Isis [Off Billingsport] 5 Novemr. 1777—
Dear Sir.
The Admiral has informed me that a Number of Boats are going up this Night with Provisions—I therefore beg you will order the Officer of the Guard to be particulary attentive—I also wish a small good rowing boat might be sent towards the floating battery's to see what sort of a look out they keep; I don't think it impossible to cut them adrift, or board them. I am [&c.]
Wm. Cornwallis
LB, NHi, William Cornwallis Papers, Letter Book, 90. Addressed at foot of page: "Captn. Linzie/ Pearl."