Baltimore Feby. 5th 1777
Sir,
Judging it of the last consequence to the Public that the Military Stores probably lodged for the Continent in the West Indies should be brought over with all possible expedition, we have determined to send all the armed Vessels mentioned in your letter to be now at Philadelphia, and the Frigate Randolph likewise, on this business. The Island that each Vessel is to go to, and the Port she is to aim at returning to, is left to your discretion. You will please Sir to give the necessary orders for the quickest possible execution of this important service.
We are Sir Your most obedient servants,
John Hancock
William Ellery
Richard Henry Lee
Wm. Whipple
Saml. Chase
Nathan Brownson
Oliver Wolcott
Tho Burke
Jona D Sergeant
Receiver's copy, Reciver's copy, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. Written by Lee and signed by Lee, Brownson, Burke, Chase, Ellery, Hancock, Sergeant, Whipple, and Wolcott. Endorsed by Morris: "answd. 15 Feby. 1777." No letter of that date from Morris to the Marine Committee has been found.