January 1-December 31, 1781 173

M^rs Youngs Ferry, and plundered her of her most valuable Effects ;
at 2 o'Clock friday morning this town was alarm'd with an Acc^t of
two barges being at the Ware house, possibly they being apprized of
an Alarm being given was the means of preventing any damage being
done either to the Warehouse or town from thence they proceeded
to Walter Hanson Esq^r. pillaged himself and family of every kind
of wearing apparel and other valuable Effects & carried off his son
Sam^l a Lieutenant of the State Regiment and exceedingly insulted
the whole Family. They then moved to the Rev^d M^r Matthew's and
committed the same Devastages, and then removed farther down and
shewed an intention of Landing at G. B Causin Esq^r which was pre-
vented by the appearance of some Militia who had march'd from this
place; from thence they proceeded to the Elegant Seat of Geo. Dent
Esq^r and after having plundered him retired; But being strongly
Reenforced with three additional Barges; they again Landed and
reduced to Ashes all the houses in the place save the Corn house
which happened to stand at a considerable distance. The Evening
of the same day some Barges were sent into Nanjemy Creek where
they took out a Vessel Loaded with Indian corn and returned to
their Vessels without doing farther damage. Yesterday (as is sup-
posed) upon observing some people busied in removing tobacco
from Cedar point Warehouse, they immediately fell down and
secured it; by lying three Vessels in such a manner as to Subject any
person opposing 'em to a Cross fire from the Vessels: However some
few of the Militia march'd down and attacked their Gentries by which
one of their Men was killed. The situation of these few Men being
too dangerous they retired. Many were busied all night in getting
the tobacco on Board their Vessels, which they perfectly Effected,
having only 2 Hh^ds in the Ware house and a bulk of unprized tobacco
belonging to the State. The armed Schooners still lay at Cedar point.
Two Ships and two other Vessels are standing up the River; Their
object manifestly is plunder, and We are by no means prepared to
prevent their Designs taking Effect; having an extant of coast but few
arms and less amunition. I have it therefore in order from the Col
to request Your Ex^cy to forward some musquets powder and Ball
Cartridge paper and if possible two or three small field p^s well
mounted upon light Carriages. The Militia seem Ready and willing
to Act with vigour if supplied with the means.

April 8
Red Book
No. 26
Letter 3

[Matt: Ridley Baltimore To his Excellency Tho^s Sim Lee, Esqr]

The Troop of this Town are informed the State have some Trum-
pets — their endeavours to procure one have hitherto been ineffectual.
They will esteem it a favor to have the Loan of one of those you
have & will either agree to replace or pay for it if desired: and beg
as a farther favor it may be sent up the very first opportunity.

April 8