January 1-December 31, 1781 375

movements, may be construed differently If we suppose that, in order
to secure their two principal posts, they mean only to leave a garri-
son at Portsmouth, it may present us with an opportunity of acting
against it. In such a case we should not have our succours to collect,
lest we should lose the moment, And, if their whole force remains
we shall have a yet stronger call for reinforcements. The only event
which can render this unnecessary, is their evacuating the State. But
we know of no facts upon which to build this conclusion
I beg you to direct the levies to join this army.

July 30
Brown Book
No. 7
Letter 65

[Wm. Ennalls Hooper, New Markett, to His Excellency
Tho^s Sim Lee]
Agreeable to your request I inform you that have taken from
Nonjurors and those that have laid down their Arms six Horses the
Collection here goes on slow for those people in general are very
poor; that a person may ride several days and not procure a Horse ;
have applied to the Commissioners of the Tax to level the residue on
the other Inhabitants of this County: and expect in a few days to
have the whole of them procured.

July 30

[Laurence O Neale & William Bayly to His Excellency Thomas Sim
Lee Esq^r]

The bearer of this M^r Alexander Adams is a Young Man of un-
exceptionall Character and is desirous of becoming a Soldier I take
the Liberty of recommending him to your Excellency's favor if your
Excellency will Give him a Commission we have not the least doubt
but He will merit the appointment
Mr. Alexander Adams is a young gentleman who lives in my neigh-
bourhood — is very much Esteem'd & I beleive a worthy deserving
Young man.
R^d Wootton, Cha^s G^r Griffith, R. Anderson, J. H. Nicholls.

July 30

[Certificates respecting Jn^o Robertson a Draught from Ch^s County]

Nanjemoy 30^th July 1781
We hereby Certify that for above a year past John Robertson has
lived in this neighbourhood and being his nearest neighbours have
been often in Company with him to our knowledge he has had sev-
eral severe attacks of the Rheumatism. We have been witnesses to
swellings in his wrists at several times which appeared to be very
painful and have often heard him complain of being afflicted with
the same pains in different parts of his body
Ignatius Byass
And^w Baillie
John B. Meek

July 30