January 1-December 31, 1781 95

[George Murdock, Fred Town, to Governor Lee.]

I have your Excellencys fav^r of this 20^th Instant and am now
to inform that Flesh provision is still scarce, all that I have been able
to collect lately, has been little more than sufficient for the Guard,
The Convention Troops within Ten or Twelve days past have drawn
for about Two days only, and upon the whole I believe they are 20
or 25 days deficient in meat.
I have sent to Prince Georges for the Pork & hope it will be here
this day. The Seventy Bullock mentioned in a former letter was
disposed of before my Express got to the person that own'd them.
I am much in want of money. If there is any in the Treasury be
pleased to send me a sum by M^r Beatty. M^r Edelen can now give me
but little assistance

February 28

[Lewis Duvall to Jas. Brice, Esqr.]

Observing the States horses to be very poor and thinking the
States might be willing to put out some To worke for their feed —
I take the Liberty to inform you that I would take 2 of them — which
I would feed well and use gently as I have a great Plenty of Proven-
der or I would sell the State 6 or 8 Cart Loads of oat Straw which
is very good and all most Equal to hay.

[February]

[Petition of W^m Gordon To his Excellency the Governeur and the
Honourable the Council of the State of Maryland]

Sheweth that your Petitioner haveing lived in this City for the
space of twenty two years and as he hopes behaved himself in a
becomeing Manner before and since the Revolusion of these States —
And as he is now destitute of Supporting his family for want of
Imployment — and as your Late Messenger is now dead — Humbly
hopes your Excellency & Honours will (if you approve of his late
Conduct which he will be willing at all times to Amend) Appoint
him Messenger to your Excellency & Honours in the Room of the
deceased

[February]

[John Smith Brookes to The Hon^ble The Governor & Council]

I have your favour last week by M^r Lansdale, and Lament you
had it not in your power to furnish me with the Money I so earnestly
requested, and stood so much in need off. You order me to continue
the purchase with assiduity — tis impossible to purchase without
money, and I am not able to buy a single flower Barrel, or defray the
Expences for transporting the provisions. I am at a loss to judge
from what cause, but few men chose to credit the publick, a prefer-
ance is given to almost any individual. I have therefore to pray, you
will consider my necessity and contrive me a supply of cash by the
return of M^r Lansdale

March I