Ship Montgomery [Delaware River] May 8th, 1776.
Gentlemen: Yours Just came to hand, we are prepared as well as our Number will admit of, Capt. Davidson, Capt. Weekes [Lambert Wickes] & myself, form a Line with the Battery, all we want is Men; Ammunition, I fear, is much wanted for the Gallies, as I have heard a constant fire kept up from 10 o'clock till five, Since I have not heard a Gun; I have been well Assur'd the Boat with the powder Joined them before they came to Action; you may depend on it I will do every thing that time will Admit of; pray send provisions according to the Numbers that you think will Join us, and match Tubs which were much in want and Can't do Without. I am, Gentlemen [&c.]
Thos. Read.
Have Dispatch'd about [sic a boat] for Intillegence as soon as the [sic she] Return shall accquaint you.
1. Hazard, et al., eds., Pennsylvania Archives, 1st series, IV, 747.