Head Quarters, October 10, 1779
Dr. Sir:
You will observe by the certificate in possession of the bearer Mr. Martlin,1 that he is acquainted with the navigation of the North river. I have directed him to you instead of sending him on to Philadelphia lest the Count may have been at the Capes of Delaware and gone on to the Hook. I have to request that this Gentlemen may join the Count on the first appearance of the fleet, as his services will probably be very essential at the commencement of operations.
I am, &c.2
1 Pilot Abraham Martlings.
2 The draft is in the writing of Richard Kidder Meade and Tench Tilghman.