of the Coimcil of Safety, 1776. 147

Militia. The Powder and arms were sent some days ago to
Annapolis which we hope will be attended with no Inconveni-
ence. We have not the least Doubt but every thing in your
Power will be done in the best manner for the publick Service
and the preservation of every part of the united States. Mary-
land to be sure must be a principal object of your attention
and we hope considering the Spirit and Alacrity which all
ranks of men have shewn, whenever Occasion required their
service, that our Coast will be secure against the Ravages of
Dunmore and his rascally Gang of Pirates. We have nothing
lately from Ticonderoga. The enemy do not stir from Staten
Island 8 ships arrived there a few days ago but whether they
brought soldiers or not we have not heard. Gen^l Washington
has now a considerable strength at N. York, but there are
only 3,000 men in Jersey, where there ought to be at least
10,000. Col. Smallwood is at New York. We have no doubt
but the subsistence money will be readily paid, and we wish
every necessary which can be had may be furnished the militia
before they march. Money will be advanced to them now if
they need it. Hunting Shirts will be a convenient & good
uniform if they can be had. We shall at all Times give you
the earliest Information of all important Occurrences, and shall
with pleasure execute your commands.
And have the honor to be
Your mo. obed^t Serv^t
T. Stone.

P. S. My brothers are engaged in other business and the
Post is going, so that their signatures must be dispensed with.
T. S.
Phil^a July 30. 1776. The Honble. Council of Safety
of Maryland.

[Chase to Council.]

Philadelphia July 30^th 1776.
Gentlemen. I this Moment received the enclosed Letter
from Colonel Stricker, and send it to you for your orders to
him.
If you think proper to grant him the Liberty of enlisting
into the German Battalion from the Companies raised for the
flying Camp, it might promote the service, as the former are
enlisted for three years & the latter only till December, I am
sensible Difficulties will occur.
Arms and blankets are as necessary as Men, but an account
should be transmitted to your Board.
Unless you give orders as to the Quantity and Mode of sub-
sistance, I am afraid great extravagance will happen.

Original.