Eagle [Off Cape Charles, Va.] October 1st. 1777—
Sir.
Though the safe Conduct of these Transports to the Delawar is of great consequence I think my early Presence there so necessary that I have determined upon making all the Dispatch possible for the River in the Eagle, with the Vigilant meaning to leave the Convoy in your Care—1
You will therefore Please to proceed with the transports, the Masters of which have directions to follow your Orders—& join me in the Delawar–
Captain Hammond was some time since directed to have Pilot Vessels laid on the Shoals of the Brown & Brandywine to guide the fleet up within those Shoals upon its Arrival at the Entrance of the Delawar, For a safe Anchorage untill the Weather & other Circumstances admit of moving the transports to Bomba hook the first General rendezvous—Your Conduct must be regulated on the same plan & I am to request your Particular Care of the Convoy as a matter of great moment to the publick Service I am [&c.]
Howe
LB, NHi, William Cornwallis Papers, Letter Book, 55. Addressed at foot of page: "Honble Captn. Cornwallis."
1. Howe left the Chesapeake Bay for the Delaware River with two divisions of transports on 23 Sept. Cornwallis was in charge of the smaller of these two divisions and Capt. Walter Griffith of H.M.S. Nonsuch the larger.
