Sir
We apprehend your Excellency has a full accot: of the last Engagement, at Red Bank, and the destruction of the Augusta and Merlin. The Commodore1 was on board [one] of the Wrecks,2 two days after the Engagement, and took out two Twenty four pounders, and the People got a great many Jackets, & Breeches, and other Plunder: & proposed soon after to go down again, to get the rest of the Guns &c, but for four days past we have had nothing but a Constant storm of Rain & Winds, in which we were in continual apprehension, of loosing our Galleys, and Guard boats. The Galleys are all safe, some of the Guard Boats are sunk, and the people on board the Galleys &c:, have been so Wet and cold that many are falling down with Sickness. The Commodore does all he can, in every respect, yet we fear some of the Continental Captains,3 as well as some in the Forts,4 are Writing under hand to General Washington, infusing a Notion in his head, as tho the Commodore is endeavouring to make a Difference and will not give a proper assistance. The Cry from the Fort, is continually our whole dependance, is on the Fleet; we cannot defend ourselves, and indeed should the Commodore leave them it would soon be over with them. Thus they are constantly expecting the Commodore shall defend the River and at the same time defend and protect Fort Mifflin. The Commodore we are sure will do all in his power to defend every place and give all the assistance in his power to every place. Your Excellency in your Letter recommends that some of the Navy Board should be constantly together be assured it shall be done. Capt Blewer W. Bradford & Paul Cox have been very constant together unless one dispatched at a Time on Necessary Business for the fleet, which must be attended to. Mr Crispin has never been down till a few days, which has thrown the Commissary on us, and Capt Blewer has acted as such ever since he has been here; but hope Crispin will now lend his hand.
Our Pay Master5 never came near us, we are at a loss for one, if your Excellency should think proper, we would recommend Wm. C. Bradford, who is now here for that office. Deserters from the fleet Yeasterday we learn that the Augusta had 150 kill'd and drown'd when she was destroy'd. The Roebuck had 6 kill'd and 10 Wounded; and they say that another General Attack is soon intended by Land & Water. The late bad weather has compleatly fill'd the Meadows with Water yet the Enemy hold their Forts. In Fort Mifflin our People have foolishly cut thro the banks and the Whole Island is now under Water; in short if they do not stop it again I fear the Consequence, as the People must get sick if not obliged to abandon it. The Enemy have landed a number of Men at Billingsport and are erecting a Battery above that place to defend their Wrecks that we may get nothing out of them .
The Nine Thousand Dollars we received by Mr. Jacob S. Howell which shall be expended with all care. The Cattle we have been obliged to purchase has carried our Cash fast as we supply the whole of ours & the Continental Fleet with Fresh Provisions, endeavouring to keep the Salt for the Garrison, or ourselves, if we should be so situated as not to be able to get fresh. We think we shall want about £6000 by the 10th. of next Month By order of the Board I have the Honour to be [&c.]
State Navy Board
on board the Sloop Speedwell off Red Bank, Octr. 30th. 1777—
