Sir

In consequence of the Council held this day, You are hereby ordered to proceed with your Ship & Ship Montgomery & the Fly Sloop all under your command, up to the City of Philada & there to do every thing in your power with the force with you to annoy the enemy should they attempt to come into our City; & should you see them preparing any works for Cannon, or hawling Cannon near this River, You are in that case to send a Flag on Shore & warn them if they do not desist in making any preparations of fortifying any where, that you will in that case fire on the City, & as repetition of order on this occasion is unnecessary, must leave the conduct & management of the whole to your prudent & effectual management — You are to take all Boats, Flatts, Shallops & any Craft whatsoever from the Shores & send them down to Fort Island — Do not neglect this as its a material matter for us & suffer no Boat or Craft whatever to pass or repass to or from the City, & burn or destroy any that cannot be got away — I am, Sir, [&c.]

To Charles Alexander Esqr
on board the Frigate Delaware