January 1-December 31, 1781 521

[Extract of a letter from the Continental Quarter Master for this
State, to the Board]

Richmond 10th Octo^r 1781
I had the honor to receive your favor of this morning, inclos-
ing a letter from his Excellency the Governor of Maryland to
His Excellency the Governor of Virginia, dated the 27^th September.
The waggons and teams mentioned, were impressed by the Clerk to
the Assistant Deputy Quarter Master at Staunton, and forwarded
to this place with Flour for the Army before York Town. I am
sorry that the Gentleman exceeded his authority by taking the prop-
erty of another State, as my instructions extended no farther than
Virginia, as did his Excellency Governor Nelson's warrant, in conse-
quence of which an impressment was made for waggons for the Con-
tinent. I have given orders that the Waggons, teams, & Geers shall
be immediately returned to their respective owners, and shall give
such instructions throughout the department, as shall prevent every
thing of the kind in future. I beg leave to assure you Gentlemen,
that it is my wish to have harmony, and a good understanding kept
up in the point you recommend, and trust that you will communicate

to his Excellency Governor Lee that this, with every other matter

which comes before me, in which any Subject of the State of Mary-
land may be interested, shall be satisfactorily settled, as far as I have
it in my power.

October 10

[G^o Washington, Head Quarters Before York, to His Excellency,
Governor Lee.]

I was yesterday honored with your Excellency's favor of the 3^d
Give me leave to return you my sincerest thanks for your exertions
on the present occasion. The supplies granted by the State are so
liberal, that they remove every apprehensions of want. Col^o Blaine
has gone himself over to the Eastern shore to see that the Cattle from
thence are brought down to the proper landing where they will be
slaughtered, and the meat sufficiently salted to be transported by
Water. Proper measures have been taken by the Commissaries to
receive the Cattle of the Western Shore, and to have them driven by
Land. Arrangements have also been made to send up the Craft for
Flour as fast as they discharge their lading of stores.
I will desire Col^o Stewart to send up all the empty Flour Barrells
that can be made of further use.
We opened our first parallel on the night of the 6^th and established
it compleatly with a loss too trifling to mention. Our shells have done
considerable damage in the Town, and our fire from the Cannon has
been so heavy and well directed against the embrasures of the Ene-
my's Works, that they have been obliged, during the day to withdraw
their Cannon and place them behind their Merlens.

October 12
Brown Book

No. 1
Letter 44