Wilmington, 8th May, 1776.
Gentlemen,
The Roebuck & another Man-of-War, supposed about Twenty Guns and their Tenders, are lying near the mouth of our Creek. We shall keep Five Companies of the militia of this County constantly under Arms & properly stationed, so as to prevent their getting any Supplies of Provisions from the shore. Officers & Men shew a becoming Spirit, & expect they will acquit themselves as they ought. I am, with esteem, [&c.]
Jno. McKinly.
Directed, To the Committee of Safety; Philadelphia. Favoured by the Rev. Mr. Davidson.
1. Hazard, et al., eds., Pennsylvania Archives, 1st series, IV, 749.