January 1-December 31, 1781 475

In that time when I agreed to Build this Galle I understood I was to
have muny or somthing Put Into my hand to have Raisd muny with ]
to have firnesh^t Every Metearel for the Galle for which I was to have ]
Drawn a Commition from for my trubell or I am Shour I would not
have undertaken hir for the Paltrey Commition of Building the Hull
I was to have the sam as when I was agent to the Counsell of Safty
and afterwards to the first Governor and Counsel and I still Expect
it as I think from what littel knowlidg I have of Marein afairs I can
save the State more then my Commition I have not bin able to go
from home this two weeks from a hurt I got In my legg as soon as I
Can Conveniently Ride I will wait on you

September 3
Red Book
Mo. 27
Letter 57

[Chris^r Birckhead, to His Excellency Thomas Sim Lee Esq^r]
(p^r M^r Benson)

I now send a few more of the Draughts by M^r Perry Benson,
a list of whom he will deliver, the remainder I shall send as fast as
they can be apprehended.
You will please to pay M^r Benson for his Trouble and also the
expence of the Boat hire, as I have no money to pay them.

September 4

[John Dean, Major 4th M. R^t, Chester Town, to His Excellency
the Gov^r & the Hon^ble Council]

The Order for seventeen Pounds for deficiency of Stores you
were pleased to give me last May, I have mislaid, you will please
to renew it, and also an Order for some more Money, you will
also please to give me an Order for State Stores. I have been con-
fined to my bed almost three months, and am at Present in a very-
poor state of health, and in great need of Money and Stores at this
place, the bearer Captⁿ Reid will give rec^ts in my name, and can in-
form you fully of my distressed situation

September 4

[M. Gist, Baltimore, to Gov. Lee.]

I have the Pleasure to inform you that a Cutter of 18 Guns has
this moment arrived here with Dispatches from Count De Grass for
his Excellency General Washington.
Captain Arne D^e La Laume Commander of the Cutter informs
that the French Fleet consisting of 28 Sail of the Line arrived in our
Bay the 26^th ult^o with 3000 Land Forces which are landed to form a
junction with the Marquis de la Fayette. Part of the Fleet have
blocked up the British Vessels in York River — they have taken the
Loyalist of 22 Guns in York River & on their way to the Cape took
a Packett from Charles Town with Lord Rawdon on board. This
Gentlemen is now a Prisoner with the Fleet at York River. The main
part of the Fleet lays between the Middle Ground & Cape Henry
I do myself the Honor to enclose you a List of the Fleet of great
& Good Allies now in the Bay.

September 4
Red Book
No. 30
Letter 58
[Copy]