Letter from John Harris to the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Committee

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Paxton, August 27, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: The bearer, Mr˙ Bratts, and Lieutenant John Houfman, a First Lieutenant in Paxton township, did last week apply to me for ammunition to be in order to suppress Tory riots, &c˙, that might happen in their neighbourhood, which they have great reason to apprehend, from some evil-disposed persons lately appearing among them, who rob spring-houses and other houses, (it' s said,) frightening women, children, &c˙, in said township, and Hanover township, above the mountains, as their men are, in general, gone in the service. I think one quarter-cask of the gun powder at Lancaster, with about sixty pounds of the lead at Mr˙ William Carson' s, to save carriage, might be ordered, and delivered said Bratts by our Committee, (the demand is not greater, and may be of service,) said Bratts or the Committee or military officers of said township, being accountable for said ammunition, and that it may not be expended or wasted, but applied to the use given. For the small quantity of powder and lead of my own, I shall at any time our frontiers may appear to be in danger assist them with it, on application. As I know of not any powder but mine here, do not intend to send it to Lancaster till we have a prospect of better times. The Indians to the northward, southward, and westward, are for war against us, as I am informed by a letter from Northumberland County, by their post, two days ago. The Susquehannah Indians are, only, for peace with us. About twenty Indians, (enemies,) men, women and children, have been many days past at Sunbury, and make said report. I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant,
JOHN HARRIS.

To the Chairman of the Committee of Observation and Correspondence, in Lancaster.