[Isis off Billingsport] 26 Octr. 1777
My Lord
The Detachment of Marines & 71 regiment have taken Post at Billingsport, we therefore judged that Place being now secure, that we might drop up above the Cheveaux de friezes as it would effectually prevent the Rebels getting any thing out of the wrecks1 and we shall lay full as convenient for assisting our people on Shore, the Isis has moved up & the Roebuck means to follow I have the honor to be [&c.]
W Cornwallis
LB, NHi, William Cornwallis Papers, Letter Book, 65. Addressed flush left below signature line: "The Vist Howe &c &c &c.."
1. Wrecks of H.M.S Augusta and H.M. sloop Merlin.