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Charlottesville, April 29, 1775.
SIR: The County of Albemarle in general, and the Gentlemen Volunteers in particular, are truly alarmed and highly incensed with the unjustifiable proceedings of Lord Dunmore, who, we are informed, has clandestinely taken possession of our ammunition lodged in the Magazine. We should have attended at Fredericksburgh, in order to have proceeded to Williamsburgh to demand a return of the powder, had the alarm reached us before account of security being given for its delivery. However, to assure you and the world of our readiness and willingness to resent any encroachment of arbitrary power, we now declare to you, should it be necessary, that the First Company of Independents for Albemarle will attend in Willamsburgh, properly equipped, and prepared to enforce an
CHARLES LEWIS, Captain,
P˙S. The Company will stand under arms all day on Tuesday waiting your answer.
Officers of Albemarle Volunteers to Colonel George Washington
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immediate delivery of the powder, (if not to be obtained otherwise) or die in the attempt. With respect, we remain ready to obey your commands.
GEORGE GILMER, Lieutenant,
JOHN MARKS, Second Lieutenant,