Borden Town 30th. Decr. 1777
Sir,
We have sent by the Bearer a few Fish which we take the Liberty of presenting to your Excellency's Table requesting you will do us the Honour of accepting them & hope they will prove a seasonable Refreshment. Had we opportunity equal to our Zeal we should be happy in exerting our best Abilities to shew the Affection & Respect we have your Excellency. Sincerely wishing you all manner of Felicity, & Success equal to the virtuous wishes of your Heart we have the Honour to be [&c.]
Fras. Hopkinson John Wharton
P:S: The Experiment recommeded to our Notice by your Excellency has been attempted, but with what Success we know not.1 we apprehend the Season was unfavourable. We have advanced to Col: Worthington (besides bearing all Charges here) 200 Dollars to defray his Expenses Home; this we did in Consequence of your Recommendation not doubting but it will be approved by those to whom we are accountable.—
L, DLC, George Washington Papers, Series 4.
1. The “Experiment” was David Bushnell's attempt to damage or destroy British ships at Philadelphia with floating mines. See the Diary of Elizabeth Drinker, 27 Dec., above.
