Primary tabs
Philadelphia, July 16, 1776.
SIR: The article of lead is so essentially necessary for our
Army at this juncture, that the Council of Safety of this
Colony have recommended to the inhabitants to spare the
lead weights from their windows, and the lead from their
houses, by which means they have been furnished with a
considerable quantity, which has been run into ball, and part
of which is now on the way to the Jerseys. But as, under
the present exigency, that quantity is far short of what is
wanted for the Army in the Jerseys, and every method
should be taken to collect it, I am therefore directed to request you will send by the wagons, which are now on their
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very
humble servant,
Colonel Fielding Lewis.
Letter from the President of Congress to Colonel Lewis
v1:366
v1:367
way to your Colony with powder, all the lead you can possibly procure at Fredericksburgh. The state of our affairs
will not admit of the least delay, and I am convinced there
is no necessity for arguments to induce you to an immediate
compliance with this requisition.
JOHN HANCOCK, President.