Sir

The General [Washington] desires you would immediately order a sufficient Party of Men under Capn Cook to get off & bring down the Vessel which is grounded above. And that in the mean Time the ballastry the rest be proceeded in with all possible Expedition. It is of so much Consequence that his Excelly begs the utmost Attention may be paid to it. I am sir [&c.]

[Headquarters] Oct. 10. 1776