January 1-December 31, 1781 551

p day and short Forage equivalent, and as the Honorable the execu-
tive of this State has authorised you to make the supply on this Inter-
esting occasion I must earnestly request your making the Supply
with all possible dispatch, and have not a doubt of meeting every
exertion in your power

[November]
Red Book
No. 23
Letter 88
[copy]

[H. Dearborn, Lt Colo, D. Q. M., Head of Elk, to
Colo. Hollingsworth.]

The Army (which I expect will be at this place within two or
three days, at furthest) on its arrival will be in want of provision,
Forage and Teams, being informed that those matters are under
your direction, as an officer of this State have no doubt but you will
take the necessary measures for furnishing those supplies. I think
one hundred and fifty Beef Cattle will be necessary to drive on with
the Army when it marches from hence, which I expect will be within
three or four days; the quantity of Forage Col^o Yeates has requested
of you I imagine will be sufficient, short feed is of great importance
to us — thirty four horse Teams at least, will be wanted, and if they
are not procured by you or Col^o Yeates, wee shall be under the dis-
agreeable necessity of making use of the authority of the Army for
procuring them, which will perhaps distress many of those Individ-
uals which have contributed their full proportion, towards the Sup-
port of the Army, whilst others that have done very little good go
free not doubting but that you will make every exertion in your
power to furnish the above mentioned articles.

November 13
Red Book
No. 23
Letter 90

[G^o Washington, Mount Vernon, to His Excellency, Gov. Lee]

I had the Honor to receive your Excellencys last Favor, a few
days before I left my Quarters below Immediately caused the En-
quiries you mentioned, to be made — but with very little success. Of
the Refugees named, none were to be found in the Returns made to
me. The Commiss^ry of Prisoners could only collect, that a M^r French
had been with the Enemy at Portsmouth, and had left that place to
go to Charlestown S^o Carolina.
The Case of M^r Middleton, I mentioned to the Admiral de Grasse,
who promised to do what was in his power for his Relief.
I beg your Excellency will do me. the Favor to forward the in-
closed Letter for Col^o Tilghman by the first opportunity that may
present to Rock Hall.
I promise myself the pleasure to see your Excellency at Anapolis
or Baltimore, which ever place you may be at, on my Way to Phila-
delphia, for which place I shall leave this in three or four Days.
Be pleased Sir to believe that I am with very particular Sentiments
of Esteem & Regard Your Excellency's Most obedient and most
humble Servant

November 16
Brown Book
No. 1
Letter 45