In Chains, what was the money that had been in Madam Lockton's linen chest for?

The money that was hidden away in Madam Lockton's linen chest was money that was going to be used to bribe members of the Patriot army. 

The reader learns this fact in chapter nine.  Isabel has been asked to wait upon Mr. Lockton and the three men that he is meeting with.  At one point, Lockton orders Isabel to bring more bread and apricot jam.  Just before returning with the food, Isabel hears the following...

The money that was hidden away in Madam Lockton's linen chest was money that was going to be used to bribe members of the Patriot army. 

The reader learns this fact in chapter nine.  Isabel has been asked to wait upon Mr. Lockton and the three men that he is meeting with.  At one point, Lockton orders Isabel to bring more bread and apricot jam.  Just before returning with the food, Isabel hears the following quote:

"Compliments of His Majesty, gentleman.  There's enough money here to bribe half of the rebel army."  

Isabel knows that she has heard something that is not meant for her ears, so she peeks through the door crack in order to learn more.  At that moment, Isabel sees Lockton open the linen chest, rummage underneath the clothing, and pull out two handfuls of paper currency.  The plan is to give a certain amount of money and land to every man that switches over to fight for the British.  

"Every man willing to switch sides is to be paid five guineas and two hundred acres of land.  If he have a wife, an additional hundred acres.  Each child of his blood garners another fifty."