January 1-December 31, 1781 269

absence to the Commanding Col^o 10 barrels of flour and bought
some Sheep the Salt provisions being all gone. There are quantitys
of Bacon to be had in this Co^ty for Cash which I have very little of,
not enough to settle with the Millers and Waggoners. I mention the
bacon for y^r Excel^cys information where it may be now had it may
not long be the case

June 3

[Jas. Calhoun, Baltimore to the Governor and Council.]
(Honoured by Col. Smith)

I understand there is great reason to expect it will become neces-
sary to call out a number of the Militia for the defence of the State
or the assistance of Virginia, consequently a considerable quantity
of Provisions will be wanted, and as none of the Meat kind is col-
lected by the Commissaries on this Shore, we will be in a very dis-
agreeable situation for want of that article unless some mode is now
adopted to procure the necessary supplies.
It has been with the greatest difficulty that I have supported this
Post for some time past from day to day with Meat, by advancing
my own money and making use of my credit both of which is nearly
exhausted and not a days provisions of the meat kind on hand When
this is my situation where the Issues has been but little more than
100 Rations p day what will it be should they amount to some
thousands, Besides in all probability General Washington will move
this way with the greatest part of the Army and depend upon this
State for considerable supplies
Under this Idea I presume Your Excellency and Council will read-
ily excuse me for making this representation and as the General
Assembly is now Sitting will have some regular plan adopted for
procuring the supplies of Meat necessary.

June 3

[W^m Hopewell to His Excellency Thomas Simm Lee Esq^r]

Inclosed your Excellency will receive this my Commission Which
I beg leave to resign for the following Reasons —
first I find from long Experience I cannot act under the Present
County Lieu^t as friendly as I could wish, Secondly there still remains
a dispute between Colonels Handy & Done with myself respecting
Rank my Commission being several Months Older than those Gen-
tlemens, and most Cincerely wish to Avoid making the Least discen-
sion among the Officers here, & Thirdly three Companies of my
Battalion is so far distant that it is Impossible for me upon every
little Alarm that frequently happens here to Collect them togeather
in time, & when got togeather I am Thoroughly Convinced the
greatest Part cannot be depended upon, Your Excellency may rest
Assured that my Personal service shall always be ready to be given
under any brave & resolute Officer when there shall be the Least
Necessity for it.

June 3