January 1— December 31, 1781 383

Hampton July 31. 1781
The Fleet weighed this morning from Cape Henry and stood up
the Bay; tis certain they are bound to Baltimore (40 sail in number
with several large Barges full of Troops) remains in the Road 2 men
of War 8 sail other Vessels. By a Man from Portsmouth last night
am informed Cornwallis is still at Portsmouth with part of his
Troops. I think the above Fleet must contain near 3000 men and
200 Horse
I am S^r
James Barron, Commodore
Marquiss la Fayette

Hampton July 31. 1781
The Fleet weighed this morning at Sunrise and stood up the Bay
about 15 miles the wind & tide being ahead they anchored off Cherry-
stones They are certainly bound to Baltimore. By a Person from
Portsmouth last night are informed Lord Cornwallis and some
Troops are at Portsmouth
I am &c
James Barron Comm
Marquiss La Fayette

July 31
Copy

Ex of Letters from M^r McHenry to his Excellency Governor Lee
dated Melvern Hill I^st August

The whole Army, that which is on the south side of James River
and that which is on this side, will be in motion to day towards Fred-
ericksburgh or for your Support —

Extract of a Letter from same person dated same day

The case of difficulty is nearly decided. The British appear deter-
mined to try our Spirit and Patriotism. Maryland cannot keep her
ground at first; but let me prognosticate, that the event will be dif-
ferent from the Enemys expectations
The levies which the Marquis has ordered on are to be stopped,
and applied as your Excellency will perceive by the inclosed letter
which is left open for your perusal. General Gist goes to Baltimore —
The officer who carries it has instructions in case he should meet the
levies to return them to Maryland —
At this moment it is impossible for me to say what succour you
can have from this Army; but you shall soon know —

August 1
[copy]

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

I am solicited by M^rs M. Hughes Wid^o of the late Rev^d Philip
Hughes to apply to y^r Excell^y & Hon^rs for Permission to let her
go to New York to see her Children. She is at this Time in the
Jerseys with her Sister who is marr^d to a Col^o Vanhorn, She informs

August i