Sir
According to the Orders of General Wayne I have Destroyed the Forage from Mantua Creek to this Place the Quantity Destroyed is about four Hundred Tons& Should have Proceeded farther had not a Number of the Enemies Boats appeared in Sight & Lining the Jersey Shore Deprived Us of the Opportunity of Proceeding Farther on the Same purpose, Shall Remit to Your Excellency the Names of the Persons Whose property was Destroyed & Likewise the Quantity of Each, have thought Proper to Detain four of Your Men to assist in Getting the Boats away as Some of my Men are Rendered Incapable of Proceeding thro Fatigue But Shall again Remit by the First Order Of Your Excellency having no farther Occasion for the Remaining Part of the Detatchment under my Command have thought Proper to Discharge them & am Sir With Due Respect [&c.]
John Barry
Port penn Febry: 26. 1778
L, DLC, George Washington Papers, Series 4. Addressed: "To/His Excellcy: Genl: Washington/at Head Quarters/Near the Valley Forge." Docketed: "Port Pen 26th. Feby./1778/from/Capt. Barry—."
