January 1-December 31, 1781 393

[Samuel Gilpin, Cecil County to His Excellency Thomas S. Lee]

I rec^d yours this day requesting me to forward the Teams pro-
cured in order to remove the publick Stores &c. I suppose there
must be a Mistake in the Direction of y^r letter to me, as I had not the
honour to be Appointed in the law for that purpose suppose it must
have been Intended for Major Sam^l Maffitt, and have took the liberty
to Inform Accordingly.

August 6

[Lafayette, New Castle, to His Excellency, Governor Lee.]

In my last dispatch to your Excellency I inclosed you a report from
Commodore Baron of the Naval movement of the enemy, of which
Baltimore was supposed to be the object. But instead of proceeding
up the Bay the fleet stood into York river. The troops have been
landed, and are fortifying on the Gloucester side. York town is made
a place of arms. Lord Cornwallis is present and has with him his
whole force except the garrison of Portsmouth.
From my intelligence it appears, that a principal part of this fleet
was originally intended for New York but in consequence of the
arrival of a vessel with letters from Gen: Clinton its sailings was
suspended and the present arrangement of the whole succeeded.
Maryland being thus relieved I have to request your Excellency to
give the most instant orders for the march of the levies. I need not
mention to you the small force, we have to oppose to Lord Corn-
walliS^ts command; or what may be the consequences should we not
be reinforced. That I may be inabled to regulate my motions upon
certainties, I pray your Excellency to informe me, what number of
levies you expect to have together in some given time; and when and
where the select body of Militia is to rendezvous. I wish also to be
acquainted with the progress made in the collection of cavalry and
draught horses, and whether you have agreed upon their appro-
priation

August 6
Brown Book
No. 7
Letter 67

[Lafayette, New Castle, to General Gist.]

Since my last letter to you, through M^r M^c Henry inclosing Com-
modore Barrens report, the fleet spoken of entered York River, and
landed their troops — they are fortifying on the Glocester side and
have made a place of arms of York. Lord Cornwallis is present with
his whole army, the Garrison of Portsmouth excepted.
It appears that a part of this fleet was originally intended for New
York; but a dispatch arriving from General Clinton produced the
Present arrangment. It is very essential to your Safety that we
should be in force here — for this purpose I have ordered on all the
levies with the utmost expedition. But I would beg leave to observe
that Maryland might make some dispositions for her own defence.
The enemy do not lose sight of Baltimore; and they may only wait

August 6
Brown Book
No. 3
Letter 21
[Copy]