January 1-December 31, 1781 99

[Wm McLaughlin to The Governor and Council.]

I have been Inform'd by a Gentleman Just come from Annapolis
that my bond as Collector of Baltimore Town; is put in suit. Your
Excellency may remember that I had your Particular orders not to
Collect any Taxes from The Frenchmen which I stood Charge with,
and which is the only thing unsettled of my Acc^t
When I went last to Annapolis to make a final Settlement with
the Treasurer I then told your excellency I had money enough with
me to settle the whole, And requested your Excellency's further or-
ders respecting the Frenchmen; I was told that there was no doubt
of their getting relieved by the Hon^ble Assembly and that I might be
under no Apprehension from the Consequences that might result to
me, from my Leaving my Acc^t enclosed.
I suppose my Bond's being put in suit must be owing to the Trea-
sure's Ignorance of the above Affair and that his orders were Gen-
eral, However Your excellency has it still in Your power to stop the
proceedings Against me, as I intirely Acted Agreeable to your Excel-
lencys orders. I most Humbly Intreat Your Further Instruction in
the matter and whether I am to Collect the Frenchmen's Acc^ts or not

March 2

[S. Huntington, President, Philadelphia, to His Excellency,
Governor Lee.]

By the Act of Congress herewith, enclosed your Excellency will
be informed, that the Articles of Confederation & perpetual Union
between the thirteen United States are formally & finally ratified by
all the states.
We are happy to congratulate our Constituents on this important
Event, desired by our Friends but dreaded by our Enemies.

March 2
Red Book
No. 8
Letter 54

[John Voorhees, George Town, to Colo. Henry Hollingsworth]

I received your fav^r of yesterday, and I am really unhappy that I
can do so little on the present emergent occasion, ten Barrels Beef
and pork is all I have collected, and a very gloomy prospect, being
destitute of the needfull to purchase with, no collections being yet
made, and in a season of the year, that does not afford any consid-
erable quantity of provision, a few beaves on the hoof will be collect
in Taxes and what I can purchase on the Credit of the State, shall be
sent forward as soon as a Sufficient number can be collected — the
provision shall be sent by McLelland who will set of in a day or two.
Your letter to the Commissioners, I handed to M^r James Pearce,
who is one of the Board.

March 2
Red Book
No. 30
Letter 113

[Bowly and Stewart, Baltimore, to Gov. Lee]

The Bearer Cap^t Thomas Johnson is a principal Owner of a new
Brigantine at this Post of something upwards of an hundred Tons

March 3