January 1-December 31, 1781 113

I wish therefore to have directions what to do with them by the
Return of our post at farthest, and at sometime hope I may be fur-
nished either with the Cash I have mentioned above or an order on
our Collector, as I am considerably in arrears I am daily presS^td
for it.
Col^o Fitzhugh & D^r Johnson informs me they had made appli-
cation for me to the appointment of Auctioneer for this county,
under an Act of the last General Assembly, I'm not yet acquainted
with the Tenor of the Act, but should the appointment be not en-
gaged to any other person & your Excellency & the Council are
inclined to commission me I will very thankfully accept it

March 8
Red Book
No. 27
Letter 40

[Robt. F. Hooe, Alexandria, to Gov. Lee.] (favor of Capt. Conway)
I was in hopes to have had it in my power to give Your Excel-
lency an agreeable Acc^t of both Cornwallis & Arnold before this, but
by our latest advices I am afraid the former will make good his
retreat — the latter I think must fall into our hands, as by this time
there must be a very great Militia force upon his back, and if the
french fleet continue to block him up, he must shortly surrender for
want of Provisions, being as we are informed in great want. Capt.
Conway has two Vessells fitting out here in w^ch I am interested & the
expence & difficulty of getting Commissions from Richmond being
very great, I have to beg the favor of Your Excellency to grant
them at Annapolis, and I will see the Bonds executed and punctually
return'd from this place.

March 9
Red Book
No. 28
Letter 47

[R. Purviance, W. Patterson, M. Ridley Baltimore, to
James McHenry Esq^r.]
In consequence of Your Letter dated March 6^th 1781 to the Mer-
chants of Baltimore stating the difficulties that may possibly arise
respecting the Troops at the Head of Elk a meeting of this body
was held to day when we had the honor of being appointed a Com-
mittee to transact the bussiness on the present occassion.
We are authoriS^td to assure you in their names that no exertions
within the compass of their abilities shall be wanting to expedite the
enterprize of Major General the Marquiss de la Fayette & the mili-
tary Subordinate to him, they being warmly dispoS^td to aid & give
immediate energy to his operations against the common Enemy.
And on the application of the commanding officer to us for any
articles, which tho' necessary to furnish the Detachment Government
cannot procure on the present emergency, the Merchants here will
give their best assistance to obtain them.
We woud however suggest the expedience of giving us timely
notice of such deficiencies as some Articles are always difficult to be
procur'd even for Cash —
All the Vessels in the harbour have already been sent to the Head
of Elk. (See page 115)
True copy. J. B. Cutting, Sec^y

March 9
Red Book
No. 28
Letter 59

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