Maryland State Archives

Summary: Smallwood expresses anger that the soldiers in Sterrett’s Baltimore militia company would not comply with his orders to provide a fifer and drummer for Smallwood’s campaign against the Eastern Shore Loyalists; he will write to the General Assembly about it; disappointed in the conduct of Lt. George Campbell.

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Summary: Smallwood writes to the President of the Council of Safety with updates about the Loyalist uprising on on the Eastern Shore. Loyalists have been active and open in their opposition to the Revolution. They have “cut down Liberty Poles, and in direct opposition thereto, have erected the Kings Standard, & in an avowed manner drank his Health and Success, & destruction to Congress...supplied the Kings Ships with Provision...advising the Soldiers of this State, & the Continent, to desert, & not only harboring, but supplying them with Arms to defend themselves against being taken. And lastly what can be expected from the Inhabitants of a Place which becomes the Reception of Deserters, escaping Prisoners, and most of the Disaffected who have been expelled the neighbouring States?” Smallwood also relates the difficulties that he has had with the Baltimore militia company commanded by Captain John Sterrett (see MSA SC 6205-1-1).

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Summary: Gibson, the commander of Fort Pitt, writes to Smallwood with information about Baron von Steuben’s orders regarding raising and reorganizing of troops to prepare for that year’s fighting in the Southern Campaign and to defend Virginia.

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Summary: Chapman askes Smallwood for instructions about returning to the army after going on furlough due to illness.

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Summary: Thomas writes to intercede on behalf of one of his former soldiers from the Fifth Independent Company, Charles Thompson, who was captured by the British at the Battle of Staten Island in 1777, was impressed into the British army, then later escaped. Thompson was blocked by the Americans from reenlisting, but has now been arrested as a deserter.

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Summary: Yeates explains problems with receipts for supply purchases from John Bullen and others, making it difficult to produce accurate returns; Mordecai Gist expressed need for quartermaster in Annapolis; James Tootell recommended but did not accept.

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Summary: Steward complains that the voters in Maryland have been mislead by the state’s political leaders; the American army is weakened; reports the location of the British, who would attack “if they Knew our true Situation.”

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Summary: Handy has petitioned the General Assembly to receive his back-pay, and would like Smallwood’s assistance securing the money he is owed.

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Summary: Steward expresses understanding at not hearing from Smallwood; describes precarious situation of artillery, intentions to reform the artillery, and the dangers of this plan.

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Summary: Price writes to Smallwood seeking a certificate of his service to help him secure his back-pay.

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