In the mean while, Baron Steuben, a zealous friend, has descended from the dignity of his proper command, to direct our smallest movements. His vigilance has in a great measure supplied the want of force in preventing the enemy from crossing the river, which might have been very fatal. He has been assiduously employed in preparing equipments for the militia, as they should assemble, in pointing them to a proper object, and in other offices of a good commander. Should they loiter a little longer, and he be able to have a sufficient force, I still flatter myself they will not escape with total impunity. To what place they will point their next exertions, we cannot even conjecture. The whole country on the tide waters and some distance from them, is equally open to similar insult. I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant, Th: Jefferson. LETTER XXXVII.--TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, Jan. 15, 1781 TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Richmond, January 15,1781. Sir, As the dangers which threaten our western frontiers, the ensuing spring, render it necessary that we should send thither Colonel Crocket’s battalion, at present on guard at Fredericktown, but raised for the western service, I thought it necessary to give your Excellency previous information thereof, that other forces may be provided in time to succeed to their duties. Captain Read’s troop of horse, if necessary, may be continued a while longer on guard. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant, Th: Jefferson. LETTER XXXVIII.--TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, Jan. 15, 1781 TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Sir, Richmond, January 15, 1781. I received some time ago from Major Forsyth, and afterwards from you, a requisition to furnish one half the supplies of provision for the Convention troops, removed into Maryland. I should sooner have done myself the honor of writing to you on this subject, but that I hoped to have laid it before you more fully than could be done in writing, by a gentleman who was to pass on other public business to Philadelphia. The late events in this State having retarded his setting out, I think it my duty no longer to postpone explanation on this head.