Sir

There was two ships arrived within the Hook yesterday ー There is now at the hook Eight Sail of square rigged Vessels & five small scraft besides the Asia & her small Tender. It is thought (but we cannot certainly determine) that three of the Vessels which lately arrived is the Roe-buck the Mercury, & the Liverpool ー Yesterday morning three men made their escape from the piratical fleet by the way of the Hook to Middletown. Immediately upon hearing of it ー yesterday I sent an express for the men that I might send them to Head Quarters to be examined but the people had stupidly let them pass toward Philadelphia without asking them scarcelya question. however thus much, the Officer which I sent pick' up that provision was very short on Board the Fleet, & that they were reduced to half allowance (May God increase their wants). Nothing extraordinary has happ'ned, or has been discovered. ー I am your Excellencys [&c.]