Letter from General Lee of February 9

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Monday, February 12, 1776.

A Letter from Major-General Lee, dated the 9th of February, was presented to Congress and read, wherein he informs that a Transport with Troops was arrived at New-York, that more might be expected, and, therefore, that a further reinforcement was necessary to secure and defend that place: Whereupon,

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Convention or Committee of Safety of New-Jersey, immediately to send Detachments of their Minute-Men, equal to a Battalion, under proper Officers, to New-York, there to put themselves under the command of Major-General Lee.

That it be also recommended to the Committee of Safety for Pennsylvania, immediately to send Detachments of the four Battalions of Associators in this City, equal to a Battalion, to New-York, there to put themselves under the command of Major-General Lee.

Resolved, That the Colonels of the Pennsylvania Battalions be ordered to make an immediate return to Congress of the number and condition of the men inlisted, the places where they now are, and the manner in which they are appointed.

That a copy of the above be forwarded to the Commanding Officers of each of the Battalions.

Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to send to New-York, one ton of the Powder belonging to the United Colonies, and that the same be delivered to the order of General Lee.

Resolved, That said Committee be empowered to purchase what Powder and Arms arrive belonging to private persons, on the best terms they can, for the use of the United Colonies, and that they furnish with the Fire-Arms they purchase, such of three remaining Companies of the First Pennsylvania Battalion, ordered to Canada, as may want them, in order that they may immediately proceed on their march.

Resolved, That fifty tons of Saltpetre be delivered by the Secret Committee to the Committee of Safely for the Province of Pennsylvania, who are requested to have the same manufactured into Gunpowder, in the cheapest and most expeditious manner; and that this Congress will confirm any contracts made for the above purpose.

That ten tons of Saltpetre be by them sent to the late Judge Livingston' s Powder-Mill, in the Colony of New-York, and that the owner of said Mill be desired to manufacture it into Gunpowder, as soon as possible, and to enlarge his Works, if it can conveniently be done.

That ten tons be sent to the Council of Massachusetts-Bay, and that they be desired to have it manufactured into Gunpowder, with all possible expedition, and sent to General Washington, for the use of the Army under his command.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Committee of Inspection for the County of Chester, to aid Colonel Wayne in procuring Blankets for his Battalion.

The Congress being informed that a gentleman was arrived from Canada, who had matters of consequence to communicate,

Ordered, That the Committee of Correspondence do confer with him, and report to Congress.

Adjourned to ten o' clock, to-morrow morning.