January 1-December 31, 1781 187

thither, or on Refusal, that they shou'd be split in Pieces: From
thence, it was brought up to the Indian Landing, whither my Barge
was also conveyed, and where each has suffered the Injury, and I
the Loss, above complained of: Had they not been removed out of
my Possession, they still wou'd have remained safe and sound, as
I had intended, & still do intend, on the Return of my Flatt to me, to
convey her the first high Tide, up Severn River, and to sink her
therein, just below Swan Bridge; and to lock up my little Boat or

Barge at my Plantation adjoining it. And I hope, it will not he

doubted, that I am, at least, inclined, to take as much Care of my
own Property, or indeed more, then other Persons, (tho' appointed
a Guard over it) will do for me: And as for any illegal or improper
use that might be made of my vessels, with my Privity, I hold my-
self responsible to the State. If they remain much longer at Indⁿ
Landing, they will be found in the same Plight & Condition, my
Negro Quarter at my Brick Kiln by Annapolis, is reduced to, by
the Soldiery lately placed there; I mean totally destroyed; all the
Floor above & below Stairs being ripp'd up, & the Doors & Hinges
torn off, & carried away with the cheif of the Railing of an Inclosure
that adjoined the Premisses. I therefore renew my request for Y^r
order for the Redelivery of my Vessels to me ;

April 14
Saturday

[Pat Sim Smith, Calvert, to Gov. Lee.]

The bearer hereof M^r George Bayfeild has charge of and will
deliver Twelve fatted Steers, all I have as yet received in this County
near half of them are very large and fine the others tho. not so large
are good young Beef. I have had them feeding a long time and they
have destroyed a great deal of provision. You will please order a
receipt to be given for them on the delivery.
There must be a mistake respecting the warrant mention'd to have
been sent me to procure flesh provision, I have received none, nor
any Instructions lately for that purpose, Beef on the hoof has been
offered me & very fine, but the want of orders & the Cash has pre-
vented my engaging.
I am now very considerably in arrears daily pressed for money
& have not a farthing to pay. I wish to know if there is a prospect
of my getting any, the people are distressed for it to pay their Taxes.
The State flour I have removed from Col^o Fitzhughs Mill some
distance into the Country as twas very unsafe there no opportunity
has yet offered for removing the Salt meat provision, but will have
it done as soon as possible for fear of Accidents.

April 14
Red Book
No. 37
Letter 68

[Don'1 Yeates, D. Q. M., Elk, to Gov. Lee.] (p Captⁿ Garland)

Captain Wirt and some other Gentⁿ Sufferers in this County by
the ravages of the Enemy have Applied to me for the Barge brought

April 14