On receiving Your Excellency’s favor of the 1st instant by Lord Stirling, I immediately set about making the necessary enquiry respecting the post said to be taken by the Enemy near Egg Harbour, and had I found the report well grounded, I should have concerted measures to have dislodged them—From the best information I have been able to obtain: particularly from General Forman who is now in Town, no lodgment ever was made upon Osburns Island or at any other place. A constant intercourse is carried on by Water between the Refugees and the Inhabitants, but that, no force which I could spare would prevent, as they would, if kept out of one inlet, make use of another for their purpose—It is in vain to expect that pernicious and growing traffic will ever be stopped, untill the States pass laws against it, making the penalty, death. This I long ago foresaw and recommended. We are I believe the only nation who suffer their people to carry on a commerce with the enemy in time of War.

It is a pity but that Villain Moody would be apprehended lurking in the Country, in a manner that would bring him under the description of a Spy. When he was taken before, he was in Arms—in his proper uniform—with a party—and had his Commission in his packet—It was, therefore, a matter of great doubt whether he could be considered otherwise than a prisoner of War—It was said he had been inlisting men in the Country but no proof of the kind ever appeared. I have the honor to be With great and Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

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