January 1-December 31, 1781 33

[Robt F. Hooe, Alexandria, to Gov. Lee.]

The bearer M^r Johnston Smith waits on your Excellency for two
Twelve Pound Cannon, Six barrells Cannon Powder and as much
Match Rope and Cannon Cartridge Paper as you can spare, if he
cannot bring the 12 Pounders we have desired him to take the nines.
It is unnecessary for him to bring shot, as we can be furnished with
all sizes at fredericksburgh. I have not yet heard from Col^o Lewis
therefore conclude nothing material has happen'd since I wrote you
last.
We shall be glad of some Grape shot if they can be spared

January 23
Red Book
No. 28
Letter 44

[William Matthews, Baltimore to His Excellency Thomas Sim Lee]

Some time past I had the Honour of informing your Excellency
that the Bank in Philad^a had appointed Smith & Matthews their
Agents here to purchase Flour for the Army, We in consequence
have purchased large quantities on their Account, and forwarded
by much the greater of it at times when I will venture to say it
was eminently and critically usefull, There are still several parcels
on hand one of which of 100 Bbls is I find stopped at the Head of
Elk by certain Commissioners acting under a late law of this State.
This Law, as I am just return'd from Philadelp³ I have not been
able to obtain a sight of but cannot suppose it can possibly mean to
prevent supplys going to the Army. I must therefore (if consistent
with the Law) Pray your Excellency would please to favour me with
such powers as will at least enable me to send in the Flour already
bought before the season sets in so as to prevent its reaching the
Army

January 23

[Hopkins, Wilson & Moore, Baltimore to Gov. Lee.]

Please to pay M^r Joseph Cowman Jun^r or order Three thousand
Pounds & charge the same to Acco^t of Your m^o Humb^l Servant.

January 23

[Geo. P. Keeport, Baltimore, to Gov. Lee.] (Fav^d By Mr. D. Poe)

May It Please Your Excell^cy I am Sorry to Inform you that the
Storm Last Night Sunk a Scow along side of the Wharf at Fort
Whetstone Point in about 10 feet Water on board of Which I had
unfortunately one Eighteen and Two Nine pounders the Scow Lays
Near the Wharf so that the Raising of it will be Easy and no Great
Expence If the Weather shou'd Moderate. The Only Place we have
to Take off the Cannon from the Fort is so Very Inconvenient that
it is Impossible for us to do anything Without the Wind and Tide
Permits.
I Wrote Your Excell^y the 2 I^st Ins^t By M^r Eavans Wherein I have
Mentioned my Distress and Imposibility of Having any More work
Done without a Supply of Money
3

January 23
Red Book
No. 30
Letter 32