In Council Annapolis 18th. May 1778.
Sir.
We have sent a Sloop of Mr. Eastman’s1 which will carry about 280 or perhaps 300 Barrels round to Mr. Magruder’s desiring Mr. Magruder to load her with Fish, unless you should give contrary Directions.2 If you had rather she should take in any other Load, you’ll lodge your Orders accordingly that there may be no Delay. We received a Letter by the last Post from Mr. Blaine,3 pressing us to forward the Provisions from this State to Charles Town, if Vessels can be got in Potomack and the River is clear, we think they had best be pushed forward— We are &ca.
LB, MdAA, Governor and Council Letterbook, 4007, S1075-6, p. 155, no. 210. Addressed at bottom: “Capt.Thos. Richardson, Geo. Town.”
1. The unnamed sloop owned by Joseph Eastman, a principal in the merchant firm of Eastman & Neth, was captained by William Middleton, who received instructions similar to those found here in a letter of this date. Ibid., no. 208.
2. On the same date the Council wrote to Enoch Magruder, who ran a fishery in Prince George’s County, repeating much of the information found here. Ibid., no 209.
3. Ephraim Blaine was Continental Deputy Commissary General of Purchases.
