Hugh Mercer, Etc., to Colonel George Washington

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Fredericksburgh, April 25, 1775.

SIR: By intelligence from Williamsburgh, it appears that Captain Collins, of His Majesty' s Navy, at the head of fifteen Marines, carried off the Powder from the Magazine in that City on the night of Thursday last, and conveyed it on board his vessel, by order of the Governour. The gentlemen of the Independent Company of this Town think this first publick insult is not to be tamely submitted to, and determine, with your approbation, to join any other bodies of armed men who are willing to appear in support of the honour of Virginia, as well as to secure the military stores yet remaining in the Magazine. It is proposed to march from hence on Saturday next for Williamsburgh, properly accoutred as Light-horsemen.

Expresses are sent off to inform the Commanding Officers of Companies in the adjacent Counties of this our resolution, and we shall wait prepared for your instructions and their assistance.

We are, Sir, your humble servants,

HUGH MERCER,
G˙ WEEDON,
ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD,
JOHN WILLIS.

P˙S˙ As we are not sufficiently supplied with Powder, it may be proper to request of the gentlemen who join us from Fairfax or Prince William, to come provided with an over proportion of that article.