Colonel Bartlett to Meshech Weare

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Philadelphia, February 26, 1776.

SIR: The enclosed order of Congress, of the 23d instant, I am directed to transmit to our Colony, and I make no doubt (if they have not already) they will speedily comply with the recommendations.

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The necessity of arms and ammunition for our defence, and the danger of disappointment, shows the necessity of our using our utmost efforts to be supplied as much as may be within ourselves. And though I can, with pleasure, inform you that large quantities of powder and saltpetre have arrived here, and more is daily expected, yet, as we have reason to believe that as soon as the spring opens, our harbours will be much infested by the British cruisers, who have orders to seize all American vessels, and as large quantities of military stores will be wanted for sea, as well as land service, I humbly conceive it will be prudent to endeavour to supply ourselves with the necessaries of life and defence within ourselves, and leave as little to the uncertainty of winds, weather, and enemies, as possible, at least for the present.

You will please, sir, to see that the several orders of our Convention or Assembly for manufacturing arms, gunpowder, and saltpetre, be transmitted to me, and an account of what has been done in consequence of such orders, as it is necessary the Congress should know, as soon as may be, the true stale of all the Colonies, with regard to their supplying themselves with these necessary articles; and when our Assembly meets, you will please to lay these resolves before them, and, in the mean time, communicate them to the Council or Committee of Safety, or whoever they have left to transact business in their recess.

I am, your most obedient servant,
JOSIAH BARTLETT.

To the Honourable Meshech Weare, Esq.