Gentlemen. We are'much obliged for you information ー We yesterday sent an Express to Phila to forward our Powder & small Arms, and also to the Head of Elk to prevent it coming down by Water. ー Capt Nicolson's Guns are just now arrived, & alongside, & he will be in a very good posture of Defence by Sunrise tomorrow — We have hove up a Brest Work at Fells point near the Ship and shall get several Cannon mounted on it by 8 oClock — Major [Mordecai] Gist & the Regulars are all Marchd to Whetstone to intrench to night ー The Militia are coming in. No Commissary is in Town to furnish Provisions, we have therefore directed some Beef & Bread to be provided. We have just got information that the Ship of War is at the Mouth of the River with her Tenders, the Ship came to an Anchor, but the Tenders kept under Sail. We fear Mr [Jonathan] Hudsqns Ship will fall into their Hands as she is aground near North Point, three Vessells went to lighten her, but seeing the War Vessels they woud not stay. We want money & hope you will send us immediately what you may think adequate to the present occasion ー We shall take every measure we think necessary for our preservation And are Gentsn [&c.]

[P.S.] Mr Usher just now a[rrived from the H]ead of [Elk & brings] us advice of 36 Bls powder & 12 Chests of Arms being arrivd there & being put on board a Pilot Boat wh we sent off Express yesterday, & who had our Orders to run into Gunpowder or Back River in Case any Appearce of Danger, We are Gentn Yours &c

Sam^l Purviance Junr