I lately wrote you by an Express, wherein I informed you that the State of New York was not represented in Congress, nor indeed has it been for several months past, except at some small intervals.(1) I am at present the only Delegate for New York at this place, and the Members are continually urging me to request you would compleat your representation in Congress, as business is now multiplying upon their hands, and so many members detached upon Committees &c that the business in Congress is retarded, add to this that our state sometimes suffers for the want of a Vote in Congress, which I beg you would speedily remmedy.(2) I have the honor to be respectfully, Gentlem, your very Humble Servt,F. Lewis
1 See Lewis to the New York Committee of Safety, December 27, 1776.
2 On January 22 the committee of safety read a report on Lewis' letter offering suggestions for improving attendance among the New York delegates but deferred action on it until the New York Convention met. Journals of the N.Y. Prov. Cong., 1:776, 782; and Calendar of Historical Manuscripts Relating to the war of the Revolution, in the Office of the Secretary of State, Albany, N.Y., 2 vols. (Albany: Weed, Parsons, and Co., 1868), 1:605-6.