January 1-December 31, 1781 423

were immediately made out, and transmitted to the Board of war and
the Presidents of the States of Pennsylvania and Delaware
You will receive inclosed herewith an Act of Congress of the 14^th
instant and in consequence thereof eight blank passports for the pur-
pose of importing salt from Bermuda.
The reluctance with which Congress granted these Passports will
appear from the Act itself: necessity alone could justify it; and there-
fore their extreme caution is expressed in the manner it is, and to
prevent as much as possible any jealousies among the Merchants or
States on this account.

August 15
Red Book
No. 9
Letter 131

[J. H. Stone, Annapolis to Hezekiah Reeder Esq^r Charles County]

I have yours by M^r Clements — the cattle ought to have been on
their way before this & I beg you will loose no time in forwarding
them, as the troops at this place have been several times without flesh
Provisions, and there being 1100 men at this place, unless some of
your Cattle arrive this week they will be again distressed. M^r Dyson
was appt^d to issue provisions but refused to act, as that business is
now at an end, it will be unnecessary to appoint another. I have
only two beeves at my plantation in Nanj^y the only Beef I shall have
for my family next winter, if you can procure your number without
them it will be doing an essensial favor
[P. S.] Forward the Cattle immediately — as they are now wanted.

August 16

[Rich^d Lemmon, Baltimore, to His Excel^y Thomas S. Lee.]

Upon application from M^rs Parks, wife of M^r John Parks, now
in prison here, as well from a principle of Justice to him I am in-
dused to adress your Excellency in his favour, so far as to assure you
that since he came to reside in this town I have never heard of his
saying or doing any thing Injurious to this State or the United States,
(this charge Excepted which I would hope is not sufficiently
grounded) and from the knowledge I have of the man, am of opinion
that his abilities are rather contemtible, and unfit to Serve any Interest
Materially, Except that of his family.

August 16

[John Smith Brookes, Upper Marlbro, to the Council.]
(By Mr. Lansdale)

I have yours by M^r Scott, and shall pay the greatest respect to the
Contents and will loose no time in forwarding the Residue of the
Cattle tho this business requires more time than is at first view con-
ceived; as the holders of Cattle very reluctantly part with them and
will give the Commissary no assistance in the Collection.
I have an order from M^r Calhoon desiring me to forward all the
flower in this Town, immediately to George Town, I should be very
happy to receive the Councils opinion upon this Subject — to transport

August 16