[Extract]

. . . Capt Charles Alexander whom I sent up to Colo Cadwallader for a few Tradesmen necessary to finish his ship the Delaware is just returned and says that whilst he was with the Col a Note came in from Trenton giving an acct that Genl Washington is now Master of that place, that he had sent down to the Ferry 300 Prisoners, had taken all the Enemies baggage & stores at that place, that the Action had been pretty hot for an hour or an hour & a half, that the British then run away toward Bordentown & our People after them, this acct is just confirmed by a letter from Mr Barkly to Mr Mease who says Mr Tilghman had come down to the Ferry & gave him the Acct This Manoeuvre of the Genl had been determined on some days ago but he kept it Secret as the Nature of the Service would admit. . . .

Capt Robison [Isaiah Rdbinson] of the Andrew Doria tells me just now that he hears his Prize Sloop is got up to the Chevaux de Frize and I hope it is true & as this is the first of King George's Own Vessells that we have taken, I should be glad the Congress wou'd order her into their Service and give the Command to Lieutt [Benjamin] Dunn of the Andw Doria who has been in the service from the first & is said to be an officer of Merit. Shou'd Genl Washington follow up his blow we may get time to fit out all these Vessells, but if Howe comes here we cannot do it for want of Trades men. . . .