January 1-December 31, 1781 109

who it seems had a drum on board, from the Beating that & having
Top sails to their Vessels, raised an alarm on that side the river
among the people some distance below Alex^a w^ch quickly reached
that place an set them to fireing their Alarm Guns in the night & next
morning, which I had not the least Idea of before, this alarmed the
people on this side. Coll^l Addison without informing me of the
matter it seems ordered the Militia of his neighbourhood to meet
at the ferrey, many of whome I was told had met and gone home
again, but for the want of Arms could have been of no other use
than that of driving off the Stock had there been occasion for it.
In the receiving yours respecting the Enemies taking Ritchmond
I issued orders for a return of all the armes belonging to the Militia
in this county but have not had a full return yet, from what I have
had I dont think there are five arms in Order for each company in
the county. I am in hopes this small fright will convince the people
of the Necessity of having arms in their hands to defend themselves
& property, and shall Order another meeting of the militia in hopes
of raising our full Quota of Select Militia in this County.

March 6

[W. Beanes, W. Bowie, Edward Sprigg, and J. Contee, Prince
Georges County to the Governor and Council.]

As it always has been our desire and intention to perform our
duty in the office of Commissioners of the tax for this county, we
are sorry to find by yours of the first instant that we were to send
an Account of the tobacco assessment to the treasurer by the 20^th
ult. that suits might be commenced against defaulters; we shall not
attempt to excuse ourselves only by giving a short and plain State
of the fact: which was that we have not received the Law to this day,
but have been told the collector had to the tenth day of April to pay
the tobacco assessment. However on the receipt of yours we have
called on the Collector and settled with him this day and have deliv-
ered his account to be transmitted to the treasurer.

March 7

[Rich'd Dallam, Harford County]

When I left Annapolis it was my purpose to make up all my Ac-
counts with the Public for a final settlement and attempted to collect
Vouchers to have them regular. My want of money obliged me to
make so many Partial Payments I found it w^ld cost me more time
then I could take from the other Business I had to transact for the
Public and as I hoped that income of the present collection to pro-
cure them without the trouble & Expence of riding to Every mans
House to collect them I have delayed it tho my mind is much set on
the settlement of my old Accounts
All the money I have received has been expended for the public
& I am considerably in debt for my last purchase & am much Pushd
for the money to make my Brother Easey I give him an order for

March 7