Sir

I have received by the Viper your Letter October 18, with a Letter from Governor Tryon and Mr [David] Mathews² inclosed, giving me an Account of your having apprized Captain Wallace at Rhode Island of the Rebels intention of conveying Cloathing and dry Goods through the Sound to New London, to supply their Army. It was a proper Precaution and I hope Captain Wallace will contrive to prevent their Scheme taking Effect. I had the same information from another Quarter, and had also sent it to Captain Wallace, but it was not so early as yours. I very much pity Governor Tryons Situation, and think with you he had better take up his abode on board the Asia until he can reside on shore with Security, for the Magistracy of the City however disposed are not in a condition to protect him.

The Philadelphians will no doubt try every method to prevent the Kings Ships coming to the City. I have a description of the Triangles, and of the Boats constructed to guard the River, but I hope to shew them next Spring we can surmount every difficulty to chastize such an ungrateful Set of People. The Refusal of the third Regiment to submit to the Orders of the Congress and military Discipline hath an exceeding good Aspect. I hope the example will be followed, and then we cannot fail of Success.

I inclose an Order to discharge Bicker, upon the Information you have transmitted, and all things considered I think it would be unjust to detain him any longer, but as to Ensign Tyley [Edward Tilley] his Recommendation is sufficient to authorize his detention, therefore he shall have a Voyage to England. What is become of Captain [Samuel] Holland and his Officers on the Survey? I observe you mention that his most valuable Draughts are sent home, but he must notwithstanding have many Articles remaining of too great Consequence to fall into the hands of an ignorant, infatuated Mob. If you can get a Line to him, let him know that I would not have him put too much Confidence in the Perth Amboyans, and desire him to place what he wishes to preserve on board you.

You have no doubt gained a good deal of information respecting Hudsons River, where the Passes are, the distance from each other, when the Navigation is generally open, it's Depth of Water, how far navigable for Ships and other Vessels, what landing Places are on its Banks, what Number of Vessels are in the River, their Size, how rigged and navigated? I shall be glad to receive what Intelligence you can procure respecting the whole or any part of the aforegoing Queries; and every necessary information respecting the other Rivers you can get, and shall be obliged to you to purchase for me a good Chart of the River as high up as possible. The Phoenix or some other Ship will very soon relieve you, and bring Orders for your proceeding to England; therefore collect and commit to writing every intelligence necessary to be given to Captain Parker, that after his Arrival you may get away without being delayed.

All your Marines are to be left behind, your Swivel Guns and the Stores belonging to them, Your Moaring Swivel, and every thing that can be useful to the Phoenix or smaller Ships, and the Asia can spare; but Captain Parker on his Arrival will give you particular Orders about these things. Remember to send me Copies of such Intelligence as you leave with your Successor; and as I am resolved upon having the Phoenix and Viper this Winter at New York, I would have you facilitate this Matter as much as lies in your power before Captain Parkers Arrival, by getting the best Pilots for him, and discovering a Situation least exposed to Danger by Ice, where he can at once fix himself. I am &c

Captain Vandeput Asia, New York.