| Handwritten letter (retained copy), William Smallwood to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Snow Hill, MD, 14 March, 1777. 3-pages, 8"x12".
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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