mination of Congress, and a corroborating resolve of the succeeding House of Assembly.

Pearis's house having been a rendezvous for the Indians and Scophelites, Colonel Thomas intended to attack it on Monday. We are not yet informed if he did or not; but one of our spies was there on Tuesday, and saw many of our spies about the place, and all the buildings in ashes. Whether they were burnt by friends or foes is still uncertain; if by the first, I fear Pearls will injure us much. Our men seem spirited, and very much exasperated against our enemies. They are all displeased with the people over the river for granting quarter to their prisoners, and declare they will grant none, either to Indians or white men who join them. We have just received an account that two of the Cherokee head warriors were killed in the late skirmish at Lindley's Fort.

July 19.—Cunningham and Pearls came here last night, and by the conversation of the former, I imagine he was much caressed in town. Here he was treated politely, but with reserve; the Major and myself having advised him to go home and mind his private business, at which he seemed chagrined. I am clear he had not yet given up the idea of being a man of consequence; but the friends of liberty in this part of the world are determined to have no connexion with him, and to consider him for the future merely as an individual, and not as head of any party. We have just heard from over the river, that the white people in general had quitted the Indians after the repulse at Lindley's, and were delivering themselves up to Colonel Liles. He has sent all those to Ninety-six Jail against whom there is proof of having been in the action.

I hope you will pardon the freedom with which I express my sentiments, but I look upon it as an advantage to men in power to be truly informed of the people's situation and disposition. This must plead my excuse; and believe me to be, with great respect, dear sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

FRANCIS SALVADOR.

To the Hon. Mr. Chief Justice Drayton, Charlestown.

NORFOLK (VIRGINIA) COMMITTEE.

At a meeting of the Committee of Norfolk County, July 18, 1776:

It having been made appear to the Committee for this County, held on the 20th of June last, that Bennet Armstrong had violated the ninth article of the Continental Association, which was then ordered to be published in the Gazette, and the said Armstrong this day appearing, and presenting a recantation, promising in future to give no just cause of complaint:

Resolved, That the said Bennet Armstrong, on publishing his apology in the Gazette, be recommended to the publick as a proper object of clemency.

LATIMER HOLSTEAD, Clerk pro tempore.

Whereas I have been so imprudent as to act contrary to the 9th article of the Continental Association, as well as of a Resolution of the Committee of Norfolk County, in the sale of a parcel of corn; I do now declare my sincere sorrow for the said offence, which proceeded entirely from my misunderstanding the matter; and I promise so to conduct myself in future as to give no just cause of complaint, and humbly hope the publick will accept of this acknowledgment, by again receiving me into their favour and protection.

BENNET ARMSTRONG.

Norfolk, July 18, 1776.

JOHN WEST TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Alexandria, July 18, 1776.

SIR At a meeting of the Committee for this County and District, a resolution was entered into to write to your Council of Safety, and the Committee appointed me for that purpose,

I am informed that your commanding officer or officers in each County have it not in their power to raise the Militia (on any occasion) under his or their command, without application to your Council of Safety, and instructions from them for that purpose.

Permit me to say, I apprehend many dangers may be avoided, many good consequences (in case of a sudden attack from the enemies of America) are obvious, had the commanding officers in each County on Potomack river full power to raise the Militia, and order them to march where there was a real occasion, either in your own Province or to the assistance of a sister Colony. We have been frequently alarmed with Dunmore and his banditti, with the vessels of war, paying us a visit; and when he lately made his appearance in our river, it was presumed his intention was to make this place an object worth his attention. His well known enmity to liberty, his untoward disposition towards this Commonwealth in particular, and his corrupt principles, capable of committing the most atrocious villanies, give cause to suspect his intention might be to distress this place, and the inhabitants of each side the river, by which your Province would experience the dire effects of the marauders.

Should you be attacked, and our assistance necessary, we would cheerfully obey the summons of liberty, humanity, and neighbourly affection, and fly to your assistance; we should be wanting in duty if we did not, because we are not bound up by any ordinance, nor command, but are at full liberty to exert ourselves in behalf of ourselves and in that of a sister Colony.

I hope that you and the gentlemen of your Council of Safety, will excuse this remonstrance to you, and that you will see the necessity in the same light that we do of empowering at least your commanding officers on the river to raise the Militia under their respective commands, in case of danger, and to march them where there may be a call for them. I am convinced the gentlemen and soldiers would cheerfully do it, from a principle of humanity and friendship, though the danger was more remote from them, was this request put in execution.

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

JOHN WEST, Chairman pro tem.

To the Honourable the President of the Council of Safety at Annapolis.

COLONEL DORSET TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Elkridge, July 18, 1776.

SIR: When the Elkridge Militia went from this place for Annapolis, I promised to send down an equal number on Sunday, the 21st, to relieve them; but as Captain Daniel Dorsey's company, of the Flying-Camp, will certainly be down on that day, and Captain Edward Norwood's the day following, I am at a loss to know whether you will stand in need of the Militia. Please to inform me by Mr. Larkin Dorsey, that I may take measures accordingly.

I am, with respect, your most obedient servant,

THOMAS DORSEY.

To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., President of the Council of Safety of Maryland.

N. B. Captain Norwood and Dorsey's companies will have few or no fire-arms.

CAPTAIN NICHOLSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Baltimore, July 18, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I was favoured with your orders of the 16th. I shall finish heaving down the ship this evening, and expect to sail from this on Sunday or Monday at farthest. I have been detained in caulking the ship all round. This I have sent by the small tender to wait your further orders until the ship comes down. The large tender sails this morning with the ten nineteen-pounders, shot, wads, &c.

I am, gentlemen, your most obliged humble servant to command,

JAMES NICHOLSON.

To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT ST. MARY'S.

SIR: We have received your favour of yesterday, and observe the contents. Some powder and ball we despatched to you yesterday, and shall immediately send you four field-pieces, &c. You will receive by Mr. Hopewell £300, according to your desire. You will judge what additional number of the upper Militia may be necessary, and order