January 1-December 31, 1781 45

M^r Edelen if there is any thing in his hands — he has paid the money
part of the orders I have rec^d
[P. S.] No cattle rec^d from below except Montg^y 6 Head
Col Weltner is Just arrived & says his Regiment will be here
Tomorrow and to wait Gen^l GesS^ts order.

February 1

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

I did myself the pleasure to address you on this day week by M^r
Lansdale, wherein I took the liberty of requesting a further supply
of Money, as that which you furnished me with, was expended in
the purchase of provisions. And as I have not heard from you on
the subject have again to repeat the request.
I never 'till yesterday saw the late Law for furnishing the sup-
plies for the present year, in which I do not conceive myself im-
powered to purchase provisions with Money, unless I have your
particular instructions. I apprehend the collection will be so late in
the year, that little meat will be paid this fall, in discharge of taxes ;
and therefore should think the purchase had better be continued with
money. Tis now very late in the season, and no valuation of prop-
erty, and it must be late in the next month before the Collectors pro-
ceed upon that business, at which time the meat season will be over —
the payments I apprehend must be in grain & Tobacco. I pray to
hear from you fully upon this Subject, at all events, I must repeat
my prayer for a further Sum of money to comply with my contracts.
The Law directs the County Commissarys to procure Salt. I could
wish in the present instance and situation of affairs, that the Gover-
nor & Council could find it convenient to furnish me with that arti-
cle — as great expence would attend the Country by purchasing at this
season — if I am not to be supply 'd from you pray let me know, that
I may take the necessary steps to engage it in time. My returns for
the last month shall be handed you in few days.

February 1

[Fielder Gannt, Frederick, to Gov. Lee.]

Two days ago I received a letter from Gen. Hambleton concern-
ing one to you, which he desired me to forward, as I had never seen
him or conversed with any other British Officers of the Convention
Troops, I was at a loss to know his reasons for applying to me on
the occation, and as he lives near me (having rented the house
Formerly S. [L. ?] Smith's) I rote to him to inquire into his cause of
Complaint, when he inform'd me that Col^l Wood had been sometime
absent, and that he did not know how to apply for redress I toald
him M^r Murdock was appointed by the State to supply him, when he
said he had made applycation to him without success; I should not
have been Instrumental in this business, had I not thought it a
favourable opportunity of finishing the Barracks by which means
what has been already laid out on the building may be saved the

February I
Red Book
No. 28
Letter 18