Head Quarters Valley Forge 27th: January 1778
Sir
I recd. your favr. of the 22d. instant by Capt. Alexander1 to whom I have given an order to take several pieces of Cannon with a proper supply of Ammunition, that he, in conjunction with the other Gentlemen of the Navy,2 may endeavour to interrupt the Enemy's shipping in their passage up and down the River—3
Having never found an opportunity of conveying the letter which you some time ago sent to me for Mr. Duché, by such a channel as I thought it would reach him, I return it to you again. The Contents have not been made public. I am [&c.]
Copy, DLC, George Washington Papers, Series 4. Docketed: "Jany 27th. 1778/to/Francis Hopkinson Esqr./of/Bordentown."
1. Capt. Charles Alexander, Continental Navy.
2. Under the command of Capt. John Barry, Continental Navy.
3. Delaware River.
