OF LANCASTER COUNTY. 293 



and Stores, and finding their tour of duty will expire in about two 

 weeks, I beg leave to trouble your Excellency, to express ray wishes 

 that the duty here could be performed by the militia of the Town only, 

 or that we might at least have one Company of the Town militia always 

 on duty; they seem to me to be much better officered than the militia 

 from the Country and being more accustomed to duty, are better quali- 

 fied for keeping in order a set of artful fellows who frequently persuade 

 some of those from the Country, as well officers as privates when on duty 

 to let them pass from the Barracks on various pretences; by which 

 means they get opportunities of straggling into the Country and with 

 the assistance of the disaffected make their escape. 



We have been fortunate these two last Guards in having Gentlemen 

 at the head of the Guard who have seen service, and have taken a great 

 deal of trouble in instructing the militia, and with those from the Coun- 

 try are Capt. Scott and a few more good officers ; but as there seems a 

 prospect of the next Guards coming chiefly from the Country and but 

 few of the Gentlemen who 'tis expected will command them have had 

 opportunities of knowing service, I fear the business will be done in 

 rather a careless and unsoldierlike manner unless Council shall be of 

 opinion that a considerable part of the Guard may be of the militia of 

 the Town and shall be pleased to order accordingly. 



Mr. Hall being in Philadelphia we can do nothing towards fitting up a 

 part of the Store-house for a Hospital until he returns, as there are pub- 

 lic Stores there under his charge. 



Capt. Hambright being in my office begs me to mention that he lately 

 wrote your Excellency giving a state of affairs in his department, and 

 wishes the honour of a Line from you, as he is apprehensive that he will 

 be under the necessity of giving up his bargain with ]\[r. Ross for 500 

 Cords of Wood purchased from him, unless he can comply with his con- 

 tract with him which requires the wood to be cut and taken from the 

 Lands in a certain time. 



I am. Sir, with the greatest esteem 



your mo.st obedt. Servt., 



Will. Atlek. 



Directed, 



His Excellency, Joseph Reed, Esquire, President of the State of 



Pennsylvania. 



Pres. Reed to Jolui Ilamhright, 1781. 



Sir: Your letter of the 25th ult. came safely to hand, and we are 

 obliged to you for your Care in forwarding the Ammunition and Cloth- 

 ing to Northumberland. We shall be glad you would inform yourself 

 whether it has gone forward from Middleton. 



With Respect to the Hospital we are quite of opinion that such a 



