Eagle, [Off Chester] October 27th. 1777
Sir
The Admiral having occasion for as many flat boats as can be collected, desires you will send down Lieutt. Christian with the Galley1 and as many of the flat boats he has with him as you can spare, reserving with you, including the Flat boats with the several Ships, as many as are sufficient to embark the detachment at Billingsport should there be occasion for it; but whatever boats you are forced to detain of those that went up with Mr. Christian; it is hoped you will be able to send us the men belonging to them, and that you will have it in your Power to man'n these Boats from the Ships with you strenghen'd as they are by the Men from the Augusta I am &c &c
Roger Curtis
LB, NHi, William Cornwallis Papers, Letter Book, 73. Addressed at foot of page: "Honble Captn. Cornwallis/ (Isis)."
1. H.M. galley Cornwallis.