Dear Sir

I yesterday rec^d information from General Smallwood at Wilmington that a number of Vessels, mostly Sloops and Schooners, had gone down the Bay with Troops on Board, their destination uncertain. Several deserters this day inform me that the number of Men embarked are four Reg^t. of British which are at most 1000. We have had it reported from different quarters that an expedition was in agitation to destroy the Salt Works upon the Coast, and as the force of the Vessels mentioned by Gen^l. Smallwood is calculated to run into the Inlets, I am apprehensive that may be their plans. Or perhaps it may be to collect Forage and Cattle in Salem, Cumberland and Cape May Counties. I have thought it my duty to give you the information, that you may order the Militia contiguous to the Sea Coast, and those upon the Delaware to be in readiness and to give the Countenance and Support I have ordered Col^o. Shreves Regiment¹ to march immediately to Jersey. I hope the Militia will resort to Col^o. Shreve² with the same alacrity that they did to General Wayne, if they do, I am convinced that a larger Body than what are embarked may be repulsed. I have the Honor to be &c