14 Letters to the Governor and Council

January 12

off the Records & Publick papers, and by Intelligence from deserters,
they intend up this River to Anapolis, and Baltimore, hearing by a
Gentleman, of your State, that you have rec^d no express from Virg^a
on this head therefore take the liberty to give you this information,
that necessary steps may be taken to prevent your State having the
same unhappy fate, am told by the Express that the Goverⁿ & Deli-
gates had like to have fallen into the hands of the enemy, they have
allso destroyed the Foundery when this Express came away Gen^l
Nelson with 1500 Militia was endeavouring to cut them off from
their ships, God grant he may effect it, have only to beg you will
excuse this freedom.
[Indorsed " The within being on Publick business, of consequence
to the State of Maryland Mrs. Young is therefore requested to send
by Express."]

January 12

[S. West, To ]

I think there are State Arms in the hands of Contractors.
Peter Keener of Baltimore
Peter Lettigg I believe of Balt.
James Mey for 50. delivered 15. q^r of Hartford
Jacob Reaser of Frederick County
Jacob Schley for 10 Rifles p^r Contract. Frederick
Nicholas White of Fred^k Town
John Yost Fred^r or Montgomery County.

January 13

[John Smith Brookes, U Marlbro, to The Hon^ble The Governor
& Council]

I have to acknowledge the Rec^t of 50 bush^ls of salt sent me by the
Waggons. 25 of which agreeable to your orders shall be forwarded
to M^r Beall at George Town as soon as a Cart or Waggon can be
procured.
I lament the quality of the Salt, apprehending there is danger in
curing meat with it, however I shall make use of the greater quan-
tity. I have not been able to receive more than one thousand weight
of meat arizing from the want of salt, do not suppose the quantity
sent me will be sufficient and therefore by you will forward me
another load as soon as possible. I fear it will be difficult to engage
Beef on the hoof as the hide & taller seem to be an object of much
Consequence to the sellers. I hope to get a good deal to be salted

January 13

[Matt. Ridley, Annapolis, to the Governor and Council]

You having been pleased this day to promise your exdeavours
to procure me a Bill of Exchange for £46,281 Continental Cur-
rency due Ridley & Pringle when the Exchange of Bills was forty
five for one I take the liberty of having this Letter to serve as a