Congress Chamber [Philadelphia] Decr 2d 1775.
Sir,
I am directed by Congress to order you immediately to send keep, and continue, until further Orders, such and so large a Guard of the Batallion under your Command, as you shall think proper, for guarding and secure keeping the Vessels and Stores on the Wharves of Messrs Willing & Morris, and Mr [James] Cuthbert in the City of Philada2 I am &c
J. H. Prest
1. Papers CC (Letter Books of the President of Congress), 12A, IV, 20, N
2. Four vessels of the Continental Navy, the Alfred, Columbus, Andrew Doria and Cabot were outfitting alongside these wharves.
