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Dear Sir:

I am desirous of acquainting you that two days ago I received an Express from Major McRee, who we have appointed to superintend the Recg. of Deserters, Delinquents and Recruiting Duty in the District of Wilmington, informing me that he has collected upwards of one hundred men; that most of them were Recruits; that he had just received the Governor’s Proclamation, and doubted not

but very soon to make up fifty more; but having not arms, and the route to join the Brigade is through a disaffected Country. I know the Stands of arms ordered by Congress for this State’s Continental Troops have not yet arrived as I can hear of. I am wishing that we could procure a Loan of more, which have arrived from Richmond for the particular use of the State until the arrival of ours. I am wishing that these men might be immediately armed. As the Virginian eighteen month men in Camp are discharged, it is necessary that every diligence be used in sending forward the parties Collected in the State, & your signifying the Expediting to the person who have them in care, who will deliver them.

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