January 1-December 31, 1781 483

would not be best to have her for the state service — man her properly,
let her cruize in the Bay, as we are informed the Enemys cruizers
are still in it, & whether if she was sent to York (on account of the
little water she draws) she may not be of essential service in the
operation there
Gen^l Chataloux & some other officers are come in this Evening.
The Gen^l says the Troops will most probably be here on Tuesday
Evening & presses much making every prepation for getting them
forward. Every thing in my power shall be done; but I have thought
it necessary to send this by Express that you may pursue such meth-
ods as you may deem most eligible.

September 9

[Rich^d Barnes, Leo^d Town to His Excellency Thos. Sim Lee Esq^r]

Agreeable to your direction I appointed M^r Rob^t Armstrong
to keep a Person at Point lookout to give me the earliest infor-
mation of the appearance of the Enemy, in consequence of which
I rec^d the inclosed by express yesterday, and shuld have imme-
diately sent an express to you, If I had apprehended it was part of
the French Fleet that we have been informed were in the Bay. Which
If true, may make it unnecessary to keep a Person at Point look out,
shall be glad of your directions on the Subject. I have appointed
M^r Hugh Hopewell to send all the Vessels that can be got to the
head of Elk.

September 10

[Rob. Armstrong to The Honble Richard Barnes, Esq^r]

This morning about Sunrise was discovered three sails a small
distance above Smiths Point comeing up the Bay the wind South
West, I stayed sometime in order to see what they were. The wind
Changing to North I found them to be two Ships and A Brigg the
foremost Ship is now not more than Eight Miles below Point Look-
out working up under all the sail that she can make. Agreeable to
your Instructions — I have dispatched a Messenger (John Lee) to you,
who is to be paid ten shillings hard money for his trouble.

September 9
9 o'clock
Saturday
Morning

[Tho^s Beall of Geo. for T Richardson Esq^r Geo Town to His Excel-
lency Tho^s S. Lee Esq^r] (Hon^d by Mr. Denny)

I have been Chiefly all through this County and find Beeves in
General very Poor & Scarce from present Appearances I don't be-
live I shall be able to get above two hundred which Number I hope
to have brought together as near to this place as Good Pasturage can
be had this week — and if there is as many as three Hundred in this
County I will have them.
I am getting Hay Corn & Oats in very fast every body in this
County seems willing to Supply me with forage. I shall write you
Immediately as soon as I can Possibly get the Cattle together — what

September 10