[Philadelphia] July 29th 1777
[Extract]
. . . General Washington is coming this way with his forces some of which are actually in this City already. Howe's fleet are off the Capes 250 sail. I should. not wonder if he tried to draw the General even to Virginia and then pushed for New England, that great object of Ministerial malice. I expect he will do this or make a quick return up North river. I shall not believe he will now come here; he must attempt it before he leaves America; but he may match much better opportunities than the present. I think he ought now to alarm your Sea-coast, while Burgoyne is on the Frontiers.Two or three days will determine the matter . . .
1. William Whipple Papers, Force Transcripts, LC.