By Captain Andrew Snape Hamond &ca

An attack being intended upon the Rebels Vessels now in Maurrice River by the Boats of the Squadron this night at 12 O'Clock, You are with the Tender under your command to hold yourself in readiness to proceed in the evening towards that River to assist the Boats in their opperations against the Said Vessels, and obey any orders you may receive from Captain [Charles] Phipps who commands the expedition.

As it is understood from the difficulty of the Navigation into the River, that it cannot with Safety be entered in the night, you are to take care to be as near the entrance as is thought prudent by day break in the Morning so as to go into the River on the rising Tide which at that time will Serve.

Given on bd the Roebuck in 
Delaware Bay the 7th June 1777

To
Mr	Hele—Comg the	Hotham		Tender
	Whitworth	Stanley
	Brewere	Ballahoo
	Rogers	Gl Washington

The Watch Word for the Night is Cape May
Answer — Ballahoo