of the Council of Safety, 1776. 87

[Dent to Council.]

St. George's Head Quarters 20^th July 1776.
Gent. From the acc^ts given me by several deserters that
the Fleet entered up Potomack River to water, and from the
motions of the Roebuck, five other ships and a sloop I have
the greatest reason to believe they are now on their way for
that purpose. Nanjemoy, we suppose to be the place of their
Destination. I have by letter informed the Committee of
Correspondence of the motions of the above ships and shall
endeavour to watch their motions and prevent their Depreda-
tions with all my Might. There was a brisk and severe Can-
nonade from two or three tenders and a row galley of Smith's
Creek about six o'clock this morning the consequence of w^h I
have not yet heard. I Gent, with much Esteem
Your most obed^t Serv^t
Jno. Dent.

Original.

[Eden to Wolstenholme.]

Roebuck 20^th July 1776
Dear Sir :
I received this morning your letter of the 19^th with an
Annexed declaration and assurance that any Flag sent for
you and your Effects shall be received with the respect due
to it.
Commodore Hamond's Inclination to render any Service in
his Power to any of His Majesty's Officers in your Situation
has induced him to order a flag to be sent on shore for you
on Monday or Tuesday next; and you shall have as good
Accommodations for your Passage to England in the Victual-
lar he has been pleased to Grant to me, as it will afford.
And I am desired to Assure you that any flag or Vessel with
a flag that you may employ to bring of your Effects and stock
with their provision and water, shall be allowed to return
immediately unmolested.
D^r Scott and four other Gentlemen besides myself take this
opportunity of going to England, he desires his Comp^ts to
you and such of our Friends as may be with you, in w^ch I Join,
and in wishing you health and a good Passage.
I am D^r Sir, y^r obed^t Humble Serv^t
To D^l Wolstenholme Esq. Rob^t Eden

Original.

[James Tilghman to Council.]
Gentⁿ
M^r Thomas who was to have delivered you the inclosed is
now with me. the Company is very anxious to be furnished
with the arms which arrived at Chingoteage but I have

Original.