Gent. On the Arrival of Capt Tibbet we engaged a Boat, on Board of which was shipped the Powder & Arms, together with one Ton of Powder advanced by Congress & 1875 lbs returned by Congress for the Quantity borrowed by Col [Benjamin] Harrison, this Boat went to Christiana Bridge, from whence the powder was sent to Balt. in Waggons, of this Transaction, we advised you by the Return of the Express, that brought the Intelligence of the Otter & her Tenders arrival in Patapsco The Qty of Powder that was private Property in Tibbet was very small, part of it was owned by a Gent. in Accomack County in Virginia, the Residue about 6 or 8 qr Casks, Mr Bowley informs us, is the property of a Gentn in Balt. to whom it was sent ー Powder is an Article that cannot be purchased in this City ー Mr. [Thomas] Johnson [Jr.] had a Sum of Money lodged in his Hands by Col [Jesse] Hollingsworth of Cecil County to purchase a small Qty of Powder for that County, the Money being raised by Subscription for that Purpose; this he could not accomplish; and at the pressing Instance of that City, We procured from Congress 5 Barrels which is sent down.-the Demand from the Eastward being very great, and our Magazine almost empty, prevents our making any further Application. We are [&c.]
R. Alexander for self & Colleagues
