January 1-December 31, 1781 141

acquainted with his Duty as a Sea officer, but whose Integrity attach-
ment and unexceptionable Character renders Him in our Judgment
a Proper Person to carry it into execution. He proposes to build a
Barge about 50 feet by the Keel, to carry about 60 men, and a 24
Pounder in her Head. He informs us he can Procure such a Gun
that will weigh less than an 18 Pounder, and that such a Barge could
be built for 150£ hard money. He further informs us that he will,
without fee or Reward superintend the Building of such a Vessel if
the Measure should be thought adviseable, and that he is of opinion
he could procure the necessary hands if he could be furnished with
the means of Punctual Payment. That this or some other Defensive
Measure is necessary our Distresses clearly evince, and should your
excellency and Council Judge such a Plan expedient we hope it will
be adopted.

March 21
Red Book

No. 29
Letter 46

[Chas. Blake, Queens Town, to His Excel: Tho^s S. Lee Esquire]
(Favors of the Hon. Sam^l Wright Esq^r)

I have the honour to inform y^r Excel: that the quantity of Meat
desir'd in y^r letter of the 7^th of this instant is obtain'd 2090 pounds
of salt pork and bacon the rest beef on the hoofe except 1802
pounds of beef killed before I had intelligence of the Enimys Ves-
sels, which is well salted. What remains on the hoofe I shall keep
so till farther orders least it should spoil. I have about seventy bar-
rels besides the above, reddy to send off when order'd. None of the
provisions are on the water they are at three miles distance. The
Vessel prest by y^r warrant has gone off, and by information is taken,
I hope when the Owner returns you will enable me to make an ex-
ample of him to prevent others from doing the same

March 22

[John Smith Brookes, Upper Marlbro, to The Honb^e The Governor
& Council.] (p Mr. Lansdale)

I did myself the honour to write you a few lines by Captⁿ True-
man two days agoe praying your instructions respecting the Beef
which I seized in Consequence of your orders. I have with great
labour and pains procured the quantity you requested, and am very
anxious to have your directions respecting it, and pray you again to
write me on the subject. My Demands for money is very great, and
the people I have heretofore purchased of, complain of me very
loudly, pray if its in your power furnish me with about 500£ State
Currency. I am indebted about that sum I am very anxious to hear
from you

March 22

[Rich'd Henderson, Bladensburgh, to Gov. Lee.]

The bearer M^r Mungo Fairly, who I believe associated, but re-
fused to swear to support the Independance of the State, expecting
to pass the greatest part of his life where he was born, in Scotland,

March 22