Sir

The enclosed letter from the General ² was delivered to me open by Mr [George] Walton who judged it prudent to examine the Contents before it went forward & in which I. concur with him as it was probable some service might result to this place from their being known & I flatter myself that essential Service will be rendered to the Continent thereby. As soon as I saw this authentic Account of the Enemy's design to Cross Delaware above the Falls, I waited on Genl [Israel] Putnam & proposed that the Frigate Randolph & Sloop Hornet shou'd be sent to Sea immediately as it was plain to me they woud be of no use here & I had received certain advice that there was not any British Men of War in our Bay. the General very readily Consented & I have this afternoon given Capt Biddle & Capt [John] Nicholson their Instructions signed by me on behalf of the Marine Committee, they will depart early in the Morning and I entertain the most Sanguine hopes of their escape, the Hornet goes for Carolina with the Shot, but part of the flour was landed previous to this new determination. I have presumed to go one Step farther in this Navy business and flatter myself I shall be entitled to the approbation of Congress whether I meet it or not, for my intentions are good and I procure myself much trouble with the Sole View of serving the Cause, On Viewing the Frigate Delaware I thought it possible to get her away before Genl Howe coud get here I have therefore set about it stoutly, a Number of People, scarce as they now are her, are at Work on her, the Sails will be bent, Anchors to the Bows, Stores onbd and every thing in some forwardness to morrow. I have sent an Express to the General informing him of my design & requesting him to send down Capt [Charles] Alexander his Officers & such Seamen as are willing to go with him & if it is possible to get her away I shall order her to Baltimore, under your own care If I fail in this attempt You only add a little Expense of labour to the loss, for the Ship may in that case be destroyed, however if Gen! Howe will give me but a few days more & Ld Howe keep away his Myridoms shall have the pleaseure to despatch the Randolph, Hornet, Delaware, Security, Fly & a large ship laden with Tobacco all which you may deem as saved from the Flames. The removal of Congress has left me much other business I am paying your Debts at least those of the Marine Committee & directing fifty Necessary things to be done and with Genl Howe's permission shall be glad to finish the business you woud wish to have done here, but if Mr Howe advances I shall push off & leave him to finish the business his own way. I am told there is a letter in Town that mentions Genl Clintons arrival at Rhode Island & that he took Peaceable possession of it, as all the Inhabitants to a Man abandoned the Island, hut tell Mr [William] Ellery I have not seen this letter nor will I vouch for its Authenticity. You will please to receive enclosed some pleasing letters for the Marine Committee & with perfect esteem & respect, I remain Sir, [&c.]