We are directed to point out proper ports into which the stores mentioned in the resolve of Congress, of November tenth, may be imported.[48] We are obliged to own, that the port of Charleston South Carolina, and those to the eastward of Rhode Island, are the only safe ones. We wish the number of manufacturers in lead and sulphur, had been limited in that same resolve; but we place full confidence in your discretion. We shall be glad to receive from you by the first opportunity, a plan of the militia of Switzerland. We close with a desire, that you will be pleased to attend to the several matters contained in our former letters, copies of which do not happen to be at hand. We are, with much esteem, &c. R. H. LEE, J. LOVELL. FOOTNOTES: [46] This language is too strong. As the British kept possession of the ground, they could hardly be said to have been defeated. They were attacked with spirit, and for a time gave way to General Washington's army. [47] This was a mistake. [48] The following resolve was passed in Congress, November 10th, 1777. "_Resolved_, That the Committee of Foreign Affairs be directed to write to the commissioners of the United States, in France and Spain, to purchase and ship on continental account, in armed vessels, in addition to what has heretofore been ordered by Congress, 500 tons of lead, 400 tons of powder, one million of gun flints, tents for 50,000 men, and 10,000 yards of flannel for cartridges, to be sent to such ports and places as the said committee shall direct; and that the former orders of Congress, and of the commercial committee for clothing, fire-arms, equipage, brass field-pieces, salt, and other articles, and for 130,000 blankets, be completed as soon as may be; "That the committee be also directed to write to the commissioners, and instruct them to contract with, and send over, by different conveyances, two or three persons, well acquainted with the making of gun-flints, in order to instruct persons in that business, and introduce into these States so useful a manufacture; likewise, three or more proper persons, skilful in working lead mines and refining lead ore, and three or more persons skilful in the discovery of sulphur mines, and manufacturing and refining sulphur." * * * * * TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Paris, 18th December, 1777. Gentlemen,