On board the Betsy Sloop Off Gosport Virginia 20th Augt 1775
Sir I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I arrived here the 31st of July with a Detachment under my command of the 14th Regiment consisting of two Lieutenants, three Serjeants, three Corporals, one Drummer, & Sixty private men of which I should have acquainted you immediately upon our arrival if there had been an opportunity. We have been hitherto divided on board two Men of war a Ship that Lord Dunmore has fitted up for himself, and a small sloop; but his Lordship says he will do better for us and have us more together as soon as it is in his power.
I have been honoured with your Excellency's letter of the 27th of July desiring me to send to St Augustine for provisions for my Detachment provided I should find it difficult to procure them here, in answer to which I have the pleasure to inform you that we have hitherto been very well supplied (even with fresh beef) and Lord Dunmore does not think that our supplies will be discontinued.
I do myself the honour to enclose you a return of the present state of the Detachment.
We daily expect Capt Blackett's Company from [New] Providence, and Lord Dunmore says he will send to St Augustine for the remaineder of the Regiment there as soon as he can procure Vessels for that purpose.
We are at present rather distressed for want of bedding as his Lordship has not as yet been able to obtain any for us. ー I brought only forty blankets with me from St Augustineー
As there was a great scarcity of Ammunition there when I left it I could not procure more than nine rounds for my Detachment, therefore whenever I may have occasion for any I shall be obliged to apply to the men of war for it unless your Excellency will be so good as to give directions for my being supplied otherwise.
I have the honour to be Sir, [&c.]
Saml Leslie Capt 14th Regt Infantry