Our ship has been detached with Captain Hammond [Andrew Snape Hamond], and his little squadron, to range the coast down as far as South Carolina, from whence we proceeded to this place to refit. Our first and most profitable station was off the Delaware, where we fell in with the Lexington, Capt. Hallock, of 16 guns, belonging to the Congress; but as it blowed extremely hard, we had only time to send the boat once on board, in consequence of which only eight men, and an officer, went from us, and as many of the Lexington's returned; but in the night the Americans repossessed themselves of their vessel, and I suppose got safe to Philadelphia.

We also boarded a French vessel laden with powder and arms, which Captain Wilkinson released, notwithstanding she was within ten leagues of the land; a plain proof that the French assist the Americans, and what is yet a greater mortification, that we dare not prevent it.