We send you enclosed exact copies of the invoice that have been transmitted to us from Messrs. Vanbibber & Harrison. There is some variation in the article of powder, a deficiency of two chests or packages of arms, and a very large deficiency in the bolts or pieces of duck. You say twenty-eight only are received; there ought to have been twenty-three bales, containing each four pieces or bolts—in all ninety-two bolts.

We request you would exert yourself in getting our cargo according to invoice and bill of lading. Colonel Hooe is down loading his vessel. He, on application, will assist you; and Captain Martin himself ought to be applied to. We depend on your diligence and activity; and are, with respect and esteem, yours, &c.

To Benton Harris, Esquire, Chairman of the Committee of Observation for Worcester County.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COMMITTEES ON THE

EASTERN SHORE.

GENTLEMEN: It is impossible for us to attend so particularly as we could wish to the execution of every part of the enclosed resolves, and therefore must request the favour of you (though we are conscious it will give you a good deal of trouble) to assist us, as far as the nature of the subject and your situation will admit of, to comply with them; particularly in borrowing firelocks from such of the Militia as will lend, on the publick faith that the same shall be returned in the like good order as received, or, in case of loss, the value thereof, in having them valued; and also in collecting a sufficient quantity of blankets for the troops directed to be raised in Queen Anne's, and, if practicable, more, to make up the deficiency which we are apprehensive there will be in some other Counties.

We think it best that the defective arms for the companies to be raised with you for the Flying-Camp, should be repaired and fitted up in your County if possible; and as Mr. Winters, of Chestertoim, (who is the only person we know of on the Eastern-Shore capable of undertaking it for the whole battalion to be raised there,) is already engaged in making arms for the Province, we should be sorry to take him from that business, unless through absolute necessity, and therefore request that you will exert yourselves in your endeavours to have them done without applying to him; if, however, you cannot accomplish it, you will be pleased to send them up to him for that purpose as fast as you collect them, taking his receipt for such as you may deliver. We desire to know how many arms you have in your possession belonging to the Province, and the number delivered in by, or taken from, those who have not subscribed the Association or enrolled in the Militia; and that those belonging to the Province may not be given out without the orders of this Board. We have already a sufficient quantity of cartouch boxes, bayonet belts, and slings, and have advertised for persons to contract with us for making knapsacks, with haversacks, priming-wires and brushes, campkettles, and canteens or wooden bottles; but if you can recommend to his any who can and will engage to supply the Militia with either of these articles, we shall be obliged to you. Steel ramrods we presume you can get made, but not bayonets, and therefore we have written Mr. Hollingsworth, of Cecil County, immediately to procure a number, a sufficient quantity of which we will endeavour to supply you with as soon as possible, upon being informed you can have the arms repaired and fitted. No period can furnish a greater necessity for your warmest efforts, and we trust you will not leave anything unessayed upon the present occasion.

We will send you, by the first opportunity, some cash to buy guns and blankets with, which we request you will lay out accordingly. We have not exceeded £4 5s. for a musket, with a steel ramrod and bayonet, but upon this occasion would have you go as high as £4 10s. Guns which you may purchase without either, ought not to cost so much that the necessary repairs and providing ramrods and bayonets will carry them above £4 5s., unless they are very good, in which case we will also allow £4 10s.

We are, &c.

N. B. There is a person on Kent Island who has repaired many guns for the Militia there, particularly in the locks, and we are informed is well qualified for the business.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE COMMITTEES ON THE

WESTERN SHORE.

GENTLEMEN: It will be impossible for us to attend so particularly as we could wish, to the execution of every part of the enclosed resolves, and therefore must request the favour of you (though we are conscious it will give you a good deal of trouble) to assist us, as far as the nature of the subject and your situation will admit of, to comply with them, particularly in borrowing firelocks from such of the Militia as will lend, on the publick faith that the same shall be returned in like good order as received, or, in case of loss, the value thereof on having them valued; and also in collecting a sufficient quantity of blankets for the troops directed to be recruited in your County for the Flying-Camp, and, if practicable, more, to make up the deficiency which we are apprehensive there will be in some other Counties. We wish the defective arms which may be collected in your County for the Flying-Camp should be repaired and fitted there if possible, and therefore request you will exert your-selves in your endeavours to have them done as expeditiously as you can. We desire to know how many arms you have which have been delivered in by, or taken from, those who have not subscribed the Association or enrolled in the Militia. We have already a sufficient quantity of cartouch-boxes, bayonet belts, and slings, and have advertised for persons to contract with us for making knapsacks with haversacks, priming-wires and brushes. But if you can recommend to us any who will engage to supply the publick with either of those articles we shall be obliged to you. Steel ramrods, we presume, you will be able to get made, but are doubtful as to bayonets; however, if you can provide them also, we would have you do it.

Mr. Hanson will deliver you this and we request you will lay it out in the purchase of arms and blankets. We have not hitherto exceeded £4 5s. for a musket with a steel ramrod and bayonet, but upon this occasion would have you go as high as £4 10s. Guns which you may purchase with-out either ought not to cost so much that the necessary repairs and providing ramrods and bayonets will carry them above £4 5s., unless they are very good, in which case we will allow £4 10s. We are, &c.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO VIRGINIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Philadelphia, July 16, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Although the Council of Safety of this Colony, by a recommendation to the inhabitants to spare the lead weights from their windows, and the lead from their houses, have collected a considerable quantity, which has been run into ball, and a part of which is now on the way to the Jerseys; yet it is by no means sufficient in our present exigency. A much greater quantity is still wanted for the Army in New-Jersey, and every method should be taken to procure it; I have it therefore in charge from Congress to request you will send by the return wagons, which are now on their way to your Colony with powder, as much lead as you can spare, and that you will order fifteen or twenty tons more of lead from the mines to this city as soon as possible. The state of our affairs will not admit the least delay; and I am persuaded arguments are not necessary to induce you to a compliance with this requisition with the greatest despatch.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,

JONN HANCOCK, President.

Honourable Council of Safety, Virginia.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COLONEL FIELDING LEWIS.

Philadelphia, July 16, 1776.

SIR: The article of lead is so essentially necessary for our Army at this juncture, that the Council of Safety of this Colony have recommended to the inhabitants to spare the lead Weights from their windows, and the lead from their houses, by which means they have been furnished with a considerable quantity, which has been run into ball, and part of which is now on the way to the Jerseys. But as, under the present exigency, that quantity is far short of what is wanted for the Army in the Jerseys, and every method should be taken to collect it, I am therefore directed to request you will send by the wagons, which are now on their