S^r

We rec^d. your Excellency’s¹ by Cap^t Houston,² also one from General Washington,³ which Cap^t. Blewer⁴ will shew you. On receipt of that Letter, we applyed to Governor Livingston⁵ for advice: he told us, that he was very Sorry the Galleys should be dismantled, but as it was out of his Line he declined to give Advice. We then applyed to him for Power to press Waggons, he said he had not that Power; on which we presented a Memorial to the Governor, praying he would lay it before the Council & Assembly, who soon after empowered the Governor to give orders to press such Waggons as we wanted. Six Galleys being then dismantled, as well as the Brig Convention, we carried off the Stores and Cannon to different Places, and put them under the Care of such Inhabitants as we could trust and depend on. While we were carrying off these, an order came from General Washington to send the Men that were on board the Galleys which were sent from his Camp,⁶ many of which were sent off; on which two more Galleys were dismantled; They are now all in a proper Creek ready pluged, and can be sunk in Half an Hour. Four Galleys and four armed Boats are now as low as Burlington. The Shot we have buried in a good place near the Water, For any other particulars must refer your Excellency to Capt. Blewer. 

A large Quantity of Powder was sent to Pitts Town, since which we gave an Order to M^r. Pearson⁷ to remove most of it to Allen Town, at which Place there is a Quantity of Duck and other Stores an Inventory of which Cap^t. Blewer has. I am By Order of the Board your Excellencys [&c.]