Sir,

Lord Howe not being yet arrived from Rhode Island, and the General having desired the Sandwich Pacquet may be dispatched to England; I do myself the honor of writing to you by that Conveyance, to inform my Lords, the Commissioners of the Admiralty, what has passed here since my last Letter by the Despencer Pacquet.

From the end of December to the 8^th. Instant the Navigation of the River Delaware has been interrupted by the Ice, but open at certain times for many days together. During one of these Intervals the Enemy attempted to pass a number of Gun Boats by the Town, with a view to annoy Vessels that might come into the River before the Ships of War could take their Stations; but two of the Crews deserting, and bringing their Boats with them, the others were Conveyed over land a distance of forty Miles, where they were joined by others from the Rebel Post at Wilmington; and two Transports (the Katy & Mermaid)¹ laden with Hay from Rhode Island fell into their Hands, together with an Armed Schooner in the Engineers Department from New York.² However the Rebels had not much Advantage from their Capture, as they were soon pursued, and obliged to set fire to the Ships, (which were consumed,) and the Schooner was retaken.

These Ships were part of a Fleet of eleven Sail sent from Rhode Island with Hay, under the Convoy of the Brune, and had separated at Sea. The Brune with the Remainder, and the Nottingham Transport from Cork,³ arrived in the River the 7^th. Ins^t. as did the Diamond with seven more Hay Ships about a Week after.

The Ships of War now form a Chain down the River; they have already taken and destroyed most of the Enemys Armed Boats that infested the Mouths of the Creeks; and Buoys are laid to mark the Obstructions, and Shoals; so that the Navigation to Philadelphia is rendered as practicable as it can be, until1 more of the Chevaux de Frizes are either removed, or destroyed, which is about to be undertaken.

Several Detachments of the Army have been Crossed over to the Jerseys occasionally, whenever the Enemy have shewn themselves in that Country; who have always, fled on the approach of the Kings Troops.—And a new Corps of Jersey Voluntiers having taken Post at Billingsport a few days ago, have already been joined by numbers of the Country People.

The Town has been well Supplied with Provisions during the whole Winter, and the Army has been remarkably healthy; but the Seaman in the Ships of War have not been quite so fortunate, as will appear by the return I have the honor to enclose.—

All the Transports and Flat Boats are repaired and in good Condition, and two Row-Gallies, each to carry an 18 Pd^r., which I have caused to be built here, by Order of the Admiral will be launched in a few days.—I am with all possible regard [&c.]