State Navy Board
[Philadelphia] April 10th 1777
Captains [Leeson] Simmons & [Joshua] Allen who were appointed to Visit the Signals & Alarm Posts made the following report ー vizt
On our arrival at the first Alarm Post at the Cape, under care of Major Henry Fisher, to be in very good readiness to execute the intentions proposed, having his boat & Horse ready, and a trusty hand at the Light House. But was desired by Major Fisher to acquaint you of the necessity of having an assistant with him, in case of a retreat, should the Enemy make an attempt to land there, and if agreeable to the board wou'd chuse Cap. Murphey [Daniel Murphy] with his boat and Crew for that purpose as he has many disafected persons around him.
From the Cape we proceeded to the second boat at Mushmellion, under the care of George Jackson, which we found in Readiness.
From the above we proceeded to the third boat at the Mother Kill, given in charge, to Samuel Edwards, but now under the care of John Marshall, who has it in charge by way of Partnership, but we wou'd recommend Mr Marshall for the Post, being well recommended to us as a sober Man, particularly, as we have been informed, Edwards has neglected the duty when under care.
From thence we proceeded to Bombay Hook, to the fourth Boat, under the care of Benjamin Rook, whom we found from his Post, and but three men in the boat to proceed up with. We have employed Mr Pearson of that place, to attend in his room, till the said Rook should return, and that the board would see him paid out of his wages.
We found all right at the other Posts, till we came to No 5 Steep water Point, where Lawrence Morris, whom we found absent from his post, which we have given in Charge to Mr James, Liveing near it, with desire to recommend a trusty Man to it, in case the said Morris should neglect again.
From steep Water Point, we proceeded up to No 6, 7 & 8; at No 8 at Chester, on enquiry found Mr Coburn somewhat edicted to Liquor, but that he had given very good attendance last Summer to his Duty, but found on talking to him, that he would not do the like again under penalty of becoming turned out of his Post; leaving Mr Grub of that place as a Check on him, who has promised to inform the Board of any neglect he shall commit.
At No 10 Billingsport we left charge of the Gun and Flag, to the Commanding Officer there, giving him the proper instructions for that purpose.
From that we proceeded to the Fort Island, desireing the Commanding Officer to give such orders, as was proper to be observed.
We found at Gloucester, all right.
We think proper to inform the Board that we have required all the Men on their Station, that in case the boat below them, should come to their Posts and find them absent, that in that case the one absent should loose one half of a Months pay. In like manner we informed the Men at the different Guns, leaving it at the discretion of the Board to recompence the Post that shall take up the Alarm, before the next one below him, to be paid out of the Money forfeited.
N B We have deliver'd to each Post four rounds of Powder besides the one in the Gun taking away what bad Powder they had — deliver'd in the whole 12 Rounds of 3 pd Charges. Rece'd of the damaged powder 4 Rounds.
