Philadelphia July 15th 1780
Dear Sir
Yesterday Arrived in Town A Capt. of a Vessel who had been Captured and Carried into New York and Exchanged. He left that place Wednesday. He says that the fryday before an English frigate Arrived at New York, who had been Chaced by a french fleet and was so Closely pursued, that All her Guns, Boats, Spars &c had been thrown overboard. This morning Arrived here a prize Brig taken by two Virginia Boats. The Commander informs that he fell in with a french fleet in the Latitude of Bermuda Steering N west When he left them, from these Coroborating Accounts it is probabley that that fleet is Arrived Somewhere to the Eastward before this time. Rhode Island is the place where it is expected they will first touch at. The french Commissary at that place has been for Some time preparing for the reception of the Sick.
I am with the highest regard Dear sir,
your Excellencys most Obedient Servt,
John Hanson
Receiver’s copy, Lee, Horsey, and Carroll Papers deposit (1985), Maryland Historical Society.
1 The Maryland Assembly had requested four brass field pieces, two 4-pounders and two 12-pounders, in a June 12 resolve that was received by Congress on June 19. See JCC, 17:526 - 27; and PCC, item 70, fols. 373 - 77.