January 1-December 31, 1781 573

[John Smith Brookes, Upper Marlbro, to the Council.]
(By Mr. Lansdale)

I sent on to Frederick Town on Friday last another drove of
Cattle consisting of about 160 head the greater part of which ware
from the Lower Counties — the Expenses attending the feeding and
conveying those Cattle together with what I sent on some time agoe
has entirely reduced the sum of money you sent me last by M^r Ch^s
Lansdale and I am now considerable in debt for the Cattle pur-
chased — the People are very anxious to discharge there accounts
with the sheriff and therefore are pressing me for the money. I
wrote you some time agoe that the money in my hands was by no
means sufficient to comply with my own private purchase and re-
quested you will supply me with a further sum, I beg leave now to
repeat the request and that you will intrust it to the care of M^r
Lansdale.
There is a prospect of Pork being offered to me in the course
of a few days by such as are indebted for Taxes and have not other
means of paying them. I am without Salt and consequently shall
be under the necessity of refusing any that may offer. I pray you
to drop me a line upon the subject. I still labour under very great
difficultys ab^t flower Barrels — the Gentleman with whom I had con-
tracted will not furnish me unless I will pay him the hard money —
will you permit me to sell as much Flower as will answer this pur-
pose only — ? the Barrels are very much wanting both Flower and
Pork — the red money will answer only for the purpose of paying
Taxes. I shall be happy to have your instructions upon these matters.

December 13

[Th. Johnson, Fred^k Town, to Gov. Lee]

Cap^t Boyer Difficulties to procure wood for the Guard and prison-
ers have induced him to apply to me several Times for a supply and
today Col^o Rawlings came with him. I could furnish two or three
hundred cords as convenient as any Body but I cannot do it on
credit as I did last year. Any thing which the public would receive
of me again will suit me or Hides in Exchange for wood but these
Gent, could not enter into any Engagement for either. Capt. Boyer
who appears to me to be a very active frugal Officer made me
promise to write to you but I suppose you'll have such Informa-
tion from the different Departments here as will evince that the
Guard and prisoners cannot be kept here on Credit.
I have understood that the Office of Surveyor of this County is
Vacant I am not very fond of recommending to Office but I believe
M^r George Dent who has lived a good while with my Brother James
would fill it with Ability and Integrity — if I consulted my own
Interest meerly I should not mention him to you.

December 13
Red Book
No. 29
Letter 19