Sir

It has been reported that You was coming up to this City with a Body of Seamen and Marines. one of the frigates is ready for the Sea, the other three may be soon ready for a short Voyage, if Men & Guns [.could) be procured. You would render essential Service, if You could immediately come up with a Body of Seamen and an attempt might be made to bring round all the frigates here to Baltimore Town. — It cannot be doubted the Council of Safety would lend the Hands belonging to the [Defenc]e for this very important Service. You wil[l] send an Express to the Council of Safety. not one Moment is to be lost. I write this by the order of Congress.

We were informed yesday Morning that the Enemy were at Burlington Monday [evening]. We have certain Intelligence just now, that the Enemy were not there last Night. it is reported & beleived, that some of their light Horse were seven Miles above that place, on Monday. not one of the Enemy are on the west Side of the Delaware. It is beleived the main Body of general Howes Army is at Maidenhead, about six Miles [above] to the East of Trenton. General Lee with between 5 & 6000 Men was at Morriss Town last Sunday Evening. he will join General Washington, who is with his Army opposite Trenton. The Congress will not quit this City but in the last Extremity, to prevent false Reports, publish the above —

Inform Mr Purviance, that Mr Hancock will sett off this Day. —

Let it be known, that Arms [are] furnished to our Militia. let the want of them be no Excuse — Your [&c.]

Captain James Nicholson
Baltimore Town Maryland.