January 1-December 31, 1781 37

M^r Keeports gives me a disagreeable account of the situation of
the Ordnance at the Fort, for the particulars of which I beg leave
to refer you to his letter

January 24
Brown Book
No. 3
Letter 26

[John Smith Brookes to The Hon^ble The Governor & Council]

The Money which you furnish'd me with a few days agoe by
M^r Hutchinson being expended in the purchase of provisions, I have
to request you will send me a further sum by M^r Lansdale. I have
met with much difficulty in my purchase with the late Emission and
if convenient to you, I had much rather be supplyed with the old
Money. The Exchange is also a matter that I am much a loss in,
and should be very glad to receive your instructions on that head —
the Mode I have hitherto persued has been to turn the gold into
Cont. Currency at 90 Exchange and pay off in State Currency at
40 for one but this mode does not give general satisfaction as they
alledge the Exchange to be from 100 to no, indeed no has been
offered. I could wish to receive your positive Commands for my
Government. Tis impossible to buy Beef upon the Hoof — the Hide
and Taller being an object of such Consequence to the sellers — what
I have taken in is very good & I have been obliged to allow 6 dollars
p Ib con^l paid in state at 40 for I which reduces the price to 13 1/2^d
I expect to receive from 10 to 15 thousand weight and not more then
5 thousand of Pork the season for Pork was too far Advanced
before my orders came to hand. I should be glad to know if I am
to receive wheat and upon what terms — a further quantity of Salt
will be necessary which I beg may be sent me in the coarse of next
week. The money I am in immediate want of
[P. S.] As there is no saying with certainty the q^ty of meat I may
receive its imposible to judge how soon I may want the Salt, but in
order to be prepared, I beg it may be sent me immediately my return
shall be handed you at the close of this month.

January 25

[Sam. Smith, Cedar Point, Major Taylors, to Gov. Lee.]

I am to Inform you the Cato & Nautilus are both on Shore be-
tween Cedar Point & S^t Jeroms Creek near the House of M^r Bell-
wood — where they were driven by the Iris on the 22^nd Inst. The
Nautilus is high up & will be sav'd near 200 B^bles of her flour is
Sav'd already the Cato is farther out. The Enemy after Boarding
her, began to plunder & as is suppoS^td went into the Magazine which
blew up carrying off 10 of theirs & six of our people. It has blown
the Cato Stores as far forward as the pumps entirely away — so that
the water Ebbs & flows in her, we are endeavoring to save the flour —
but without much success the Militia after assisting with that whicr
was most Convenient for which they expect one half, have gone off
I Have now engag'd some few Negroes & will use every Expediem
to its preservation. In the mean time it will be absolutely necessary

January 25
Red Book
No. 27
Letter 18