Intelligence given at different times in conversation by the Masters, and people belonging to Sundry American Vessels, which have been seized and detained by the Kings Ships under my Command. ー

Ships and Vessels of Force at Philadelphia, ready for Sea. ー Vizt

One Ship of 36 Guns, (24 Nine and 12 four pounders) called the Alfred, to wear a Flag at the Main. ー Her Complement 250 Seamen, and a Company of Rifflers, consisting of 100 Men. ー 85 of which are private[s,] the remaining Officers.

One Ship of 28 Guns (20 Nine and 8 Six Pounders) ー these two Ships have Spar-Decks.

Two Brigs, one of 16, and the other of 14,Guns. (Six Pounders)

Two Sloops, one of 14, and the other of 12 Guns. (Six Pounders.) These two Sloops belong to Rhode Island.

Twelve Row Gallies, their Complements from 65 to 75 men each. ー One of them carries a 42 Pounder, and the others one 18 Pounder, in each. ー

Twelve Ships on the Stocks; each of them to mount 36 Guns, and the Shipwrights are under obligation to get them ready for Launching by the middle of March. ー and fitted for Sea by the 10th of April next.

In case any of the King's Ships of War should be ordered to Philadelphia, they are hereby acquainted, the Americans are getting ready a Number of Lighters; which are to be filled with Combustibles, and are to be Chained together at 8 or 10 feet distance from each other, to reach from side to side of the River; and to drop down with the Tide, and sweep the Ships of War, if the first should miscarry, they have others directly ready to fall down after them. they are to have five Men in each Lighter, (with a Boat to attend) to set fire to the Train. The Lighters are secured by Chains one to another, each Link to Weight One hundred Weight, and are to be Moored by heavy Anchors on each side the River, with Cables sufficient to hold them, 'til they want to put their Plan in Execution, then to cut their Cables and fall down.