It is become my Duty however to provide. in, time for such operations, as the Legislature may think proper: to adopt. in consequence of the Resolution of Congress, which I , have reason to imagine will. be considered. as. by no means; satisfactory. I have therefore to request that your Excellency, will be pleased to give the necessary Directions for returning within the State the six brass six Pounders together with their. apparatus which the State lent for the use of the Army in 1776. or that in case of loss, you will order them to be, replaced as, soon

976 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE

as possible. In order that timely Measures may be adopted for supplying a sufficient quantity of Provisions for the Army I think it incumbent on me to inform your Excellency that the Magazine of Flour which the Legislature have authorized me to collect,

may probably be wanted for the operations which may be deemed necessary to support the authority of the State; and that it is not unlikely I shall not only be prevented from filling up the continental Battalions by the drafts from the Militia already made but that by the Attention to the civil and military duties I owe particularly to the State in this critical Conjuncture I may not be able to carry into Execution the measures I suggested to your Excellency, and which you thought proper to approve. of, for favoring the operations on the western frontiers: 'However as I am particularly anxious for the success of the Enterprize in that quarter it is my determination, to abide by my former Intentions, unless restrained by superior Considerations, and to continue to give your Excellency every aid in my Power, under the present Circumstances of the State, for opposing the common Enemy. Tam &c. &e. &e.