246 Letters to the Governor and Council

May 17

[John Murdock, Montgomery County, to the Governor
and Council.]

If it be possible for you to send five or six Suits of Cloathing, of
different Sizes, for some of the Recruits now in George Town. I
think it would greatly forward Matters; and the sooner they come
the better as they might March immediately to Annapolis.
I find that some of the Recrufts are not willing to leave the County,
until they have received their Cloathing; This unwillingness, as far
as I can learn, has been occasioned by the good Offices of some
busy meddling Persons, which now renders it indispensably neces-
sary to comply with the Law in that Respect
The Draughting in this County was finished on Tuesday last, and
I shall transmit you a List of the Recruits and Draughts as soon as
possible.

May 17
Red Book
No. 27
Letter 80

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

I received a letter from the president of the Council dated the 4^th
Instant informing me that I should Immediately be furnished with
Barrells and Salt to secure the provisions I have on hand — having
neither received or heard anything of them since, I take the liberty
of writing once more requesting that I may be supplied without de-
lay, or it will be Impossible as the warm weather increases to save
the provision Beef especially, altho I have taken every precaution
& used a great deal of Salt to preserve it — tis all in large Casks & I
cannot get Barrells or small Casks here to put it in. I think I shall
want about 24 Barrells could wish to have as soon as I receive them
the whole removed, and flatter myself I shall have orders for that
purpose.

May 18

[George Dashiell, Som^t Co^ty, to Gov. Lee.]

May it Please y^r Excell^cy I am to acknowledge the receipt of your
letters of the 24^th of Ap^l with the inclosures and also M^r Brices of
the 14^th It has some time since become impracticable to Attempt the
removal of the inhabitants from the Islands without Arm'd Vessels.
Hollands Island is the enemy's place of rendevoux — relative to the
recruits their is not one in the County. Many of our people have
lately left the County and it is generally believed Join'd the enemy.
From the disaffection which prevails among the inhabitants of the
county, it is not in my power to Collect a Sufficient force to prevent
the ravages of the barges and I have not a doubt but in a little time
our situation will be intolerable unless some mode can be fall on to
compell the Militia to render their services when required.

May 19
Red Book
No. 8
Letter 26

[Sam. Huntington, President, Philadelphia, to Gov. Lee.]

Your Excellency will receive enclosed, the Copy of a Resolve of
the 17^th Instant, recommending to the several Legislatures to enact