January 1-December 31, 1781 501

inform'd that the fleet had sail'd and no one call'd at Kent Point.
I then orderd the cattle back to Pasture where they all remain but 9
which got out the night of the 20^th and are still missing but expect
every day to hear of them as there are two persons in search of them.
I hope if y^r Ex: should order any more Cattle by water you will order
the Vessels into Wye where the whole Cattle from the County may
be collected and put on board; there are 60 on Wye Island ready.
Y^r Ex: desires an additional number tho the People are all willing
still it is with difficulty they can spare the 350 without breaking in
on their family provision. However if you'll inform me that it is
necessary that I should collect a farther number by seizure (tho it
will distress me to take from those, whats for their own use, who
have already spared all the rest) I'll lay by all my own feelings rather
than lett the expedition suffer. I hope the troops have suffer'd noth-
ing for want of those Cattle I did all I could from the shortnes of the
notice, and ever shall strain every thing to forward the Service

September 23

[R^d Bond, Saint Marys County To the Governor and Council]

As it is not in my power to keep the State Horses longer shall be
much oblige to you to advise me by the next Post in what manner
to Act. If they are to remain in this County any length of Time
Colonel Barnes will undertake the care of them.

September 24

[Raphael Brooke, Frederick County, to the Gov. & Council.]
(P^r F^r of Mr. J. Clabough)

I Have 6 or 7 Thousand w^t of Net Beef and Mutton and Expect
Neare as Mutch more In a few Weakes and Knowing this State is in
want of those Articles should willingly serve them with what I have
or Can Procure on the Following termes. Viz, I will Let My Meat
at the Cash prise in Baltimore town And Deliver it to Aney Coma-
seray on the Western Shoure of Chesapeake bay that you May
Apoint to Receive it, And Take Wheat in Payment In the Mills on
Pipe Creek in this County at the Prise Curent it sels for at the time
you Receve the beef & Mutton, If these termes is Agreeable Please
to give mee an Answer by the bearer & I will wait on you In about
two Weakes

September 24

[George Dashiell, Som^t Co^ty, to Gov. Lee.] (Fav^d by Capt. Walley)

In consequence of instructions rec^d from the Special Council I
have impresS^td the following vessels & sent to transport the troops
from the head of Elk to Virginia to wit. A schooner belonging to
M^r Josiah Dashiell sent forward to baltimore with orders to call on
Col^o Sam^l Smith for instructions; a Schooner belonging to Capt Jn^o
Parker and one belonging to M^r James Handy — which goes up
under Convoy of Cap^t Walley's barge. I have sent up with Capt.

September 24