[Col. John Tayloe to Col. Landon Carter]

[March 31, 1771]
Dear Col.
I hoped you had been satisfied about the fence as you was assured no representations could prejudice me, but to make all things easy, I will as soon as I hasten to attend, take the matter in hand myself, & try to have such a fence made on the lines between us, as shall even defy a deer to get over.

Now give me leave to complain to you, that your Patroll do not do their duty, my people are rambling about every night, the last my saddle shews, a barbarous use [illeg.] allso, your favorite; my man Billie was out, he says he rode no horse of Masters, & that he only was at Col. Carter's, by particular invitation, so that the Entertainment was last night at Sabine hall, & may probably be at Mt. Airy this night, if my discoverys do not disconcert the Plan, these things could not be so I think, if the Patrollers did the duty they are paid for. I thank you for your neighbourly intentions, but we cannot command times, or Seasons, & from such weather can only pray, Good Lord deliver us
Yrs Afftly
John Tayloe
Easter Sunday

[Note: Tayloe's "man Billie" is possibly the same personal servant who ran off again in 1774, when Tayloe advertised for his capture. Billie, or Billy, or Will, belonging to Tayloe, also fought for the British during the Revolution, and was tried before the Prince William County Court in 1781.]

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