[Dover, April 7,1776]2.
[Extract]
Sir I am honoured with your Letter of 3d Apr. and beg Leave to inform you, that being well acquainted with the Defenceless Situation of the County of Sussex, on the first Intelligence of the Roebuck's being in the Road of Lewes, two Companies of the Battalion under my Command were directed to do Duty there, where they still continue. The Commanding Officer at Lewes has sent up to Head-Quarters the
3
third Lieut of the Man of War & three Sailors, who were put on Board the Alarm Pilot there, by them taken, & fitted put for a Tender. On Wednesday 27th Ult. Cruising to the Southward of the Cape, they sent all their Men on Board a Plymouth Sloop they had made Prize of except the Lt. and three others. about four o'Clock next morning the Helmsman falling Asleep, Providence steerd the Boat ashore, and they were soon after taken. The Lt. inform us that the Roebuck left England last September bound to Halifax where she wintered Commanded by Captain Hammond, she carries 44 18 & 9 Pounders mounted & can mount ten More. I propose to keep them officer and Men here under Guard till the Congress is pleased to direct in what Manner they shall be disposed of. I am sir [&c.]
John Haslet Co1.
1. Papers CC (Letters addressed to Congress), 78, XI, 29, NA.
2. As this letter was read in Congress on April 9, 1776, it is likely that it was written two days ~~ .
3. Lieutenant George Ball.