January 1-December 31, 1781 13

purpose of forming ourselves into a Troop of Light Dragoons on
the Terms prescribed by the Law; and we take the Liberty to recom-
mend Doct^r Philip Thomas to be commissioned as Captain, & John
Ross Key Esq^r as Lieut to the Troops by your Excellency and the
Honorable Council, we shall use every exertion to equip ourselves
with all possible expedition and shall acquaint your Excellency & the
Honble Council as soon as we have everything ready.
We have deferred recommending a person for Cornet until the
number of subscribers is increased.

January 11
Red Book
No. 28
Letter 31

[Rich^d Conway, Alexandria, to Gov. Lee and Council]
(p^r Mr. Langdon)

I Received the Eighty Thousand Dollars by M^r Langdon which
you have Credit for, and would Acknowledged it By the Post, But
Expected Langdon to have gone over Before this. I hope it will be
Convenient to send the Ballance by him, which is Realy wanted

January 12

[Geo. P. Keeports, Baltimore, to Gov. Lee.]
(Favd By Mr. S. Steward)

I Received your Letter dated yesterday and shall be Attentive to
the Contents your Excell^y will Please to send me up some Conti-
nental Money as it is Impossible for me to Get Workmen to do any-
thing for New money

January 12
Red Book
No. 30
Letter 126

[Geo. Murdock, Fred Town, To Governor Lee]

The Twenty Hogsheads of Tobacco by Doct^r Schnebely I have
rec^d, which I hope to be in cash for in a few days, at the price I
mention'd in my last, However that will be very insufficient for the
demands here, as I still can make but little or no use of the new
money. I am sorry to inform your Excellency that our Stock of meat
is now almost out and that I apprehend but a small quantity more can
be collected in this County. I have Rec^d no assistance from the lower
Countys except Montgomery Six small Cattle, every exertion in my
power shall be made use of, for the Accommodation of the Guard
& Prisoners here

January 12

[John Peyton, Hooe's Ferry on Potomack to Gov. Lee]

As a friend to the cause of America think it my duty to warn my
Countrymen of the danger that may threaten them within my knowl-
edge; Give me leave to inform you Sir, that having the honor to
command the Militia of the county of Gloster, on my way in return-
ing from Baltimore, met at this place an Express in persuit of me by
which I am inform'd, the traitor Arnold with about 16 or 1800
troops under his command, entered the town of Richmond, on friday
last, destroyed all the publick buildings with four Stores, carrying

January 12