January 1-December 31, 1781 263

I flatter myself ye will make no merit of Mortifying those whom
the fate of war has drove so much in y^r Power as those who are pris-
oners of war in the town goal
Should Esteem it as an Act of Humanity to Grant me a parole to
go to Portsmouth or N. York to Effect an Exchange for the Above
prisoners of war whom are now Labouring under the Greatest aflic-
tions that the Humane frame Can bear

[May]

[The Petition of Solomon Simmonds of Kent County To His
Excellency, Tho^s Sim Lee Esq^r, Governor of Maryland.]

Your Petitioners son Solomon Simmonds died some time past
leaving three Children viz one boy and two Girls which children since
the death of their father have constantly lived with your Petitioner
and been under his care. These Children have each had a considerable
Estate left to them by their Grandmother Mary Mott and their Uncle
Richard Mott who were before their death inhabitants of Long
Island in the State of New York where the Estate now is. As your
petitioner has lately received a letter from Giles Simmonds and
Richard Simmonds of Long Island afs^d Exec^rs to the aboves^d Mary
Mott & Richard Mott requesting that some person would in behalf
of the Children afs^d apply for their money and other property and
as those Children have no other person who will take the trouble of
Transacting this Business for them your petitioner humbly prayeth
that your Excellency will grant him permission to go to Long Island
in order to get their money and secure the other property belonging
to them and your petitioner — as in duty bound will ever pray.
The above Petition will be handed to your Excellency by Peter
Lawson Esq^r who can give you any Satisfaction you may require
respecting the Petitioners Character. The Petitioner would have
waited personally on your Excellency but his age and infirmity added
to the difficulty of crossing the bay has prevented him.

[May]

[John Smith Brookes, Upper Marlbro, to The Honb^le The Governor
& Council.] (By Mr. Lansdale)

I am well informed there is in the County a considerable quan-
tity of Bacon for sale — some parcels have been offer'd me, but having
no orders from you respecting such business, I did not think it pru-
dent to purchase. I apprehend a good deal could be procured with
Certificates tho the money would answer much better. I pray you
will give me your opinion upon this subject, and instruct me what
to do in the matter.
My demands for flower Barrels is very great and I find it impossi-
ble to procure them in this county. I am told there is a quantity of
Barrels in the hands of M^r Rozier belonging to the publick — pray I
cannot I have an order for them? I am in the greatest want of a
sum of money to expedite the business, and beg to be furnished

June I