whether those of the States north of Maryland had not better be called on, than to detract any thing from the resources of the southern opposition, already much too small for the encounter to which it is left.  I am far from wishing to count or measure our contributions by the requisitions of Congress.  Were they ever so much beyond these.  I should readily strain them in aid of any one of our sister States.  But while they are so short of those calls to which they must be pointed in the first instance, it would be great misapplication to divert them to any other purpose:  and I am persuaded you will think me perfectly within the line of duty, when I ask a revisal of this requisition.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir,

your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XXXIX.—­TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, Jan. 17, 1781

TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Richmond, January 17, 1781.

Sir,

I do myself the honor of transmitting to your Excellency a resolution of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth, entered into in consequence of the resolution of Congress of September the 6th, 1780, on the subject of the Confederation.  I shall be rendered very happy if the other States of the Union, equally impressed with the necessity of that important convention, shall be willing to sacrifice equally to its completion.  This single event, could it take place shortly, would overweigh every success which the enemy have hitherto obtained, and render desperate the hopes to which those successes have given birth.

I have the honor to be, with the most real esteem and respect,

your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XL.—­TO THE VIRGINIA DELEGATES IN CONGRESS, Jan. 18, 1781

TO THE VIRGINIA DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.

Richmond, January 18, 1781.

Gentlemen,

I enclose you a Resolution of Assembly, directing your conduct as to the navigation of the Mississippi.

The loss of powder lately sustained by us (about five tons), together with the quantities sent on to the southward, have reduced our stock very low indeed.  We lent to Congress, in the course of the last year (previous to our issues for the southern army), about ten tons of powder.  I shall be obliged to you to procure an order from the board of war, for any quantity from five to ten tons, to be sent us immediately from Philadelphia or Baltimore, and to inquire into and hasten, from time to time, the execution of it.  The stock of cartridge-paper is nearly exhausted.  I do not know whether Captain Irish, or what other officer, should apply for this.  It is essential that a good stock should be forwarded, and without a moment’s delay.  If there be a rock on which we are to split, it is the want of muskets, bayonets, and cartouch-boxes.