they returned to the main without loss. By the best advice I can get from the prisoners and many deserters, the whole fleet does not intend to stay here longer than those up the Potomack come down, which they expect every day. Captain Beall, who was wounded in the first engagement, is recovering fast. I am, &c.,

THOS. PRICE.

N. B. I yesterday sent under a small guard a prisoner to Annapolis, taken yesterday, and three deserters, one of them an officer of Dunmore's, who made his escape with an old man who is very sick and not able to travel. I believe they are well pleased they have made their escape. One of them went from Annapolis, who says Caton was privy to his and others going on board the Fowey while she lay there. Please to pay this express.

B. HOOE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Chingoteague, July 26, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I did myself the honour of writing you on the 19th instant by Mr. Crockett. Some days after that time, I purchased about one hundred hogsheads of tobacco, sixty of which I have actually received, and since making the purchase the whole of the flour has arrived. I have examined a good deal of it, and find it is in such a state as will not admit of its being stored any length of time in expectation of a sale. I shall, therefore, endeavour to sell or ship it without delay. If I cannot do better, I must have the schooner John examined and valued and send her off with it, for it will soon perish here, and there is a good chance of selling it very high if it can be expeditiously pushed to market. The brig will sail in twelve days, by which time Captain Martin has engaged to return. If he does not, I must send her without him, as it is not in my power to attend here longer.

The two chests of arms and nine bales of sailcloth the Captain has delivered since the Committee of Worcester wrote you of the deficiency. The powder yet remains, twelve whole barrels of shot, four and a half barrels of which he says was put on board for the vessel's use.

Captain Martin appears very anxious to be commissioned. Of this I can say nothing, as he is a stranger to me, except that the men enter and act more cheerfully where they have a chance of sharing a prize; but how proper it may be to grant commissions to vessels carrying cargoes must be submitted to you.

I have the honour to be, your Honours' most obedient servant,

B. HOOE.

To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.

CAPTAIN DARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Queen Anne's County, July 26, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Mr. Jackson waits on you with two copies of my muster-roll, agreeable to the resolve of the Convention. I can't say but I am a good deal distressed at the uneasiness of our people. They throw themselves out of business by entering into the service, and many of them have not holes to put their heads in, and are perpetually teasing me about it. They are prodigiously anxious to be provided for with arms. They really labour under great disadvantages at present. If possible, I make no doubt but you will soon supply us. It certainly would be vastly agreeable to, gentlemen, your very humble servant,

JOHN DARNES.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.

COLONEL BARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Camp at Cherry Fields, July 26, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I am informed that Colonel Kent, who was appointed by the Convention to command the Defence, declines the acceptance of the command. I shall therefore take the liberty to recommend Captain George Cooke as a proper person to command the Defence, knowing that Captain Richardson's opinion was, that neither of the gentlemen on board the Defence was sufficiently qualified to take the command. Captain George Cooke has served on board the English Navy for seven years, and has been in several engagements, and I think well qualified for the business. I have had an opportunity of finding him to be a man of undaunted courage since I have been in these parts. As Colonel Plater is well acquainted with Captain George Cooke, and I suppose some others of the Council, I shall say no more about him further than that I thought it my duty to prevent his passing unnoticed, if in my power.

I remain, gentlemen, your humble servant,

RICHD. BARNES.

To the Honourable Council of Safety.

B. BRACCO TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Port-Tobacco, July 26, 1776.

DEAR SIR: I have sent the bearer, Sergeant Smith, express to inform you that the small-pox has broken out among the men under my command here, and hope you will be kind enough, by his return, to let me have instructions in what manner I am to act—whether immediately to inoculate the remainder of the men, or remove them out of the way. I think the latter would be of no effect, as the man who communicated the infection was a day and a night in company with all the soldiers here. Some combed his hair, and others slept with him. He was a man that called himself a deserter from Lord Dunmore, and produced a pass from the Committee of Essex County, in Virginia. I have spoken to Dr. Browne, who had the care of the fellow, and he says he thinks he was inoculated.

I am, sir, with the greatest gratitude, your most obedient humble servant,

B. BRACCO.

To James Tilghman, Esq., at Annapolis.

COLONEL HAWKINS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Charles County, July 26, 1776.

DEAR SIR: On the 18th instant, I received orders from Brigadier-General Dent to select from the interior parts of my battalion three companies of Militia, to be composed of men out of different companies, and despatch them to St. George's River, to relieve the Militia collected there at that time. Agreeable to order, I set out immediately, and had two of the companies raised the next day, commanded by Captain Parnham and Captain John Harrison; the other was not raised till the 20th, and was commanded by Captain McPherson. Parnham's company, which was foremost, got down to St. George's, or within a small distance of it, before great part of the fleet sailed up Potomack, and have been detained there ever since. The other two companies were ordered to return and watch the motions of the enemy, and to prevent their landing or plundering the inhabitants. And I have the satisfaction of informing you that our Militia have prevented the enemy from landing or plundering, if they intended it, and that we have sustained no damage, except the loss of a couple of boats, and the fleet have gone down the river again this day. I received a line yesterday evening from Captain Parnham, informing that several of his men are sickly, and desires that others may be sent to their relief; but that he is willing to stay as long as it may be necessary. And he pressed me much to send him a small supply of cash, as it is a shocking place to be at, especially without money, and many of his company are very poor. I must therefore request that you will appoint some person to adjust the accounts of my battalion, and be pleased to send the cash for the payment of the companies, and the necessary expenses, by Mr. Henry Massey Hanson, that I may be able to comply with the request of Captain Parnham; and, for further particulars, must beg leave to refer you to Mr. Hanson.

I am, very respectfully, dear sir, your obedient humble servant,

J. HAWKINS.

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

FREDERICK COUNTY COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

In Committee of Lower District of Frederick County,

July 26, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Understanding that there is a vacancy for a Major in the battalion for this County, we take the liberty to recommend Major Richard Crabb to you for that office. We are convinced as well of Major Crabb's attachment to the cause of America, as of his economy, fortitude, and manly resolution, and doubt not but his own merit will fully justify the appointment.

We are, gentlemen, your humble servants.

By order:

SAML. W. MAGRUDER, Chairman.

To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.