against the enemy's troops under Earl Cornwallis in
Virginia; and immediately on my return hither, I did myself the honor
to address your Excellency, respecting the specific supplies due from
the State of Maryland to the United States, upon the requisitions of
Congress, of the 25th of February and 4th of November, 1780, well
knowing the whole balance due on these calls of Congress would, now
become absolutely necessary to the intended operations.

I am very sensible that your government have upon all occasions
executed demands of Congress with a decision and vigor, which does
them honor, and on that account I should decline saying anything
calculated to stimulate their present exertions, did I not know, that
everything depends thereon. Virginia, North and South Carolina, have
long subsisted large armies, and that expense of provisions must come
to their credit. The New England States, New York, New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania, have supported, and must continue to support, the main
army. Pennsylvania will also contribute towards the support of the
southern army, and her supplies will be directed both ways, as
circumstances may require. Delaware and Maryland must chiefly be
depended on. Virginia and North Carolina will, I hope, continue to do
all they can. But your Excellency must be perfectly sensible, that I
have not any funds wherewith to purchase supplies; no State in the
Union has hitherto supplied me with money, except Pennsylvania. But as
the money of that State is (in consequence of plans adopted for that
purpose) very rapidly rising in value, it would be improper to call it
into circulation at present, when it is at the rate of only two for
one, though it has been as low as seven, because the public interest
would thereby be injured, and indeed I might be charged with defeating
the measures I myself had taken, in the very moment when they bid
fairest for success.

The security of your State, the safety of individuals and their
property are so immediately connected with the present operations,
that I persuade myself your Excellency will receive every aid and
support in your exertions, that you can wish, both from public bodies
and individuals. My dependence therefore, on receiving the supplies
from your State seems well founded.

I have the honor to transmit your Excellency herewith a letter from
the Commander in Chief on the same subject, which will add weight to
my entreaties. I have written to Donaldson Yeates