January 1-December 31, 1781 255

I have Inclosed an account of the amount of all the different Spe-
cies of Provision received in this Country for the present year on
account of Public Tax
Shou'd have come down myself in order to have settled all my
accounts Finally but I cannot leave the garrison at Present but I shall
come down as soon as possible. I have not seen Collⁿ Wood since I
left Annapolis but shou'd he continue to direct the Prisoners in this
State — Your Excellency will be pleased to excuse my not acting at
This Post. The Dayly Issues of Flour at present here is about one
Thousand weight, if this shou'd continue for any time there will not
be much Flour to spare From this County. I shall acquaint your
Excellency from time to time of the Consumption

May 26

[John Reed, Fred^k Town, to Gov. Lee.]

I am to Inform your Excell^y that the men now Guarding the
Magazine at this place are reduc'd to the last extremity for want of
Cloaths & shou'd they not receive an immediate supply will be ren-
dred altogether incapable of Sentry; from which Circumstances, &
if the State of Stores wou'd possibly admit, should be happy to
obtain your Excell^y order for the following articles or any part that
can be procured to relieve their present necessity, in fact I'm asham'd
of their shabby appearance.
Am Sorry to Inform your Excell^y that we are now suffering for
provision of the meat kind nor have we the least prospect of being
speedyly relieved in that way — as nothing can be purchased here
without Hard money — paper money being Generally refuS^td. I hope
the defect will soon be remedy'd.
M^r Murdock has furnished me with shoes, shou'd be Glad he was
authorized & unabled to supply me with the rest.
12 Coats, 12 Jacketts, 20 pair Overalls, 40 Shirts, 12 Hatts.

May 27

[W. Smallwood, Charles County, to Gov. Lee.] (favor'd by
Mr. Dent)

I am particularly obliged to you for transmitting the Letters which
came under cover of your favor of the 18^th Inst, this must have been
delayed on the Road as it only came to hand two Days ago. I am
happy to hear the Assembly were like to convene of which by this
Time there certainly can be no doubt and I shall do myself the
Pleasure of waiting on them this week.
Camden still continues to be an unfortunate Place for us I am
sorry for the Event & that better Intelligence was not obtained &
greater precaution used this Place seems to have an attraction in pre-
cipitating measures to our disadvantage. The Account you were so
obliging to transmit does not altogether correspond with the one I
have received

May 27
Brown Book

No. 2
Letter 37