January 1-December 31, 1781 369

The frequent Draughts from the Stock of Medicine which have
been made not only for all our Hospitals which have been from the
Beginning of the War here established but likewise the Chests fitted
out even for the Continent have lessened the stock, notwithstanding
I have contrived to procure by Exchanging or otherwise, that assort-
ment we so often wanted, From the Continent we have received no
supplies at all. So that we are pretty much exhausted, and my own
Stock often must supply deficiencies.
The necessary Hospital Expences have so much indebted me, to
various Individuals who have furnished me, that I take the Liberty
to call on the Council for an Advance from the Treasury — and to
have money in hand to defray the frequent Expences daily occuring
The order I obtaind from the Council on the Treasurer not having
been paid for want of Cash, I should think it most singular favor if
it could be made Suitable to have it paid, as being in great Want.

July 25

[William Wise, Snow Hill, to His Excellency Thomas Sim Lee]

May it please your Excellency. Being informed by our Delagates
you had information of a Certain William Wise who had been trad-
ing with the Enemy. Knowing myself not to be the person, thought
it my duty to make enquiry, which on enquiery in Accomack County
found that a Will Wise and a Certain Beach have been Concerned
for this two year past in that County in trade.

July 25

[John Smith Brookes, U Marlbro, to The Honb^le The Governor
& Council]

I had the honour of writing you last week by a M^r Scott and by
whom I sent to the Commissary at Annapolis 12 Bullocks agreeable
to your order. I also requested you would furnish me with a sum of
money sufficient to pay drivers, and answer some other necessary
expences, without which, it was impossable to proceed upon the busi-
ness you had charged me with. I had not the pleasure to be answered
and therefore have taken the liberty to trouble you again on the
subject by M^r Lansdale.
I find myself under great difficulty to get Barrels. M^r Joseph
Ford, says he has a quantity more than is necessary for his part and
would gladly supply me upon your order. I therefore beg if agreeable
to you an order on M^r Ford for what Barrels he has, more than suffi-
cient for his own demands.

July 26

[James Murray, Cambridge, to His Excellency Thomas Sim Lee]

The Bearer M^r John Stevens is over to solicit the Sherr^s Office
of Dorset in the Room of M^r James Woollford who I'm informed
has resigned.
24

July 26