In Council Annapolis 21st March 1778.
Sir.
We think it adviseable to make the Purchase of the Leather Breeches with the Deduction of 30s. a Pair as you mention. We inclose you an Order on Mr. Dallam for the 20 Blankets & 20 Pair of Shoes and Stockings, the rest to be sent to Baltimore as indeed we long ago ordered, as to the Whole which might be collected in Harford.1 We shall not be able we are apprehensive, to comply with your Request by Capt. Landsdale,2 before we get the Goods from Cambridge which were purchased below & sent thither, we have amongst them, ready made Shirts, Shoes & Stockings and some Blankets; Part of the Cloth we shall send to Baltimore. A Galley3 is gone for the Goods and we hope to be soon relieved from our Difficulties, as to every thing but Blankets—We are Sir &ca.
LB, MdAA, Governor and Council (Letter Books) 1777-1779, SM 1075-6, 4007. Addressed at the foot: "Colo. Samuel Smith." Smith was lieutenant colonel of the 4th Maryland Continental Regiment.
1. Harford County.
2. Capt. Thomas Lansdale.
3. Maryland Navy galley Independence, Capt. Bennett Mathews, commander. See Maryland Council to Robertson Stevens, 20 Mar., above.