of the Council of Maryland. 59

be cancerous, in which Case, the utmost precautions shoud be used, .
and the best advice be had upon the occasion, as soon as possible.
I presume also to say, that I think an immediate Journey to the
northward, in order to avoid the diseases of the present season,
which might hasten its progress, woud contribute in no small degree
to her relief W. Rogers
Kent County Maryland Aug^t 25^th 1780

August 24

[Matt. Ridley, Baltimore to J. H. Stone Esqr.]

Sir I was cluely favored with his Excellencys Letter of the 7^th
Currt Yours of the 16^th was received in my Absence.
Capt Berry never applied for the Goods, or they would have been
sent by him.
In the Account rendered there is a mistake in the quantity of
Shoes as you will see by the Acco^t now sent which makes the am^t
£41. 281...17.. 6. There are Still fifty pair of Shoes over the 700
which I must beg the favor of you to order up here as they were
reserved for a particular purpose. M^r Pringle not knowing the cir-
cumstance sent the whole down
The 12 l^bs Thread shall be delivered to your Order. I must take
the liberty to remind the Gentlemen of the Council that I expect
strict punctuality in the payment for these Goods. They are charged
at the same price which I sell to Shopkeepers to retail & who pay the
money. M^r Chase knows my reason for selling them to the State
was solely to render a Service, having known several Instances
where the Agents have been obliged to buy of those I had sold to
with a heavy advance; being thus actuated I rely on Council to pre-
vent me suffering
M^r Chase & myself had some Conversation about a purchase of
Linnens, in which I offered my Service; but if I undertake any busi-
ness of the kind I must be furnishd with money. Indeed I offered
to do the Agents business for the Troops generally provided I could
be enabled to fulfill the Engagements I entered into, without which
I must suffer as a Merchant. To be candid my own business takes up
much of my time, and I am therefore not sollicitous for the State
business farther than that if by devoting some of it, I could render
any service to the public it would give me pleasure.
In consequence of M^r Chase's request about Linnens I wrote to
Phil^a At that time none were to be procured. I am informed a prize
is carried in there with some on board. But nothing can be done
without cash.

August 24

[Chas Blake Corsica to His Excellc'y Thos. Sim Lee Esqr]

Sir I receiv'd y^r Excellency's order on our Collector and shall
in a few days make a return of what wheat I have got the private

August 25