Colonel Smallwood to Maryland Council of Safety

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COLONEL SMALLWOOD TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Annapolis, January 27, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I observe the gentlemen of the Convention have allowed the soldiers as a uniform, hunting-shirts, but no spatterdashes, which renders the regimentals incomplete; this they certainly have not adverted to, otherways am persuaded they must have seen the impropriety of allowing one and not the other, for you must be sensible that clean spatterdashes as well as hunting-shirts, must cover a multitude of blemishes in the dress and appearance of the regiment, which I would most earnestly wish to appear as respectable, and to become as formidable as might be, under our present disadvantageous situation respecting military matters; this, therefore, I hope you will take under consideration. Flatter myself, as the expense will be trifling, you will be induced to purchase as much osnaburghs, or (what will be much better, if to be had,) Russia sheeting as will answer this purpose.

I know the publick business is very pressing, and that you will be much engaged, yet I must entreat you to purchase what cloths are to be had in Baltimore, suitable for soldiers clothing; also, sail-duck, for tents. The men inlisled must be very bare, as the Captains are continually pressing me to know how they are to be furnished with clothes, urging that they cannot march them to their station till clad.

Intrenching tools, &c˙, imagine may be made here at any time.

I think you must judge it essentially necessary to request Mr˙ Johnson, or some other of our Congress members, to write General Washington to send us a good Adjutant or two, for the use of the Province in general, who, as an encouragement, might be allowed more than the common wages.

I am, with much diffidence, gentlemen, your very obedient, humble servant,

W˙ Smallwood.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety.