John D. Thompson to Benjamin Rumsey

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JOHN D˙ THOMPSON TO BENJAMIN RUMSEY.

Cecil County, February 1, 1776.

DEAR SIR: By Captain Craig I inform you Mr˙ Nathaniel Rumsey is arrived. I called on him yesterday, he tells me he has (in partnership with a gentleman of Philadelphia) about eight tons of gunpowder, and five tons of saltpetre; he has engaged to supply this County with one ton of powder, at the same price the Committee of Philadelphia will, provided the money will be immediately advanced. This County has very little powder; I am sure not more than sixty pounds; the people are very uneasy on that head, and seem much distressed. I most earnestly beg that you will represent this matter to the Council of Safety, and request of them to advance to the Committee of this County such a sum of money as will purchase one ton, at the rate of twenty-five pounds per hundred. Captain Craig, if the Council pleases to advance the money, will receive it, and deliver it to Colonel John Veasey, Chairman of the Committee.

I am, dear sir, your very humble servant,

JOHN D˙ THOMPSON.

To Benjamin Rumsey, Esq.