Letter from Colonel Gist to the Maryland Council of Safety, resigning his commission

v6:1193

GENTLEMEN: According to orders from Brigadier-General Buchanan, I have endeavoured to get the account of the effective arms in Soldiers' Delight Battalion, but could not obtain any but from three companies, which you will find enclosed; and I believe there is not above forty in the other companies fit for service.

Saturday last being field-day of the said battalion, I attended, when some of the men laid down their arms, declaring they would not do duty under any other Field Officers but what they had recommended to the last Convention. I being loath to blow the spark into a flame of contention, and for the sake of peace and unity, beg leave to resign; and am your Honours' most obedient servant,

THOMAS GIST.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety.