That we have no troops of light horse regularly embodied, there is a scarcity of small arms among us, and no field pieces.

That in these two incursions, we have very sensibly felt the want of field pieces and artillery men, that the number of us assembled is so small, that though we should use the greatest conduct and bravery, we could only provoke, not injure our enemy.
That the extent of our country is so great, that our small number of men fatigued out, indifferently armed and without field pieces, can not defend it.

That, as Delaware runs all along those counties, we are liable to be attacked in numberless places.
That the acquisition of these counties would be of great advantage to the enemy.

That they could nearly maintain their whole army a campaign by the plunder, forage, and assistance they could draw from them.

That although the United States might not need them, yet it might perhaps be adviseable to defend them, to prevent the advantage the enemy might receive from them.