Captain Beall was dangerously wounded in the shoulder with a ball (as he says) from a rifle, which has rendered him incapable of duty.

I shall endeavour to keep the post we are at present at, if possible; if not, I shall retreat to the woods, about half a mile. From a report we had given us yesterday, they are constructing another vessel like the above, and that they intend attacking us on the Potomack side. I think, from all appearances, the fleet will continue some time; if so, some cannon and swivels will be absolutely necessary, to dislodge the men they have landed on the Island.

With what assistance we can give in this quarter, I think five hundred of the Militia of the upper battalion will be full enough to oppose the enemy. We have now, at different posts, about six hundred men.

For further particulars, I refer you to Mr. Hopewell, by whom this goes express. He will also inform you of the difficulties we labour under in getting provisions for the men, without money to pay for it immediately. Three hundred pounds, I think, would be sufficient.

Colonel Barnes, with his battalion, is on the other side of the river, watching the motions of the enemy there.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,

JEREMIAH JORDAN.

To the Honourable the Council of Safely of Maryland,

R. HOOE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Chingoteague, July 17, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: On my way to this place, I heard that two of our flour vessels were at Annemessick. I called to know their situation, and found there was no chance of escaping the enemy, if they attempted to get into the Potomack. Under these circumstances there appeared no better method of getting the flour here, than by carting it from Annemessick to Pocomoke, bringing it in a craft some distance up the river, landing it again, and carting it over to the inlet. For this purpose, I directly engaged carts on both sides of the river, and a craft in Pocomoke; but to this moment I have received no more than seventy-eight barrels. The Baltimore, I am told, will be here on Monday, but from what I have experienced, I do not expect it so soon.

Mr. Crocket informs me that three vessels more have come off with flour. I have inquired, but can get no tidings of them; however, I still hope they are safe in some harbour; but shall not count upon them for part of this cargo. When I shall be able to despatch the brigantine I cannot say, this being the most uncertain and difficult place to do business in that ever I experienced. There is no corn, but such as lies much scattered, at great distances, in small quantities, and at extravagant prices. Tobacco I find very scarce, and lying in much the same manner; indeed, any that I have yet seen is ordinary, and they ask twenty and twenty-five shillings, Virginia money, for it. But this article must be our dependance, and I shall, as expeditiously as possible, ship as much of the best as I can find, as will, with the flour, put the brig in a light load, and send her off.

As to the schooner John, I decline loading her for account of the Province; and as soon as I can have the pleasure of waiting on the Council of Safety, I will give them satisfactory reasons why it ought not to be done.

The muskets, powder, sulphur, and swivels, still lie in a very dangerous situation, in an old shattered house. I therefore thought it prudent to send an express to the Worcester Committee, to hire carts to get it away, and they have accordingly got all the articles to Snow-Hill, except a few barrels of sulphur, that will be removed to-morrow.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your Honours' most humble servant,

R. HOOE.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.

CAPTAIN BARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

July 17, 1776.

In a letter written to your Honours by Captain Elliot and myself, praying a reinforcement to be sent to our assistance, we omitted to mention the want of powder and ball, which we stand in great need of, not having above one quarter of a pound of powder and one pound of lead per man, for the Militia on the Island. And if your Honours think fit to order any companies to our assistance, I hope you will order ammunition for them, as well as for the company on the Island.

I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant,

THOMAS BARNES, Jun.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety.

JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Baltimore, July 17, 1776.

SIRS: I have not received the money for the order sent me by Captain Nicholson, for £250. I have sent Mr. George Wells, Sen., with it. If he should meet with any difficulty, please let Mr. Cromwell, your clerk, assist him; and if you have any order for me concerning bread or flour, please write. I have been these two days getting timber for the galleys. Please not to let him come without the cash.

From your humble servant,

JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH.

GORDON AND PATTON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Baltimore, July 17, 1776.

We, the subscribers, do propose to make knapsacks, with oil covers, at seven shillings each; country linen knapsacks, at six shillings each; and Rusisa duck knapsacks, at six shillings and six pence each, provided we get a quantity.

JOHN GORDON,

MATTHEW PATTON.

WILLIAM WATERS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Somerset County, July 17, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: The Militia is called into action, and have been for some time. The field officers say they cannot supply them, without being supplied with a small sum of money. We have dealt on credit for some time, but find it necessary to have a small sum. If you can supply us with about £300, this Committee will be answerable for it. The bearer, Mr. Denwood, will bring the money safely.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,

WILLIAM WATERS, Chairman Committee.

To the Honourable Council of Safety, Annapolis.

WILLIAM WATERS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Somerset County, July 17, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: The enclosed is an extract of the Proceedings of our Committee against James Layfield. Have sent him up under guard to you.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,

WILLIAM WATERS, Chairman.

At a meeting of the Committee of Somerset County, July 10, 1776:

David McDonald, Jun., informed the Committee, on oath, that he was told by his father and wife, that they heard James Layfield say that he wanted this deponent to join and take the ammunition from Lazarus Maddox, which he was carrying to the Guard; and that his father and wife told him that said Layfield told them that he would tie said Maddox, and carry him aboard of Dunmore.

Ordered, That James Layfield appear on Tuesday next, before the Committee; also that David McDonald, Sen., and Sarah McDonald, (wife of David McDonald,) appear before said Committee, to testify against said Layfield.

Tuesday, July 16, 1776.

The Committee met. Present: Thomas Bruff, Thomas Haywood, William Waters, George Waters, John Jones, Daniel Dashiell, James Bounds, and Peter Waters.

THOMAS BRUFF, in the Chair.

James Layfield appeared before the Committee. David McDonold and Sarah McDonald also appeared.

The Committee proceeded to examine the witnesses. They depose as follows: David McDonald, Sen., of lawful age, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith: That, some time in June last, James Layfield came to this deponent's house, and said, if he had had help, he would have taken the ammunition that Lazarus Maddox had carrying down to the