OF LANCASTER COUNTY. 295 



Pres. Reed to Lieutenants of Lancaster and York, 1781. 



Sir : By authentick Advices Congress have received from Virginia 

 this Day, it seems almost certain, that a large Detachment of Cornwallis's 

 Army have moved up the Bay, having Baltimore for their present ap- 

 parent Object. We cannot, on this Occasion, but have Apprehensions 

 on Account of the Prisoners, and therefore, have not only thought proper 

 to give you the earliest Intelligence, but to request you will take all 

 proper Precautions for their Security — and in case of a forward Move- 

 ment by the Enemy, that everything should be in Eeadiness to remove 

 them to a place of greater Safety. We would also recommend to you 

 the falling immediately upon suitable Measures to have the best and 

 earliest Intelligence of the Operations of the Enemy at the Head of the 

 Bay. The Distance does not admit of a Surprise if proper Vigilance is 

 used ; and the Consequences are of so alarming a Nature, that nothing 

 ought to be omitted to guard against it. Should the enemy not make 

 any Movement in the County, it is probable that the Prisoners will desert 

 largely if great Care is not taken. This, therefore, though a secondary, 

 is an important Consideration. 



I am, &c. 

 Indorsed — August 6, 1781. 



In Council. 



Philadelphia, Thursday, June 27, 1782. 

 PRESENT: 



Ilis Excellency the President. 



The Honourable the Vice President. 



Mr. Gardner, Mr. Van Campen, and 



Mr. Levan, Mr. Byers. 



Mr. Ewing, 



"Whereas, It hath been represented to this Board that, under pretence 

 of supplying British prisoners with clothing, a store of British merchan- 

 dize is opened in or near the borough of Lancaster, within this State, 

 whereby a clandestine traffic is carried on between the inhabitants of 

 this county and those who reside within the garrisons and places therein, 

 now in the possession of the enemy ; a market is provided for British 

 merchandize, the circulating specie is exported from the United States, 

 the payment of taxes rendered more difficult and burthensome to the 

 people at large, and great discouragement occasioned to honest and 

 lawful commerce. 



Ordered, That William Henry, Esquire, of the said borougli, taking to 

 his assistance a Justice of the Peace of Lancaster, do enquire concerning, 

 and inspect the store in the said borough which has been opened on the 

 pretence aforesaid, and if it shall appear that any goods, wares, and mer- 

 chandizes, shall be found therein other than made up uniforms for the 



