On the 14th Instant I had the Honor of addressing a Letter to your Excellency by Order of the Legislature, representing the distressed Situation of our Frontiers and the Danger that the Inhabitants would abandon their Habitations.1 Since my Arrival here yesterday I find their Fears increased in consequence of Your Orders for six Companies to march immediately to Head Quarters,2 and of Reports which prevail that the Enemy were preparing to cross the Lakes, which are now become passable on the Ice, and I have this Day been requested by both Houses to write to You again upon the Subject, and it is still their earnest Wish that the whole State-Line should remain in this Quarter.

I am apprized of the delicate Situation in which this Application must place Your Excellency—Anxious to afford every possible Relief to these unhappy People at a Time when you may be convinced that the general Interest of the Confederacy requires that it’s Force should be directed to other Objects. The weak and distressed Situation of the State must be an Apology for the Legislature in this Request and I have the fullest Persuasion that we shall receive from You every Aid which You can consistently grant.3 I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient Servant