Sir,

A Circumstance happend Yesterday at Philadelphia which makes us apprehensive of the Safety of our Continental Vessels & Naval Stores in & near this Town. The Delaware Frigate by some Misfortune fell into the Enemy's Hands at Philada & is now in their Possession. We think it is not improbable but they may man her Barge & such other small Boats as they can procure & send up the River to destroy our Vessels & Stores. We have ordered our two Frigates &c up to White Hill & landed the Stores. We have Cannon Ammunition &c sufficient but have not Men & therefore propose to your Excellency the Expediency of raising a small Company of Militia immediately for the Defence of the Pass below White hill & security of the immense Value of public & private Property that is above that Pass.Your Orders to this Purpose to Captain Pancross, who is now in this neighbourhood with most of his Company, will effect this good purpose, subjecting him & his Company to such Command as you shall judge proper.

We hope the Return of this Express will convey your Sentiments on this Head. We think with such assistance we can effectually secure the River against armed Boats, & other Force we have not to apprehend. I am Sir [&c.]