Philadelphia 11th Novr. 1776
Dear Sir,
I have but a minute to write you and therefore you will not be surprized if I am not so full as you could wish. Your letter received at 3 o’Clock today and the post going out in the morning has afforded no opportunity of consulting the board of war who are this evening in consultation with the Council of Safety about the means of defending this City against a visit from the enemy, who after finding their efforts against Gen. Washingtons army vain, have precipitately in the night returned towards N. York. There, we are well informed, they have ordered Transports to be got in immediate readiness to receive 16,000 men. This City is supposed to be their object, where indeed we are very defenceless, yet they will be opposed in their attempt. I have inclosed you a true copy of the Continental ration from the Journal which still remains the same.1 As the number of Batallions asked from Virginia are 15, it is clearly my opinion that you cannot err in laying up provisions for 15 complete Batallions, taking care your engagements are so made that if all these regiments are not stationed in Virginia the provisions may without increase of price be removed to where they may be wanted. And this precaution will be the more necessary if you should contract by the ration. Salt is not to be had here, and so you must do the best you can where you are. No doubt can be entertained but that you may advance prudently to Contractors taking bond with proper security.
It is now a week since more than 100,000 dollars were sent off to the Paymaster in Virginia.
I am, with sincere esteem, dear Sir affectionately yours,
Richard Henry Lee
Receiver’s copy, Library of Virginia.
1 William Aylett had been appointed deputy commissary general in Virginia on April 27, 1776. Regulations regarding his department had been approved on October 21. See JCC, 4:315, 6:891 - 92.