January 1-December 31, 1781 85

prisoners taken by Morgan were out of danger of being retaken.
He had pick'd up ab^t 100 more since the action. This movement of
CornwalliS^ts esteemed exceeding rash by the Southern Gentlemen
here but I believe if he advances General Green will be forc'd to
evacuate North Carolina, or to engage on very unequal terms. Col.
Marian has distroyed some of the Enemies Magazines at Wandow
Landing, & Dorchester, within 20 Miles of Charles Town, & taken
30 British prisoners besides some officers. I shall add no more on
this Subject as it is probable before this reaches you, some important
events have been communicated to you from that quarter. The troops
Landed at Cape Fear, consist of a detachment from Charles Town,
& have taken possession of Wilmington, ab^t 500
The confederation will be subscribed (M^r Hanson being here) on
next Thursday & Congress having postpond it to that day in order to
announce it properly

February 24
Red Book

No. 5
Letter 51

[E. Hall, Lt 1^st Mary'd Regt, M^t Welcome Cecil County to
Gov. Lee]

I take the liberty of enclosing your excellency a letter for M^rs
Marbury from her unfortunate husband who is still a prisoner with
the enemy on Long Island, it came under cover to me with directions
from Col. Marbury to forward it by way of Annapolis to some gen-
tlemen there that woud procure it an immediate conveyance, and
having heard the Col^l speak in a manner that gave me reason to
believe he was acquainted with your excellency induces me to take
this liberty.
The peculiarly disagreeable situation of this unfortunate gentle-
man is truly distressing as the Continent having no officer in their
possession that wou'd apply to him in an exchange in point of rank
he humbly conceives that your excellency and council might fall
upon some method to enlarge him, one in particular he mentioned to
me previous to my exchange Viz. That if the State had not officers
in their immediate possession that might exchange him by composi-
tion, he apprehends they might be borrowed from a neighboring or
the United States. I hope your Excellency will pardon me for this
intrusion, the very great friendship & esteem which I have for Col.
Marbury obliges me to try every method that in my opinion might
tend to his speedy enlargement.

February 24

[Thos. Smyth, Eastern Neck, Kent County, to Gov. Lee.]
(Via Rock Hall)

Having been informed that this State had determined to fitt out
immediately some armed Vessels for the defence & protection of the
Trade of this Bay, I beg leave to make your Excell^cy an offer of a
fine large Ship which I have on the Stocks at my Shipyard on Lang-
ford bay, she was intended for a compleat 20 Gun Ship and will I

February 24
Red Book
No. 27
Letter 25