Sir, Philadelphia May 15th. 1781
The late scale of depreciation setled by the Presidt. and Council of this State, has had such an effect upon the Minds of the people at large in this City, that no paper Money will pass but upon the most ruinous terms; nor will it be in our power to continue here without Your Excellency and the Council can fall upon some other Mode of Supply than that of Paper Money.(1) We know of but one, and that is to direct the Grinding up some Wheat at the head of the Bay into Superfine Flour: this Article will command hard Money without which, nothing can be done at this place. Mr. Joseph Gilpin would undertake this business and execute it with dispatch. Coll. Hollingsworth the Commy Genl. has too much on his hands to allow him to pay proper attention to this Mode of Supply, besides he might be from the head of Elk when the Order might reach that place, and our situation is such that delay would be distressing.
We have the honor to be with the highest esteem, Sir, Your Excellencys Most Obedt. Servants, Daniel of St Thos Jenifer
Daniel Carroll

RC (MdAA: Red Books). Written by Jenifer and signed by Jenifer and Carroll.
1 For the Council's "other Mode of Supply," see Maryland Delegates to Lee, May 30, note 2.