January 1— December 31, 1781 493

I have made application to M^r Beall who informs me, his situation
and necessaty for them is as great as my own — the Barrels you gave
me an order on M^r Rozier for, is to good for the purpose of Flower,
and their number very inconsiderable, they had better be reserved
for Pork. If the Council will furnish me with money for one thou-
sand Barrels, I can get them made immediately and without the Cash
I cannot procure them, and without them the publick wheat will run
a very great risque of being damaged and the Collection of the tax
so far as relates to that article, be in a great measure enterupted. I
pray you will please to take these matters under your consideration
and favour me with your answer by M^r Crauford. As the fall is ap-
proaching tis time proper measures was taken to provide a sufficient
number of good Barrels for the securing and packing away, what
pork may be offered in payment of taxes agreable to the late act for
furnishing supplies — 'twill not be in my power to make this neces-
sary preparation, unless I am timeously furnished with the only
means, which is money. The Commissioners of the Tax have nomi-
nated several places in this County, whereat the people may deliver
their Pork in payment of their publick debts, this makes it necessary
that a quantity of Barrels and Salt, should be lodged at each of those
Places — how far the Commissioners were justifiable in their Con-
duct I will not pretend to say, but it appears to me that the legisla-
ture meant, and indeed express that only one place in each County
should be nominated for the receipt and Curing of dead meat Provi-
sions — their appointing several will necessarily increase the expence.
I presume not less than one hundred thousand Pounds of Pork might
be Collected in this County, in this winter, if the proper measures
are adopted, and the necessary provisions made in time, & I think
could I be furnished with money for that purpose, I should be able
to do every thing that related to the duties of my office & without
that, it will not be in my Power to do any thing to the purpose. I rely
entirely upon your directions

September 15

[Jas. Calhoun, Baltimore, to Gov. Lee.]

I had the honor to receive yours of this date and shall not fail to
afford all the exertions I am capable of in collecting the public flour
to Navigable Water so as it may be forwarded to our Army in
Virginia.
At present there is between 4 & 500 B^bles in the Continental Maga-
zine at this place which Gen^l Gist has directed the Quarter Master
to send forward immediately, but not a Barrel to be borrowed, in-
deed it is not in the Town, I am purchasing for the supply of the
French and am not able to get what they wanted in this place although
I have the hard money to pay for it, however it will certainly come
in very fast in a few days. By the return made me from Montgomery
County there is 1185 Barrels Flour at George Town besides which

September 15