Philada Decr 21st 1776
Gentn
Capt Alexander of the Delaware Frigate informs me, that some few of the Tradesmen now at Camp are absolutely necessary to put his ship in a Condition to push down the Bay when the Enemies ships retire I think it will promote the Publick service very much to order them down immediat[ely] I have sent down a Sloop to watch the Men of War & doubt not we shall find an opportunity of gitting these ships to Sea. Capt Alexander will furnish the Council with the Names of the Tradesmen wanted & I submit to your determination being Gentn [&c.]
Robt Morris
1. Emmet Collection, NYPL.