January 1-December 31, 1781 557

great want there was of Salt at that Post, on which I immediately
purchased two Waggon Load and sent him, which I was oblidged to
pay for in Specie of my own, although it suited me very ill to spare
it. I also intended to forward the quantity you ordered to George
Town as soon as it was in my power to procure Waggons, accord-
ingly last Wednesday I engaged two Waggons to go to that place,
for which was oblidged to promise them £6: 15. Specie each, and
would have sent them off next Morning, but in the mean time Col^o
Blaine came to Town from the Southward and informed me that he
had directed all the Cattle that was in the hands of M^r George un-
slaughtered to be forwarded to Frederick where he said all the Salt
we could send would be wanted, and it was not necessary to for-
ward any to George Town, or at most not more than one Waggon
Load. This prevented me from sending off the Waggons until I
had Flour or Tobaco in hand to enable me to purchase the Salt, as
I assure you it is very inconvenient for me to lay out my own Money.
There is a considerable quantity of Wheat collected in the lower
Counties, which cannot be manufactured there for want of proper
Mills, I some time ago requested the County Com^ys to send it either
to George Town or this place, where it might be made into Flour,
but it has not been in their power to procure Vessels and unless it is
done speedily the Frost will probably close up the rivers. I dare say
it would be in my power to get Vessels here as soon as they are dis-
charged from the continental Service, if I had the means of paying
them but as I before observed unless it can be done out of the Spe-
cific article itself, I know of no other method, for paper Money will
not be received, and as to seizing, or impressing, I hope your honours
will never require it of me again, for it is so contrary to my disposi-
tion, and effects my feelings in such a manner that I would rather
forego any advantages that could possibly arise to myself, than carry
it into execution

November 25

[Hanson Briscoe, Chaptico, to Gov. Lee.]

I have been Informed that the Wheat Collected in this County for
Taxes woud be Exchanged for Flower delivered in Baltimore. I
woud Take the whole in this County at the Curent Cash Price and
give Flower in Exchange, at the Baltimore Price. If you Think
such an offer wou'd be accepted of by the Governor & Council I
should be much obliged to you to make an application for me, or
If they wou'd Part with it on any Terms, I shoud be Glad to Know
them, or If they chpose rather to Transport, to Baltimore or George
Town, I have Vessells and woud undertake the Transportation of
it at the accustomed Freights, Your answer next Post will much
oblige your H^ble Serv^t

November 26