In Committee of Safety,
[Philadelphia] 20th May, 1776.
John Ryan, a Person taken some time since at Cape Henlopen, and intended to have been exchanged for some Person on Board the Roebuck, Man-of-war, was this day brought to this City, Capt. [James] Craig, who went down with him and other Prisoners, to exchange, not being able to get on board said Ship, she having gone to sea, and this Board having been informed that the said Ryan was well acquainted with the River and Bay of Delaware, and that he was otherwise dangerous to the safety of this Province; therefore,
Resolved, That the said Ryan be confined in the Gaol of this County till he be discharged by Congress or this Committee.
Resolved, That Capt. [Robert] Whyte & Capt. [John] Hazlewood be requested to survey the Channel on the East side of the Barr opposite to Fort Island, and make report to this Board as soon as possible of such survey, and of the narrowest part of said Channel.