[Philadelphia] Jany 5 1777 —
Sir
We embrace the opportunity of Mr Leman & Mr Penrose two gentlemen of the Lt Horse to forward seven packets that came to our hands from Congress last night, these packets contain Sundry Resolves of Congress and a Number of Blank Commissions.
The uncertain rumours. of your Excellencys Success between Trenton and Prince Town and at the latter place, have us in a most anxious State of Suspence hoping every moment to be relived therefrom by Express with dispatches from You. We informed Congress of your Situation on Thursday evening at Trenton and prepared them to expect Some important event consequently they will have an anxious interval of Suspence as we now have.
The Continental Brigt Lexington Capt [William] Hallock was taken by the British Frigate Pearle Capt [Thomas] Wilkinson but the wind blowing hard, and the Sea running high they could only take out Capt Hallock his Lieut, and Other Principal Officers, and in lieu of them the[y] put on board an Officer and Eight Men with Orders to Keep Company untill Morning before that Came our People on board the Brigt rose upon the British bore away and having carried her safe into Baltimore, by which means further Supplys of Military Stores and Cloathing are Secured, as there is on board Powder, Lead, Muskets, Blankets Cloaths &c, the Andrew Dorias Prize is also arrived safe here, we suppose her late commander Capt [William] Jones Must be given up for Capt Hallock who is come up from the Pearle under Parole.2
Waiting Impatiently for important news from you and with the best wishes for A Continuance of Success. We remain Your Excellencys [&c.]