[York] December 20th 1777
Captain James Nicholson Sir
Since writing the annexed Letter1 we have received advice that a large French Ship of 54 Guns ladened with Clothing may be daily expected into Virginia. We think proper to communicate this intelligence to you that should you see this Ship and fall in with her any where in the Bay or on the Coast, you will give the Captain of her full inteligence of the strength and situation of the enemies Ships of war in the Bay and advise him what measures are best to pursue This we request you will do and that you will keep what we now write you a profound secret from all persons.—We are [&c.]
LB, DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, 118 (M332, reel 6).
1. Continental Marine Committee to Captain James Nicholson, 19 Dec. 1777, above.
