Captain Singleton, having left the camp the day after the battle, does, not speak from particular returns, none such having been then made. I must inform your Excellency from him, till more regular applications can reach you, that they are in extreme want of lead, cartridge-paper, and thread. I think it improper, however it might urge an instantaneous supply, to repeat to you his statement of the extent of their stock of these articles. In a former letter, I mentioned to you the failure of the vein of our lead mines, which has left the army here in a state of equal distress and danger.
I have the honor to be, with very high respect and esteem,
your Excellency’s most obedient
and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
P. S. Look-out boats have been ordered from the sea-board of the eastern shore, to apprise the Commander of the French fleet, on its approach, of the British being in the Chesapeake. T. J.
LETTER XLIX.—TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, March 26,1781
TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
In Council, Richmond, March 26,1781.