Dear Colonel Nothing worth communicating to you having occurred I have hitherto declined troubling you with a Letter ー In order to convince you however that I wish our Correspondence may be punctual & frequent I enclose you a Letter which was designed to have gone by Capt Shea, but he was unluckily on his Journey before the Letter was sent to his House.
A Report is now circulating that some Men of War are at the Capes. This occasions Speculation. Coll. [Benjamin] Harrison is returned he has fitted out two Vessels of some Force, one a remarkable good Bermudian ー There is no Doubt of their being useful We have recd a Letter from Gen. Washington confirming the Acct of Manley's having taken two more Prizes with Cargoes of Porter Cheese Rum &c.
The Virginians with the Assistance of their Neighbours have made it convenient for Lord Dunmore to retire to his Fleet. Norfolk is again in their Possession. This News is just come to town, and I suppose it to be true ー Be so kind as to present my Compts to all your good Family I am dear Coll. [&c.]
Philadelphia 20 Decr 1775 ー
