[Extract]
Sir

The enclosed letter from the General came in last Night hy Mr McClenaghan one of the Light Horse of this City . . .

The Generals Question respecting Small Arms, deserves much attention, all that have lately been imported have been put into the hands of Militia bot[h] here & in the Eastern States, and altho very considerable quantities may reasonably be expected this Winter, yet their arrival is very uncertain whilst the Enemies Ships line the Coast, and as there now is undoubtedly more than sufficient of good Arms in the Country some [e]fficacious Method shou'd be adopted to draw them into Public Arsenals, from whence they may be taken as wanted either for the use of the Army or Militia . . . The Delaware continues too full of Ice for Ships to sail which is a pity as Capt Biddle has now 200 Men onbd the Randolph & is ready to push out the first opening, our Tradesmen will not return and the other Ships shall be got ready fast as possible . .  .