[Extract]

We got as far as here last evening just as the Tide was spent and this morning made an attempt to proceed but the Wind blew so heavy, direct against Us, that we were obliged to return. This moment a Schooner of Eight Gunns, which I take to be one of the Continental Fleet fitted from Maryland, pass'd Us; 2 on which I have sent my Servant with this to learn what intelligence she brings ... We shall go from hence, the next Tide, if the Wind Moderates, &" must expect some delay, at least for some Hours in procuring our Guard, & their provisions, which after all will not be so effect:ual as this Schooner, for I conceive that as Capt. [John] Barry has got out & will Cruize from Sandy Hook to the Capes of Virginia, No small Vessels of war, will keep the Coast, and if you prevent their lying in the Eastern or Cape May Channel, your Navigation will be in a great Measure Free.