January 1-December 31, 1781 55

[Js. Mercer, St. JameS^ts, to R^t F. Hooe, Alex^a.]

I write you now pursuant to the plan of Correspondence promised
in my first. But I have nothing of importance to communicate, nor
nothing new unless it may be so, that the seven Ships mentioned in
my last, to be at George's Island, certainly left that place on Tuesday
last. I supose for Portsmouth as we are certain the Enemy are
finishing the works at that place which indicates an Intention to fix
the Post there — they have great success in procuring our Slaves &
we hear their practice is to return those that belong to widows or
orphans &; those who will pass their paroles provided the persons
have not been active in the opposition.

February 6
Red Book

No. 5
Letter 47

[Col^o Leon^d Marbury, George Town, to His Excellency
Thomas Sim Lee Esquire]

I Observe from an Act PasS^td the last Session of Assembly that
any person, driven by the Enemy from the Southern States are
exempt from Taxation, Provided they have taken the Oath of Alle-
giance to the State from which they came, the General & myself
being Continental Officers it Can't admit of a Doubt but we have
done so, the Other Gentlemen mention'd, your Excellency may rest
assured have not only taken the Oaths but have done every thing that
good Citizens cou'd do in support of their Country. — They being
out of the way oblidges me in their behalf to request that your Excel-
lency will be so good as to lay the incloS^td before the Honble Council
& shou'd it meet with your & their approbation please Grant such
Permits as are necessary for our Settling in this State & to receive
the Benefit of the said Law

February 6

[Baruck Williams, Head of Elk, to Gov. Lee]

CoP Thompson's indisposition occasions my now writing on the
Subject which he had orders to Execute against J. Stump. I have
therefore to inform you that he has not been in the County since the
Col³ receipt of the warrant, at his request I went after Stump into
Harford but could not find him
By Col Hollingsworth I received £250 State money and in Conse-
quence of your orders have purchased about 800 Bush^ls of Corn
which is delivered at Elk I have also Contracted for a Quantity of
Hay some of which is delivered and Consumed. There is a necessity
for my having more money if you think proper I shall be glad of an
order on the Collector of this County for £1000 State money which
will Enable me to Comply with my Engagements & also have it in
my power to git more

February 6

[P. Adams to His Excel^y the Gov^r & Council]

M^r Luckett being desirous of going home on some private busi-
ness and informs that Cap^t Warfield will do his duty at the Magazine

February 7
Red Book
No. 27
Letter 23