January 1-December 31, 1781 143

But what will more particularly claim the Attention of your Leg-
islature as of great Importance, is, the requisition for six Millions of
Dollars, that is, one Million & an half of Dollars to be paid Quar-
terly, the first quarterly Payment to be made on the first Day of
June next, the Quota of each State being apportioned in the enclosed
Act, and Payment to be made on this requisition as also the several
others therein referred to in Gold or Silver, or Bills emitted by any
of the States whatever in Pursuance of the resolutions of the 18^th
of March 1780
This Assessment is not to be considered as the Proportion of any
State, but being paid is to be adjusted & settled with Interest in
Future upon equitable Principles in the Manner expressed in the Act.
It is with reluctance that Congress is compelled to make this requi-
sition but the absolute Necessity of the Case will appear so obvious
that we presume the respective States will yield a ready & chearful
Compliance therewith to the utmost of their Power.

March 23
Red Book
No. 8
Letter 42

[James Lloyd, Talbot, to The Hon^ble the Council for the Eastern
Shore of Maryland]

I made application some time ago to the Governor and Council for
a command in the Select Militia the result of which I have not yet
been made acquainted with. Should any events take place to induce
your honorable Board to appoint the officers to the volunteers of this
shore I request the favor that my application may be remembered.
I would have it understood to be for such a Commission not under
a Majority as your Honors may think me, by the Act for embodying
the select Militia, eligible to. I served the Campaign of 1777 as
volunteer Aid de Camp to General Greene to which at that time was
annexed the rank of Major. I need not adduce any Arguments, I
presume to prove that I am, agreeable to the spirit of the abovemen-
tioned act, eligible to an appointment on this Service. I hope there
will be no doubt concerning the matter and I beg leave to assure your
Honors that the greatest favor you can do me will be your putting it
in my power to be serviceable to my Country
Your Honors will be so good as to favor me with your determi-
nation concerning my application as soon as conveniently may be
after it has been made.

March 23

[Chev. de la Luzerne, Philadelphia, to M^r Lee, Gouverneur
du Maryland]

Monsieur: Je viens de recevoir 1'annonce de 1'expedition prochaine
d'une seconde Escadre destinee a cooperer avec les forces des treize
Etats contre 1'Ennemi commun. 11 est impossible d'assigner 1'epoque
de Son arrivee sur les cotes de ce continent, mais je presume qu'elle
ne sera pas eloignee lorsque Vous recevres ma lettre. J'ai cru devoir

March 23
Brown Book

No. 7
Letter 27