Philadelphia [Pa.] July 20th 1778.
Sir,
... The French Fleet have taken off the Hook, ten or twelve Sail of Ships, some from Cork, & others from the West Indies, with valuable Cargoes, and also a Frigate of 32 Guns1 their Convoy
I expect the French Fleet will soon sail for Rhode Island, and I am in daily Expectation of hearing that Rhode Island2 is evacuated—I enclose Your Excellency the Paper of the Day and am most respectfully Your Excellencys [&c.]
Hy: Marchant
L, R-Ar, Letters to the Governor (1778), vol. 12, p. 112. Addressed below close: "His Excely: Govr. Greene/ Warwick. State of R: Island &c."
1. Probably in reference to H.M. frigate Mermaid (32 guns), Capt. James Hawker, commander, which was chased on shore by French warships near Sinepuxent Inlet, Maryland, on 8 July.
2. That is, the island of Rhode Island.
