[Extract]
Our privateers have been successfull ー I will not say any of our Continental Ships lest I should infringe upon Hews' department2 I fear that the Want of Men & Cannon will prove an insuperable Obstacle to their Movements.
Philadelphia Sept 27 1776
1. Samuel Johnston Papers, NCDAH.
2. Hewes, who carried this letter, was on his way home to Edenton, his health having been much impaired from "the large share of naval & mercantile business which has been allotted to his attention by Congress," North Carolina Delegates to the Council of Safety, September 26, 1776, Continental Congress Delegates Letters, NCDAH.