I am now, Sir, in strict confidence, to acquaint you, that our necessities in the articles of powder and lead are so great, as to require an immediate supply.  I must earnestly entreat that you will fall upon some measure to forward every pound of each in your colony that can possibly be spared.  It is not within the propriety or safety of such a correspondence to say what I might on this subject.  It is sufficient that the case calls loudly for the most strenuous exertions of every friend of his country, and does not admit of the least delay.  No quantity, however small, is beneath notice, and, should any arrive, I beg it may be forwarded as soon as possible.

But a supply of this kind is so precarious, not only from the danger of the enemy, but the opportunity of purchasing, that I have revolved in my mind every other possible chance, and listened to every proposition on the subject which could give the smallest hope.  Among others I have had one mentioned which has some weight with me, as well as the other officers to whom I have proposed it.  A Mr. Harris has lately come from Bermuda, where there is a very considerable magazine of powder in a remote part of the island; and the inhabitants are well disposed, not only to our cause in general, but to assist in this enterprise in particular.  We understand there are two armed vessels in your province, commanded by men of known activity and spirit; one of which, it is proposed to despatch on this errand with such assistance as may be requisite.  Harris is to go along, as the conductor of the enterprise, that we may avail ourselves of his knowledge of the island; but without any command.  I am very sensible, that at first view the project may appear hazardous; and its success must depend on the concurrence of many circumstances; but we are in a situation, which requires us to run all risks.  No danger is to be considered, when put in competition with the magnitude of the cause, and the absolute necessity we are under of increasing our stock.  Enterprises, which appear chimerical, often prove successful from that very circumstance.  Common sense and prudence will suggest vigilance and care, where the danger is plain and obvious; but where little danger is apprehended, the more the enemy will be unprepared; and consequently there is the fairest prospect of success.

Mr. Brown has been mentioned to me as a very proper person to be consulted upon this occasion.  You will judge of the propriety of communicating it to him in part or the whole, and as soon as possible favor me with your sentiments, and the steps you may have taken to forward it.  If no immediate and safe opportunity offers, you will please to do it by express.  Should it be inconvenient to part with one of the armed vessels, perhaps some other might be fitted out, or you could devise some other mode of executing this plan; so that, in case of a disappointment, the vessel might proceed to some other island to purchase.

     I am, Sir,
     Your most obedient, humble servant,
     G. Washington.