[Extract]

October 25th.—I rode down this morning to Province [Carpenters] Island. The galleys had been firing a few shot at our ships....Our army is in want of provisions. We have no possessions but three or four miles round Philadelphia which is drained of everything. The rebels have cut off our communication to Chester by placing them­ selves in its neighbourhood. We now get our provisions with great risk, as the boats in their way from the shipping have to pass the fort on Mud Island and their vessels, and the work can only be done at night. The successes the rebels have met with will give them good spirits and I make no doubt will be the cause of a great many join­ing their army. If the river is not made passable the consequences may be bad; some­ thing must be done and that soon, for the longer we delay the stronger they will be. Lord Cornwallis and General Grant were over at the island to-day. I hope with intention to plan something for our good. The army will either be obliged to leave this place, or starve if our ships do not soon get up....