New Jersey?

Gentlemen,
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Philadelphia
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12th Feby 1776
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The arrival of Troops at New York, the importance of that place to the Welfare of America, & the Necessity of throwing up a Number of Works to prevent our Enemies from Landing and Taking post there, render it necessary that a Number of Troops should immediately Join General Lee. I am therefore Desir'd to apply to you, and Request you, would with all possible Expedition send Detachments of your Minute Men equal to a Battalion under proper officers, & well Arm'd & Accoutred to New York, there to be under the Command of Genl. Lee. Your approved Zeal in the Cause of your Country gives me the strongest Assurances that you will with Alacrity embrace this Oppory. of Giving Aid to your Neighbours, and that your People will chearfully Engage in a Service by which they will not only render a very essential Service to their Country, but also have an Oppory. of Acquiring Military Skill & knowledge in the Construction of Field Works & the Method of Fortifying & retrenching Camps, by which they will be the better able when occasion Calls to Defend their Rights & Liberties.(1)
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I am Gentlemen,
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Your Obedt. hume sevt,
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J H Prest.
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LB (DNA: PCC, item 12A). 1 On February 15 the New Jersey Provincial Congress voted "that Detachments of Minute Men, properly accoutrd, equal to a Battalion in the Continental Service, be immediately made, & marched to New-York." Am. Archives, 4th ser. 4:1593.
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- the New Jersey Provincial Convention, [Letters of Delegates to Congress: Volume: 3 January 1, 1776 - May 15, 1776].