I have this Minute an Express from the Highlands of Middle Town informing me that Adml Greaves Come to Sail this Evening about Sun Set and [run] from there Station inside of Sandy Hook with Six Sale of the Line, 2 Frigates and three Sloops of War—the Winds at West—as Soone as Greases Squadron began to pass the Hook a Signal was given and Adml Hoods Squadron Immediately got under way—the leadeing Ships Stood to the Eastward but night Come on too Soone to determin absolutely the Course they steared should I be able in the Course of Tommorow to get information of there distination your Excly shall be informed of it—I have it from a Branch Poilot Who was on Board and poiloted the fleete lately arrived to there station—He says the Fleete is Commanded by Adml Hood and Consists of but thirteen Ships of the line—that they fell in with two of Greavess line Ships on the Coast.

The Poilot further adds that Rodney is in the West Indias with Eight Ships of the Line—if his acct be good the Enemies whole force on this Station is Twenty Line of Battle Ships—as your Excly semed to think a delay might be Created by sending through Colo. Nielson—I this day sent forward Some Horsemen to Allins Town & Burlington there to Cross Deleware to Bristol—if they have been able to get Quarters at these several Posts agreeable to my directions this will pass Very rappidly to yr Exclys hands—But there is so Greate a languor in Every of the State officers that I am fearfull some delay will Happin yet I Hope not considerable I have the Honr to be your Exclys Most Obdt Hle Servt