Feb. 23d 1780.
Sir, Philadelphia
We herewith forward to your Excellency the Act of Congress relative to furnishing the Officers with Cloathing - & in Compliance with your Requisition, moved that you might have Permission to draw on the Continental Treasury in the State for reimbursing such Supplies. The Congress declined to give their Opinion upon the Subject, & commited it to an especial Committee; when they report we shall not fail to give you the Result of this Deliberation - in the mean Time, we think, no ill Consequence can attend drawing on that Fund for the above Purpose.
1 We have the Honor to be with the highest Sentiments of Respect, Yr Excellency’s most obt. & very hbl. Servants,
Geo Plater
James Forbes
Receiver’s copy, Maryland State Papers (Red Books), Maryland Hall of Records Commission, Annapolis. Written by Plater and signed by Plater and Forbes.
1 In order to implement Congress’ November 25, 1779, resolution calling upon the states to provide officers of the Continental line with clothing at prices proportional to their pay, Governor Lee had requested the Maryland delegates to seek permission "to draw on the Continental Treasury of this State to reimburse the money that may be expended" in purchasing clothing for Maryland officers. Apparently fearful that the state meant to divert a portion of its monthly quota that "was intended for defraying the public Expences upon a Certain calculation," Congress found it "inexpedient" to comply with Lee’s request. See JCC, 15:1304 - 6, 16:188, 190 - 91; and PCC, item 70, 1:343 - 47.