Ship Mongomery, May 9, 1776. 3 o'clock. Just below the Chevaux De frize.
Mr. [Arthur] Donaldson & Mr. [Thomas] Penrose came on Board and gave me the following account, the Ships are afloat and the galleys Playing about them, the situation we are in for want of Seamen is Terrible, that the Pilot got us a shore and the Reprisal Run on Board we Carried away his Jibb Boom. I do think and I believe that our Best station is above, to guard the pass and to get their as soon as the tide will admit, abrest of the Battery. I have Reced some Powder, but in such manner without measure to fill the Empty Cartridges, for which their has been an Indent some time, I shall send for Capt. Weeks [Lambert Wickes] to consult him, it is the opinion of all the Gentlemen on Board. From Gentlemen, [&c.]
We have not a Pike or Pole ax on Board, and no Medicins, no Amunition on Board the Battery, it being sent to the Gundolors.
Directed, To the Committee of Safety, Philadelphia.
1. Hazard, et al., eds., Pennsylvania Archives, 1st series, IV, 750.