January 1-December 31, 1781 157

it a very Difficult matter for the Troops to Cross either at the lower
Ferry or Hammonds as there is not a Scow here fitting to Receive
a loaded Waggon, and the Boats at Hammonds is so Crasey that I
have sent all the Waggons with the Flour by Elk Ridge Landing
which is the only way the Troops can come with safety as it is Im-
possible for Scows to Cross at the lower Ferry either in a Fresh
Brees or high Swell, and the Difference in the Distance by the Land-
ing do's not exceed five Miles.

April i

[Edw'd Gaither, Jr., Commissary of Provisions, for A. A. County,
Elk Ridge, to Gov. Lee]

Please to send me p the bearer hereof an Order on the Treasury
for some money to buy flour Barrells, some of the Mills are full of
wheat, and cannot grind any untill I can get Barrells. I cannot get
them without money the Coopers will not trust the Public.

April i

[Stephen West, Upper Marlbro to Gov. Lee.]

I did myself the Honour to write to your Excellency yesterday by
the Charles County Carts, & at the same time sent the Paper I had
bespoke of M^r Bowie with some Ink powder & other small articles
that I believe were wanted & woud be approved of I also mentioned
150 pair of good Strong English shoes that I had perswaded M^r
Bowie to Consent to let go at 13/ if wanted — and there is some very
good Russia Sheeting & other Linnins here which perhaps may be
had. The 30 Stand of Arms which were lodged here for the Marlbro
Militia were ordered down the River Patuxent This Morning — so
that this whole Neighbourhood is without Arms — this will be repre-
sented to you by the Gentlemen in & about Marlbro requesting your
Assistance as to Arms & Accoutrements.
1/2 past 12 oClock. A Letter from Col. Lyles this moment dated
2 Hours ago at Piscataway. " We have certain Intelligence that the
Enemy are under full sail up the River (Potowmack) the last Ac-
counts (which may be depended on) they were opposite to Crane
Island & in all probability are by this time at the Mouth of Piscataway
Creek — their force are 3 ships 1 Brig or Snow & several sloops &
schooners. We request your immediate Assistance &c."
In Consequence of this Advice & similar from Co^l Addison — the
Marlbro Militia are preparing to March to Potowmack but without
Arms or any other Conveniency.
I beg leave to mention that there are several Vessells at Nottingham
& some at Pigg Point. I do not know whether any of them are armed.
Here are 4 short French 3 pounders — belonging to M^r Kerban of
Alexandria — he carried the Carriages to Alexandria I apprehend if
these Cannon & what others may probably be got, were put on board
some of the best of those vessells now in the River, with Armed de-

Wednesday
April 1
Red Book
No. 28
Letter 6