of the Council of Maryland. 37

without money has give me not a little concern, a Seizure is likely
to be the consequence if so I shall wish not to be one of those men.
I find by insinuating to the People that if a sufficient supply of
Provisions for the Armey is not shortly purchased a Seizure will
take place, will deter many of them from getting there crops imme-
diately out, Your Order on M^r Baxter comes protested for want
of money

August I

[J. To^y, Chase Balt Town to Gov Lee]

Sir I have snatched a moment to inform your Excellency and
the Council that M^r Ridley will let the State have 345 Blankets and
500 Pair of Shoes. The Blankets at £ 10: a Livre on the first Cost
and the shoes at sixty four Dollars a Pair. The Blankets will aver-
age about £75...0.0 each. M^r Ridley will give us three weeks Credit
from the Time he has notice the Governor and Council will take
them but says If we cant undertake to be punctual he will not sell
them and that we must be accountable for the Deprivation of the
Money. I dont think it is probable we shall have it in our Power to
buy Blankets cheaper. The shoes are not very strong but your
Excellency and Council will consider if they can be procured on
more advantageous Terms.

August 1
Red Book
No. 29
Letter

No. 22

[J. W. Archer, Capt P. R. Annapolis to Gov. Lee.]

Sir, I am just arrived in Town from Virg^a with orders from my
commanding Officer to procure Shallops for the immediate transpor-
tation of Major Lee's Rangers to the Head of Elk. The Orders from
the board of War are absolute on the occasion. From my fatigue
I must beg the favor of you to excuse my desiring you to step down
to the Tavern where I shall be glad of your Company to eat supper
with me, & where I will give you further information

August 1
Red Book

No. 27
Letter
No. 4

[John Archer, Harford County, to His Excellency
Thomas Sim Lee]

Sir At the Request of Samuel Witherel who was committed to
the Custody of the Sheriff of Harford County as a Deserter from
Col: Proctor's Train of Artillery I beg leave to represent his Case
for y^r Excellency's Determination therein. Samuel Witherel in an
early Period of this War enlisted in Col: Proctor's Train of Artil-
lery & was taken in the Battle of Long Island & thro Necessity (as
he represents) was obliged to enlist with the British Army & de-
serted from them the first favorable oppertunity.
Sam^l Wetheral conceives that should he be compelled to join
the American Army, he apprehends that should he be so unfortunate
as to be taken by the British he must undoubtedly suffer Death as a
Deserter from them, which he thinks is hard as he made use of the

August 2