482 Letters to the Governor and Council

September 8

said Gaily, that said Kirk was Prize Master on board said Sloop,
received a Copy of Bennison's Commission from his First Lieu-
tenant, and was Bound to York in Virginia, in order to Join the
Enemy. Its possible that more may Turn out in Evidence at the
Trial, but the above I think the most Material, be pleased to Inform
me what you will do in respect to this Man.

September 9
Brown Book
No. 3
Letter 12

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

The Commander in Chief has put into my hands this morning a
list of Ordnance and Stores wanting for the intended operations in
Virginia, amongst which are 10.18 pounders mounted on Travelling
or Garrison Carriages; including the 2.18 pounders left by the
Marquis at Annapolis. The remaining 8. he wishes to be furnished
with, by this state, on any terms you may think proper to spare them
for which he has requested me to write you immediately p Express,
and if obtained to embark such as are mounted as early as possible.
The General desires I may acquaint you that these Cannon will be
essentially necessary in his operations, and begs if there is not a suffi-
cient number on Carriages, you will please to aid him so far as to
order them to be mounted

September 9

[Matt. Ridley, Baltimore, to Gov. Lee.]

Yesterday Gen^l Washington came here & this Morning very early
pursued his Route to the Southward about twelve o'clock at noon
Gen^l de Rochambeau arrived & soon after went on his way to Vir-
ginia. This Information & which he desired me to communicate to
you is, — The detachment of about 2500 men were to embark this
morning at the Head of Elk with such baggage &^ca as there were
sufficient vessells to carry That the whole would have embarked but
for want of the means. He therefore had ordered the remainder of
the Troops amounting to 5000 to march for this Town & desired
that every preparation might be made for embarking from hence.
Spoke much of the difficulties and delays that would attend being
obliged to march by Land & in short that it might be the cause of not
succeeding in the expedition. He therefore desires that every exer-
tion may be made for collecting Vessels from all parts & that they
may be ordered to this place with the greatest expedition. Such as
come in here will of course be stopd for the purpose and I have to
beg your Excellency will direct all others here. Perhaps some may be
found in the different Rivers. The Nautilus lays in Patuxent &
would be of service on this occasion Indeed all craft of twelve Tons
or upwards will be wanting. The Gen^l was of opinion the Galley
would answer well — particularly for convoying & carrying military
stores. The managers for her are fitting her out but the want of
money makes her go on very slowly. I believe she was once offered
to the state. I would beg to submit it to consideration whether it