George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 22 January 1778

From Francis Hopkinson

Continental Navy Board
Borden Town [N.J.] 22d Jany 1778

Sir

The Bearer Captn Alexander late Commander of the Frigate Delaware, is well informed of the Situation of the Shipping at Philadelphia, & is of opinion that with a little Assistance the Enemy might be annoyed greatly in their Trade & Shipping whilst the River continues full of Ice—he is desirous of communicating his Sentiments on the Subject to your Excellency—The few naval Officers here, are very anxious to do som thing against the Enemy whilst the present Opportunity offers.1 I have the Honour to be Your Excellencys most obedient humble servant

Fras Hopkinson

ALS, NNPM; Sprague transcript, DLC:GW.

1For GW’s response to Alexander’s suggestions, see GW to Hopkinson, 27 Jan., and Robert Hanson Harrison to Jonas Symonds, 24 February. Other plans to attack British shipping on the Delaware were in the offing at this time (see Fleury to GW, 18–20 Jan.; and Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council to the Pennsylvania Navy Board, 7 Feb., in Pa. Archives description begins Samuel Hazard et al., eds. Pennsylvania Archives. 9 ser., 138 vols. Philadelphia and Harrisburg, 1852–1949. description ends , 1st ser., 6:243–44).

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