January 1- December 31, 1781 163

Perhaps a representation on this subject from your Excellency to
Gen. Washington would induce him to adopt the measure. The en-
creased danger brought upon them by the MarquisS^ts expedition,
which has drawn into their ports almost the whole shipping of the
Chesapeak, must have some weight in determining him. He will
also be sensible that these troops, can be as easily supported and sup-
plied at these two posts, till in sufficient numbers to commence their
march as where they now are and at the same time be so much nearer
to General Green.
Should the Marquiss be yet with you, I think you may contrive to
make him facilitate the business by a letter accompanying yours —
But be good enough to keep me from his sight.

April 4
Red Book
No. 32
Letter 52

[George Dashiell, Som^t Co^ty, to The Honble Matthew Tilghman,
Esq^r Talbot Co.]

Your favours of the 29^th & 30^th of March with an Inclosed order
relative to the distribution of the public arms I rec^d on the 2^nd Ins^t
and beg lieve to inform you that the frequent depredations made on
Sundry of the inhabitants of this county have obliged me to keep as
many men as I could conveniently arm on duty since the I^st of March
last. I have consulted the field officers of this county on the Expedi-
ency of removing the stock and provision from the several parts of
this county exposed to the enemies vessels And also the removal of
small boats & Canoes the former of which they apprehend will be
attended with so much difficulty (and loss of stock from the scarcity
of food for their support) that they have declined attempting to
execute it at Present. The latter they have advised and I have ap-
pointed a day for that purpose.
I have no reason to expect any vessels of force from Portsmouth
before Sunday week being the time (I am inform'd) that they have
appointed to visit their friends in Annemessix we have procured
Three six pounders and are preparing carriages for them ball I ex-
pect to get from Accomack Grape shott I am afraid are not to be had
there nor cannon powder, I hope it will be convenient for you to fur-
nish me from above as my brother informs me that you rec^d some
cannon powder from the Western Shore I have sent a cart & request
the fav^r of you to supply me with such Q^ty as you may Judge Neces-
sary, I have consulted the field officers on the Draught we are unani-
mously of opinion that if it could with propriety be suspended in this
County it would of public utility from the great disaffection which
prevails among the inhabitants we are of opinion that should the
Act for procuring recruits be executed at this time that a great many
of the disaffected will go to the Enemy. Should you be so fortunate
as to procure ammunition for the cannon I should wish to erect some
small fortifications on the rivers in different parts of the county, this
cannot be done without men and Intrenching tools should your

April 5