Gentlemen
The passage up Delaware Bay being much impeded by they men of War that lay at the Capes, hath induced a number of small Vessels with very Valuable Cargoes on board to put into Indian River; several of which have been Chaced in by the men of War's Tenders. ー
We do therefore think it absolutely Necessary that One, or two Armed Barges should be station[e]d there: as it will be totally out of the power of the guard (we have on the Beach) to protect or give the least Assistance toany Vessel out of gun shot from the shore. ー Capt [Charles] Lawrence hath done great service at Indian River in preventing the Tenders from being supplyd with live stock &c by the disaffected there and likewise in saving the Cargo of the snow that Came on shore here ー We are Gentlemen [&c.]
David Hall [illegible]
Lewes June 20th 1776.
1. C. E. French Papers, MassHS.