Philadelphia, 26yh May, 1776.
Dear Sir:—
The prisoners sent under the direction of Colonel Haynes arrived here yesterday morning. They are put into the jail of this city for the present. Mr. Haynes informs me he received £100, Virginia, at Williamsburg, and the like sum in Continental money in Maryland, for which he had drawn bills on the Treasury. I shall take care to see they are paid when they come to hand. I had
advanced him $134, which I charge to our Province, and for which he will account with you.The wagon with the medicines (of which I wrote to you by Mr. Luther) will set off in two or three days; it waits only to have them properly put up, which takes some time. Those things that are most useful are beginning to grow scarce.
On the 17th of this instant (being fast day), the Continental armed schooner Franklyn fell in with and took a transport ship of 300 tons burden, bound for Boston, having on board seventy-five tons (say, 1,500 barrels) of powder, one thousand arms, and sundry other military stores. She has been carried in and the cargo safely landed in Boston, the place of her destination. This we consider a great acquisition.
The Generals Washington and Gates are now here. They were sent for in order that Congress might consult them on several matters respecting the present campaign, which is expected to be a very warm one in every part of the Continent.
A deputation of the Six Nations of Indians came to town a few days ago. They are to have an audience of Congress to-morrow, previous to which the city battalions are to be drawn out and reviewed by the Generals, in order to give those savages some idea of our strength and importance.
I have not had the pleasure of hearing from any of my friends at Halifax since the 22nd of April. I should be happy in receiving an account of the proceedings of your Congress respecting public matters.
Mr. Haynes, fearing he might get the smallpox, left town much sooner than I expected, which prevents me from writing to any other friend. Please give my compliments to Hooper, Penn, Harnett, etc., etc. I am respectfully, dear sir,