Sir

The Enclosed order of Congress of the 23d inst
² I am Directed to transmit to our Colony, and I make no doubt (if they have not already) they will speedily comply with the Recommendations.

The necessity of arms & ammunition for our Defence and the Danger of a Disappointment, shows the necessity of using our utmost efforts to be supplied as much as may be within ourselves. And tho' I can with pleasure inform you that large Quantities of Powder and salt petre have arrived here, and more is Dayly expected, yet as we have reason to believe that as soon as the spring opens, our harbors will be much infested with the British cruisers, who have orders to seize all American vessels, and as large Quantities of military stores will be wanted for sea, as well as land service, I humbly conceive it will be prudent to endeavour to supply ourselves with the necessaries of life & Defense within ourselves and leave as little to the uncertainty of winds, weather & Enemies as possible, at least for the present.

You will please, sir, to see that the several orders of our Convention or assembly for manufacturing arms, gunpowder & saltpetre be transmitted to me, and an account of what has been done in consequence of such orders, as it is necessary the Congress should know as soon as may be, the true state of all the Colonies with regard to their supplying themselves with these necessary articles; And when our Assembly meets, you will please to lay these resolves before them, and, in the mean time, communicate them to the Council, or Committee of Safety, or whoever they have left to transact Business in their Recess. I am [&c.]