286 Letters to the Governor and Council

June 12

Murdock for the provision furnished General Wains Division but
if any will correct it in my next Return. On receiving your order
to procure and supply the Convention Troops who luckily for us took
the Upper Road, and an application from the Lieutenant of the
County to furnish provisions for the Militia ordered to march I ad-
vertized that provision would certainly be seized if a sufficient quan-
tity was not brought in immediately at the following prices which I
believe will have the desired effect as it is daily coming in in small
quantities especially mutton for Beef 45/ p Hundred. Bacon 12^d
p lb. and for fat Sheep 6 pence p pound estimated and delivered
Alive. This article I have some Doubts whether I am justifiable in
by Law, but I hope the pressing necessity and the suitableness of
Mutton for this time of the year will Justify me with your [dam-
aged] I have employed some proper persons in different parts of the
County to collect the articles above and expect I shall be able to fur-
nish our Militia and troops passing through this Town if you mean
I should do so. But as this Town is immediately on the Rout to and
from the Southern Army you may think it necessary to have it an
Established Post — if not, I hope I shall be allowed an Assistant to
Issue provisions, for at this time I do the Business that employed five
or Six hands untill very lately. A Quarter Master is absolutely neces-
sary here as Expresses are frequently brought to this place to be
forwarded on. You will be pleased to excuse me for the liberty I
have taken in mentioning of these matters.

June 13

[Tho^s How Ridgate, Portobacco, to His Excellency the Governor
and Council]

I have about 19 doz of English felt Hatts and 3 dox. of Castors,
a small quantity of coarse Linnen and perhaps some other articles
that may suit for Cloathing for our Army which I am ready to
furnish you with for Tobacco of the present Inspection in this County
on the terms I am now setting them quoted below, allowing four
State dollars p C^r for Tobacco at which price I can purchase any
quantity in this neighbourhood. Your answer by the Bearer M^r John
Beall Turner will oblige

felts

N 1 — 4 state drs. each

2— 6 d^o

3- 7/ d^o

4— 8 d^o

5- 9 1/2 d^o

6—12 d^o

7—13 d^o

8—15 d^o

Castors.

N 1 — 24 St. drs each

2 — 27 d^o

Good Shirting Linnen y^d w^d

3—30 d^o

8 St. Drs. p yd.

4—35 d^o