January 1-December 31, 1781 165

have hitherto given me is expended, a Considerable number of Teams
is now on their rout within this State with Supplies for the Southern
Army and many more shortly to come on, if I should not be able to
pass them thro' it must occasion much disorder and retard Public
measures. I have not omitted every application I could think would
be of Service, to prevent this embarrasment, Could a supply be
granted me at the Posts of Elk, Baltimore, and George Town, in
Lieu of any other supply Granted by Legislation it would be Assen-
tial at this time to forwarding on Stores to the Southward — of the
propriety of this measure I do not presume further than to shew
your Hon^r Board the real Situation, as much depends on geting the
Supplies forward, and rest Assured if Aid can be given Consistant
with propriety I shall receive it.

April 6

[Richd Dallam, Harford County, to Gov. Lee.]

I was Honor'd with your Excellency's Letter of the 4^th Ins^t Yes-
terday and am much obliged by the draught of the Militia being sus-
pended untill I^st May. As I Hope by that time our Quota will be
nearly made up, but am sorry to find no Person has been appointed
to receive the recruits in this County. As the Law expressly declare
that no recruits shall be marchd out of the County in which he was
recruited untill he is furnish'd with every Article of cloathing therein
direct'd to be given them as encouragement from the State therefore
I have it not in my Power to send them away nor am I inclined as they
with the same reason may be sent to Carolina without cloathing my
Promise has been given that they should not be sent off without, to
every Soldier Who have as yet enlist'd.
I hope your Excellency will therefore notwithstanding the former
Appointment of M^r Donnelson make an appointment of some person
in this County to receive recruits or send up their Cloathing so that
they may be furnished immediately and sent forward.
I am distressed to think that the arms we have are all that can be
furnish'd for our defence and indeed those We have will be no use
unless we can be supplyed with Ammunition for Your Excellency
does not mention a word whether Its to be had or not As I know not
now where to apply having received no Orders. As it must be of con-
sequence for without it I cannot be in any manner prepared to op-
pose the Enemy. I must ask Your Excellency to direct where I am
to send or how I am to be supplyd with Ammunition.
Since the first appearance of the Enemy we have been constantly
Allarmd as the appearance of every Vessel gives uneasiness to the
people on the Shores
M^r Hughs Informs me he could supply us with what Cannon are
necessary for this County & will trust the Public for the Payment
& without some Cannon I shall think myself under the necessity of
keeping continually on Gaurd parties of Our Militia for I find thev

April 7