Hond Gent.

I wrote you on Tuesday last, and since that time the greatest part of the people I brought here is inlisted in the Land Service for the sake Of the Twenty dollars Bounty, and gone to the Camp. those who were Sailors have enter'd in Merchantmen Wages being Extravagently high — Since our Arival here have been helping to fitt out the Deleware two days past, Mr Morriss [Robert Morris] desired we should repair on board of one of the row Gallies & follow that part of the Armey thats gone into the Jerseys. We made the Attempt but the Ice prevented us from proceeding, upon which we were oblidged to return, I have used every persuasive Argument in my power to keep them together but they Complain of the want of Cloths and off their time being Expir'd, I have not over twelve men with Officers that is now willing to go to Camp; I informed Mr Morriss a few days agoe of my Peoples [e]ntring and going off, as there was no Immediate Call at Philedelphia, I wanted permission to return to the Ship with what men I had left,² he did not approve of it but signifies what did not return to Advertise, I shall at my return give you a list of those who are gone and those who returns with me — I confess had I Known we was to have had a Winters Campaign I would have provided Cloths for them — all that I Expected was to have done what was in my power for the present occasion, & to have return'd to the Ship in a Short time; agreeable to your Instructions I wait the Pleasure of the Congress or Marine board to return, or your orders for that Purpose, yesterday there was 950 Hessens come to this Town, Prissoners Exclusive Commissioned Officers & it is reported since there being taken there is about 300 men with a Hessi[a]n Brigr Genl made Prissoners. I am Hond Gent [&c.]