ven were there no such law.

Suppose he opens a trade with some place south-west of
Annapolis, 25 or 30 miles from here, or less. He might carry
wood, oysters, &c., and all his customers from this vicinity
might travel in _that direction_ without any of the suspicions
that might attend their journeyings _towards this city_. In this
way, doubtless, a good business might be carried on without
interruption or competition, and provided the plan was conducted
without affecting the inhabitants along that shore, no suspicion
would arise as to the manner or magnitude of his business
operations. How does this strike you? What does the "powder boy"
think of it?

I heretofore intimated a _pressing necessity_ on the part of
several females--they are variously situated--two have children,
say a couple each; some have none--of the latter, one can raise
$50, another, say 30 or 40 dollars--another who was gazetted
last August (a copy sent you), can raise, through her friends,
20 or 30 dollars, &c., &c. None of these can walk so far or so
fast as scores of _men_ that are constantly leaving. I cannot
shake off my anxiety for these poor creatures. Can you think of
anything for any of these? Address your other correspondent in
answer to this at your leisure.

Yours,

WM. PENN.

P.S.--April 3d. Since writing the above, I have received yours
of 31st. I am rejoiced to hear that business is so successful
and prosperous--may it continue till _the article_ shall cease
to be merchandize.

I spoke in my last letter of the departure of a "few friends." I
have since heard of their good health in Penn'a. Probably you
may have seen them.

In reference to the expedition of which you think you can "hold
out some little encouragement," I will barely remark, that I
shall be glad, if it is undertaken, to have all the notice of
the _time and manner_ that is possible, so as to make ready.

A friend of mine says, anthracite coal will always pay here from
Philadelphia, and thinks a small vessel might run often--that
she never would be searched in the Potomac, unless she went
outside.

You advise caution towards Mr. P. I am precisely of your opinion
about him, that he is a "queer stick," and while I advised him
carefully in reference to his own undertakings, I took no
counsel of him