[Philadelphia] Monday 1^st. Decmber 1777. Last night Cap^t Alexander, who commanded the Delaware frigate, with four of his officers escaped from the State house. The Public Clock having sometime ago being removed from thence, the place of the dialplate was planked up, part of which they removed, & puting the lines by which the Clock weights hung over to the outside, by them went to the ground, & got off. Their friends inside drew up the lines, & placing the planks all appeared right. The Whole officers expected to move this way in small numbers, but this was discovered & the place secured. The passage through the Cheveaux de frize is still very narrow, & must continue till warm weather, when they can work below Water. Several Vessels have got up on them lately, a Navy Victualler¹ will be lost, but the provision saved; also a Brig^a from Glasgow with bale goods. five rebel light horse came in this day. Gen^l. Potter they say is at Germanton, & that he keeps a picket guard at the Rising sun, four miles from this, & that Washingtons main body remains still at the White marsh Church—