately. We are, &c. To the Committee of Observation for Baltimore County. MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL SMALLWOOD.
SIR: Upon considering the representation made by Major Gist, relative to Christian Castler, the Council of Safety are of opinion that his case comes properly under the seventh Article of War, and that he cannot be punished with death; and therefore that the appointment of a Court Martial by the Council of Safety is unnecessary. We are, &c. To Colonel William Smallwood. FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Philadelphia, May 2, 1776. SIR: You are hereby directed to station thirty-five men, with a proper officer, of your battalion, at the False Cape, to protect the navigation, and do duty there, until further orders. I am, sir, your very humble servant, JOHN HANCOCK, President. To the Officer commanding the Battalion of Continental Troops in Delaware Government. GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. New-York, May 2, 1776. SIR: I received your favour of the 22d ultimo, and am sorry to inform you that it is not in my power at this time to refund to your Colony the powder lent the Continent, our magazines here being very low, and the pressing demands from Canada obliging me immediately to forward sixty barrels thither. Should any inconvenience result to the Colony from not having it, it will give me much uneasiness. You may rest assured that as soon as I possibly can, I will make a return of it. The Commissary-General has not presented the account yet; when he does, it shall immediately be paid. I am, sir, with esteem, your most humble servant, GEORGE WASHINGTON. To Govemour Trumbull. GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL JAMES CLINTON. New-York, May 2, 1776. SIR: Having received information that there is a number of arms at one Wiltsey’s, at the Fishkills, among the officers’ baggage which came from St. John’s, I request and authorize you to make inquiry about them, and to secure all you can find. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, GEORGEWASHINGTON. To Colonel James Clinton, Third New-York. ROBERT H. HARRISON TO GENERAL WARD. New-York, May 2, 1776. SIR: His Excellency having heard that the Regiments stationed on Dorchester-Heights and Bunker-Hill are not employed in carrying on the works for the defence of Boston, from some misapprehension in you that they were to be kept constantly there, I am commanded by him to signify to you that he never had it in idea that they were to be exempted from the common round of duty and fatigue, and that he expected them to give every assistance you might judge necessary, for expediting and completing the fortifications, &c. I am, sir, yours, &c. R. H. HARRISON. To Major-General Ward, Boston. COLONEL LEARNED TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. New-York, May 2, 1776. SIR: With regret I must humbly represent my case to your Excellency. Being so indisposed in body that I am absolutely rendered unfit to serve the much injured and distressed publick with that alacrity and usefulness I could wish, or the importance of the cause requires; yet my heart and greatest wish is that your Excellency may receive renown, and the United Colonies’ arms still be distinguished with success and victory, and in God’s own time every worthy member in this struggle return to and enjoy his own habitation in peace. But at present must request to absent myself from the Army in the manner your Excellency shall prescribe; and if it shall be thought most expedient I should be dismissed the Continental service, if my past conduct is equal, should pray I may be dismissed with honour and supported home. In obtaining this, I shall have fresh instances of your Excellency’s favour; and lay me under new obligations ever to remain your very humble servant, EBENEZER LEARNED. To the Hon. His Excellency George Washington, Esq. FRANCIS LEWIS TO ROGER SHERMAN. New-York, May 2, 1776. SIR: I have been favoured with your letter of the 25th ultimo, which should have answered sooner, but waited for an opportunity of consulting Colonel Mifflin, Quartermaster-General, on the subject of shoes, who informs me that the full quantity, (say ten thousand pair,) ordered by Congress, will be wanted for the Army. I have therefore directed Mr. Ogden to continue the shoemakers at work in Jersey, and have also employed others here. Stockings are not to be procured in this city; they must be got at Philadelphia, and money must be sent here to pay for the shoes. Enclosed you have a return of shoes already delivered here. Hempen and yarn stockings will be the most suitable. As our election for Delegates is to be on the 14th instant, *
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