Sir

Mr [George] Walton, Mr fGeorge] Clymer & myself, thought it advisable to open the enclosed letter, last night that we might judge if the expense of another express should be incurred or detain it for the Post, which we concluded to do as I had wrote You the unfortunate Fate of Gen! (Charles] Lee before. I am sorry to inform you that the Roebuck & Falcon Men of War are in Delaware Bay & two Bomb Ketches said to be in the offing. on Rect of this News (which is certain) I hired a Pilot Boat, & sent her with a letter to Capt Biddle, & all the other Vessells outward bound, desiring them to stop or come back. so that my labours appear to be lost & sorry I am for the disappointment, however its likely the first smart NoWester may give us an opening to push them out. I have just heard that a party or partys of the Enemie were yesterday at Moors Town & Haddonfield in the Jerseys opposite to this & distant about 7 to 9 Miles, what their Views are I cannot say, but by the appearance of the Men of War below & the Bomb Ketches being said to have sailed from N York it would seem as if these party's meant to make their way to Red Bank erect Works to command the chevaux de Frize & then to come up with the Ships this however is mere matter of speculation. Colo Griffin is I understand gone over with about 800 men, but I fear he will not be strong enough for them. I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir &c