New London Decemr 14th 1774
[Extract]
In consequence of the Cannon being mov'd from the Fort att New Port to Providence, we Yesterday Remov'd ours into the Cuntry, but I Lement the Unhappy Situation we are in for want of Powder, we are universally without any, for our Town Stock in this Town we have not a barrell and they know not ware to git any. I think if the Asembly is Cal'd they should Purchase 4 or 5 hundred barrells. If they would Employ me to git it, unless sum Accident, I think I Could have that Quantity hear in Ten weeks. Yesterday Coln [Jedediah] Huntington and Coln [Joseph] Spencer2 were in Town and they both seem'd to be much in the opinion of the Necessity of sending for it Imediately, if it Should take with the Assembly, your mentioning my Name will be Agreable as I have a small Vessell in Readiness that I am Certain is the fastest Sailor in the Colony, Can be Ready att a Days Warning. I am Sr
Nathl Shaw Jun r
1. Shaw Letter Book, YUL. The recipient is not named in the draft of the letter, but his identity is established by previous and subsequent letters in the Letter Book. Dyer [1721-1807] Connecticut lawyer and member of the Governor's Council.
2. These officers were out with the militia following the battle of Lexington, and subsequently were officers in the Continental Army.