January 1-December 31, 1781 481

[M. Gist, Baltimore, to Gov. Lee.] (Pr favor Capt. Buchanan)

I have just received a letter from His Excellency General Wash-
ington with dispatches from the Count D^e Grasse, requesting them
to be forwarded with all possible expedition, either by a Dispatch
Boat, or by Land, as might be thought most eligible.
As we have no certain information that any of the Enemies Ves-
sels are above York River, I have judged it expedient to send them
in care of Captain James Buchanan, by water; and have taken the

Plater for that purpose
Captain Buchanan waits on your Excellency for further directions,
and if judged unsafe for him to proceed to the Fleet, he will deliver
you the dispatches to be forwarded by land, in either case, I need not
mention the necessity of expediting them

September 8
Brown Book
No. 3
Letter 18

[J. H. Stone, Annapolis to Mr. Hezekiah Reeder, Charles County]

I have yours of the 5^th Instant, as M^r Kerrick is a very good
& safe driver, I think he is entitled to a greater allowance than
common drivers, & perhaps without him the service might be im-
peded, you had I think best continue to employ him, the highest Price
we have given is 20/ p Day, which I think you might pay M^r Kerrick,
but this rests altogether with yourself. You are not to forward any
more cattle to this place, what you now collect (as you will observe
by the Go. & Councils Letter, are to be forwarded without delay to
George Town on Potowmack — they sent you the order with £500
by Lansdale, to pay for the Cattle you are to collect & when you want
more money, you will apply for it. As the whole Cattle collected by
you are to be paid for.
You will either have the wheat immediately manufactured into
flour or send it without delay to George Town to be delivered to
Thomas Richardson or M^r Bealle
The Go. & Council not setting I cannot inform what will be the
result of your application respecting the Horse.

September 8

[John Moale, Baltimore Town to Gov. Lee.]

I have Commited to Baltimore County Goal a Certain Arthur
Kirk late an Inhabitant of this Town. I am Inform'd that he was
Mate to a Certain Cap^t John Hagman who sailed in a Brig from
this place sometime in June or July last has Join'd the Enemy and has
since Taken several Vessels belonging to the Inhabitants of this
State. It appears by the Evidence produced to me, that Kirk was put
in a Sloop Taken by the Revenge Galley Capt. Bennison belonging
either to the King of Great Brittain or one of his subjects as Prize
Master, and was retaken by a Certain William Belwood; James
White, Tho^s Hall and others, and that he was Standing down the
Bay — and by the Evidence of John Thomas a Seaman belonging to
31

September 8