Roebuck near Pools' Island Chesepeak Bay 2d Septr 1777
Sir
I sailed this morning from the anchorage of the Fleet, with three Victuallers under my convoy, intended for the River Delaware and am retarded in my proceedings by the Roebuck and one of the Transports having run aground; As I am informed by the Admiral it is of Great Consequence that at least one of those Victuallers should arrive in the Delaware as soon as possible, and have with me his directions to the commanding officer of the Chesepeak-Bay, to give sufficient Convoy to any of the Victuallers I may leave behind me on account of bad Sailing or accident; I think it necessary in order to forward this important service to forward the Transports under Convoy of the Senegal 2 to the place of their destination; but if it should be more agreeable to you, to send either of the other Frigates that you may have under your command upon this service, it will be equally agreeable to the intentions of the Admiral, Giving them directions to return as soon as the Transports are delivered to the Commanding officer in the Delaware. I have the honor to be Sir &ca
A S Hamond
1. Hamond Papers, Letter Book (March, 1776-December, 1777), UVL.
2. Hamond on this date ordered Captain Anthony J.P. Molloy "to take the Two Transports named in the Margin [Mars and Fanny] under your Convoy and Proceed with them as far as the Capes of Virginia, where you are to deliver the enclosed letter to the senior Captain of His Majesty's Ships and follow his directions for your further proceedings," Hamond Papers, Orders issued, 1776-1777, UVL.
