Philadelphia April 25. 1777.Sir,
By a letter lately received from Mr Purdy at Lewis Town we learn that he has been pretty Successfull in collecting the goods that were Saved from the Ship Success lately blown up at the Capes; and that he was waiting for the Waggons which you were so obliging as to promise to Send down for the purpose of bringing up those goods.2 We doubt not these waggons are gone forward and must beg leave to trouble you further with this business. We request you will inform yourself of the Situation of the Enemys Ships of war in the Bay, and Should you find that those goods can be Safely transported by water from your Place or from Rheedy Island; that you will have them put onboard some Craft at either of the places, and sent up here as expeditiously as possible. Should this mode be dangerous, you will please to order the waggons to proceed up to this city.
We know your Zeal for the publick Interest will excuse the liberty we take in giving you this trouble, and if at any time we can render you services in return you may command us freely being Sir with much respect,
Yr. very hble Servants,
Robt Morris
Richard Henry Lee
Wm. Whipple
Receiver’s copy, Historical Society of Pennsylvania. In a clerical hand and signed by Lee, Morris, and Whipple.
1 This letter was not dispatched until several days later, as Morris added the committee’s 2 May letter to Rodney on the verso.
2 The committee had requested Rodney’s assistance in its 15 April letter to him.