Dear Sir

The reason you have not heard from me Sooner, is owing to our having taken the resolution of moving the Fleet from Norfolk to this place, which was effected on the 27th I believe, without the loss of a Single vessel, except three or four that were obliged to be destroyed for want of materials to bring them round. For a description of the Island, the Harbour, and what we are about, I refer you intirely to Mr Goold, who will inform you of the particulars in a much fuller manner than I could write them; as also of every thing that has happened (which I believe is soon related) since you left the fleet at Norfolk. He would have come to you soon after my arrival in Virginia, but I judged it necessary to keep him, in order to inform you of our movement.

I hope to hear you have had great Success on your cruize, and that you have been joined by some other Ship. When I first came here, and learned by Mr Parker, that Captain Wallis [James Wallace], instead of blocking up the Rebel Fleet at New London, had Sailed (he believed) to Halifax, I confess I was in some pain for having left the Delaware; but the day after, my Tender (who I had sent for Stock at Chinkateague Island) arrived and told me, he saw a Single ship which he took to be a Man of War, standing in for Cape Henlopen, which I have Sat down to be the Experiment, and hope soon to hear I am not mistaken; should that be the case, as soon as your water grows short, I would have you come here and leave her cruizing upon that Station.

Governor Eden can no longer stay with safety to himself at Annapolis, and has Sent his Secretary to me to beg I will send for him, which I intend doing very Soon. In short I begin to find more employment for the Roebuck in Virginia than I expected.

It was reported Strongly at annapolis on Sunday that 60 Sail of Men of War & Transports were Arrived at Sandy Hook. You will Also see by the papers (If I can get them to send to you) how strong the presumption is that the Commissioners are arrived with 12 thousand Hessian Troops. The People of Virginia and Maryland all believe it most firmly: and the report of it, prevented Maryland from declaring Independancy, as Virginia and North Carolina have done formally; by instructions to their Delegates in Congress to Vote for it.

To day they talk of opening a market on the Island for provisions, should that be the case, I hope we shall be able to send you something.

I intended to have sent Mr Goold round in my Pilot boat, but was obliged for want of small Tenders to station her inside the Island with 2 others.

Captain [Matthew] Squire and his Tenders are cruizing off the Capes to give intelligence of our removal to our friends coming in, and to protect us from the invasions of our enemies.

If Captain [Alexander] Scott² is with you, present him with my regard, and I desire I may hear from you both imediately.

Wishing you all Success and happiness. I remain my Dear Sir [&c.]

Captain Bellew Commander of his Majs Ship
Liverpool River Delaware