of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 315

P. S. Saturday Morn^g April 6^th we are sorry to inform
you that we have this Instant received Intelligence that Hud-
son's Ship was taken last Wednesday morning by two Tenders
belonging to the Otter. We are apprehensive that we have
likewise lost one of our Provincial Vessels.

[Calvert Committee to Council.]

At a meeting of the Committee of observation for Calvert
County at the Court house in Prince Frederick Town on Sat-
urday the 6^th April 1776, were present eight members, M^r
Benjamin Mackall in the Chair.
Resolved, that the Council of Safety be informed, that this
Committee have received a barrell of gunpowder, said to con-
tain ninety three pounds and three quarters of a pound, and a
parcel of lead shot said to weigh 495 1/2 pounds, from the
Committee of Charles County. That they have collected from
Individuals, powder lead and flints to the amount of thirteen
pounds currency, which they distributed amongst the Militia
of this County at the different alarms. Sign^d p^r order,
E. Johnson Clk.

[Charles Lee to Purviance.]

Williamsburg April 6^th 1776.
D^r Sir. I know not to whom I can address this most
important note with so much propriety and assurance of suc-
cess as to yourself, the crisis will not admit of ceremony and
procrastination. I shall therefore irregularly address you in
the language and with the spirit of one bold determined free
citizen to another, and conjure you as you value the liberties
and rights of the community of which you are a member, not
to lose a moment, and in name (if my name is of consequence
enough) to direct the commanding officer of your troops at
Annapolis immediately to seize the person of Governor Eden,
the sin and blame be on my head. I will answer for all to the
congress, the justice and necessity of the measure will be
best explained by the paquet transmitted to you by the Com-
mittee of Safety from this place. God Almighty give us wis-
dom and vigor in this hour of tryal. adieu
D^r Sir, Yours most sincerely Charles Lee.
To Samuel Purviance Esq^r chairman of the Committee.

C. S. C.