of the Council of Maryland. 167

more. I hope to have a supply very soon no wheat to be had under
£25 part of what is gone I have got at that price and some yet to
go that was got at 22.10

October 31

[William Smallwood, Camp New Providence to Gov. Lee]

Sir Since my Last Nothing material has occurred except a Great
Scarcity of Provision. Col^o Polk has not even supplied the Regular
Troops. Our principal Subsistance has been brought in by Detach-
ments, which they took from the Disaffected who have gone over
to the Enemy, and I have now not less than Two Hundred Men
employ'd on that Duty which is the only prospect of supplying the
Troops till the Late Provision Act for collecting the specific Tax in
Provision is more effectually carried into Execution, which I fear
at last will not afford an ample Supply; in addition to what Pur-
chases can be made. Forage is also much exhausted, and cannot
long be procured for any considerable Force, Plundering prevails
to an amazing Degree by Persons who go under the Denomination
of Volunteers. Your Proclamation restraining these infamous Prac-
tice, and offering Terms to the Tories, before they obtain Intelli-
gence of the Enemys Landing in Virginia, might have as I wrote
you before a Salutary Effect. The British two Days ago were
encamped at Lee's Mill, said to be fifteen Miles below the Cross
Roads. From this place, Roads lead to the Westward Congaree,
Charles Town, and Camden, from which no just Conclusion can be
drawn of their Destination, or Views. I shall be happy to see you
on with the Continental Troops as soon as they can be equipped.
The Present Aspect of our Affairs seems inauspicious. The Enemy's
late Descent in Virginia, together with our defenceless Situation
and want of Resources, is truely alarming. Pray what has become
of the French Fleet? unless something is to be expected from them,
our Situation must become ineligible. General Sumpter lies high
up on the South Side of the Catawba, he writes me his Number is
very inconsiderable; the Georgians have not join'd him as he ex-
pected. The other Party, who defeated Ferguson, are dispersed
and gone Home, except the Escort with the Prisoners. You will
be so obliging to continue to forward any further Intelligence you
may receive respecting the Enemy, or other Material Transactions
N B. Axes and intrenching Tools are much Wanting

October 31
Brown Book
No. 2
Letter
No. 73

[Jno Reid Fort Frederick to Gov Lee]

Sir I would thank Your Excellency to give Capt. Jacobs an
order on M^r Muir for Cloth enough for a Suit of Cloaths for
myself & Officers being much in want & will very much Oblige

October 31