[Extract]
Dear Sir,

A Fleet of 59 Ships, inclusive of a Frigate of 28, & a Sloop of 16 Guns came down the River Yesterday, & Anchor'd of the Mouth of Christiana Creek in the Evening, & from the Number of Boats attending them, & stopping short of the Admirals Ship, when both Wind & Tide favored, I was induced to think the Enemy had in View an Attack on this Post last Night, but the Weather proved too unfavorable; two Incidents contributed to increase my Suspicion, these Ships having mostly from two to three Boats after each, the others I wrote you of had, their Boats all on Deck except the Eagle, from Information that Gen^l. Howe had changed his Position, & advanced a few Miles, his right & Left extending from the Providence Road to the white Horse on the Chester Road, & fronting towards Chester; but this may not be so, (for I am in such a disagreable Situation for want of light Horse, & Persons of Integrity to detach, that I cannot depend on any Intelligence I receive, but shoud this be fact, I thought the Positions wou'd favor their Views in Advancing, & securing their Retreat by way of the Boats, in a very Capital manner; & therefore made every necessary disposition to obviate their Designs, or at least to guard against a surprize, & being surrounded by superior Numbers. . . . I have the honor to remain [&c.]

P.S the Eagle & 92 Sail lye a little below this a few more heaving in Sight a Deserter just came in but gives no acct thats new a Sailor taken yesterday says he belonged to the Roebuck but can give nothing new—