Emerald [Delaware River] 1st June 1778.
Dr: Sir
Captain Curtis1 has desired me to apply to you, to lend your Tender,2 to carry the Eagles, Solebays and Emeralds people to Philadelphia, as there is no other conveyance at present offers. your answer is requested, the Eagles Boat waiting for it; my Tender3 I beleive must go also; but if yours can hold all the men, she goes with orders downwards;
please to move in the morning as early as possible below Reedy Island,4 independent of me, as the Admiral5 much wishes us there.
The Transports are to go if we cannot.
you are to fire 21 Guns the Kings Birthday at One O'Clock.6 I am [&c.]
B.C.
LB, UkGrNMM, Benjamin Caldwell Papers, CAL/110, Letter Book (May 1776-June 1779), p. 40. Addressed at the bottom "To/Captain Symonds/Solebay."
1. Capt. Roger Curtis of H.M.S. Eagle.
2. Solebay's tender has not been identified.
3. Snow Elegante.
4. Reedy I., Delaware River.
5. Vice Adm. Viscount Howe.
6. The birthday of King George III was 4 June.
