[Extract]

P.S. On sunday last, the 20 Inst., at day Break, appeared at the mouth of our inlet, four large Frigates, endeavouring to get as close in as possible, which is not more than four miles from me, the[y] drew up in a line right abreast of me, hauled up their courses & laid their Topsails back, in which position the[y] continued till near twelve o'clock; I expected a viset from them, and believe nothing prevented it but its being a very low tide, the flats being very bare, and seeing upwards of thirty of us on the shore, made them afraid to send their boats in, otherwise I think they fully intended it, which had they done, we must have left it to their mercy for want of arms &c., to defend it.

Directed, To Messrs. George Clymer, Samuell Howell,
& Owen Biddle, Esqr's, in Philadelphia.