We are much distressed here on receiving an Order of Congress, inclosed by the Council at Newcastle to exchange Lt [George] Ball for a Certain Capt. [William] Budden of the City of Philadelphia; Our Uneasiness does by no means arise from opinion, that to exchange an officer of the Roe-Buck for the master of a Merchantman employed in Private Business, is unequal; but from our apprehensions of Danger to the Community; if the Lieut. is permitted to go on Board, while his ship continues in our Bay; You, Sir, well know the Humanity with which he has been treated at Dover, the General Acquaintance which he has Contracted, & the Particular Correspondence he has held with Persons, who have discovered very little Zeal in Defe[n]ce of American Liberty, he has been heard to express great Satisfaction on finding so many true Subjects to his Majesty in the Circle of his Acquaintance: he knows our Naked & defenceless Situation; he knows, it is in his power with 150 men well armed to desolate great part of this Seemingly Devoted County. [Charles] Popes Company is armed by us for the Defence of Lewes Capt [Jonathan] Caldwell marched a Detachment of 150 men completed for the Field by my Orders, as soon as Intelligence was had of the Men of War going up the River, which leaves us without a Sufficient Number of Guns to mount a Sergeants Guard ー all this is known to Mr Ball ー

Have not Congress been hurried into this Resolve by the Weight of Capt Buddens Influence in the City, & the Inclination of the Wilmingtonians to Ingratiate themselves with the Commander of the Roebuck. I can't help thinking, in the Spirit of a freeman, but with absolute Submission to the Decisions of [Congress, had] the Matter, appeared in its true light [to] them, the Order had not issued. The armed Vessels are expected down every hour. The Council here have called on me for their Arms, & I shall order Capt. Caldwell to march his Detachment back here forthwith, if the Lt is sent on Board. In all this I flatter myself with receiving the Approbation of Congress ー as the future Danger, if any, before a Reinforcement, will be in the two Lower Counties perhaps before the Lt can march from here, & be sent on Board, we may be happy enough to hear from you ー this shall go by Express ー hope you will be able to collect my meaning from this Hasty unrevised scroll, & shall leave it without other apology, to depend on yr Good sense to give it weight by your Representation.

P.S. I have this Instant been informed by the President of the Council now sitting, that their Sense of the Matter will be sent up with the Prisoners to Newcastle to morrow ー