140 Journal and Correspondence

October 8

the Millers not to sepperate the midlings from the fine Flour it will
be a saving to the state, till I know your pleasure respecting it. the
Wheat in general is fine and the best Judges amongst us say that the
Bread made of the coarse & fine mixed will be very good I have
directed that no Flour be received from those that pay Flour, but
what is merchantable you will be pleased to inform me whether you
would the whole of the wheat manufactured into merchantable Flour
or wether part may be mixed with the middlings as above mention'd
and what proportion, as soon as I am favour'd with your commands
I shall pay due attention, it gives me much Pain that the Business
I am engaged in is not more forward but I can safely declare that
I have assiduously exerted my abilities to answer your Expectations
& desires, and that I shall not be wanting in my endeavours to dis-
charge the trust reposed in me.

October 8
Red Book
No. 26
Letter
No. 53

[Rich'd Dallam Harford County to His Excellency
Thomas Sim Lee Esqr]

Sir I had the Honor to receive Your Excellencys several Letters
of the 26^th Ultimore of the 6^th Ins^t I am now engaged in preparing
my different Returns as Required for the General Assembly and will
if Possible have them ready in time. The first sum of New money
sent me I have still on hand it being in no Credit & will not be taken
for any thing I want to purchase.
I have been so much confined at my Office that it was out of my
Power to Visset the Farmers myself for the purpose of Purchasing
Wheat &c but from the Accounts rendred me from different Persons
I have sent out on that Business. I find that neither Wheat nor Beef
can be procured without Cash & the price asked is much higher than
I can think myself Justifiable in giving had I money to give, I am
at a loss to know what steps must be taken to Compell payment of
the 15 p C^t. Tax from those Classes which did not procure substi-
tutes The Law I apprehend does not order Executions to be Issued
untill the recruits were enlisted tho it certainly was the intention of
the Legislator that they should therefore should be glad to have your
Excellencys directions.

The Attention of our Farmers lime has been taken up with their

Fruits so that very Little grain is yet thrash'd but I am in hopes in a
few weeks their Wheat will be ready for market & if I can be fur-
nish'd with such money as they will take I may be able to procure a
considerable Quantity
What Cattle I have shall forward immediately & I hope I shall
be able to Procure 40 head by next week as I shall stake the re-
mains of my Property as security for payment but should be much
obliged If your Excellency will let me know the most that I ought
to allow or what is given by others I know I must exceed 90£ p C^t