Charles Carroll to Maryland Council of Safety

v4:1195

Mount-Clare, February 19, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I had this morning some conversation with Doctor Weesenthall, and enclosed I send you what he wrote me in consequence of it. I do not recollect that we have any power, on removal of the troops, to increase his salary.

v4:1196

The drugs are, he tells me, valued at one hundred and fifty pounds, currency, on the first cost.

I mentioned to him that, as he might have occasion for some assistants, and there were many young gentlemen that offered themselves, we expected he would examine them, and pitch on such as he thought best qualified, which he agreed to do. I think, therefore, that it may not be improper to send him the names of such as stand on the list. As we have some men in Annapolis that were taken by Colonel Smallwood and Captain Thomas, for the Annapolis Artillery Company, I thought it would be necessary they should have some officer of that company to overlook them, and spoke to Captain Fullford to go to Annapolis, as soon as he possibly could, or to send his Second Lieutenant, Mr˙ Massenbaugh. As it was not convenient for Captain Fullford to go immediately, he told me he would send that gentleman.

Mr˙ Harrison has since been with me, and from him I understand that the gentlemen of the Committee of Baltimore town find that gentleman very necessary to them in erecting their fortification, and would be extremely glad his attendance at Annapolis could be for some time dispensed with. I know of no expedient we can fall upon to spare him to them for any lime, but by directly appointing the Third Lieutenant for the Annapolis Company, as some officer will certainly be wanting to take care of the men now in the city. Pray let me know your determination on this head, and I will immediately acquaint the gentlemen with it. I have consented that Mr˙ Massenbaugh should stay at Baltimore town till I hear from you.

I am, most respectfully, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant,

CHARLES CARROLL.

To the Honourable Council of Safety.