Eagle. Sunday. Morning [12 October 1777, Chester, Pa.]
Secret Sir
Having Occasion to make all the Appearance possible of a real Operation intend'd on the Eastern shore, whilst an Important Service is in Execution on the Pensylvania side this Night, I am to desire you will have your Ship1 in readiness to move up the Next tide off of Billingsport with the Somerset
I shall have the Pleasure of seeing you on this subject as soon as Captain Hammond has been with me to explain some particulars regarding it—I am [&c.]
Howe
LB, NHi, William Cornwallis Papers, Letter Book, 57. Addressed at foot of page: "The Honble Captn. Cornwallis."
1. H.M.S. Isis.
