[Extract]

Sir Your Favour of the 23d Decr P The Schooner Ellen Captn Morton, with Invoice & Bill of Lading for Six Hhds Sugar, & Four hhds Rum, was deliverd us this day. We beg leave to congratulate you on the safe arrival of this Vessel which narrowly escaped some Frigates of the Enemy at our Capes, who are since come into the Bay. — The Sugars & Rum will both sell at extravagant high Prices. The latter now worth 15/ P Gn the former, 140/ & upwards as in Quality.

The Intentions of the Enemies Cruizers in coming into the Bay at present is not certain: But supposed to collect Provisions & Stock from Two of the lower Counties on the Eastern Shore, where Toryism too generally prevails. whither they intend a permanent Stay is doubtful. At any Rate we are glad of embracing so early an Opportunity of advising you the danger, hoping it may be in time to prevent the Sailing of Some of the Vessels destined hither from your Board. Such as may have Sailed, will undoubtedly be in great danger of being taken. Congress are in the mean time fitting out some V esls here to sail in a few days, which hope may at least prevent the depredations of the Enemies Tenders in the Bay & probably allarm some of the Inward bound Vessels. —