4

for these Reasons I inform'd Colo. Howe (who sent an Express
to me) that we should be glad of their assistance, they
inform me I might expect 4 or 500 Men with some
Cannon & Ammunition at this place to nightfavour'd withyouuuu, & that they
had 900 men at different places in Motion to Join us.
I dispatched Colo. Wells yesterday Express to meet them,
& certainly inform me of every particular relating
to their March &c, he is not yet return'd, we are now
making the Necessary preparations to raise Batterys
for these Cannon upon the most Advantageous Ground
to play upon their Fort, & sent a large detachment at
the same time to intercept their Retreat. I have wrote
pressingly to the Commanding Officer of the Carolina
Troops to bring no men but what are well provided
with arms &c, & shall order them to be furnished with
provisions from our Commissary in the same manner
of the Troops of the Colony 'till I am favour'd with your
30 Volunteers, have been here several Days. I directed
the Commissary to write pressingly to Carolina for
all the Flour that could be got, as we are likely to suffer
for that necessary article, this Barren Country affords none,
very little corn, & no Fodder or Hay for our Horses.
Our small Stock of Ammunition will be soon expended,
& I must request another Supply, an Additional Blanket
to each Soldier would be very Necessary, if to be had.