Philada Jany 17th 1777.
[Extract]
We have the pleasure to inform you that a Brigt Jamaica Packet Cap [Benjamin] Wickes after running the most imminent risque of being taken by the Roebuck in several attempts to get into our Capes, & passing through a smart fire from her lower Tier, by the Bravery & good Conduct of the Captain has escaped & is got into Chester River in Maryland, this is one of the Vessells that was Stopped in Hamburg by Mr Mathias the British Minister there, we dont yet know what her Cargo Consists of but expect it is Valuable she was intended to bring 1000 bbls powder some Brass Canon & Muskets, but are apprehensive it has been the Condition of her releasement that those Articles Shou'd be taken out of her, & if so she will have Considerable quantities of Ravens & Russia Duck Oznabrigs, Drillings & other German Goods. The Captain writes that he wou'd take Horse & come up here soon as he had got the Vessell & Cargo safe to Chester & you shall be informed all particula[rs] soon as we know them . . .
1. Papers CC (Letters and Reports from Robert Morris), 137, Appendix, 93-96, NA.