January 1-December 31, 1781 221

But my Inability to the Undertaking and the Present Engagement
in the Service Render it out of my Power to Accept of your kind
and Honourable Appointment, as I am well Convinced of my Inabil-
ity and Think it Impossible for me to Render a Greater Service to
my Country in any other Station Then the one I have the Honour
of Holding at Present under your Excellencys Direction

April 30
Red Book
No. 30
Letter 107

[James Lloyd, Chester Town to The Honorable, The Council for the
Eastern Shore of Maryland] (By Favor of Mr. B. Tilghman)

We have this moment intelligence of a number of Vessels being
up above E. Neck Island The letter containing the account is defaced
by the rain so that we can learn nothing of their number. The servant
is of opinion they are the same that were up before. Your Honor
may depend on having all the Information worthy of your attention
which it is in my power to communicate. General Cadwalader and
myself are just going off to take a view of them. He has a Letter by
the last post from Col^o Nixon which mentions that Congress are
informed by Gen^l Washington that a large embarkation is now on
foot at New York, Gen^l Clinton to command
The Militia of this County appear to be spirited. If the Gentle-
men will set them a good example I believe they will follow it with
Alacrity

April 30

[Capt. John Penny, British Prisoner, to His Excellency Thom^s Sim
Lee, Esq.]

Please your Excellency I hope you will pardon the Liberty I have
taken in sending these few lines, as I understand there Is one Cap^t
Will^m Middleton From this place has met with the same Misfortune
as my self, and By his Brother I understand he Is at New Yourk, I
humbley Intreat the Request of your Excellency To grant me a Parole
to proceed to New Yourk And your Excellency may Rely on my
Strictest Honour at my Arrival In New Yourk that Cap^t Will^m
Middleton will be Immediately Exchanged in my place and I will give
my word and Honour to Supply him with as much Cash as Is Neces-
sary to Bring him home, In your Excellency's granting this Request
Will Ever be Esteemd as a Particular favour granted to your Most
Obedient Humble Serv^t

April 30

[Parole to Capt John Penny from the Governor and Council]

I John Penny Mariner late Commander of the Brigantine En-
deavour do acknowledge myself a Prisoner of War to the State of
Maryland & do solemnly promise & engage upon my Honour that
I will not directly or indirectly say or do any thing that may preju-
dice or tend to the Prejudice of the United States of America, or
either of them & I do further promise and engage in the most solemn

[May]
Draft