Letter from John Page to Maryland Council of Safety

v5:785

Williamsburgh, Virginia, April 4, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: We have this moment received the enclosed packet, and forward it to you with all possible despatch. Its importance will be known by the following extract of the letter which enclosed it to us, dated Newbern, March 30, 1776:

"GENTLEMEN: I take the liberty to enclose to your care a packet from South-Carolina, containing despatches of the utmost importance to the Colonies, which I am directed by the Committee of Safety of that Province to send on to the Committee of Safety of the District of Newbern, requesting that you, gentlemen, will immediately forward it, by express, to the Committee of Safety of Virginia, and desire them to forward it, by express, to the Committee of Safety of Maryland, and to request that Committee to forward it, with the utmost expedition, to Philadelphia. I have given you their request in their own words, which will, no doubt, induce you to comply with their request." Signed "Cornelius Harnett," and addressed to the Committee of Safety of Newbern District.

For and by order of the Committee of Safety of Virginia, I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,

JOHN PAGE, V˙ P.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.